The bedwetting issue: iVillagers' tips

The problem of bedwetting is something most parents will encounter at some stage. If it's something you are struggling with or have struggled with, it's important to note that you're not alone. Here, members of the iVillage.co.uk community share their tips and advice on how to cope with bedwetting.

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'Make sure her nappy is dry when she goes to bed and maybe don't give her any drinks an hour before bed time. Try a bigger nappy, or maybe wake her up for a quick change before you go to bed if she’s wet her nappy by that time.'
mrstp

'Ignore the wetting and instead praise the good, be it sitting on the loo when asked or helping you clean any wee or mess. This helps her to see that good toilet behaviour is rewarded, not the unwanted behaviour!

'Sticker charts can also be good for toilet training.'
mumoftwo2008

'I just change his nappy when I go to bed around midnight. He manages to sleep through the slight disturbance most of the time, if he wakes a little then a quick swig of water gets him back off again.'
Pennypitstop2006

'I restricted fluids at bed time and only gave him a glass of water if he asked for it rather than routinely. I did not allow him to drink citrus juices or red berry juices or drinks, or anything with blackcurrants after around 4pm. Blackcurrant drinks were a nightmare for me; if his father gave him Ribena, I could tell because he would wet the bed several times.

'My son was used to a glass of water at bed time so I changed it to the smallest glass I had (shot glass size) and gave this if requested. If he drank the whole lot and asked for more, I said I would bring it when I went to bed. If he woke up thirsty, he was encouraged to go downstairs himself and get water and try for a wee while he was there. Working on it this way was what got us to mostly dry nights but never complete success because his body just wasn't ready.

'When my son stays with his father, he gets lots of junk food, processed foods and cola drinks. He was always a lot worse for poo accidents after this and also bed wetting. Processed foods contain more salt and make kids thirstier.'
CL-ana06

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