How to stop bedwetting

1. Talk about it calmly

Tell your child that bedwetting is common, that it is nobody's fault, and that you will solve it together. Motivation matters more than anything else.

2. Drink well during the day

Most of the day's drinking should happen in the morning and afternoon. Drink less in the last one to two hours before bed — but do not stop drinking altogether.

3. Regular toilet visits

Visit the toilet every few hours during the day, and always right before sleep.

4. Avoid fizzy drinks and caffeine in the evening

Cola, tea, energy drinks and chocolate drinks can increase urine production.

5. Treat constipation

A full bowel presses on the bladder. Soft, regular stools often reduce bedwetting.

6. Start a bedwetting alarm

The alarm is the treatment most likely to stop bedwetting for good. Use it every night for at least a few weeks.

7. Keep a log

Note wet and dry nights. It shows progress and helps you decide what to do next.

8. Praise effort, not results

Reward getting up, wearing the sensor and helping change the sheets — not just dry nights. Never punish.

9. Ask for help when needed

If nothing changes after a few weeks, or the child is older than seven, talk to a nurse or doctor. Medicine such as desmopressin can be combined with the alarm.

What does not help

• Waking the child at set times to pee — it does not train the reflex.
• Strict fluid bans.
• Punishment or shame.
• Night-time diapers alone, for older children who want to become dry.