Bedwetting in children under five years of age is normal since their ability to control their bladder is not strong during this time. Their body is still learning to regulate different functions. There are two types of bedwetting, primary and secondary. If your child has constantly wet the bed since early childhood, it is called primary bedwetting. However, if they suddenly develop this condition after a long period of normal bladder control, it is called secondary bedwetting. Both require your attention. In this post, we explain more about bedwetting in children, including its causes, treatment, and some lifestyle changes and home remedies to alleviate it.
Why Do Children Wet The Bed?
“The vast majority of children who wet (the bed) are going to stop. That should come as a relief, but it’s still a good idea to get the problem checked if the incontinence issues go on for more than two months,” says Dr. Franco, a Yale Medicine pediatric urologist (1). It is important to know the cause of bedwetting to stop it. Here, we list some of the possible reasons for bedwetting in children.
1. Causes of primary bedwetting in children
There are no definitive causes for primary bedwetting in children. Below are a few factors that studies have found most relevant for bedwetting in children. Bedwetting is no one’s fault. So, there is no point blaming the child or scolding them for it, as that might only add to the stress and make the situation worse.
2. Causes of secondary bedwetting in older children and teens
If your child has suddenly developed this bedwetting problem, after at least six months of nighttime dryness, then it could be due to the possible causes we list next. Although there are no major differences in the factors that cause primary or secondary bedwetting, there are a few additional contributing factors for your child’s sudden bedwetting (6) (7).
So, How To Stop Bedwetting In Older Children?
The first step is to visit a pediatrician to find out why your child is wetting the bed. It may not be easy to pinpoint the cause of bedwetting without a proper diagnosis.
Treatments To Reduce Bedwetting In Children
Sometimes, bedwetting could be treated with a few changes in the bedtime routine, while in other cases, it may need medical intervention. Your child’s doctor is the best person to decide the course of treatment. However, it is important to know the available treatment options The treatment for bedwetting can be categorized into two, behavioral and pharmacological. Usually, combination therapy is recommended based on the underlying cause for bedwetting in your children. Your child’s doctor will tell you more about the treatment required.
1. Motivational therapy
Also known as Urotherapy, this is considered as the first line of treatment for bedwetting in children. This therapy contains a series of exercises to develop bladder control in children. Regular de-voiding of the bladder, voiding posture, and restricting fluid intake one to two hours before going to bed are a few things that your child’s doctor would train your child on. It also includes exercises such as pelvic floor muscle training and behavioral modifications. However, a Cochrane review found that Urotherapy was found effective when compared to no treatment but was inferior to other treatments. As this treatment involves no medications, it has fewer side effects (5).
2. Bedwetting alarm
In this method, portable bedwetting alarms that the child can wear during night, when the first drops of urine moist the fabric, will set off and wake up the child to empty the bladder. The parents must wake the child if they fail to wake up. However, this method should not be used if:
The bedwetting is only once or twice a week. There is no enthusiasm for participation from either the child or parents. If the parents seem to blame the child for bedwetting (5).
Positive reinforcements such as rewarding stickers and positive encouragement are necessary for the continuation and success of these therapies.
3. Pharmacotherapy
This therapy is advised when the bedwetting is due to hormonal disturbances. Medication includes Desmopressin Acetate (DDAVP), which is used to treat the symptoms of the condition. The doctor may also prescribe anticholinergic drugs that help increase the bladder capacity by preventing bladder contractions (5).
Lifestyle Changes That Might Reduce Bedwetting In Children
You can also try these simple changes in the child’s lifestyle to prevent nocturnal enuresis. These tips and tricks will not completely cure bedwetting but will help the child deal with it. Note: These lifestyle changes take time to show effects, so have patience while trying them out. Also, it is best to consult your child’s doctor to know the underlying cause for bedwetting. Next, we will tell you about some home remedies that might help to stop bedwetting in your children.
Home Remedies For Bedwetting In Children
You might help your child address the problem with some effort made at home. Here are a few herbal home remedies and exercises you could try (9). Most of these remedies are based on anecdotal evidence, so it is difficult to conclude about their effectiveness. Also, these home remedies take significant time to show effect.
1. Massage
Massaging the lower abdomen with olive oil might prevent involuntary flexing of the pelvic muscles that result in bedwetting.
Warm the olive oil a little. Massage the lower abdomen with the warm oil Massage every day for the best results.
2. Bladder exercises
A few exercises might help in strengthening the muscles of the urinary tract and stretch them to prevent bladder contraction.
Holding the pee for 10-20 minutes longer (while having the urge to pee) might help expand the bladder and improve control, but make sure the child does not do it to postpone peeing. Another Kegel exercise is to hold and squeeze a small ball (the size of a fist) between the thighs (just above the knees) might strengthen the pelvic muscles.
Try these exercises at least twice a day to make the pelvic muscles stronger and improve bladder control.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has antioxidant properties and also keeps away diabetes (10). So, if the bedwetting is caused due to a bacterial infection or diabetes, a dose of cinnamon every day might help.
Give the child a piece of cinnamon to chew, every day. You could also use cinnamon powder as topping on milk, desserts, or bread.
4. Cranberry juice
Cranberry might be useful to treat urinary tract infections, but further studies are needed to prove this. However, you might try giving cranberry juice to your child if the bedwetting is due to urinary tract infections (11).
5. Walnuts and raisins
Walnuts and raisins might help in reducing the symptoms of bedwetting. Give the child a light snack of three almonds and two raisins before he goes to bed. Repeat this every day for a few months until there is significant progress, and the dry spells are longer.
6. Apple cider vinegar
It is believed that apple cider vinegar can also help in bedwetting. It is said to reduce the acidic levels in the tummy, which could irritate the bowel and lead to bedwetting.
Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so dilute two tablespoons of it with a glass of water. You can add honey to make it less bitter.
Give this to the child once or twice a day, preferably with a meal.
7. Indian gooseberry
Indian gooseberries are an effective Ayurvedic remedy that you can try to prevent bedwetting.
De-seed the gooseberries and chop them into small pieces. Ground the chopped gooseberries and add honey to the mixture. Add a little bit of turmeric and mix it well.
Give one spoon of this once every morning.
8. Honey
Giving one small teaspoon of honey for a younger child and one tablespoon for a teen could help reduce the bedwetting.
9. Jaggery
Jaggery increases your child’s body heat and keeps it warm, thus might minimize the bedwetting problem.
You could give the child a glass of warm milk and a piece of jaggery every morning. You can also prepare a treat with roasted sesame seeds and jaggery, combined with a pinch of salt.
10. Mustard seeds
Mustard seeds are recommended to help children with a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause bedwetting in young children.
In half a cup of milk, add half a teaspoon of dry mustard powder (fine). Give it to the child to drink an hour before bed every day.
Nocturnal enuresis: It is the most common type that occurs at night Diurnal enuresis: Wetting during the day Primary enuresis: When a child is yet to fully learn toilet training Secondary enuresis: When an otherwise “dry” child reverts to wetting
