* The above drug reference is to be used only as a preliminary introduction for further exploration and discussion of possible drug treatments for enuresis. ANY drug treatment should be thoroughly and exhaustively discussed with your doctor.
Alarms
There are numerous alarms available on the market for enuresis. They come in a variety of colors and shapes. There are alarms that beep, vibrate and buzz. There are bed pads with alarms, wristbands, Velcro attachments, and even wireless alarms. The purpose of these devices is to sound a loud signal when the child first starts to urinate, waking them so they can get up and use the rest room. There is a moisture sensor that is attached to the child’s underwear and many have alarms that can be placed near the ear. Comments of parents that have tried these alarms on their children are favorable, however some state that their child is such a deep sleeper that the alarm wakes everyone in the house BUT the child. The parent then gets up and wakes the child to go to the bathroom. Over time, the child becomes accustomed to the sound and eventually learns to wake up when the alarm goes off. Although successful for many children, enuresis alarms are not for everyone. They may increase the tension associated with bedwetting.
Protective Undergarments
You can purchase a variety of protective undergarments in most stores that sell diapers. Although these should never be referred to as diapers to an older child, the concept is the same. There are multiple designs and sizes. Some fasten on the sides with Velcro and some pull up like regular panties. Many have “kid designs” and some are basic white. There are protective undergarments designed for boys as well as girls.
Behavior Modification
There are many behavior modification programs that encourage the use of star charts and positive reinforcement for dry nights. Given the scientific evidence that children do not wet the bed on purpose and really have no control over enuresis, it would seem illogical that behavior modification would be of use to stop enuresis. In fact, using any form of positive reinforcement for not wetting the bed at night will only frustrate and cause a child to feel guilty for wetting the bed.
What Parents Can Do
Children are embarrassed and feel guilty about wetting the bed. Sleep-overs, camping and any other night time activity can provoke anxiety and fear. There are a few things you can try that may help decrease the number of wet nights your child has, but approaching it with a matter of fact attitude is the best thing you can do.
Restated, if you convey an attitude of anxiety and displeasure when your child wets the bed, your child will get the message that they are “bad” or are displeasing you. Children have no control over bedwetting. Although enuresis is definitely frustrating at times, having a matter of fact attitude puts less stress on the situation.
Make sure you have a “no tease rule” in your house. There is no worse shame than a sibling or family member making fun of a child who wets the bed. The rule should be made and consistently reinforced.
You can try to limit fluids a few hours before bedtime, but this method has not shown significant results. You might also try limiting colas and chocolate since they are diuretics and will increase the amount of urine your child has.
Encourage the child to urinate before going to bed.