Bedwetting: Alternative Solutions

Bedwetting is common in children. According to askdrsears.com, 15% of first grade children do not make it through the night without wetting their bed. The younger the child, the more likely they are to wet the bed. Preschool children that are otherwise potty trained often continue to wear pull-ups to bed.

Most children outgrow bedwetting. But, in the meantime, here are some alternative solutions that you may not have heard about.

Is Milk Consumption Linked to Bedwetting?

Some research suggests that there may be a link between dairy consumption and bedwetting. Dairy allergies are common, especially in childhood. Sometimes, the allergy can manifest as bedwetting. Other signs of dairy allergy may be present as well.

These signs can cover anything from sinusitis to frequent ear infections. Certainly, if you have a child who wets the bed often, it wouldn't hurt to cut back on dairy. Try cutting dairy out of your child's diet in the evenings for a few weeks. (Source 1, 2)

Food Additives and Bedwetting

Another common cause of bedwetting is artificial food additives. These include the artificial colors, flavors and preservatives that our modern food is often filled with. They can show up in the most innocent of foods, like bread. Artificial food additives are not healthy for anyone for a myriad of reasons. But, young children's smaller bodies are less able to process the additives than adult bodies.

In addition to causing behavioral and learning problems, food additives have also been known to cause bedwetting. Ideally, cutting out food additives completely is a good solution. If this is not possible, try cutting back on additives, especially in foods that will be eaten within a few hours of bedtime. The Feingold Association, found at www.feingold.org has information about food additives.

The Pull-Up Catch 22

Pull-ups are a great modern invention. They are more like underwear than diapers and most kids find them at least somewhat acceptable to wear to bed. However, pull-ups can also be a crutch. Children who know they will be protected if they wet at night may be more likely to do so. Sometimes, the parent and child have to take a leap of faith and stop using the pull-ups before night time wetting stops completely.

Bedwetting is common and nothing to worry about in children. Parents can often wonder if bedwetting is a sign of greater problems. But, in young children, the solution can be as simple as a diet adjustment and getting rid of the pull-ups. If these tips don't work, the child may simply not be ready. Patience and time will solve most cases of bedwetting.

For information about potty training read Toddlers and Constipation and Potty Training: 7 tips to Make it Easier.