Bedwetting also is known as nocturnal enuresis is an involuntary urination in children that happens at night while sleeping. Globally, around 15% of five-year-old kids wet their beds at night and by the age of 12 around 3% kids. Comparatively, boys wet the beds more than the girls. Most girls can stay dry by the age of six.

Bedwetting is a common problem that can be sometimes troubling for children and their families. A genetic component is likely to be in family affected children and it seems to run in families. If one parent had suffered bedwetting then there are 40% chances of a child carrying the same and in case both the parents had suffered in their childhood then the probability would rise to 70%.

Causes of bedwetting:

• Bladder: One of the most common reasons behind bedwetting is the contraction of the bladder muscle. This will lead to empty the bladder when half full of urine. This happens because for some kids it takes time to develop the necessary nerve and muscle control.
• Psychological causes: It has been noticed that children with bedwetting issues likely to have increased incidences of emotional problems. Sibling rivalry, lack of attention due to a second child is on the way, strict parents, peer pressure other such psychological factors can contribute to enuresis.
• Medical conditions: Occasionally, medical conditions like urine infection can also lead to enuresis.

How to prevent enuresis?

• The first and most important thing for parents to keep in mind is to stop punishing the child. It’s not his/her fault and they never do it deliberately.
• Be patient and understand your child’s problem. For most kids enuresis cures without any treatment with the time.
• In a family, if there is an adult who used to wet the bed in his/her childhood, ask him/her talk to the kid. This way your child will not feel alone or ashamed.
• Never ever talk about your child’s bedwetting issue in front of other. Respect his/her privacy. This will give them self-esteem.
• Whenever your child wet their bed, ask them only to change the clothes and bedding. Make sure it’s not a form of punishment but rather taking the responsibility for themselves.
• Rewards work best for kids. Keep a reward system in places like putting encouraging stickers for dry nights and things like that. This will keep them positive.
• Make sure your child is taking proper sleep.
• Any food that causes irritation to the bladder such as caffeine should be eliminated.
• Make sure your child drinks a lot of water during daytime and less after dinner.