Bedwetting Prevention Tips

Bedwetting Info

Most Bed-wetters Inherited Small Bladders

Bed-wetting, or Enuresis, is the involuntary passage of urine during sleep. "It is considered normal until a child is at least six years of age," explains Kent Amstutz, D.O., a pediatrician with Boys Town Pediatrics.
An inherited small bladder is the cause of bed-wetting for most children. "Their bladder is so small that it cannot hold the urine their bodies produce throughout the night," says Dr. Amstutz. "Although their kidneys are normal, they sleep so deeply that the signal of a full bladder does not wake them."

Enuresis is not caused by emotional problems, says Dr. Amstutz, however they can be created if the situation is mishandled. "Bed-wetting causes guilt and embarrassment in most children. Parents should create a supportive environment, encouraging their child to overcome his or her problem." suggests Amstutz. "Punishment or pressure to stop having accidents in the night often creates secondary emotional problems and causes the child to take even longer to overcome bed-wetting."

Even without treatment, most children will overcome bed-wetting. However, Dr. Amstutz suggests trying these simple home care treatments:

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Encourage your child to get up during the night. At bedtime, be sure to gently remind your child to get up when he or she has to urinate.
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Empty the bladder before bedtime. Remind your child to use the restroom before getting into bed at night.
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Limit fluid before bedtime. Discourage your child from drinking excessive amounts during the two hours before bedtime and avoid drinks with caffeine.
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Improve access to the bathroom. Put a nightlight in the hallway and bathroom or place a portable toilet in your child's bedroom.
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Parent-awakening. Wake your child up at a specific time each night, such as your own bedtime.

Once a child reaches eight years of age, he or she may need additional assistance awakening at night. "A bed-wetting alarm is one technique that teaches a child to awaken when he or she needs to urinate," explains Dr. Amstutz. "A less expensive option is to teach your child to use an alarm clock to self-awaken three to four hours after going to bed. Medication can also be used to temporarily stop bed-wetting for special occasions such as slumber parties or other overnights."

Call your child's physician if urination causes pain or burning, the stream of urine is weak, your child wets during the daytime, bedwetting is a new problem, or your child is over 12 years old.

Kids Care Tips

Lead a child through a breathing exercise:

1. “Let’s practice a different way of breathing that can help calm our bodies down.
2. Put one hand on your stomach, like this [demonstrate].
3. , we are going to breathe in through our noses. When we breathe in, we are going to fill up with a lot of air and our stomachs are going to stick out like this [demonstrate].
4. Then, we will breathe out through our mouths. When we breathe out, our stomachs are going to suck in and up like this [demonstrate].
5. We are going to breathe in really slowly while I count to three. I’m also going to count to three while we breathe out really slowly.
6. Let’s try it together. Great job!”
7. Tell a story where the child helps you imitate a character who is taking deep breaths.
8. Blow bubbles with a bubble wand and dish soap.
9. Blow bubbles with chewing gum.
10. Blow paper wads or cotton balls across the table.

Mosquito Safety For Kids

Mosquitoes and their bites can be annoying but rarely do they cause significant illnesses,unless they behave as “vectors,” conveying microorganisms that actually live within these mosquitoes. For instance West Nile virus is a disease spread by a mosquito.

Insect Bites Treatment: Self-Care at Home

1. If there is only redness and pain at the site of the bite, application of ice is adequate treatment.
2. Clean the area with soap and water to remove contaminated particles left behind by some insects – such as mosquitoes. These particles may further contaminate the wound if not removed.
3. Refrain from scratching because this may cause the skin to break down and an infection to form.
4. Parents may treat itching at the site of the bite with an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in cream or liquid form or Calamine lotion to help relieve itching.
5. Children who have a history of severe reactions to bites or stings may have been prescribed an anaphylaxis kit and used according to the doctor’s instructions.

Prevention

Avoid outdoor activity during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are out. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to minimize the areas of exposed skin. Shirts should be tucked in.

Pre-School Tips

Start daily routines. Begin an earlier bedtime several weeks before school starts. Lay out clothes the night before.

Prepare a healthy breakfast each morning. Allow them to become involved in packing a healthy lunch.

Dress appropriately for school, including shoes that he/she can run and play in (no flip flops!).

If your child has fever (greater than 100.4), cough, or other signs of illness, keep them home until symptom free for 24 hours to prevent others from becoming ill.

Cough or sneeze into a tissue or shirt sleeve – not into hands.

Wash hands before eating, after using the restroom and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Fight the flu! Have your child immunized against seasonal flu in early fall and pandemic H1N1 flu when that vaccination becomes available.

Contact your physician for an check with your child care center if your child needs medication at school.

Provide current emergency contact information to your child’s school or child care center.

Get health insurance information for your children from your center/school Nurse.