Bed Wetting 4 year old

[Leigh1979]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this site and am really looking for any advice/similar experiences with my situation.

My 4 year old daughter has been toilet trained and 'dry' from being 18 months old. The odd accident in bed at night but nothing major. This continued for over 2 years. Over the past six months she has started wetting her bed every night. I have tried everything, star charts, rewards, ignoring, talking, giving and taking toys away, no drinks before bedtime, pajama pants, no pajama pants, plastic covers....etc.

There has been no major upheaval or change to our family situation, no divorces, no new schools, no bullying, no change of house, no arguing, no money issues. We are generally a very happy family unit which consists of my husband, our little girl and myself.

I have read books and internet forums, but this is the first time I have posted on any. I have spoken to our local health visitor who didn't seem too concerned about the situation and thinks she will just eventually grow out of it.

Has anybody had any similar experience? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks :-)

Is she dry during the day?

I have to admit, i don't really think that the methods you have tried will be of much help, in fact they may even make the problem worse. Because the thing is, a four year old weeing at night time isn't actually likely to be a problem. It's normal for a lot of four year olds.. And it's not something your four year old will be able to control.

There are plenty of good nappies made for this, I would simply put her back into nappies at night time, and try again without them when she is older. or you could try lifting her an hour or two after she goes to bed, which is what we do.

oh and welcome to Mumsnet

I've just remembered, a the son of friend of mine was still bedwetting heavily at the age of five or six. They bought him a trampoline, and suddenly he was dry at night. Presumably the jumping on the trampoline helped improve his bladder muscles.

My DD developed constipation when she was 4 and started wetting the bed (blocked up bowels put pressure on the bladder at night). I hadnt even realised she was constipated until the situation got a lot worse (that's another story).
This probably isnt the cause but I am mentioning it on the off chance.

Otherwise I agree with Belgo - the child for whatever reason probably cannot help it - so try not to let her realise you are concerned about it. Many children of this age do still wet the bed.

If you are still concerned then there is no harm in seeing your GP - at the end of the day if your instinct suggests something could be wrong, a GP should be prepared to check her over and advise or reassure you.

Dustyroad, your advice is really helpful. It makes absolute sense as my DD is having trouble with her bowel movements as well. She has been ever so slightly constipated for a few months and I honestly didn't put the two issues together. I am seeing our GP tomorrow so will mention this to her.

Thank you very much :-)