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Bedwetting nearly 5 year old

9 replies

Mung · 27/06/2010 20:45

I know there are lots of threads on bedwetting and I have had a look at some, but I need a few questions answering.

DS has been dry at night since he was about 3 1/2. At first we used to lift him when we went to bed, but that stopped about a year ago. He would have the odd accident, but it was rare. In the last 5 months he has started to wet the bed much more frequently. Normally, when he wets it once he then does so for a few nights in a row.

DS2 was born in March and things have got worse since then. At first, it was about once or twice a week. Last week it was every night (thankfully it is summer and the bedding can be washed and dried quickly).
I understand that there is a link to DS2's birth and the situation getting worse, however, I really do not know how to approach things. At present we just change the sheets without really talking to DS1 and he just gets back into bed. Although sometimes, he doesn't realise until the morning.
DH wants to start lifting him again, but I feel that is a backward step.
Should we talk to him about the bed wetting in a serious way rather than the 'Oh dear, put your pyjamas in the wash' (he even strips the bed of his own accord sometimes).
Or, do we just go with it until it all blows over, which will hopefully be before winter.

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Mung · 28/06/2010 09:20

I know it's a long one but doesn't anyone have any ideas?

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mumoffourgirls · 28/06/2010 09:34

I dont think you should go back to lifting him out again, my DD is 5 and also wet the bed on occasion, its frustating for you having to wash bedding everyday and possibly embarrassing for your son. Maybe you could try telling him that he is a big brother now and he will have to teach the baby how to be a big boy. Make sure he goes to the toilet straight before bed, I had to start telling my DD there were no bed clothes left so she absolutely could not wet the bed as I wouldnt be able to change them for her, seems to have worked as she hasnt had an accident for months now...

Mung · 28/06/2010 11:06

Thanks. I feel that lifting him isn't the answer, but dh did it last night and ds didn't wet the bed. He didn't the night before either, without being lifted.
The thing is that he almost seems pleased with himself when he does wet the bed, which is why I feel a few stern words might help. Although, deep down i know that won't help in the long run.

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Mung · 28/06/2010 19:49

He seems tired a lot and struggles do go to sleep. I do wonder if he is sleeping very deeply and cannot wake up. I'll perhaps make sure he is in bed early, as he is at least resting when he is there even if he cannot sleep.

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Mung · 01/07/2010 10:57

I really could do with some more advice on this, if anyone has any more ideas. Dh is ready to put ds back in a nappy!

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weasle · 01/07/2010 14:52

hello, my 4.5yo was dry at night for 4 months, then wet bed every night for 2 weeks so we started lifting. if we forget/he won't wee at 11pm he sometimes does wet and sometimes not. no idea why he 'regressed' and what to do so sorry not much help, but you are not alone!

i find these helpful brolly sheets

specialmagiclady · 01/07/2010 20:39

Put him back in "night pants". I would. If he's doing it consciously, he'll stop wetting. If he's doing it unconsciously you won't have to change the sheets every flipping night!

Kids never - it seems to me - develop in a linear way. Sometimes you have to take a few steps backward. If you're too knackered to do lifting, go back to night pants.

bank · 01/07/2010 20:52

yes i agree with special above just go back to nappies or dry nights he s still quite young, but just to be on the safe side get your GP or health visitor to do a urine spec, but its much more likely to be behavioural. Give him a break! ! smile

Mung · 02/07/2010 08:10

The HV gave me the same advice yesterday about putting DS back into nappies. I am still a bit reluctant and have spoken to him about going on the bottom bunk if it continues. I explained that it would be easier for him to get to the toilet and for us to change the sheets. He doesn't want to swap with DD who is desperate to sleep on the top. Last night he was dry...we'll see how it goes.

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