Bedwetting or enuresis, is an involuntary discharge of urine during the night. It is not deliberate or controllable. Developing bladder control is a process that normally takes several years. It varies in individual children. Bedwetting ranges from one wet episode a month to 7 or more a week. More boys experience bedwetting than girls. Occasional or infrequent bedwetting is considered normal until about age 5 in girls and age 6 in boys. Factors that may contribute to bedwetting include:
* heredity,
* delayed maturation of bladder function,
* small bladder capacity,
* stress, or rarely more serious emotional problems,
* constipation,
* diabetes,
* seizures, or
* urinary tract infection.

Bedwetting can place enormous emotional burdens on a child. Their self-esteem is affected when parents who punish or embarrass them or by playmates who make fun of them. Getting angry does not help and may worsen the situation. Shaming, and rejection do not help the child gain bladder control. These techniques only serve to raise the child's anxiety level.

Bedwetting can be stopped without embarrassing the child or hurting their feelings. Avoid certain foods and beverages that may increase urine production, like chocolate, cocoa, tea, coffee, or other caffeine containing beverages, such as sodas. Limit the amount of water, soda, juices and other beverages for 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Try these techniques:
* give regular reminders to urinate before going to bed,
* encourage the child to get up to urinate during the night,
* leave the bathroom light on,
* establish a morning routine for wet pajamas and wet bedding,
* teach the child to use a bedwetting alarm that goes off at the first sign of moisture in the bedding, and
* praise the child for dry nights and respond gently with sympathy to wet nights.

Medication is another treatment option, but the drugs alleviate, rather than cure the problem. Bedwetting often returns once the drug is stopped. It is not advisable to give bedwetting drugs to preschoolers. Contact your healthcare provider for more information.

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