Products that may help

Toilet training is no different to any other new skill your child is learning. Just think how much time and energy you put into your child’s first steps, riding a bike or eating vegetables. Understand that accidents are a normal part of this learning process and that your child is not punishing you or doing it on purpose.

Most importantly, keep it positive. Children learn so much better when they are enjoying themselves, so make it fun!

Bedwetting is normal; there is hardly a child under four who hasn’t done it. Many children continue to wet the bed for years after they have achieved daytime control. That’s not to say it isn’t a pain in the neck. When you have small children, you really need your sleep. Stripping and re-making beds at 3am isn’t anyone’s idea of fun.

Once urine seeps into a mattress, the smell is very difficult to get rid of and the moisture can cause permanent damage. Fortunately there are products on the market that can help to minimise the impact.

Brolly Sheet – Mattress Protector - This will make your life (as a parent) so easy. Made with a 100% cotton top, so they feel just like an ordinary sheet, it is placed over the top of the bottom sheet and tucked in at the sides, to hold it in position. Your child sleeps on the 100% cotton top. After an accident occurs, you just change the Brolly Sheet in a few seconds rather than strip the whole bed. Designed by me - Diane - they really work.  Most parents buy 2 or 3 so we have created value packs to save ou money.

Waterproof top sheets. Brolly Sheets have recently introduced these to the market and are great for saving on the washing of the duvet and blankets, with a 100% cotton top, laminated polyurethane inner and a 65%polyester / 35% cotton back; they are machine washable and can be tumble dried. They aren’t as light as 100% cotton sheets, but feel more like the linen sheets of old. Heavy but breathable and most importantly waterproof!

Waterproof Mattress Protector - Protects your mattress from bed wetting, tummy bugs, sweat, spilt drinks etc.  These go under the bottom sheet and take a lot more to wash and dry than a Brolly Sheet, but are handy for the 5% of times where your child may “miss” the Brolly Sheet. I have them on my kids’ beds and I find I don’t need to wash them for bed wetting, but every 3 months or so I wash them to freshen up the mattress.  I also have them on my own bed as I have had a child get into my bed and wet, plus a sweaty husband!!!

Night Light - A night light can work wonders for helping your child feel confident at night to go to toilet.

Waterproof plastic sheets cover the whole mattress to keep liquid out. However, they can be noisy and uncomfortable; they don’t absorb perspiration, so feel cold and clammy to sleep on. After an accident you still have to strip and re-make the bed.

Absorbent pants contain the accident, but it has been suggested that modern pull-ups and nappies are too comfortable. They soak up the liquid immediately, so the child sleeps right through the accident. Something that makes the child feel wet when they urinate will make them more aware of their bodily functions. If the wetness makes them uncomfortable, they’re more likely to wakeup and thus gain control as they begin to associate the full-bladder feeling with unpleasant, wet pyjamas.

Small waterproof mats are much like small children. They don’t stay where they’re put. More often than not, the urine misses the mat altogether.

Alarms -  These can be used successfully for children from the age of 5 years, providing your child is motivated and is able to manage using the alarm at night with your support. You will therefore need to be prepared for disrupted nights’ sleep until the routine is established and the alarm begins to result in dry nights. Treatment usually takes 3-4 months. Alarms are likely to be more successful if used with professional help.

Medicines - There are various medications available to help prevent nocturnal enuresis. It is usually only after the age of five that medication is recommended. The most widely prescribed is Desmopressin.
Desmopressin works on the kidneys in a similar way to the naturally occurring vasopressin - by reducing and concentrating the amount of urine produced overnight. Taken just before bedtime, about 7 out of 10 children show rapid improvement while using the medication. Desmopressin may be prescribed in the short term when a child goes away on holiday, visits friends or goes on camp, but depending upon the individual assessment, it can be used for six months or more.
As with all medications, before taking them, you need to be sure that you have consulted with your family doctor or paediatrician and that they are the correct ones for your child.

Daytime accidents
If your child also has accidents during the day, it may be best to seek professional help. It is vital that children have easy access to good quality drinking and toilet facilities at all times during the day, at home and at school.

A Practical Reminder list of things you might need for a sleepover or travel.

• Covers for mattresses and duvets – a pillow protector might come in handy too.
• Disposable or washable bed pads – a Brolly Sheet to soak up any wetness.
• Disposable absorbent pants - put them in the bed or sleeping bag and no-one will see you wriggle into them.
• Waterproof sleeping bag liners – these can be rolled up inside the sleeping bag. You could explain that they give you extra warmth.
• Moist wipes and antibacterial spray - help you stay clean and prevent smells.
• Plenty of changes of clothes and pyjamas – just in case.
• An alarm clock - to wake you up early, and a torch to help you find your way in the dark.
• Daytime absorbent pants - if needed.
• Plenty of plastic bags - to put soiled items in.

Remember if you are going abroad you may need to take disposable items, as they may not be available in another country.