It is perfectly normal for your 4-year-old son to be wetting the bed at night – it is not until children turn six that we begin to look more closely at bedwetting issues. Given his skin irritation I do understand your desire to help him to remain dry as early as possible. Most treatments for bedwetting are not recommended for use with children under the age of 6 or 7 years – but there are a number of things you can try in the meantime. Firstly, you need to let him know that his bedwetting is something he has no control over – explain to him that some children’s bodies just develop a little faster than others with many children his age still wetting the bed at night. I would try using DryNites at night instead of a nappy (you can request a sample off the website) – they are highly absorbent and are designed to keep urine off children’s skin. Encourage him to take his DryNite off as soon as he wakes in the morning to avoid any irritation to his skin – praise him when he does this. You could also discuss with his skin specialist if barrier creams would help. If he does happen to wake during the night make sure you have a good nightlight or a hall light on so that he is not scared to get up and go to the toilet. Encourage him to drink lots of water during the day and lessen this off toward bedtime although it is important not to restrict fluids, always allow him to drink if thirsty. Limit the amount of caffeine in his diet as well as increasing fibre to prevent constipation as this can make the bedwetting worse. Make sure he fully empties his bladder before going to bed each night and avoid letting him get overtired as it will be harder for him to wake to a full bladder. Show him that he has your full support – a positive attitude toward his bedwetting will ensure he doesn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed.

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