Hi – my apologies for the delay in responding to you. Conditioning alarms are certainly the preferred approach to treating children’s bedwetting, with approximately 75% of children achieving nighttime continence after their use. The success of the alarm is highly dependent on how motivated children are to become dry, correct instruction, as well as the level of support you receive – so the fact that you have personal experience with using an alarm is a really good starting point. Before purchasing an alarm it is important that you speak with a continence specialist who will be able to advise the type of alarm best suited to your son. There are two main types of alarms. One is a body alarm with a small sensor that can be worn inside your son’s pyjamas – many parents prefer these as children can continue to wear their absorbent pants throughout the training process. The second type of alarm is a bell and pad alarm that is placed like a mat over the bottom sheet. This is connected to an alarm box placed at the end of the bed. Some alarms have different settings that allow you to vary the sound; these are particularly good if your son is a very sound sleeper. All the best!

Regards, Dr Cathrine

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