Hi Emily – you are spot in describing waking or lifting as being an ineffective means of managing children’s bedwetting. Children who have achieved nighttime continence are either able to wake-up independently in response to a full-bladder or have developed the bladder capacity to store urine until morning. Lifting or waking at night means children do not get the chance to get used to these signals nor does the bladder have the opportunity to stretch and develop. Other treatments such as enuresis alarms are typically more effective than waking although these are generally not recommended until children are at least 7 years of age. If however her bedwetting has become an issue for either you or her then I would look into introducing it sooner. At the same time you should help her to develop healthy bladder habits by making sure she drinks water regularly throughout the day (every couple of hours), adopts a diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and avoids ‘just in case’ trips to the toilet as we are wanting to help increase her bladder capacity. All the best!

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

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