Unfortunately there is no simple solution when it comes to bedwetting with the most successful cure often being time. There are a number of known causes with the most common being a delay in maturation of the nervous system as well as a smaller bladder capacity. Family history also plays a big role in determining at what age your child stays dry overnight. If one parent wet the bed then your daughter has a 44% chance of also wetting the bed, this increases to 77% if both you and your husband wet the bed as children. Usually children become dry at around the same age as the parent did. Before beginning any form of treatment on your own it is a good idea to speak with your GP or a Continence Advisor. Researchers have found that children who follow professional advice about bedwetting treatments achieve dryness earlier than children whose parents selected a treatment on their own. In the meantime you can encourage healthy bladder habits by getting your daughter to drink at least 6–8 glasses of water during the day, eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and fully emptying her bladder each time she goes to the toilet.

Ask Dr Cathrine a question