Bedwetting Alarms

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Bedwetting alarms, or enuresis alarms, detect moisture and can help your child learn to wake up in time to urinate in the bathroom.

Nearly all children and teenagers that bedwet actually need to get up in the night to use the toilet, because they are heavy sleepers and don't notice that they need to go. Current models are light and easy for children to operate. Children from age five can use one as long as they are willing. Children and teenagers should never be coerced into using one, as this is likely to be counter-productive.

If you buy a bedwetting alarm, you can explain to your child that it can help to cure their bedwetting if it is used correctly. The purpose of the alarm is to help your child get up during the night to use the toilet. The alarm will not work unless your child listens for it and gets us as soon as he or she hears it. Even better, if your child wakes before the alarms goes off, it's a good idea to go to the toilet anyway.

Most bedwetting alarms are comprised of an alarm box that is attached to the pajamas at the shoulder, so it is close to the ear and unmuffled by bedding. The alarm box has a cord that connects to a moisture sensor that clips onto your child's underwear or that may be placed in a pad in the child's underwear.

Teach your child to hook up the alarm system and test the buzzer by touching the moisture sensor with a wet finger. Then practice going to the bathroom as if it were going off during the night. It is helpful to have a flashlight or night-lift near the bed, so that your child can see what they are doing when the alarm goes off.

It is helpful for children to remind themselves at bedtime that they are going to beat the buzzer - they want to wake up when their bladder feels full but before any urine escapes. If the buzzer goes off, they are going to immediately wake up (even if they think they can hear it in a dream), squeeze to stop urinating and go strait to the bathroom to fully emply their bladder. Your child will then need to turn off the buzzer by removing the sensor from their wet underpants. Then your child will put on dry underwear and pajamas, reset the alarm, put a towel over the wet spot and remind themselves to get up before the alarm buzzes again.

Use a calendar to keep track of dry nights. In the morning, record on the calendar whether the previous night was:

• Dry - no alarm
• Wet spot - got up after alarm sounded
• Wet - didn't get up and slept through

Download your free bedwetting alarm chart - download.

Use the alarm nightly until your child goes for 3 or 4 weeks without bedwetting. It typically takes two to three months before a child can go 3 or 4 weeks without wetting.

Train the mind too

It is extremely important that your child also practice a self-awakening routine each bedtime. This routine will help to increase your child's awareness of a full bladder:

• Lie on your bed and close your eyes.
• Imagine it's the middle of the night.
• Imagine your bladder is full.
• Imagine you feel the pressure.
• Imagine your bladder is trying to wake you up.
• Imagine your bladder is telling you to get up before it's too late.
• Then run to the bathroom and empty your bladder.
• Remind yourself to get up like this during the night.
• If you think of a better way to remind your brain to get you up every night, do it and you'll be dry.

If the buzzer doesn't wake your child

You may need to help your child wake up if he or she does not wake up immediately to the buzzer. This may be necessary for the first two to three weeks. When you hear the alarm, get to your child's room quickly. Turn on the light and loudly direct him or her to get out of bed and stand up. If your child does not respond to this, you will need to physically help them to sit up. Wiping the face with a cold, wet washcloth can help arouse them. Once your child is standing, remind him/her to turn off the alarm - do not do it for them. Your child needs to learn to do this. You aim is to help your child waken and get out of bed without your help. Ensure your child is fully awake and goes to the bathroom before you return to bed. It may be helpful to ask your child questions.

Brands

Bedwetting alarms are available from:

• DriSleeper: 877-331-2768
• Nytone Alarm: 801-973-4090.
• Nite Train'r Alarm: 800-544-4240.
• Wet-Stop Alarm: 800-346-4488.
• Potty Pager: 800-497-6573.

Bedwetting alarms may be covered by health insurance - ask your physician.

Source: C.S. Mott Children's Hospital