- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Christopher S. Cooper, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.C.S. Associate Professor at the University of Iowa Director of Pediatric Urology for the Children's Hospital of Iowa | ||
 |
I have 6-year-old twin girls that will soon be 7. They still wet the bed at night. I stop their liquid intake at about 5 or 6 p.m. and usually that works in conjunction with me waking them and taking them to the bathroom at night, but it's frustrating because they won't go on their own and I thought by now at least one of them would go on their own. They were 6 1/2 weeks premature but fully developed in every way. I have made a doctor's appointment, but I was wondering if it had anything to do with their prematurity.
Bedwetting is very frustrating for the child and the parents. Many bedwetters sleep soundly and don't wake up even after they wet, so it's not surprising your children aren't waking up to go on their own.
In general, I don't advocate stopping liquid intake. This method may reduce the amount of urine the child makes, but it's very hard to go to bed thirsty. Perhaps reducing or limiting how much they drink in the evening would be a healthier approach. Also, make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids during the day so their body has a chance to rid itself throughout the day of waste products. I don't believe the bedwetting is related to the fact that they are twins or were born 6 1/2 weeks premature.
Related Expert Q&A
- How do I reduce the amount of liquids my son drinks without making him too thirsty?
- What effect will the onset of menstruation have on my 11-year-old daughter's bedwetting?
- My 3-year-old daughter wets several times a week while my 5-year-old son has wet just about every night of his life. Does this mean that his case is more severe than hers?
- Does bedwetting have anything to do with my daughters' prematurity?
- Could the vitamins my child takes affect his bedwetting?
More Answers by this Expert
- At what age should a child be able to stay dry throughout the night?
- Why does my son stay dry in GoodNites® Underpants, but have accidents without...?
- I am nervous about my child, who wets the bed, attending camp, as I won't be there to protect him. Any suggestions on having a more positive outlook?
- At what age should a child be able to stay dry throughout the night?
- My 11-year-old daughter will sometimes go a couple of weeks without wetting the bed, then turn around and wet the bed again every single night for the next two! It seems like one step forward, two steps back. Why does this happen?