5 Ways to Know Your Child is Ready for a Bedwetting Alarm

1. She tells you she is ready to stop bedwetting and needs your help.

Bedwetting is common and normal in children younger than 6, affecting 1 in 4 children. Supportive reminders of toileting before bed, drinking throughout the day rather than in the evening and making sure bowel movements are regular and soft are appropriate for children younger than school age. Some children hate feeling wet and really like having dry underwear. They are excited to do what it takes to become dry.

2. He doesn't want to wear disposable pants or wake up in a wet bed any longer.

Some children don't mind wearing disposables and are very compliant with having them as part of their bedtime routine. But the time will come when a pull-on pant is no longer comfortable or leaks.

3. He is beginning to turn down sleepover invitations.

If you overhear your child hesitating when learning about other children's sleepovers, or even spending the night with family members, this may be the time for you to offer him a tool to help achieve dryness.

4. She notices other kids her age or younger siblings don't wear disposable pants or worry about what they drink in the evening.

Bedwetting can begin to affect self-esteem as children get older. They may be concerned that they are doing something wrong or worry that something isn't working correctly with their body. Research shows that self-esteem improves as kids become dry.

5. This is a stable time for your family, with a regular daily schedule and bedtime.

Parent involvement is important when using a bedwetting alarm. This means getting up during the night initially to help your child. Choose a time when work demands aren't so high. A regular schedule insures a more rested child, who will do better when using an alarm. Children quickly go back to sleep after the alarm sounds, but parents may not be so lucky.