My four year old son has been night potty trained for 6 months without any accidents. My mother in-law and parents were in town visiting for the holiday weekend and in the past 5 nights he has peed in his bed - usually around six in the morning. He says it happens when he is asleep - so it is not even an issue of teaching him to go to the toilet when he feels the urge. I am not sure how to proceed. He gets really upset when it happens. Do we put him back in pull-ups at night for awhile?
If this is something that has not happened in 6 months, then I would take him to the doctor to be sure he does not have an infection. If he is healthy, then you can think about waking him up about 1/2 hour before it usually happens and have him go to the bathroom. Then if he is still tired, he can go back to bed. Also try to limit fluids about 2 hours before bedtime.
Have him tested for a bladder infection. It is sinple and pain free. All he has to do is pee in a cup! Just make sure there is nothing else going on. Second it may just be a change in schedule. If your house is like mine when we get together with family we tend to stay up later and eat and drink more. Try to get back to the normal and see what happens. I would be hesatant to go back to pullups more for his feelings than anything but at 9 months pregnant you may have to. A.
Four is still young for staying dry throughout the night. Sounds to me like this is a natural stage for him to go through since there was some changes during the holiday (more people, more activities, probably more liquids and later bedtimes) - as well as you being about to give birth. Many kids regress when a new sibling arrives. Also, children go through natural developmental growth stages that affect them biologically as well as emotionally. These often disrupt sleep, eating, and potty habits. Not to mention, that this is the time of year for all sorts of colds. My daughter's bladder is strongly affected by her health.
Be understanding - and help him to cope with his feelings. If you can keep him out of pull-ups, I think that's better. But if it's upsetting him too much, think about doing pull-ups at night for a set amount of time and try again.
NO!!!! never go back to pull ups. This seems like some thing that will eventually work it's self out. Try limiting fluids before bedtime and putting him on the potty right before bed.
Hi B.,
I think the bedwetting is a response to all the stress in his life right now (stress can happen with positive changes too)
Limit his fluid intake before bed, no carbonated drinks or caffeinated drinks, wake him up before you go to bed to use the bathroom.
Has his sleep schedule changed since the family arrived? Bedwetting happens as part of a "sleep disorder" and can be helped by having him get more/restful sleep.
If it continues, see the doctor, It could be a sign of a bladder infection too.
Dear B.,
It could just be the hectic time during the holidays, extra liquids, late bedtime, no routine. He is still young so I would just see if it continues. If it does then I would get him checked out to make sure it is not an infection. My son was a bed wetter until he was around 10 but he was always a bed wetter it was not a sudden onset. For the time being I used waterproof crib mats for my son to sleep on so I didn't have to wash the sheets everyday just change his PJ's. Good luck!
If you're pretty sure about the time frame he is wetting the bed, set your alarm an hour earlier, and get him up to use the bathroom. He should go back to sleep since it will still be dark outside. He might be getting anxious about the new baby coming soon. Do not put him back in pull ups. Consider buying some thick pads to put under him if he sleeps in about the same position all night. Then at least you won't be constantly washing sheets since you are soon to be short on extra time!
