If your child has daytime wetting issues, the first course of action is to talk to your healthcare provider. Once medical issues are resolved or ruled out, your doctor may recommend a timed voiding program to help reduce accidents. Timed voiding involves creating a schedule for your child's bathroom eliminations. By emptying the bladder at regular intervals, the chances of accidental wetting are reduced. Studies of wetting in children suggest that timed voiding is more effective than medicine in treating daytime urinary incontinence. Here is some advice for implementing an effective timed voiding program:
Start an incontinence diary to record wetting accidents during the day and night, then look for patterns. Do accidents tend to occur at the same times? Does it look like they could be related to meal times? Can you identify any stress triggers?
Think about how often your child may need to use the bathroom and plan bathroom visits around his schedule. Discuss bathroom breaks with caregivers and teachers to make sure the schedule is followed when your child isn't at home.
Use a timer to help remind your child when to go. There are many different alarms available that are made especially for timed voiding. Look for wristband watch and belt clip styles to suit your child's needs.
Have your child wear washable absorbent briefs or disposable briefs in case of accidents.
If your child's daytime wetting problem appears to have stopped after a while, continue using the reminder watch and protective underwear for a few weeks to be sure of success.
Wetting can resurface as a result of developmental changes or environmental triggers, so keep your child's reminder watch and protective undergarments handy in case of a relapse.
How Does a Vibrating Watch Work?
Timed voiding, which is a method of bladder retraining, has proven to be effective in reducing or eliminating daytime wetting issues. You and your healthcare provider can work together to create a schedule that your child can follow each day. In order to make sure your child sticks to his schedule, try a vibrating wrist watch that will discreetly alert him when it's time to go.
Timed voiding watches are programmed to alert the wearer either at specific times (for example, at 10:30am, 12:20pm, and 3:00pm) or at pre-set intervals (for example, every three hours) that it's time to go to the bathroom. The number of alarms that the user can set varies, so make sure and look at all vibrating watches' descriptions carefully before purchasing. The vibrating alert lasts between 5 and 20 seconds, depending on model.
Vibrating watches such as those made by MeDose, VibraLite, Rodger, and Malem look just like normal digital watches and are available in many different styles and colors. This adds to your child's privacy and allows him to express his personality. Keep in mind that, because these watches utilize vibration and alert the user frequently, they may require several battery replacements over time.
Choosing an Alarm Watch
Sometimes, all a child needs to avoid daytime wetting is a gentle reminder. If your child is at school or daycare when it's time to go, an alarm watch or vibrating watch can help. These timed voiding watches alert your child when it’s time to take a bathroom break. There are many options available—here are some tips on making the right choice for your child's needs:
Type of alarm: When choosing an alarm, consider which type of alert system will work best for your child. Choose from sound, vibration, or a combination of the two. Your child may feel more at ease with a vibrating alarm that is discreet, while others may prefer to hear the alarm. Audible alarms have the added benefit of alerting teachers and caregivers when it's time for your child to go.
Duration of alarm: Whether you purchase a vibrating wrist watch or regular alarm watch, consider how long the alarm lasts. Most watches offer vibration times that last from 5 to 20 seconds. Longer alarm times can help ensure that your child won't miss the alert, while shorter times can be easier to ignore.
Wrist strap: Vibrating wrist watches are available in all sorts of materials and colors, such as Velcro, leather, and polyurethane. Bands can be replaced if there is a certain style or type of band that your child is accustomed to. A style that your child likes can help boost his confidence.
Price: Vibrating watches and sound watches range in price from around $40 to $80.
Make sure to look for trusted brands. To help you decide, you can read customer reviews, compare watches, and contact customer service at www.bedwettingstore.com.
Protection Designed for Girls
For occasional daytime wetting or frequent incontinence, there are many products designed specifically for girls:
Washable absorbent briefs: These are made to look like regular girl's underwear and have a washable, sewn-in pad. Many can accommodate an absorbent booster pad for extra protection.
Washable briefs with Velcro sides: These look like regular girl's underwear and allow for discreet changing. Because the side fasteners allow them to be put on and removed from front to back, rather than through the legs, they're particularly useful for girls who have frequent accidents or require regular catheterization.
Protective vinyl pants: These machine-washable cotton pants have a vinyl barrier to protect against leaks. Cotton layers on both sides of the vinyl make them look just like underwear and ensure that only soft cotton comes in contact with the skin. These can be worn over disposable pull-ups to provide further protection against leaks.
Female bladder control pads: These can be attached either to regular underwear or washable absorbent briefs. Their high absorbency and odor-neutralizing capabilities make them a better solution than menstrual pads.
Pager-Style Vibratory Reminders
Many healthcare professionals recommend going to the bathroom (also known as "voiding") at regular times to reduce daytime wetting issues. The use of programmed, vibrating wrist watches is a popular method of reminding children when it's time to go to the bathroom; however, if your child worries that a watch will draw attention to his problem, a pager-style vibratory reminder is an effective and discreet alternative.
The Invisible Clock II is a small, vibrating alarm that is clipped to the waistband or pocket. It features 12 independent alarms and can also be set to alert the wearer at intervals. The timer can be set to beep or vibrate at the intensity of the user's choice, so your child can choose a level he'll notice.
For timed voiding to be effective, your child must stick to his schedule daily, even on the weekends. Make sure to set all alarms at convenient times that work with your child's school or daycare activities. Pager-style vibratory reminders are recommended for older children, as they're more likely to keep track of the device than younger kids.