Can bedwetting alarms solve your child’s nocturnal enuresis?
Nocturnal enuresis is the medical term for involuntary urination while sleeping, but most parents refer to it as “bedwetting” or “wetting the bed.”
Whatever the name, bedwetting is extremely common in the United States and occurs in 15 to 20 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 7, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
But as common as it is, bedwetting can be an extremely embarrassing experience for children who don’t know why it’s happening or how to stop it.
And many parents would do anything to help rid their child of that experience.
After all, no parent enjoys seeing how issues like this affect their child’s self-esteem and confidence.
That’s why many parents are turning to bedwetting alarms—and many are having success with it.
What are bedwetting alarms?
Bedwetting alarms, also known as enuresis alarms, are designed to go off once the first drop of urine is detected.
The idea is to wake your child in time to finish in the bathroom.
“The alarm is for the parent, at least at first,” says Jennifer Kirk, MSN, CPNP, a nurse practitioner in the Division of Urology at CHOP. “A child who can sleep through a wet bed will sleep through the alarm.”
As the child continues to wear the alarm, they will eventually learn to wake up on their own, either before or while the alarm goes off.
But like most pieces of technology, bedwetting alarms won’t work with every child.
“The alarm requires a motivated child and a motivated family to work,” says Kirk. “Timing is important. Pick a time free of stressors and when the family isn’t overcommitted.”
Different types of bedwetting alarms
Bedwetting alarms have evolved greatly since they were first invented in 1938 by two psychologists looking for a cure for enuresis, according to the National Library of Medicine.
But today, most parents only need to worry about three different types of bedwetting alarms: wired alarms, wireless alarms, and bell and pad alarms.
Bell and pad alarms are perhaps the most invasive because they require your child to lay on a moisture sensitive pad, which might not be as comfortable as laying directly on their mattress.
Wired alarms are a step up from the pad. The alarm is generally worn on or around the child’s arm or shoulders. A wire runs from the alarm to the moisture sensor on or underneath their pajamas.
Wireless alarms work similarly, but the alarm is connected to the sensor via a wireless signal and can be placed away from the bed like a normal alarm.
Digging even further, there are three types of wireless alarms that are commonly used today:
The alarm is a standalone device, but the transmitter and moisture sensor, which are attached to the child’s clothing, are connected by a wire.
The alarm is a standalone device, but the moisture sensor also acts as the transmitter, eliminating the need for a wire.
The alarm is a standalone device, but the child wears sensor underpants with a transmitter chipped to the child’s waistband.
No matter the type, most bedwetting alarms work off the same principle: wake the child once urination begins so they can finish on the toilet.
How to find success with a bedwetting alarm
Introducing a bedwetting alarm to your child’s nighttime routine can be difficult for all parties involved, but there are a few things parents can do to ease the transition.
For starters, it’s important to make sure your child is fully on board with and motivated to use the alarm.
“The motivation to stop bedwetting needs to come from the child,” says Kirk.
It’s also important that the child understands why they’re using the alarm and how it can positively affect their quality of life.
“The key thing is not to blame or shame your child,” she continues. “Instead, focus on positive encouragement and practical steps you can take together.”
Kirk recommends introducing the alarm at a time free of stressors or other commitments. For example, parents can wait until the summer months when their child doesn’t have to be up early.
Here are some other tips when using a bedwetting alarm, courtesy of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital:
Stress the importance of getting into a bedtime routine each night
Make sure the child is wearing the alarm every night
Have your child drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, including before bed
Document your child’s progress on a calendar or sheet of paper
Keep the devices clean by washing them per the device’s recommendations
Keep a nightlight or flashlight nearby so your child can go to the toilet safely
All in all, parents should be reminded that the primary goal when using a bedwetting alarm is to encourage your child to either wake up before the alarm or sleep through the night without wetting the bed.
What to do if bedwetting alarms aren’t working
While a lot of families have found success with bedwetting alarms, that doesn’t mean it’ll work for all families—especially if the parent or child isn’t fully motivated to try it.
For example, one study found that over 76% of children with nocturnal enuresis who used a bedwetting alarm had 14 consecutive dry nights compared to only 2% of children who didn’t use such an alarm.
But that means the alarm didn’t work for nearly 1 out of every 4 children.
So, when should parents stop using the bedwetting alarm?
According to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, parents should “discontinue the alarm after being dry for three weeks in a row.” But if they have very few dry nights in those three weeks, it’s time to stop using the alarm even though you didn’t reach your goal.
At that point, experts recommend contacting your child’s care provider for further treatment.
But since it could take a few days or weeks before seeing a doctor, parents should continue to monitor their child’s daytime activity, including how much fluids they’re drinking, when they’re drinking those fluids, and how often they use the bathroom.
Your child’s doctor will analyze this activity and determine the best course of action moving forward.