Travelling with children always requires a bit of extra planning, but when your child struggles with bedwetting, those preparations take on a new dimension.
Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, can be a challenging and stressful condition for both children and their families. However, with a little planning and the right strategies, you can ensure that your family holiday is enjoyable and stress-free.
Understanding bedwetting
Bedwetting is a common condition affecting many children and it can be both distressing and frustrating for the child and their family. It is important to understand that bedwetting is often caused by factors beyond the child's control.
One of the primary reasons for bedwetting is the inability of the child's body to reduce the production of urine during sleep. Typically, a hormone called vasopressin signals the kidneys to produce less urine at night. However, some children do not produce enough of this hormone, leading to a full bladder during sleep.
Another contributing factor is the size of the bladder. Some children may have a smaller bladder capacity, meaning it cannot hold all the urine produced throughout the night. This overflow results in bedwetting. Additionally, some children's bladders may contract too frequently or be overactive. This condition, known as bladder instability, causes the bladder to release urine involuntarily, leading to bedwetting.
Crucially, all children who wet the bed do so because they cannot wake up in response to the signals from their bladder. During sleep, their brain does not respond to the messages that the bladder is full, resulting in an accident. This inability to wake up is often related to a deeper sleep pattern that some children experience.
It’s essential to emphasise that bedwetting is a medical condition. It does not happen because the child or their family has done something wrong or neglected to do something. Therefore, it is vital never to punish a child for wetting the bed. Punishment can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment, which may exacerbate the problem. Instead, understanding and compassionate support can help manage the condition more effectively.
Children and their families should be reassured that bedwetting is a common issue, with many effective treatment options available. Professional assessment and guidance from healthcare providers can be instrumental in addressing and managing bedwetting, helping children to overcome this phase with confidence and support.
Why holidays can help
School holidays often present a more relaxed environment, which can make managing bedwetting significantly easier for both children and their parents. During term time, mornings can be a frantic rush to get everyone ready and out the door, leaving little time for dealing with the aftermath of a wet night. In contrast, the slower pace of the holidays allows more time for essential morning routines, such as showering, changing bedding and doing laundry without the pressure of school start times.
Interestingly, many parents report that their children experience fewer bedwetting incidents during holidays. This improvement can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, children often drink more water-based fluids when they are not in school. Schools might have limited opportunities for children to hydrate properly, whereas during holidays, children can drink freely throughout the day. Proper hydration is crucial as it helps the bladder function more efficiently. Most school-aged children should aim to drink about 1500ml (1.5 litres) of water-based drinks each day and should avoid fizzy and caffeinated drinks, which can irritate the bladder.
Secondly, the change in routine during holidays can have a positive impact. For some children, staying up a bit later and having a shorter sleep duration can reduce the likelihood of bedwetting. The reasons behind this are not entirely clear, but it may be that they are less likely to enter the deep sleep stages where bedwetting is more common. Conversely, some children wet the bed more when they are overly tired, so a balanced and consistent sleep schedule is key.
Additionally, warmer weather during the summer holidays can lead to increased sweating, which in turn may reduce the amount of urine produced at night. When the body sweats more, less fluid needs to be excreted through the kidneys, resulting in a lower volume of urine and potentially fewer bedwetting incidents.
If your child shows improvement in their bedwetting during the holidays, it is beneficial to discuss this with their doctor or nurse. This information can be valuable in understanding the patterns and triggers of your child's bedwetting. It's also important not to be disheartened if the bedwetting resumes when school starts again. This return to routine can bring back the pressures and tiredness that contribute to the condition. Continued support and possibly resuming any treatments that were effective during the holidays can help manage the condition through the school term.
Planning for holidays
When planning a holiday, especially with a child who wets the bed, taking a few practical steps can make a significant difference. Preparation can help ensure that your trip is enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.
Medication: Speak to your doctor about medications that can reduce bedwetting. Medication that reduces urine production overnight can be particularly effective. Your doctor can advise whether this is a suitable option for your child and how to administer it while travelling. Continuity of medication can provide peace of mind and help maintain the progress made at home. Always carry the medication in your hand luggage to avoid any issues if your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
Enuresis alarms: Enuresis alarms are devices designed to wake your child at the first sign of wetness. They can be particularly useful during holidays when there is more flexibility to manage disturbed sleep patterns. These alarms often take several weeks to become fully effective, so starting their use during a holiday can be beneficial. The alarm’s sound or vibration helps train the child to wake up and use the bathroom. Initially, you may need to assist your child in waking up, but over time they will learn to respond independently.
Night-time protection: Products like disposable pants or pyjama pants offer a practical solution for managing bedwetting during holidays. These products provide security and minimise the hassle of changing and washing bedding. Pyjama pants are discreet and designed to look like regular underwear, which can help maintain your child’s dignity.
Waterproof bedding: To protect against accidents, bring waterproof mattress protectors, sleeping bag liners or bed mats. These items can safeguard mattresses and make cleaning up easier. Mattress protectors can be particularly useful if you are staying in a hotel or rental accommodation, as they prevent any damage to the property’s bedding. Sleeping bag liners are another good option, especially if your child will be sleeping in a sleeping bag during the holiday. They are easy to pack and provide an added layer of comfort and protection.
Comfort items: Familiar items like a favourite stuffed animal, blanket or night light can help your child feel more secure in an unfamiliar environment. The presence of these items can provide a sense of normalcy and comfort, reducing anxiety that might contribute to bedwetting.
A night light can make it easier for your child to find their way to the bathroom if they wake up needing to go. Additionally, maintaining a similar bedtime routine to the one at home can help your child feel more settled and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Planning ahead and being prepared can help you manage bedwetting more effectively while on holiday. By taking these practical steps, you can create a supportive and reassuring environment for your child, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the break. Remember, the key is to maintain a positive and understanding attitude, reinforcing to your child that bedwetting is a common issue and nothing to be ashamed of. This supportive approach can make all the difference in helping your child feel comfortable and confident while away from home.
Tips for travel
Travelling itself can be stressful for a child with bedwetting. Here are some tips to make the journey smoother:
Flights and long-distance
Try to book seats close to the toilet: This makes it easier for your child to access the bathroom quickly and with minimal fuss. For long-haul flights, selecting an aisle seat can facilitate easier movement without disturbing other passengers.
Encourage your child to wear night-time underwear: These products can provide reassurance and protection during long flights or car journeys. This can help prevent any embarrassment and make the journey more comfortable for your child.
Carry wipes and spare clothing: Having a travel bag with wipes and spare clothing is essential for quick and discreet changes. This helps manage any accidents efficiently and keeps your child feeling fresh and comfortable.
Keep a consistent bathroom schedule: Encourage your child to use the toilet at regular intervals during the journey. This can help reduce the likelihood of accidents by ensuring their bladder is emptied frequently.
Hotels and accommodation:
Inform the hotel in advance: Letting the hotel know about your child's bedwetting condition beforehand allows them to prepare additional bedding and provide rooms with easy bathroom access. Many hotels are understanding and can accommodate such requests discreetly.
Choose a room with easy access to the bathroom: A room close to the bathroom can make nighttime trips less daunting for your child. Consider bringing a portable nightlight to illuminate the path to the bathroom, which can make your child feel more secure.
Bring waterproof bedding: Packing a plastic mattress cover or bed mat can protect the hotel’s mattress and make clean-up easier. These items are lightweight and easy to pack, providing peace of mind during your stay.
Staying with friends and family
Let your hosts know discreetly: Informing your hosts about your child’s bedwetting can prevent any surprises and ensure they are prepared. Most people are understanding and will appreciate the heads-up.
Pack protective bedding: Bringing a plastic mattress cover or sleeping bag liner can protect your hosts' bedding. This can help avoid any potential embarrassment and make everyone feel more at ease.
Bring extra pyjamas and bedding: Packing additional pyjamas and bedding ensures you can quickly handle any accidents. Having these items readily available can make clean-up swift and stress-free.
Maintaining routine
Keep a consistent bedtime routine: Try to maintain your child’s regular bedtime routine as much as possible, even when travelling. Familiar routines can provide comfort and reduce anxiety, which may help decrease the likelihood of bedwetting.
Encourage water-based fluids: Ensure your child drinks plenty of water-based fluids during the day to stay hydrated. Avoid fizzy and caffeinated drinks, especially in the evening, as these can irritate the bladder and increase the risk of accidents.
Toilet before bed: Encourage your child to use the toilet before going to bed. Making this a part of their nightly routine can help empty their bladder and reduce the chances of bedwetting.
Reassure your child: Let your child know that it’s okay to wake you if they need to use the bathroom during the night. Reassurance can help them feel more secure and less anxious about potential accidents.
Handle accidents with calm
Stay calm and supportive: If an accident does happen, it’s important to remain calm and supportive. Avoid making a fuss or showing frustration, as this can increase your child’s anxiety and embarrassment.
Help your child clean up quickly and discreetly: Assist your child in changing and cleaning up as quickly and discreetly as possible. This helps maintain their dignity and prevents the accident from becoming a bigger issue than it needs to be.
Reassure them that it’s not their fault: Bedwetting is a common condition and not something your child can control. Reassure them that it’s not their fault and that they are not alone – many children experience bedwetting, and it’s a condition that can be managed.
Travelling with a child who wets the bed requires extra preparation, but with the right strategies, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. By planning ahead, maintaining routines and being prepared for accidents, you can help your child feel confident and secure.
If you have concerns about your child’s bladder and bowel issues, Pee Paediatric Services (PeePS) offers a 15-minute free discovery call. Our founder, Cheryl Jennings, a clinical nurse practitioner in paediatric urology, is here to help you and your child manage and overcome these challenges, ensuring you can enjoy your holidays worry-free.
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