From wet to dry, let’s give it a try: How to use bedwetting alarms

Bedwetting is a very common problem for school aged children and their families. For many children, the problem will resolve over time or can be managed through simple treatments, such as bedwetting alarms.

To coincide with World Continence Week, the RCH has launched two new easy-to-follow step by step videos on how to use bedwetting alarms. These resources have been created to standardise how alarm therapy is utilised and to provide an easy to understand guide on how to use the alarms.

In these videos ‘From wet to dry, let’s give it a try – how to use bedwetting alarms’, General Paediatrician at the RCH Dr Lexi Frydenberg, talks about how to use the two most common types of alarms:

  1. The bell and pad alarm.
  2. The personal (or body worn) alarm.

Bedwetting alarms are thought to be the most useful and successful first step to treating bedwetting in children older than seven years old. Research has shown that if an alarm program is used in the right way for the right child, these alarms will help 80 per cent of children become dry, and then stay dry.

We understand that for families dealing with bedwetting, it can be a very stressful and often overwhelming time. The RCH has a nurse led Enuresis service supporting children who regularly experience wetting problems. The Enuresis Clinic regularly utilises these two styles of alarms. We welcome families to get in touch with their local GP to provide a referral to our service so that we can offer you extra support and individualise a treatment plan that works best for you and your child.

If your child is experiencing other continence issues such as constipation, soiling, day wetting, leakage or urine infections, they should be seen by a doctor first to investigate these concerns before starting a bedwetting alarm program.

For more information:

  1. RCH Kids Health Info Factsheet
  2. RCH Kids Health Info podcast – Why does my child still wet the bed?
  3. Dr Margie – Paediatrician: How can you help your child with their bed wetting?
Comments are closed.

Previous post Next post