Bed Wetting Alarms

Bed wetting alarms – do they help children stop wetting the bed?

If your child is wetting the bed and you’re looking for help, a bed wetting alarm might be a great option. Many parents have found bed wetting alarms to be a fantastic solution to bed wetting, and they are highly recommended by incontinence specialists too.

 

Here’s some helpful ideas to help parents get started with choosing and using a bed wetting alarm for best possible results.

 

What are bed wetting alarms?

Bed wetting alarms are a small sensor that is attached to a child’s underwear. When moisture is detected, a loud buzzer sounds, helping wake the child up before a major bedwetting accident takes place.

 

The alarm is very loud! It’s designed to wake up the heaviest of sleepers, so it may also wake up siblings who are sharing a bedroom. The alarm is separate to the sensor, and is usually clipped on to the child’s collar for maximum audibility.

 

Another option is a bedwetting mat that is fitted to the mattress, but these may be less effective. Being further away from the source, the moisture may not be detected until a full accident has taken place, whereas an underpants detector may be sensitive to a few drops of fluid.

 

Are bed wetting alarms expensive?

They can range in price from about $30 for a basic wired alarm, right through to over $200 for a wireless sensor with all the trimmings. The problem with cheaper, wired alarms is the wires can get tangled and uncomfortable. The other cost to consider is batteries – a cheaper alarm may become expensive if batteries are replaced regularly.

 

Some incontinence clinics also offer alarms through a weekly fee subscription as part of treatment, which can be more affordable.

 

Can I use a bed wetting alarm with the Up and Under Linen & Mattress Protector?

Yes, a bed wetting alarm can be used with the Up and Under Linen & Mattress Protector. It is the ideal way to keep the mattress and bedding dry, hygienic and stain free while you train your child to become dry through the night. The combination of an absorbent terry towelling base and smooth Tencel waterproof top sheet make it the ideal mattress protector to have on your child’s bed while using a bed wetting alarm. It is comfortable, quiet, easy to fit, remove, wash and dry. I recommend to have two Up & Unders on hand for quick change over through the night.

 

 

Getting the best results from a bedwetting alarm

Give your child as much ownership and authority over the use of the alarm as possible (depending on age). It is his or her job to fit the bedwetting alarm and test the sensor by touching it with a wet fingertip.

 

Even though the alarm is loud, the first few times your child may not wake up, so be prepared to help when the buzzer sounds. Work with your child to establish a routine to follow when the alarm sounds, which will include turning it off quickly, going to the toilet, changing wet clothing, change Up & Under (if wet) and fitting the alarm again.

 

Encourage your child to ‘beat the buzzer’ by waking up before the alarm sounds is the main objective. It can be a good idea to have your child mark a wall chart with a record of their progress: dry without alarm, dry with alarm, wet spot or wet.

Good luck!

 

Medical disclaimer:

The general information provided in this article is provided for background purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Seek assistance from a health care professional in applying this information to your individual and specific circumstances.