I also consider the child's nighttime breathing pattern, since studies have shown a link between bed-wetting and sleep apnea. This partial airway obstruction, sometimes due to large tonsils, interferes with the sleep cycle and can trigger bed-wetting.

Once these potential triggers are ruled out, it's safe to assume that the bed-wetting is a normal, common (and often inherited) immaturity of the bladder-brain communication system. Explain to your child that he's not to blame, and then try these steps to help ease him out of this harmless phase:

* Before you tuck him in, tell him to go to the bathroom and grunt three times to push out all the pee.

* Since most kids wet their beds within a few hours of going to sleep, wake him up and lead him to the toilet just before you hit the hay.

* Don't let him consume more than 35 to 40 milligrams of caffeine (approximately a 16-ounce soda) during the day; it causes the body to process fluids faster. (However, don't limit his water intake.)

If your child hasn't outgrown his bed-wetting by the time he turns 6 and he's troubled by it, you can ask his doctor about a moisture-sensitive pad that fits in underwear and sounds an alarm at the first trickle of pee. She may also prescribe DDAVP, a tablet or nasal spray that slows the production of urine at night.

Stumble Upon Facebook Del.icio.us Google Yahoo Digg it