Bedplassen is voor veel gezinnen, en met name voor het kind, een lastig onderwerp. Hoewel sommige kinderen er op den duur overheen groeien, kan dit proces lang duren en veel onzekerheid en schaamte met zich meebrengen. In zulke situaties kan een hulpmiddel zoals de plaswekker een effectieve oplossing bieden. Maar wat is de juiste leeftijd om met de plaswekker te beginnen? Deze vraag horen we regelmatig van ouders die overwegen om hun kind te ondersteunen bij het zindelijk worden in de nacht. In deze blog bekijken we waarop je kunt letten om de juiste timing te bepalen om met de plaswekker te beginnen.
What is a bedwetting alarm?
Before we look at the ideal bedwetting age, we briefly explain what a bedwetting alarm is all about. The bedwetting alarm is a device that wakes a child during the night as soon as he or she begins to urinate. The sensor is in the underwear, it detects the moisture coming into the underwear at the first drop. In this way, the child learns to wake up when the bladder is full. The goal: to develop awareness and control over potty training at night.
Average age for nighttime potty training
Most children become potty-trained during the day between 2 and 4 years old. Nighttime potty training often takes a lot longer. Many children are not completely dry at night until between 4 and 6 years old. This is normal and not yet an immediate cause for concern. The brain and bladder need to become attuned to each other, and this can take some time. Still, there are some children who suffer from this a bit longer, or children who have the motivation to work on nighttime potty training earlier. In those cases, a bedwetting alarm can help.
What is the ideal bedwetting age?
The ideal bedwetting age is usually between 5 and 8 years old, depending on the child. Below are some signs that your child is ready for a bedwetting alarm:
- The child is fully potty trained during the day
- There is motivation to wake up dry
- Bedwetting happens structurally (more than 2 times per week)
- Other causes such as medical problems are excluded
A younger child, say 4 years old, is often not yet cognitively developed enough to recognize the brain's signals to the bladder. With children older than 8, it is important to check if there are other underlying medical reasons, otherwise the bedwetting alarm may also be a good solution!
Why age isn't the only thing that matters
While the bedwetting age is important, it's mostly about the child's developmental stage. Some 5-year-old children may already respond well to the bedwetting alarm, while a 7-year-old child may not wake up at all during the night. Therefore, it is smart to look closely at your child's behavior and motivation. Is there motivation to solve the bedwetting problem? Is your child willing to try something on his or her own? Then there is a much better chance that the bedwetting alarm will actually have an effect.
How long does it take for the bedwetting alarm to take effect?
On average, bedwetting alarm training takes 3 months. This can also be faster, but can also take longer. It is important that parents guide the process positively, be consistent and do not give up immediately when results have not yet been achieved. Because of the child-friendly and motivating elements with the Dryly Soaker Method, the average of a soaker training session is 6 - 8 weeks! If your child is still not showing results with a bedwetting alarm after 3 months, it may be wise to contact a doctor or specialist.
Practical tips for parents
Choose the right time: start the bedwetting alarm during a calm period, during stressful periods this can be very intense for children (such as a move, Saint Nicholas or the new school year)
- Establish routine: Go through the same ritual together every night (this can be done very conveniently via the Dryly app)
- Reward commitment, not just staying dry: Focus on trying and waking up, even when things do go wrong!
- Make the child own the process: Have him/her turn on the alarm clock, and follow the routine so your child is actively engaged in solving bedwetting.
At what age do you start a bedwetting alarm?
The ideal bedwetting age is around 5 to 8 years old, when a child is motivated and there is recurrent bedwetting. Age is only one of the factors, also look especially at your child's cognitive and emotional development. By properly supervising and observing, you significantly increase the chances of a successful bedwetting training.
Still have questions or want to know more about our bedwetting alarm and how it can help your child? Then be sure to check out the Dryly website, or contact us so we can provide you further!
