Change the sheets right away
The first thing you should do is change the bedding immediately after an accident. Replacing the bedding will not only keep the mattress clean but help to ease any embarrassment that your child may feel for wetting their bed.
Unfortunately, the urine can also seep into the mattress, so you should thoroughly clean the affected area there too. If the urine stain isn't immediately treated, it can lead to odors and mold build-up from the moisture. After spot cleaning, allow adequate time for the mattress to fully dry before putting new bedding back on top.
To further address any bad odors, you can sprinkle on a layer of baking soda, leave it on for a few hours, and then vacuum it up using the upholstery attachment.
Purchase multiple sheets
If you're frequently changing sheets, it's a good idea to have enough extra sets on hand. By investing in multiple sheets, you won't have to do a load of wash every time an accident happens. Instead, you can swap out the soiled set with a fresh one.
Use a mattress protector
The best way to keep your mattress clean is through the use of a high-quality protector. These covers are designed to absorb leaks and spills and alleviate damage or discoloration to the bed. Most protectors are designed to encase the entire mattress and open and close by a zipper.
Another advantage to mattress protectors is that they are easily washable, which is great for frequent accidents. Most can be placed in a washer and dryer.
However, we highly suggest checking the manufacturer's website first for any washing and drying requirements. Some companies have specific methods they recommend for cleaning based on the materials used in the product.
Place a mattress topper or pad on the bed
Mattress toppers or pads adjust the feel of a mattress. However, the extra padding can provide an additional layer of protection in the event of a bed-wetting episode.
When these accidents occur, though, you will need to make sure you clean the topper or pad well. As with protectors, you should check with the manufacturer to see if they recommend any particular cleaning method.
Because toppers and pads can change the feel of a bed, it's also a good idea to get your child's opinion if the product is going on their bed. In some cases, a topper could make a bed too firm or soft for them, which could cause them to feel uncomfortable and possibly have trouble sleeping.
Avoid drinking liquids just before bedtime
Many kids who wet the bed often do so because they have too much to drink before bedtime. So make sure that your child drinks water or other fluids well before bedtime to decrease the likelihood of accidents.
In some cases, the child may not be drinking enough water during the day, and therefore, they feel dehydrated at night, causing them to want more liquids at this time. Therefore, find ways to encourage them to get enough water earlier in the day, so they're less inclined to have so much later at night.
Go to the bathroom right before bed
In addition, you should make sure your child goes to the bathroom right before going to bed. A last-minute bathroom break will allow them to fully empty their bladder, thereby decreasing the number of accidents during sleep. Also, consider having two bathrooms breaks before bedtime since one may not be enough sometimes. Even if the child insists they don't need to go, they should still try.
Buy a waterproof mattress
Unfortunately, there are cases when bed-wetting still happens, even with the precautions taken to protect your mattress. If you find that this is the case for your child, consider investing in a waterproof mattress. These mattresses are built to withstand urine and other liquids such as juice or spilled milk.
For example, air mattresses are an excellent temporary solution while your child goes through this bed-wetting stage. These beds are made with highly water-resistant materials and are easy to clean. Plus, once your child is ready to transition back to a more standard bed, you can keep the air mattress for future use, such as when guests visit or to take on family camping trips.
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