Children normally achieve bladder control at:
Day time 2 - 4 years
Night time 4 - 6 years
The development of bladder control varies in the same way as other
areas of development eg. crawling, walking and talking etc.
The following suggestions will assist your child to achieve bladder
control at an optimum time:
-
Encourage your child to drink regularly throughout the
day, especially in the mornings. Approximately 800 mls daily;
-
Water is the healthiest drink. Avoid sweet and fizzy
drinks as these can irritate the bladder, causing your child to empty the
bladder more frequently;
-
Provide a healthy choice of foods, limiting foods high in
sugar, take-aways and processed foods;
-
Avoid constipation as this can interfere with the bladder
being able to fill and empty properly; and
-
Allow your child to respond to their own bladder signals
even if there are some wetting accidents. Constantly reminding your child to
empty their bladder may hinder the normal development of bladder control in the
following ways:
-
reduces the opportunities to learn;
-
prevents the natural exercise of the pelvic floor muscles, which occurs
when we need to 'hold on'. Weakening these muscles may result in difficulties
when your child needs to 'hold on';
-
may prevent the ability of the bladder to progressively expand and hold
more urine as your child gets older.
Recommended reading 3 - 5 year olds
- How you can help your child to become dry;
- Toileting Tips for Tiny Tots; and
- Easy Toilet Training - Janet Hall