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(HealthDay News) -- Some 5 million children in the United States wet the bed, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.
Although most kids are potty trained by age 4, bedwetting may still be a problem for about 20 percent of 5-year-olds, 10 percent of 7-year-olds and 5 percent of 10-year-olds, the group says.
Most cases seem to be among kids who are deep sleepers and don't wake up to the signs of a full bladder. Less frequently, bed wetting is a sign of a medical problem.
The academy suggests how to manage bedwetting:
Do not tell your child that it is his or her fault.
Be honest with your child about what is going on. Remind the child that most children outgrow bedwetting.
Be sensitive to your child's feelings. If you don't make a big issue out of bedwetting, chances are your child won't either.
Protect the bed with a plastic cover under the sheets.
Let your child help change wet sheets.
Do not allow anyone in the home to tease the child for wetting the bed.
Remind the child to use the toilet before bed and to avoid drinking too much before bedtime.
Offer support instead of punishment when the child wets the bed. Reward the child when he wakes dry.
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