How to create a good bedtime routine

 Bedtime. That time of day you dread, when your child is waking up from night time accidents, or ‘Oopsie Moments’ like we like to call them, when they wet the bed accidentally at night. But did you know a good bedtime routine can help? Start by changing that around and establishing a bedtime routine to conquer bedwetting together with your child. Here are some tips from other parents:

1. Go to bed at a regular time: 

Waking up and going to bed at the same time everyday is a simple way to get started. Although it may seem basic, it may be tricky as family scheduling gets in the way. But stick to it! This will help your child’s body clock get adjusted.

2. Go to the bathroom before bed:

Like brushing your teeth, start introducing going to the bathroom before going to bed. This encourages your child to get used to going to the toilet before reading a story and getting tucked in. After the first few nights of using the Oopsie Heroes app, you might start to spot the pattern of when your child wets the bed, and prompt them to go to the toilet before. Make the toilet the last stop before bed.

3. Try to avoid large amounts of fluids in the evening:

Although it is important to stay hydrated, try to reduce fluids in the evening time to avoid very full bladders. For example, after having dinner. 

4. Bath time & relax: 

Enjoy a lovely relaxing bath & playtime together. It is important to have fun, enjoy and not put too much pressure on bedtime.

5. Bed time story & then toilet (again):

Yup! Although your child has already been to the toilet, it is important to try one more time before going to bed. When sitting on the toilet, make sure the bladder is completely void by breathing (blowing) out. This helps the child relax and make sure the bladder is empty.

6. Post bedtime – toilet break:

Some parents, encourage one last toilet break for their child on their way to bed at around 10-11pm. For children that sleep very deeply, parents set up a ‘password’ to check if their child is awake when they guide them to the toilet. This could be for example “fire truck”. When you help them get up, you prevent zombie mode to the toilet, by asking them for the password. 

What does your bedtime routine look like?