How can I help my child with an overactive bladder?

An overactive bladder can cause children distress and interrupt their daily activities. You can help by:

• encouraging regular bathroom visits with ‘timed toileting’ every 2 to 3 hours during the day, rather than just when the sensation to urinate is felt

• establishing a consistent bedtime routine with a trip to the bathroom just before bed

• making sure they’re drinking 6 to 8 glasses of fluids per day (water is best)

• restricting drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as those containing caffeine or artificial sweeteners, carbonated drinks and drinks that contain blackcurrant juice

• encouraging them to eat a healthy, balanced diet

• teaching them good hygiene - your child should wash around their genitals every day, avoid perfumed soaps and shower gels that can irritate the area, and should use their own towel. After using the toilet it’s essential, especially in girls, that genitalia are wiped from front to back to prevent transferring bacteria from the back passage (anus) to the urethra

• avoiding too much fluid intake one to two hours before bedtime

• teaching them how to use the toilet correctly - some boys will prefer to urinate standing, others prefer to sit. It’s important that boys use the toilet in the way that’s most comfortable for them

• offering reassurance to your child

• keeping a diary of bladder activity, which can be brought to consultations