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Fluids

Most children do not drink enough fluids during the day.

Basic rules

• drink plenty during the day,
• pass urine regularly,
• limit evening drinking (only allow water in the evening),
• avoid drinks which are thought to irritate the bladder.

Daytime

Try to ensure 6-7 (250ml) drinks per day are taken on average. It is best to encourage water drinking in the day, but often flavoured (non-sugared) drinks are better liked. The child should try to go to the toilet about 6-7 times per day. A good regular toileting habit during the day will help develop good bladder control. Good fluid intake will also help with ensuring a regular bowel habit.

Evening

We recommend that all children with night-time wetting should only drink water in the evening (from teatime onwards). Children will mostly regulate their drinking according to their thirst if you give water alone. If you give flavoured drinks in the evening the child will drink these for the taste and will usually drink in excess of their needs.

We usually place no restrictions on how much water a child wishes to drink. If they have drunk well through the day they have less thirst in the evening.

Drinks to avoid

Certain drinks are known to irritate the bladder and should be avoided while trying to encourage dry nights. In some children these cause day-time urgency, and may also affect night-time wetting.

• blackcurrant containing drinks

-        Juice / Blackcurrant Cordial / 'Ribena'

• caffeine containing fluid

-         Cola, Tea, Coffee, hot chocolate

• fizzy drinks

-        Allow these as 'treats' only.