How to stop bedwetting using an alarm
Using an alarm is by far one of the most effective ways to help a child overcome bedwetting. When you understand why the alarm works and how to use it correctly, your child has the best chance of success.
Why do bedwetting alarms work?
A bedwetting alarm does much more than simply tell you when your child has wet the bed. It supports a learning process called conditioning, where the child gradually learns to react to the feeling of a full bladder without consciously thinking about it.
At first, your child learns to wake as urination begins. With consistent training, they can begin waking to the sensation that comes just before it: a full bladder.
To give your child the best chance of learning this response, read and follow the alarm instructions carefully and use the alarm consistently.
How long does it take?
A useful success milestone is 14 dry nights in a row. When a bedwetting alarm is used correctly, most children overcome bedwetting within approximately 3 weeks to 3 months.
Why choose a DRI Sleeper alarm?
- Small: The DRI Sleeper Eclipse has an exceptionally small, thin and lightweight moisture sensor, making it more comfortable for children to wear.
- Safe: DRI Sleeper sensors use conductive plastic rather than exposed metal moisture contacts, helping reduce the risk of skin reactions.
- Sensitive: The moisture sensor is designed to respond rapidly to liquid so training can begin from the first signs of wetness.
- Speedy: Orders are delivered promptly so families can begin helping their child work towards dry nights sooner.
- Supportive: If you have questions about bedwetting or using your alarm, email info@dri-sleeper.co.za.
Ready to begin? Choose an alarm from the DRI Sleeper range. View our bedwetting alarms →
Where does the alarm go?
DRI Sleeper alarms use small conductive-plastic moisture sensors. There are two systems:
- DRI Sleeper Excel: a wearable alarm clipped to the child’s nightwear. The sensor is attached to a cord that plugs into the alarm.
- DRI Sleeper Eclipse: a wireless sensor system. The alarm base does not need to be attached to the child and can be positioned up to approximately 11 metres (35 feet) away.
Placing the moisture sensor
For both alarms, place the moisture sensor inside your child’s underwear where the first signs of urine are most likely to reach it. To help keep it securely in place, you can position it:
- Between two layers of snug-fitting underwear.
- Inside an opening cut in a minipad or panty liner placed in the child’s underwear.
- Inside an opening cut in the inside crotch of a diaper or nappy.
Placing the Excel alarm
The Excel Urosensor is plugged into the alarm. Take the cord up inside the child’s nightwear and clip the alarm near the neckline, such as on a pyjama collar or pocket.
Placing the Eclipse alarm
The DRI Sleeper Eclipse alarm has a range of approximately 11 metres (35 feet). It is usually placed on the child’s bedside table. For deep sleepers, it can sometimes help to place the alarm with a parent. Another option is an Eclipse setup using two alarm bases.
Responding to the alarm during the night
When the alarm sounds, make sure your child has fully woken. Gently wiping their face with a damp cloth can help. If your child is very difficult to wake, additional deep-sleeper strategies may be useful during the early stages of training.
Alongside the alarm: what else helps?
Using the alarm consistently is central to training, but supportive routines and a positive approach can also make a meaningful difference.
Night toilet training
- Keep a diary of when your child wets the bed.
- Maintain a regular bedtime routine, including relaxing and using the toilet before bed.
- Use positive reward programmes, such as star charts, to recognise effort and progress.
- Stay calm and treat bedwetting as something manageable rather than something shameful.
Using imagination
A child’s imagination can reinforce learning. Upcoming sleepovers, school camps or holidays can provide positive motivation. Encourage your child to imagine how much more enjoyable these events could feel without worrying about wetting the bed.
During the day, when your child notices a full bladder, ask them to pause briefly and imagine what that sensation looks like. Children may picture anything from a football to a fish tank. Connecting a memorable image to the physical sensation can help them recognise it while asleep.
Replacement or additional Eclipse alarm base: If you purchase another alarm base, it will need to be paired with the existing Urosensor before use.