Are you searching for a bed wetting alarm for your child? Confused about which model to buy? Frustrated with the marketing hype and claims you read on the internet? Here are a few tips for selecting the best bedwetting alarm from “Seven Steps to Nighttime Dryness” and a comparison chart that will help you identify a model that works for you.

Bedwetting alarms are a treatment tool designed to teach your child to respond to a full bladder by waking. Alarms come in several different styles: wearable alarms, bell-and-pad alarms, and wireless alarms. While there is some variation in the styles of the alarms they all function similarly. Each alarm has a moisture sensor component and an alarm component. When the child first begins to urinate the sensor will detect the moisture and sound the alarm.

Wearable Alarms

A wearable alarm is a design in which the child wears the moisture sensor in or on their underwear or pajamas. This type of sensor will detect moisture almost immediately. The sensor is attached to an alarm box that is worn on the shirt. The sensor is attached to the alarm box with a cord that can be worn under the shirt. These are the best alarms for most children.

Pad-type Alarms

Bell-and pad alarms do not attach to the child in any way. The moisture sensor is in the form of a pad or mat that the child sleeps on top of. The pad detects moisture after urine has leaked onto it. The alarm unit is connected with a cord and usually sits on the bedside stand. This alarm requires a larger amount of urine before the sensor can detect moisture. The child must be on the pad for it to sense moisture. This alarm may be preferable for a child with special needs that is bothered by an alarm that is attached to their clothing.