Most children are potty trained by about four years of age. However, approximately five million children continue to wet the bed despite being well past the stage of wearing diapers. Although not as common, even children in their teens can continue wetting the bed. Enuresis is the medical term for urinating while asleep and although bedwetting is not considered a serious medical condition, it can be frustrating for parents and upsetting for children.
There are many reasons why a child is wetting the bed. According to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, “many children who wet the bed may have an overactive bladder and a small bladder capacity.” Enuresis runs in families so children who wet the bed often have parents or family members who had the same issue when they were young.
There could be many reasons your child wets the bed including:
- A urinary tract infection
- Diabetes
- Emotional problems and stress
- Abnormalities in the nervous system or the organs, muscles, and nerves involved with urination
- Diet
- The effects of certain medicines
While it may seem like your child will never outgrow this phase, rest assured most kids do stop wetting the bed. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s bedwetting. Your child’s doctor will want to know:
- Is there a family history of bedwetting?
- How often and when does your child urinate during the day?
- Have there been any changes in your child’s home life such as a new sibling, a move, or other family issue?
- Is there anything unusual about how your child urinates or the way the urine looks?
- Does your child drink a lot of water before bed?
It is important to remember that your child cannot control their bedwetting, so it is never appropriate to punish or blame them. Chances are (especially if they are older), your child may feel sad, embarrassed, or guilty about wetting the bed. Older children may be afraid to spend the night anywhere but home which could lead to missing out on social interactions. According to Nemours Kids Health, you can help support your child by reassuring them that they are not alone and that they will eventually outgrow bedwetting. You can also:
- remind children to use the restroom before bed.
- limit the amount of liquid they drink before bedtime.
- protect their bed with plastic mattress covers.
- share family history when appropriate.
If bedwetting persists you may want to have your child evaluated by their pediatrician to rule out a possible medical issue. Medical providers can also make recommendations on whether medicine, bedwetting alarms, or therapy can help your child. Most of the time, when given support and understanding, children will continue to experience dry nights.
Author: Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Butler County.
Reviewer: Laura Stanton, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Warren County.
Sources:
Bedwetting (Enuresis) (2023). Nemours Kids Health, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/enuresis.html
Bedwetting: 3 Common Reasons & What Families Can Do (2021). American Academy of Pediatrics, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/toilet-training/Pages/Bedwetting.aspx?_gl=1*10i3t4u*_ga*NTY5Mjc5MDMuMTcwMjM5NDc4Mw..*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTcwODYzMDgxNS44LjEuMTcwODYzMTk4NC4wLjAuMA..
Why Do Some Children Wet Their Bed? (2021).Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/b/bed-wetting
