Causes of Bedwetting in children – tips and advice
Bedwetting is a relatively common condition, at least 20% of children experience problems and still wet the bed at age 5, up to 10% still do at age 7[SL1]. It’s usually involuntary, happens during sleep, and can be managed with advice and support.
The condition – also known as nocturnal enuresis – can be stressful for children and their parents, but is perfectly normal with around 21% of under four year olds wetting their beds once or twice a week. These night-time accidents tend to happen less often as children get older – and there are ways you can help manage this.
Bedwetting in children can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Young children have small bladders, which means they may not be large enough to hold much liquid.
- Producing a lot of liquid at night and not waking up when their bladder is full.
Bedwetting advice and treatments
When your child wets the bed, they may find it embarrassing, and it can be a stressful time for your young family. Therefore, we have developed some resources to help you and your little one through this period.
- Bedwetting Advice
Be prepared for bedwetting with our advice on what to do before, during, and after a night-time accident.
- Bedwetting Treatments
If bedwetting becomes a regular event, there are a few home treatments you might want to consider..
Bedwetting – FAQS
How common is bedwetting?
Bedwetting can be quite common, especially among younger children. The condition can be more prevalent in boys than girls.
What are the different types of bedwetting?
There are two main types of bedwetting:
- Primary enuresis – When a child has continuously wet the bed (more than once a week) for a sustained period of time.
- Secondary enuresis – Where your child had stopped wetting the bed for at least six months but has recently started again.
Primary enuresis is fairly common, especially in younger children. Secondary enuresis can be more common in older children. If your child has started to wet the bed again after a long period of dry nights, you may be best seeking the help of a doctor, who should offer further advice and potential treatments.
What are the main causes for bedwetting?
Bedwetting can occur for a variety of reasons. In younger children, it’s typically to do with bladder size and producing more wee than they can hold in their bladder during the night. Wetting the bed is usually involuntary and occurs during sleep.
Do children have control over bedwetting?
For the more common forms of bedwetting, children do not typically have control of their condition. Wetting the bed happens during sleep and your little one is likely to be unaware of it happening until they wake up.
They are unlikely to wet the bed on purpose. In fact, your youngster is more likely to be worried about the situation themselves. You should offer comfort and support, explaining that it isn’t anything to worry about. If you have an older child, or bedwetting occurs frequently throughout the week, you should contact your local doctor. They will be best placed to offer further guidance and help.
The advice provided in this material is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you need medical advice, please consult your health care professional.
Related articles
Check out these articles for more information regarding bedwetting from Baby Soft®:
Ever heard of DryNites® Pyjama Pants? They are specifically designed to be worn under pyjamas all while looking and feeling just like real underwear to help manage the bedwetting phase. DryNites Pyjama Pants take the stress out of accidents to allow kids to just be kids.
