Kids usually gain bladder control between ages 2 and 4, though occasional bedwetting can still happen in kids aged 4 to 6.
If your child wets the bed once or twice a week at age 5 or 6, they might be dealing with bedwetting.
Most bladder control issues and bedwetting naturally resolve as kids get older. If needed, a doctor can check for underlying issues that might cause bedwetting.
Bedwetting and loss of bladder control are almost never due to laziness, weak willpower, emotional problems, or poor toilet training. As parents and caregivers, we should always approach this issue with understanding and patience.
Primary Causes of Bedwetting
Bedwetting in children has three main causes:
- The bladder doesn’t stretch enough to hold all the urine overnight.
- There’s an excessive amount of urine produced at night.
- The child doesn’t wake up when the bladder sends a message to the brain that it’s full.
Bedwetting can also be hereditary. If a parent had bedwetting issues during childhood, there’s a 40% chance their child will face the same problem. If both parents experienced bedwetting, this probability increases to 70%.
Risk Factors for Bedwetting in Children
Any child can experience bedwetting, but certain factors can increase the likelihood. These include:
- Gender: Boys are about twice as likely to have bedwetting issues compared to girls.
- Stress and Anxiety: Stressful events like starting school or being away from home can trigger bedwetting.
- Family History: If a parent had bedwetting issues, the likelihood of the child having the same problem increases.
- ADHD: Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more likely to experience urinary incontinence.
If any of these risk factors apply to your child, consider consulting with a pediatrician or a urologist.
Overactive Bladder
An overactive bladder sends a signal to the brain to empty the bladder before it’s full. It usually holds less urine. Signs of an overactive bladder include:
- Frequent urination (more than 8 times a day) and urgent needs to use the bathroom.
- Small urine spots on the bed indicating frequent, smaller voids.
- Bedwetting often happens more than once a night, and the child may wake up afterward.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Signs of a UTI during the day can affect a child’s ability to stay dry at night. Symptoms include:
- Urine has a fishy smell, is cloudy, or contains blood.
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Painful and difficult urination.
- Incontinence during the day as well as at night.
Recommendations
Avoid Drinks Before Bed
While your child might be used to having a glass of milk or water before bed, it can contribute to bedwetting. Stopping drinks an hour before bedtime can help prevent accidents. Also, remind your child to use the bathroom right before bed. Ensuring they consume most of their liquids in the morning and afternoon can be helpful. Consider removing evening snacks and desserts, which might increase thirst.
Additionally, consider adjusting the types of drinks your child consumes. While milk and water are healthy options, fruit juices and sodas can have diuretic effects, leading to increased urination.
Bladder Training
Bladder training involves getting your child to use the toilet at certain times, even if they don’t feel the urge. This can help stimulate bladder training and improve control.
While bladder training is usually done during waking hours, it can also help with bedwetting. This means waking your child once or twice during the night to use the bathroom.
If your child continues to wet the bed regularly, don’t hesitate to try training pants again.
After some time without training pants, you can restart bladder training. These “breaks” can also help prevent discouragement and support your child in overcoming bedwetting.