Bedwetting is when children who can control their bladder all day pee at night in their sleep. It is common in children, especially for those under six years old. It is not a serious medical problem but can be challenging for children and parents.

Your child most likely was toilet trained between two and four years of age but may not be able to stay dry at night until they are older. Children develop at their own rate.

Why Does Bedwetting Happen?

We don’t know for sure what causes bedwetting or why it stops. It is most common in young children but can last into the teen years. Some reasons could be that your child:

• Is a deep sleeper and does not feel a full bladder.
• Is constipated. Constipation can put pressure on the bladder and lead to problems with peeing.
• Has a small bladder and cannot hold urine for an entire night.
• Has bladder muscles which develop more slowly than usual.
• Has a minor illness or is overly tired.
• Is still developing the brain connections that send messages to the bladder.
• Has a family history of bedwetting. Most children who wet the bed have at least one parent who had the same problem as a child.
• Has a sleep disorder such as sleepwalking or sleep apnea.
• Makes extra urine at night.
• Has an underlying medical problem.
• Feels stressed about something like:
  • A new baby in the family
  • Sleeping alone
  • Starting a new school
  • A family crisis
  • An accident or trauma

How to Cope With Bedwetting

Bedwetting is an issue that many families face every night. Your child can feel embarrassed and guilty about wetting the bed and anxious about spending the night at a friend’s house or camp. You may feel helpless to stop it. Bedwetting usually stops on its own but may last for a while.

Be Sensitive to Your Child’s Feelings 

• Reassure your child that bedwetting is a normal part of growing up and will not last forever. Consider reading a story about bedwetting with your child.  Your local librarian can help you find a book.
• It may comfort your child to hear about any other family members who had this when they were young.
• If you do not make a big issue out of bedwetting, chances are your child will not either.

Protect the Bed 

• A plastic cover under the sheets protects the mattress.
• Be patient about changing the bed linens. Don’t act offended by the smell of urine.
• Have your child help you change the sheets, but not as a punishment. It may help your child feel better knowing that they helped and are part of the solution to fix the wet bed.
• Make the bed in layers, alternating sheets with waterproof pads. Then, if your child wets the bed, you can take the wet sheet off without needing to re-make the bed.

Be Aware of Your Child’s Routines  

• Most children wet their beds during toilet training. Even after staying dry at night for a few days or weeks, they may start wetting at night again.
• Try to have your child drink more fluids during the daytime hours and less in the evening.
• Avoid sugar or caffeine-containing drinks.
• Set a regular bedtime routine, including going to the bathroom before bedtime.
• Do not wake your child at different times during the night to go to the washroom unless it is part of a prescribed treatment.

Beware of “Cures” 

Many bedwetting products make false claims, are not studied for effectiveness, and are expensive. Your child’s doctor/nurse practitioner is the best source for treatment advice.

When Should I be Concerned? 

Bedwetting that begins suddenly or happens with other symptoms can be a sign of a medical problem, so talk with your doctor if your child:

• Feels a burning sensation or pain when peeing.
• Is more thirsty than usual.
• Is peeing more often than usual.
• Has swelling of the feet or ankles.
• Starts wetting the bed again after being dry for weeks or months

Remember…

Bedwetting is not your child’s fault; they have no control over this. If your child wets the bed, don’t blame yourself or the other parent. Don’t punish, blame, or embarrass your child. Give your child understanding, encouragement, love, and positive support.

Services related to this information:

• Contact your Public Health Nurse
  • Eastern Urban/Rural Zones
  • Central Zone
  • Western Zone
  • Labrador-Grenfell Zone
• 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555