What is bedwetting in children?

Bedwetting is when children empty their bladder (do a wee) while they are asleep, wetting the bed. It might happen occasionally or every night.

Bedwetting is common in young children and generally causes no lasting problems. It can sometimes continue in older children.

Bedwetting is also called ‘nocturnal enuresis’. It can run in families and can be upsetting for the child and stressful for parents.

Types of bedwetting

There are 2 types of bedwetting:

• Primary bedwetting — when your child has never gone for more than a few months without wetting the bed.
• Secondary bedwetting —when your child has been dry for over 6 months and then begins to wet the bed.

Secondary bedwetting may be caused by:

• a medical problem
• family changes
• an emotional event

Why do some children wet the bed?

Bedwetting can occur because a child:

• makes a large amount of urine through the night
• has a bladder that can only store a small amount of urine
• is a deep sleeper
• is constipated

A child is more likely to wet the bed if either of their parents were bedwetters as children.

Bedwetting is sometimes caused by a medical problem, such as:

• a urinary tract infection
• diabetes
• nerve or muscle problems

Children have little or no awareness that they are wetting the bed overnight. They do not wet the bed for attention, and it isn’t an issue with behaviour.

Most children who wet the bed overcome the problem between the ages of 6 and 10 years.

When should I see a doctor?

It’s a good idea to see your doctor if your child is still wetting the bed at age 7 years.

If your child has not wet the bed for a while and starts to do so again, it’s important to see your doctor.

Also see your doctor if your child also has problems with bowel or bladder control in the daytime.

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What will my doctor ask about?

Your doctor will ask about your child’s pattern of bedwetting. They will also ask whether your child has been dry overnight at any time.

Your doctor will check your child’s general health, including whether they may be constipated.

Sometimes tests may be recommended, such as a urine (wee) test.

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How is bedwetting treated?

Treatment for bedwetting is usually not recommended for children under 7 years old. That’s because many children grow out of bedwetting on their own.

If your child has constipation, treating the constipation may help with the bedwetting.

Treatment options include:

• bedwetting alarms
• medicines
• self-help strategies

Bedwetting alarms

Bedwetting alarms are the most effective treatment for children from 6 to 7 years old.

Bedwetting alarms make a noise or vibrate to wake your child when it detects moisture. There are 2 types of alarms:

• a bell and pad alarm
• a personal alarm

You can hire or buy an alarm — talk to your doctor about the different options. Your doctor can also talk with you about how to:

• use the alarm system properly
• encourage your child to use the alarm

It can take 6 to 8 weeks for bedwetting alarms to work. Both you and your child need to be motivated to use the alarm system.

Medicine

There is medicine that can help with bedwetting in older children. Medicine may be prescribed by your doctor if:

• alarm therapy has not worked or is not suitable
• short-term improvement is needed (such as for a camp or sleepover)

Bedwetting may return when these medicines are stopped.

Sometimes medicines and alarms are used together to treat bedwetting.

How can I help my child?

Here are some tips for helping your child with bedwetting.

• Remind your child to go to the toilet regularly during the day and before going to bed.
• Put a nightlight in the toilet and encourage your child to go to the toilet during the night.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water during the day and continue drinking in the evening.
• Avoid anything that contains caffeine in the evenings such as hot chocolate, tea and coffee.
• Protect your child’s mattress with a waterproof pad or cover.
• There are underwear pads your child can use for certain occasions, such as school camps or holidays.

Be patient and supportive and remember that it is not your child's fault. Make sure that siblings understand this too.

• Reassure your chid that this is a common problem and they should not feel embarrassed.
• Be positive after dry nights and be understanding after wet nights.
• Don’t punish your child for wetting the bed.

Resources and support

Visit the Continence Foundation of Australia or contact the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for advice and support.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne has videos on bedwetting alarms.