Bedwetting in children: Simple home tips, when to see a doctor, and why blame never helps

Bedwetting among children is common — around 20 percent of five-year-olds, 3 percent of 10-year-olds, and even 1 percent of 18-year-olds, still have occasional night-time accidents (Image: Pexels)

Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is far more common than you’d think. For many children, especially under the age of 7, it’s simply part of growing up. Unlike how many parents assume, it is not a sign of laziness or bad behaviour. Many young children may not have fully developed the brain signals to wake up when their bladder is full.

Most children who wet the bed are as frustrated and confused as their parents. “Many kids simply haven’t developed the full brain-bladder connection yet,” Dr Ashwin Shekar P, Consultant Pediatric & Transitional Urologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology Hyderabad, tells Moneycontrol. “They don’t wake up when their bladder is full.”

Bedwetting, reveals Dr Shekar, can run in families and usually falls into two types: primary, where the child has always wet the bed, and secondary, where it starts after a dry spell of at least six months. “It’s common — around 20 percent of five-year-olds, 3 percent of 10-year-olds, and even 1 percent of 18-year-olds, still have occasional night-time accidents,” he says. Most kids outgrow bedwetting, but in some cases, it might signal an underlying issue.

Dr Shekar advises seeking a paediatric urologist’s opinion if:

• Your child is still wetting after age 7
• Bedwetting starts suddenly after months of dryness
• Accidents begin during the day

There are other signs, like painful urination, excessive thirst, snoring, or constipation

Dr Shekar says that most cases of bedwetting respond well to simple, loving care:

Keep calm and carry on: Mind your child that it’s not their fault, stay positive and never punish or shame them.

Manage fluid intake: Always avoid sugary or dairy-heavy snacks close to bedtime. Encourage drinks earlier in the day.

Maintain a routine: Going to the loo before bed is a must. Consider waking your child a few hours later for another visit.

Use protection: Waterproof sheets or mattress protectors can help cleanup quicker and less stressful.

Try moisture alarms: These alert the child when wetness is detected and are often the first step in treatment.

Consider medical options if needed: Medication like desmopressin may be prescribed in stubborn cases, especially if alarms don’t help.

Address other health issues: Constipation, sleep apnoea, or infections can sometimes be the real culprits—treating them can stop the bedwetting.

“Your child may stop bedwetting slowly, without any problem. What they need is reassurance and support, not guilt or pressure,” Dr Shekar concludes.

Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is common, especially in children under 7. It occurs because young children may not have developed the brain signals needed to wake up when their bladder is full.

No, bedwetting is not due to laziness or bad behaviour. Most children are frustrated and confused by it, as they have not yet developed the brain-bladder connection to wake up when necessary.

Consult a paediatric urologist if your child is still wetting the bed after age 7, if bedwetting starts suddenly after months of dryness, or if accidents occur during the day. Other signs to watch for include painful urination, excessive thirst, snoring, or constipation.

Simple, loving care can help manage bedwetting: reassure your child it’s not their fault, avoid sugary snacks before bedtime, maintain a bedtime routine, use waterproof sheets, and consider moisture alarms or medications if necessary.

Yes, bedwetting can sometimes signal underlying health issues like constipation, sleep apnoea, or infections. Treating these conditions may help stop the bedwetting.