Bedwetting in Children: Causes, When to Worry, and How to Help
Bedwetting — clinically known as nocturnal enuresis — is a common developmental phase that many families navigate, often quietly and with a bit of worry. It refers to involuntary urination during sleep in children old enough to have typically achieved nighttime bladder control. And although it can feel frustrating or discouraging for both parent and child, it’s important to know: bedwetting is not a sign of failed parenting or a problem with toilet training.
For most children, staying dry at night simply comes later than staying dry during the day. The transition to nighttime dryness involves physical, neurological, and emotional development — all of which progress at different rates for different kids. Understanding why bedwetting happens, when to seek help, and how to support your child through this phase can bring a sense of relief and calm to an otherwise stressful experience.
How Common is Bedwetting?
You’re not alone if your child still wets the bed. In fact, around 15% of children continue to wet the bed at age 5. By age 7, that number drops to about 5–10%, and by age 10, fewer than 5% of kids experience regular bedwetting.
For most children, this is simply a stage — not a long-term problem. It often resolves on its own with time, without requiring any major interventions. However, when it persists beyond the age of 7, or if it resurfaces after a period of dryness, it’s worth looking more closely at possible contributing factors.
Why Does Bedwetting Happen?
There’s no single cause of bedwetting, and it’s rarely due to anything a child can control. Most of the time, bedwetting is linked to the slow development of one or more systems involved in bladder control.
One of the most common causes is a small or underdeveloped bladder. In some kids, the bladder just isn’t yet able to hold the volume of urine produced during a full night of sleep. Paired with deep sleep cycles — where the brain doesn’t wake the child in response to bladder signals — accidents can happen even when a child is otherwise fully potty trained.
Another factor is delayed production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This hormone helps the body slow down urine production during sleep. If a child doesn’t yet produce enough ADH at night, they may simply make too much urine for their bladder to handle while they sleep.
In some cases, chronic constipation can play a surprisingly large role. A full bowel can put pressure on the bladder, limiting its capacity or interrupting proper signals to the brain. Similarly, sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to nighttime incontinence, often paired with other symptoms like snoring, restlessness, or daytime fatigue.
Though less common, urinary tract infections (UTIs), type 1 diabetes, or neurological conditions may also be behind nighttime accidents, especially if accompanied by other signs like frequent daytime urination, extreme thirst, or changes in weight or energy levels.
Should I Be Worried? When to Talk to a Doctor
In most cases, bedwetting is a normal part of development and not a cause for medical concern. However, there are a few scenarios in which it’s a good idea to consult your child’s pediatrician.
If your child is over the age of 7 and continues to wet the bed several nights a week, or if they had been dry for several months and suddenly begin wetting again, it’s worth checking for underlying medical or emotional causes.
Other signs to look out for include:
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Pain while urinating
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Excessive thirst or hunger
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Blood-tinged or discolored urine
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Frequent constipation
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Daytime incontinence
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Snoring or disrupted sleep patterns
Sometimes these symptoms point to treatable conditions like UTIs, constipation, or mild sleep apnea. A gentle evaluation can provide peace of mind — and potentially quicker relief for your child.
The Emotional Impact of Bedwetting
While bedwetting doesn’t pose any physical harm in most cases, the emotional toll can be significant — especially as children become more socially aware. Embarrassment, shame, and lowered self-esteem are common reactions, especially if accidents are met with frustration or punishment.
Children may avoid sleepovers, camps, or other social activities for fear of having an accident in front of friends. This can lead to isolation or anxiety, which may make the situation worse. That’s why it’s so important to approach bedwetting with compassion and reassurance, rather than blame.
Let your child know that this is not their fault — and that it’s something many kids experience. The more they feel safe and supported, the more likely they are to gain confidence and ultimately overcome the issue.
Gentle, Practical Strategies to Support Your Child
While bedwetting often resolves on its own, there are a few ways you can gently support your child during this phase:
Establish a predictable bedtime routine that includes a bathroom visit right before sleep. Consistency can help the body get into a rhythm, and pre-bedtime potty breaks reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Try to limit fluids in the hour or two before bed, while still making sure your child is well-hydrated during the day. Encourage bathroom use throughout the day to promote healthy habits.
Some families find success with bedwetting alarms, which detect moisture and gently wake the child, helping train their brain to respond to bladder signals over time. This can take a few weeks to show results but may be effective for some children.
Track your child’s progress and patterns in a simple log or journal. Note dry nights, changes in routine, or any emotional stressors. This can help you identify patterns and make informed adjustments.
And most importantly, be patient. If your child has an accident, respond calmly. Avoid punishments or shaming language — these only create anxiety, which can make bedwetting worse.
How Peejamas Can Help
At Peejamas, we understand firsthand how emotional and exhausting the bedwetting phase can be — especially for parents juggling loads of laundry, late-night bedding changes, and concerns about their child’s confidence.
Our reusable nighttime training pants are designed specifically to help families manage this phase with less stress. Unlike disposables, Peejamas look and feel like real underwear, offering dignity for your child and sustainability for your household. They absorb accidents without making kids feel overly wet, encouraging awareness without full wake-ups or embarrassment.
Peejamas can be used nightly or during transitional periods like vacations, sleepovers, or when your child is almost — but not quite — dry every night. They’re also cost-effective and eco-conscious, helping reduce waste without sacrificing comfort.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
If your child is still bedwetting, take a breath. You’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong. This is simply one of those quiet, unglamorous stages of parenting that eventually passes. With patience, understanding, and the right support, your child will develop the skills they need to stay dry at night.
And if you're looking for a product that eases the stress while supporting your child’s journey, we're here to help. At Peejamas, we’re proud to be a small part of helping kids gain confidence — one dry night at a time.
