My child is still wetting the bed, when should I be concerned?

By Maria I. Diaz, M.D., F.A.A.P.

A: Bedwetting is more common than you think and is usually not a serious medical condition. About five million children in the US wet the bed. Most children are toilet trained between two to four years of age, but some may not be able to stay dry at night until they are older. Up to 5% of ten year old kids may still wet the bed.

Some possible causes of bedwetting are:

• Your child is a deep sleeper.
• Your child’s body makes too much urine at night.
• Your child is constipated.
• Your child has a minor illness or is responding to changes or stresses going on at home.
• There is a family history of bedwetting.
• Your child’s bladder is small or not developed enough to hold the urine for a full night.
• Your child has an underlying medical problem.

What are the signs of an underlying medical problem?

Some of the signs of a medical problem include if your child is urinating a lot and very often during the day; your child has pain, burning , or straining while urinating; cloudy or pink urine or bloodstains on the underpants; daytime and nighttime wetting; poor bowel control; or your child has problems with walking (which may mean a spine problem). Let your doctor know about any of these signs.

How can I help my child?

Do not blame your child; it is not your child’s fault. Let your child know most children outgrow bedwetting. Be sensitive to your child’s feelings, and don’t make it a big issue. Protect the bed, and let your child help to change the wet sheets and covers. Set a no-teasing rule in your family. Have your child use the toilet and avoid drinking large amounts of fluid just before bedtime. Try to wake your child to use the toilet one to two hours after going to sleep.

If these tips don’t help, there are other alternatives like the bedwetting alarms. There are also medications available for kids six years and older. As always, ask your medical provider if you need any help or have any questions.