It is quite common for young children to wet themselves and feel upset and embarrassed about it, but if you feel your child is struggling beyond toilet training age, please seek some help. For those with sensory concerns, different strategies are applied.
Why do children wet during the day?
1 in 5 young children experience bladder problems
10% of children still experience bed wetting at 6yo
Daytime wetting is uncommon past the age of 4 as most children will have gained good control of their bladder by this age, however, some will still wet their pants occasionally.
Signs and symptoms?
- My child is unable to hold their wee for longer than an hour
- My child cannot feel the urge to wee, or does not recognise the feeling
- My child is constipated but they are now wetting their pants also?
- My child is toilet trained but still, frequently wets their pants
Common causes of daytime wetting?
Most wetting occurs because the bladder is not working normally. Common problems are:
- Overactive bladder – the bladder has problems storing urine (wee). The child has urgency (bursting) and may leak urine on the way to the toilet. They may also go to the toilet more than eight times a day.
- Constipation is often the leading cause of bladder problems, daytime and nigh time wetting
- Physical problems are rare. However, a paediatrician should assess any child identified as having a physical or neurological cause for their incontinence.
- Overfilling - your child may get distracted and constantly ignors the messages to go until accidents occur
How you can help your child?
- Praise and encourage your child when they are dry and make it to the toilet in time
- Remember, wetting is NOT caused by attention-seeking, naughtiness or laziness
- Timed voids - regular sitting on the toilet can help reduce the number of accidents
- Get your child assessed to find out why they are daytime, nightime wetting or soiling
If your child still experiences daytime wetting accidents past the age of 4 or you have been unsuccessful with toilet training for their bladder we can help
How we can help?
Physiotherapy help with daytime wetting?
Our physiotherapists can help you and your child with daytime wetting by performing an assessment and suggesting some individualised treatment options that may be suitable including:
- Check if any bowel concerns are contributing to the daytime bladder wetting
- Using our real-time Ultrasound we check your child's bowel and bladder
- Helping parents with easy toilet tips and tricks to make toileting less of a barrier for your child
- Introducing regular sitting to help prevent accidents
- Check there are no barriers to their bladder or bowel opening properly when they sit on the toilet
- Daytime wetting alarm to assist in learning to recognise the signs of needing to wee
- Timed sits on the toilet to start training the bladder to empty at will and to lessen accidents if overfilling due to distraction
Related Blogs
Potty Training Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All Toilet training is a significant milestone for children and their families. However, for neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, this journey can present unique challenges. Understanding the Challenges Neurodivergent children may face several obstacles during toilet training: Sensory Sensitivities: Discomfort with the feel of toilet paper, coldness , the sound of flushing or poo/ wee hitting the water, or the brightness of bathroom lighting. Communication Differences: Challenges in expressing the need to use the toilet or recognising bodily cues can lead to accidents Routine Resistance: A preference for sameness and resistance to change can make adapting to new routines difficult. Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like constipation or diarrhea can complicate the process and cause discomfort and withholding. Strategies for Success Implementing tailored strategies can make toilet training more manageable: Visual Schedules: Use clear, step-by-step visual aids or routine boards to outline the toileting process, helping children understand expectations Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small successes with praise or rewards to encourage continued progress. Instead of giving a reward each time a step is completed, agree on a certain number of ticks or stickers needed to get the reward. Rewards can be toys, food, family time or praise; make it meaningful for your child! Sensory-Friendly Environments: Modify the bathroom setting to reduce sensory overload, such as using soft lighting, noise-cancelling headphones or a heater. Consistent Routines: Establish regular toileting times to build predictability and reduce anxiety. Professional Support: Engage with specialists, such as pelvic health physiotherapists, to address specific concerns and help you along this journey. You're Not Alone Remember, every child's journey is unique, and progress may be gradual. Patience, understanding, and tailored support are key to navigating the challenges of toilet training. If you need assistance or have concerns about your child's toileting journey so far, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards a positive and successful toileting experience.
Incontinence, intimacy pain and initial appointment all start with the letter I and are all related to pelvic health. How can we help?
Does your little one hide, reappearing with the smell of poo in their nappy or pants?
Starting kinder or school can be stressful for children and parents alike – want to know some awesome tips to help them feel ready for their new toileting environment?
Our team
More Information
Find out more information
