Bedwetting is very common in young children but generally won’t cause any lasting problems. It can be embarrassing for them and stressful for families so seek some help to prevent those night-time accidents.
Why do children wet at night?
The loss of bladder control during sleep is called bedwetting. Children will often have control of their daytime wetting before they control their night-time wetting. Most children will stop wetting the bed in their own time, but some may still occasionally wet the bed until they are about eight years old.
Signs and symptoms?
- When will my child grow out of bedwetting?
- How can I help my child with bedwetting?
- My child has a school camp coming up and I’m worried because they still wet the bed? What can I do?
- Are bed wetting alarms an option for my child?
Common causes of bed wetting?
- A smaller bladder capacity can be a factor
- A child who is a deep sleeper may not wake when their bladder is full
- Bedwetting tends to run in families so if one or both parents were bed wetters, genetics may play a part
- If your child has increased daytime bladder frequency they are likely to have an increased nighttime frequency also
- Constipation can have an impact on bed-wetting
- Other medical conditions
If your child still experiences daytime accidents past the age of 4 or you have been unsuccessful with toilet training for their bladder, or if persistent bedwetting occurs without your child waking we can help
How you can help your child?
- Be patient and supportive of your child. Encourage and involve your child in their treatment.
- Bedwetting alarms used correctly have an 80+% success rate in resolving nighttime wetting
How we can help?
Physiotherapy help with kids bedwetting?
Our treatment is highly individualised and based on the findings of an assessment and your family’s goals. Treatment can include:
- Getting you to complete a bladder diary for your child to provide an insight into possible causes or triggers.
- Bedwetting alarms - which teach your child to wake up to the feeling of a full bladder by waking your child with an alarm when they wet the bed. The alarm can be used on the bed or in your child's underpants.
- Strategies to help you and your child manage their bed-wetting on a school camp
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?
Bedwetting, bladder and bowel all start with the letter B and are all related to pelvic health.
Does your little one hide, reappearing with the smell of poo in their nappy or pants?
Our team
More Information
Find out more information
