Bed-Wetting in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Wetting the bed is common in children younger than 5 years. Children this age have not fully gained control of this function. In children 5 and older, bed-wetting may be caused by having a small or overactive bladder, constipation, or low amounts of a hormone called ADH. Sometimes bed-wetting is caused by emotional or social problems.

It's important not to blame or punish your child for bed-wetting. Most children stop without treatment by the time they are 10 years old. But if bed-wetting bothers your child, you may want to try treatment.

Treatments for bed-wetting include limiting the amount your child drinks in the evening. Some people find a moisture alarm useful. This alarm buzzes when it senses urine to wake up your child. Medicine to help your child stop wetting the bed may also be used.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Limit the amount of liquid your child drinks after dinner.
• Remind your child to use the bathroom just before going to bed.
• Support your child and help them understand that bed-wetting is not their fault. Praise your child after dry nights.
• If you try a moisture alarm, help your child learn how to use it properly.
• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has symptoms of a urinary infection. For example:
  • Your child has blood or pus in the urine.
  • Your child has back pain just below the rib cage. This is called flank pain.
  • Your child has a fever, chills, or body aches.
  • It hurts your child to urinate.
  • Your child has groin or belly pain.
• Your child is older than 4 years and is wetting the bed and leaking stool at night.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• The treatments you are trying have not helped after 3 months, and the bed-wetting is causing your child problems at school or with family and friends.
• Your child does not get better as expected.