Pediatric Health: Help for Bed-Wetting and Bladder Control
Did you know roughly 1 in 5 seven-year-olds still wet the bed sometimes? That surprising number shows bed-wetting is common — not your child’s fault. This page gives straight, useful info on bladder control, reasons kids wet the bed, simple fixes parents can try, and when to talk with a doctor.
What causes bed-wetting and how to spot problems
Bladder control develops at different speeds. Some kids gain it early; others need more time. Common causes include deep sleep, slow development of bladder nerves, small bladder capacity for their age, and family history. Temporary triggers can be stress, constipation, certain illnesses, or extra fluids at night.
Watch for red flags: sudden bed-wetting after months of dryness, pain when peeing, daytime accidents, fever, burning, or very wet diapers in toddlers beyond age three. If you see these, get medical advice — they could mean an infection or other issue.
Practical tips parents can try tonight
Start with small, consistent steps that don’t shame your child. Cut evening drinks an hour or two before bed and encourage a bathroom visit right before lights-out. Establish a calm bedtime routine so your child isn’t in a very deep sleep all night.
Use a reward chart for dry nights rather than punishment for wet ones. Try timed bathroom trips: waking your child once during the night or setting a gentle alarm can help at first. Protect the mattress with a waterproof cover — it makes cleanup easier and reduces stress for everyone.
Behavioral tools work best when you pair them with patience. For school-aged kids, bladder-training exercises during the day (holding a little longer between bathroom trips) can increase capacity over weeks. Treat constipation, since a full bowel can press on the bladder and cause accidents.
If home steps don’t help after a few months, ask your pediatrician about options like bed-wetting alarms or, in specific cases, short-term medication. Doctors usually check for infection, diabetes, and anatomical issues first. A brief check-up can rule out serious causes and guide the next steps.
Want more detail? Read our full post on the connection between bladder control and bed-wetting in children: The connection between bladder control and bed-wetting in children. It explains how development, genetics, and sleep patterns affect wetting and offers extra tips for parents.
Pediatric health isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you’re worried, talk to your child’s doctor — and remember, most kids outgrow bed-wetting with simple support and time.
