Bed-Wetting in Older Kids: Common Causes
Bedwetting: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
When your child starts wetting the bed again after being dry for months, it's completely normal to feel worried and frustrated. The good news is that bedwetting is incredibly common, and there are usually simple explanations and solutions that can help your family get back to dry nights.
What's going on?
Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, affects about 15% of five-year-olds and even some older children. If your child was dry for at least six months and then started wetting again, doctors call this secondary bedwetting. It's different from primary bedwetting, where a child has never consistently stayed dry at night.
Most of the time, bedwetting happens because your child's bladder is still developing or they're sleeping so deeply that they don't wake up when they need to go. Their body might not be making enough of the hormone that concentrates urine at night, or their bladder might be smaller than average.
Sometimes bedwetting returns because of temporary changes in your child's life. Stress from starting school, moving, or family changes can trigger it. Urinary tract infections, constipation, or drinking more fluids before bed can also cause sudden bedwetting in previously dry children.
What you might notice
- Wet sheets or pajamas in the morning
- Your child seems surprised or upset about the accident
- Frequent urination during the day
- Complaints of burning or pain when urinating
- Constipation or hard, infrequent bowel movements
- Increased thirst or drinking more water than usual
What helps at home
Start with the basics that often make a big difference. Encourage your child to use the bathroom right before bed and limit drinks for two hours beforehand, though don't restrict water if they're thirsty.
Make sure they're having regular bowel movements, as constipation can put pressure on the bladder. Adding fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can help, along with plenty of water during the day.
Create a calm, supportive environment. Reassure your child that bedwetting isn't their fault and avoid punishment or shame. Waterproof mattress covers and having your child help change sheets (without making it feel like a punishment) can reduce stress for everyone.
Some families find success with gentle wake-ups to use the bathroom, though this doesn't work for every child.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if your child has severe abdominal pain, fever with back pain, blood in their urine, or seems very unwell.
Contact your family doctor or text Arlo if bedwetting starts suddenly after months of being dry, especially if you notice pain with urination, excessive thirst, or if your child seems distressed. We can help rule out infections or other medical causes and discuss treatment options that might help your family.
The takeaway
Most children outgrow bedwetting naturally, and there are effective treatments when they need extra support. You're doing a great job caring for your child through this phase.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/bedwetting)
- [Bedwetting: How to help your child stay dry at night](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=21&language=english)
- [Urinary incontinence in children](https://www.ontario.ca/page/urinary-incontinence-children)