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My child wets the bed. What can I do?
Bedwetting is common and usually stops on its own. Here is what you can do at home and when to get help.
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What it is
Bedwetting is common and often runs in families [2]. Many children under the age of 5 wet the bed, and it can take time for a child to learn to stay dry all night [3]. It can be upsetting, but most children and young people will grow out of it [2].
There are many reasons why a child might wet the bed [1]. Causes include:
- Not feeling the need to pee while sleeping [1]
- Making too much pee at night [1]
- Stress at home or at school [1]
Bedwetting may also be caused by an underlying health condition such as diabetes or constipation [1].
What you can do at home
Things you can do at home to help with bedwetting [2]:
- Give your child enough water to drink during the day [2]
- Make sure your child goes to the toilet regularly, around 4 to 7 times a day, including just before bedtime [2]
- Agree with your child on rewards for positive actions, such as a sticker for every time they use the toilet before bed [2]
- Use waterproof covers on their mattress and duvet [2]
- Make sure they have easy access to a toilet at night [2]
Do not do these things [4]:
- Do not punish your child – it is not their fault and can make bedwetting worse [4]
- Do not give your child drinks containing caffeine, such as cola, tea and coffee – this can make them pee more [4]
- Do not regularly wake or carry your child in the night to use the toilet – this will not help in the long term [4]
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
See a GP if [3]:
- You have tried things you can do at home and your child keeps wetting the bed [3]
- Your child has started wetting the bed again after being dry for more than 6 months [3]
If your child keeps wetting the bed, a GP can suggest options such as [5]:
- A bedwetting alarm [5]
- Medicine to reduce how much pee your child makes at night [5]
The GP will check if treatment is helping and can offer support if you are finding it hard to cope [5]. If these treatments do not work, your child may be referred to a specialist [5].
Common questions
Is bedwetting my child’s fault? No. It is not their fault, and punishing them can make bedwetting worse [4]. Bedwetting is common and often runs in families [2].
When will my child stop wetting the bed? Most children and young people will grow out of it [2]. Many children under 5 wet the bed, and it can take time to learn to stay dry all night [3].
Can drinks affect bedwetting? Yes. Do not give your child drinks containing caffeine, such as cola, tea and coffee, because this can make them pee more [4]. Give your child enough water to drink during the day instead [2].
Should I wake my child at night to use the toilet? No. Do not regularly wake or carry your child in the night to use the toilet – this will not help in the long term [4]. Instead, make sure they go to the toilet just before bedtime [2].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Bedwetting in children” (2023), section “Causes of bedwetting”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bedwetting/ [2] NHS — “Bedwetting in children” (2023), section “Bedwetting in children”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bedwetting/ [3] NHS — “Bedwetting in children” (2023), section “Important: Bedwetting in young children is normal”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bedwetting/ [4] NHS — “Bedwetting in children” (2023), section “Don’t”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bedwetting/ [5] NHS — “Bedwetting in children” (2023), section “Treatments from a GP”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bedwetting/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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