Why Does My Child Urinate In The Bed Or on Clothes?

Does your child repeatedly urinate in the bed or on clothes (involuntary or intentional)?

Does this behavior show either a frequency of at least twice a week for at least 3 consecutive months or the presence of clinically significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning (e.g., social, academic)?

Is your child at least 5 years old (or equivalent developmental level)?

Based on your answers, your child may be urinating in the bed or on clothes, but it may not be a significant problem that needs clinical attention. Bed-wetting is a common problem in children. Noctural enuresis (the medical term for bedwetting) can be diagnosed after age 5, because before that age, it’s a common problem among children. There are several things that can lead to children wetting the bed, even after a long dry period. Stressors can be, for example, a new sibling or moving, but also medical reasons such as type 1 diabetes or urinary tract infection. If the bedwetting causes distress in your child or makes you worried, it may be useful to talk with a doctor.

While your child is unlikely to be diagnosed with enuresis, they do show some signs related to the condition. Bed-wetting is more often psychological than medical. Generally, bed-wetting before age 6 is not a concern, as your child may still be developing nighttime bladder control. Most of the time, bed-wetting disappears on its own. If the bed-wetting causes anxiety, stress or other problems, it may be important to know what things you as a parent can do to improve the situation. As a parent, you should not become frustrated or mad at the child, he does not wet the bed on purpose or just because he is lazy to get up to go to the bathroom. Talk with your doctor for the right advises.

Unfortunately, your child is displaying symptoms typically seen among kids who have enuresis. It is recommended to talk with a doctor. Most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own. If your child does not feel distressed by the occasional bed-wetting, lifestyle changes may work. For example, the child should limit drinking before going to bed. If these lifestyle changes don’t improve the situation or if your child experiences distress about wetting the bed, medical treatment may be required. The doctor will make sure to eliminate other underlying causes of bed-wetting, such as constipation or a sleep disorder. Moisture alarms and medication usually work well against bed-wetting.