Bedwetting

Nighttime bedwetting is a common problem in children. The prevalence varies by age and is shown below:

• 5 years – 15 percent
• 6 years – 13 percent
• 7 years – 10 percent
• 8 years – 7 percent
• 10 years – 5 percent
• 12 to 14 years – 2 to 3 percent
• ≥15 years – 1 to 2 percent

Nighttime bedwetting often resolves on its own without medical intervention.

Recommendations that may help include:

• Limit nighttime fluid intake with no fluid 1-2 hours before bed
• Avoid drinks high in sugar and caffeine
• Avoid diapers and pullups as they can decrease motivation and be used as a “crutch”
• Encourage the child to urinate a total of four to seven times per day, including just before going to bed; if the child wakes at night, the caregivers should take the child to the toilet.
• Keep a calendar of wet/dry nights to determine the effectiveness of interventions

If symptoms are bothersome or are increasing in frequency, speak with your provider as additional workup and referral to a urologist may be warranted.