Even after your child stays dry during the day and successfully uses the potty, nighttime bedwetting can still happen. Bedwetting (also called nocturnal enuresis) is a common condition that can persist beyond the age of 5. According to the Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity, ERIC, approximately one in six children aged 5 wet the bed, and bedwetting affects around half a million children and young people across the UK. The number of children affected naturally decreases as they get older, with many growing out of it without treatment. Before the age of 5, many children simply haven’t developed full bladder control at night, even if they can hold it during the day.
Key Reasons for Bedwetting After Potty Training
There are several reasons why your child may not have nighttime bladder control. Bedwetting is a physical condition and can have multiple contributing factors, such as:
- Bladder development – Some children have bladders that don’t stretch enough or produce more urine at night.
- Deep sleep – Some children struggle to wake up when their bladder is full.
- Hormonal factors – Low levels of vasopressin, the hormone that reduces nighttime urine production, can lead to bedwetting.
- Constipation – A full bowel can put pressure on the bladder, reducing its capacity and increasing the chance of nighttime accidents. Treating constipation can often improve bedwetting symptoms.
If your child easily makes it to the toilet during the day but struggles at night, it’s likely due to one or more of these factors.
Causes of Secondary Bedwetting
If a child starts wetting the bed after being dry for at least six months, this is known as secondary bedwetting. This can be triggered by:
- Medical conditions – Urinary tract infections (UTIs), constipation, type 1 diabetes, overactive bladder, or, in some cases, sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea can contribute to bedwetting. If bedwetting begins suddenly after a child has been dry for several months, it's worth speaking to your GP.
- Stress or anxiety – Big life changes, such as moving, starting school, or family stress, can disrupt a child's ability to stay dry at night.
- Sleep disruptions – Poor sleep habits or conditions like sleep apnea may play a role in nighttime bedwetting.
How to Stop Bedwetting
Bedwetting can be frustrating for the whole family, but it's important to remember that children do not wet the bed on purpose. Punishing, blaming, or shaming a child for bedwetting can increase anxiety and may make the problem harder to overcome. Praise and encouragement for following routines are usually much more helpful.
When to See a Doctor
If your child is 5 years or older and bedwetting is becoming a concern for them or your family, it's a good idea to speak to your GP. You should also seek medical advice if your child:
- suddenly starts wetting the bed after being dry for several months,
- has pain when urinating,
- is very thirsty or losing weight,
- snores heavily or has disrupted sleep,
- or experiences daytime wetting alongside nighttime accidents.
Before making an appointment, it’s worth checking ERIC’s advice on nighttime wetting: Advice for children with nighttime wetting. Many GPs refer to these recommendations, so implementing some of these strategies at home may help.
Things You Can Do at Home
- Encourage proper hydration – Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can prevent UTIs and constipation, both of whicph can contribute to bedwetting.
- Track bathroom habits – Keep a diary of when your child goes to the toilet to identify any patterns or issues.
- Create a healthy drinking and bedtime routine – Encourage your child to drink enough fluids throughout the day and use the toilet regularly. They should always go to the toilet before bed. Rather than restricting drinks completely, it's usually better to avoid large drinks or caffeinated beverages in the hour or two before bedtime.
Tips for Managing Bedwetting
While working on solutions, managing bedwetting effectively can help reduce stress for both you and your child.
1. Use a Bedwetting Alarm
Bedwetting alarms can help children wake up when they need to urinate. They detect moisture and sound an alarm, helping to train the brain to wake up when the bladder is full. This method usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to show results and works best when used consistently with support from parents or carers. Bedwetting alarms are often recommended as a first-line treatment for children over 5 with persistent bedwetting.
Check out our Dri Sleeper Bedwetting Alarm for an easy-to-use solution that helps children develop better nighttime bladder control.
2. Consider Medication (If Necessary)
If bedwetting alarms aren’t working, a doctor may recommend medication like desmopressin, which helps reduce urine production at night. Desmopressin is often used as a short-term solution for occasions such as sleepovers, school trips, or holidays. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a longer course of treatment, depending on the child's age and circumstances. It should always be used under medical supervision.
Protecting the Bed
While you're working on reducing bedwetting, using practical bedding protection can make nighttime accidents much less stressful. Waterproof mattress protectors, washable bed pads, and absorbent bedwetting sheets help keep the mattress dry and make changing the bed quicker and easier. Our reusable bedwetting pads feature four layers of protection while staying soft and comfortable, and they're available in fun designs children love.
Final Thoughts
Nighttime potty training takes time, and every child develops at their own pace. If your child is struggling with bedwetting, be patient and supportive. By understanding the causes, using helpful tools like bedwetting alarms, and protecting their bed with waterproof sheets, you can make the process much easier for both of you.
