10 Common reasons for bedwetting

Just when we thought we’d nailed potty training, they start wetting the bed. Though this can be stressful for the whole family, it’s important to stay calm and get to the root of the problem - after all, it’s unlikely that our children are doing it on purpose!

Bedwetting is common for many children and can happen due to a whole host of reasons.

In this post, we’ll look at the 10 most common reasons for bedwetting to help you support your child.

1.  A small bladder

If your child has started potty training fairly early or has a smaller bladder, it could be causing them to wet the bed at night. Though they might stay completely dry during the day, it may simply be that their bladder isn’t big enough to hold the urine produced during the night!

2.  Diabetes

Bed-wetting can be one of the first signs of diabetes - but don’t panic, bed-wetting isn’t a sure sign that your child is diabetic! Here are a few other signs to look for:

• Passing a lot of urine at once
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Weight loss despite having a good appetite

3.  Inability to recognise when their bladder is full

We have nerves that notify us of the fact that our bladder is full, and these nerves can be underdeveloped in children. When the nerves aren’t developed enough to notify children that their bladders are full it can lead to bedwetting.

4.  UTI

A UTI (or urinary tract infection) makes it hard to control the bladder.

If you suspect a UTI, look out for other symptoms, including:

• Daytime accidents
• Frequent urination
• Traces of blood in the urine that make it red or pink in colour
• Pain during urination

5.  Constipation

Our body uses the same muscles to control eliminating both urine and stools. If a child has been experiencing constipation for a long time, it could be that these muscles have become weaker and are therefore less efficient in controlling the bladder. 

6.  Structural problems

Bed-wetting can be related to defects in the urinary or nervous system - although this is very rare and the least likely cause of bedwetting!

7.  A hormone imbalance

Anti-diuretic Hormone (ADH) is responsible for slowing the production of urine during the night - sometimes it’s the case that children don’t yet have enough of this hormone.

8.  Sleep

Very deep and very light sleepers are more likely to wet the bed. 

Sleep apnea (where a child’s breathing is interrupted during sleep) can also cause nighttime bed-wetting.

9.  Genetics

Children with a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent that wet the bed until a later age are more likely to wet the bed. Though this isn’t certain, there is a correlation between the two to suggest that genetics can play a part!

10.  Stress

Changes to the home environment - such as divorce or the arrival of a new sibling - as well as difficulties at school, can cause children to regress and start wetting the bed even if they have been dry for months!

Consider your child’s home and school life, and offer them extra support during this time.

Oopsie Heroes is a fun and smart bedwetting alarm designed to alert both you and your child when it’s time for your child to use the potty!

Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect that your child is experiencing any of the medical issues mentioned in this post.