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Bedwetting in children

Bedwetting is common in children, especially under 5, and is not their fault. Most children grow out of it, but support, routines and treatment when needed can help.

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Bedwetting means a child unintentionally passes urine during sleep. In young children, this is often part of normal development. From around age 5, guidance or treatment may help if it troubles the child or family.

  • Bedwetting is not laziness, naughtiness or deliberate behaviour. Punishment and shame do not work and may damage confidence.
  • Also look for daytime urinary symptoms, constipation, excessive thirst, snoring, pain or fever; these may point to an underlying cause.
  • Regular drinking and toilet routines, treating constipation and a bedwetting alarm are important options.
  • Medicines are sometimes useful temporarily but should be prescribed by a doctor and used with precise safety instructions.

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