Parentpedia

What Experts Say

Just when you thought your preschooler was finally in "big kid" underpants for good, you awaken to a child with a wet bed. But you don't have to run out for a box of nighttime diapers just yet. The American Academy of Pediatrics reassures us that some 40 percent of toilet-trained 3-year-olds still wet the bed at night, and it's entirely normal for kids up to age 5 to occasionally do it, too.

While experts don't know why some children continue to wet the bed after they've been toilet trained, it's likely because their bladders aren't able to hold urine through a long night, or because the child isn't awakened by the feeling of his full bladder. Rest assured, your child is not wetting his bed on purpose, and it's important to tell him he isn't doing anything wrong....

Just when you thought your preschooler was finally in "big kid" underpants for good, you awaken to a child with a wet bed. But you don't have to run out for a box of nighttime diapers just yet. The American Academy of Pediatrics reassures us that some 40 percent of toilet-trained 3-year-olds still wet the bed at night, and it's entirely normal for kids up to age 5 to occasionally do it, too.

While experts don't know why some children continue to wet the bed after they've been toilet trained, it's likely because their bladders aren't able to hold urine through a long night, or because the child isn't awakened by the feeling of his full bladder. Rest assured, your child is not wetting his bed on purpose, and it's important to tell him he isn't doing anything wrong.

Nighttime wetting is usually only cause for concern if your child has been dry for several months and then starts wetting the bed again. If that happens, she may be experiencing stress, due to starting school, moving to a new house, adjusting to a new baby in the family, or any other change in her status quo. If that's the case, it should pass.

Consult your pediatrician if your child starts to have accidents during the day, too, since it may indicate a urinary tract infection or other medical problem.

What Do You Say?

Add a Question or Write an Answer

Most Recent Contributors:

Feb 27, 2008 at 12:50:39 PM

see all

Helpful Resources

Tell Your Story

mentalhealthpro
February 27, 2008

RE: IN NEED OF HELP

Hopefully by now, your daughter has gotten the hang of things since you made your post. Yes! It most likely is behavioral as your ped. suggests. Also kids at that age become more pre-occupied with doing something that they enjoy, and...  read more

Not Acceptable?

Motherof2cuties
August 10, 2007

In Need Of Help

I have searched through many websites regarding children and potty training issues. My daughter will be 5 in 3 months and still will not use the toilet on a regular basis. We've spoken to her pediatrician several times about this issue...  read more

Not Acceptable?