When Is Bedwetting Considered a Problem?
Most parents expect a few nighttime accidents post potty training especially in preschool years. But when wet sheets become a regular part of your laundry routine long past kindergarten, it’s natural to wonder: is this still normal?
If in doubt, get it checked out
Bed wetting is common but its not always just a phase
The short answer: bedwetting is common but it’s not always “just a phase.” Knowing when it’s typical and when it may signal something more helps you respond with empathy and confidence.
What’s Normal for Bedwetting?
Bedwetting (or nocturnal enuresis) is unconscious urination during sleep and is surprisingly common, lets look at some statistics:
Around 20% of 5-year-olds still wet the bed at least occasionally
By age 7, that number drops to about 10%
By age 10, only 3–5% of children are affected
(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024)
In many cases, it’s simply due to a slower-developing bladder or deep sleep patterns, not laziness, defiance, or poor potty training.
When Bedwetting Might Be a Problem
You might want to talk to your child’s healthcare provider if:
Your child is age 7 or older and still wets most nights
Bedwetting started after 6 months of dry nights (called secondary enuresis)
There are daytime accidents, urgency, or pain when urinating
Your child snores loudly, has sleep apnea symptoms, or extreme thirst
There’s a family history of kidney or bladder problems
Bedwetting is causing shame, anxiety, or avoidance (like refusing sleepovers)
These signs can point to medical or emotional factors such as constipation, sleep disorders, urinary tract infections, diabetes, or stress.
Emotional Impact Matters Too
Even if the cause is physical, the emotional toll can be huge. Many children feel embarrassed or “babyish,” especially once peers are dry. That emotional stress can make the problem worse, creating a frustrating cycle for parents and kids alike. Sometimes the bedwetting is a symptom of an emotional issue.
If your child is expressing worry, hiding accidents, or avoiding social situations, it’s worth addressing early, even if they’re technically still within a “normal” age range.
Practical Ways to Support Your Child
Stay calm and positive. Never punish or shame. Your child isn’t doing it on purpose.
Reduce evening fluids. Offer most drinks earlier in the day so that the bladder is activated earlier in the day, reducing the need to drink alot of water, later in the afternoon.
Use the bathroom twice before sleep. Once before brushing teeth, and again right before lights out.
Try a bedwetting alarm. For children over 6, these can train the brain to recognize bladder signals during sleep.
Rule out constipation and stress. Both are common hidden triggers.
Seek professional guidance. A pediatrician or parenting consultant (like me!) can help rule out medical causes and create a practical plan.
When to Get Professional Help
If your child is 7+ and still regularly wetting, or if there are any of the red flags above, it’s time to get a full assessment. There’s no shame in seeking help, bedwetting is one of the most common pediatric concerns, and early intervention helps prevent long-term stress.
You deserve reassurance, and your child deserves peaceful, confident nights.
Remember
Bedwetting is normal for young children, but persistent, sudden, or emotionally distressing bedwetting deserves attention. With the right approach and support, most children outgrow it and parents can stop feeling alone in the process.
