When Will My Child Stop Wetting the Bed?
Bedwetting is a common part of childhood development. While it can be challenging, it’s important to remember that not every child follows the same timeline when it comes to nighttime dryness.
If you’re wondering when do kids stop wetting the bed, you’re not alone. Below, we’re sharing helpful insights and practical tips to support your child and better understand what’s typical.
What is Bedwetting?
Bedwetting — also known as nocturnal enuresis — is the involuntary release of urine during sleep. For many children, this is a normal stage of development. It often happens when the brain and bladder are still learning to communicate effectively during the night.
As your child grows, this connection usually strengthens, helping them recognize when their bladder is full so that they wake up to use the bathroom. For some children, this phase passes before they come of school age. For others, bedwetting may continue into later childhood or even the teen years. While this can feel frustrating or embarrassing, it’s important to know that bedwetting is common and not something your child can control.
What Causes Bedwetting?
Bedwetting can have several different causes:
- Family Genes: Many parents ask, is bedwetting hereditary? In many cases, the answer is yes. If a parent or sibling experienced bedwetting, a child may be more likely to have it too.
- Bladder Control: Some children take longer to develop full bladder control as the brain-to-bladder connection continues to mature.
- Bladder Capacity: Children with smaller bladders may not be able to hold urine for extended periods, such as overnight.
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional changes — like a new sibling, starting school, or moving — can increase stress and affect nighttime bladder control.
- Deep Sleep Patterns: Some children sleep very deeply and may not wake up when their bladder signals that it’s full.
- Medical Conditions: In some cases, frequent or recurring bedwetting may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, be sure to talk to your medical provider if you have any concerns.
Bedwetting by Age
Bedwetting is natural, with most children gradually gaining nighttime bladder control. However, every child’s experience is different. Understanding common age ranges can help set realistic expectations.
Ages 3 – 4
At this stage, nighttime bladder control is still developing as the brain and bladder connection continues to form.
Ages 5 – 7
It is in this age range that nighttime dryness may become more consistent. Between 10-15% of children in the United States continue to do so until age six.
Ages 8 – 12
According to Nationwide Children's Hospital “seven percent of eight-year-olds and three percent of 12-year-olds wet the bed.”
Teenage Bedwetting
Bedwetting is less common for teenagers, but it can be a reality for some. It affects 1 – 3% of late teens. Because teens may feel especially self-conscious, supportive, judgment-free conversations are important.
Tools & Tips
Here are a few helpful tools and tips to support your child during this journey. Just remember that about 99% of kids will outgrow bedwetting by the time they are 15 years old.
- Bedwetting Underwear: Add Goodnites® Nighttime Underwear to your child’s bedtime routine. Goodnites® are up to 100% leak-free, no matter how your child sleeps™.
- Establish a Bedtime Routine: Create calming habits like bedtime stories or a warm bath to help your child relax before sleep.
- Limit Fluids: Try limiting drinks at least two hours before bedtime.
- Bathroom Time: Encourage your child to use the bathroom right before bed, even if they say they don’t need to go.
- Open Communication: Talk to your child and reassure them that bedwetting is common and not their fault.
- Monitor Stress Levels: Pay attention to school, social, or family changes that could increase stress and affect nighttime habits.
- Use Protective Bed Mats: Use Protective Bed Mats like Goodnites® Disposable Bed Mats to help safeguard your mattress from unexpected surprises. These mats are a reliable way to help protect your sheets at night.
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