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Why Kids Wet the Bed and How to Stop It
Back to Baby Sleep
It's 2am, the sheets are soaked, and a teary little person is standing next to your bed. Sound familiar? You're in very good company. Here's why kids wet the bed, how to stop bed wetting, when to call your pediatrician, and how to clean the mattress (then stop needing to).
The short answer
Bedwetting is common in young kids, and it isn't your child's fault. Most children grow out of it as their brain and bladder mature. Simple habits help, a bedwetting alarm is the main treatment for older kids, and your pediatrician is the person to talk to whenever it's worrying you or your child.
Is Bedwetting Normal?
Yes. Bedwetting (the medical name is nocturnal enuresis) is when a child wets the bed while asleep, after the age most children are dry at night. They simply sleep through the signal that their bladder is full.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 15% of 5 and 7 year olds wet the bed.
It isn't bad behavior or the result of poor potty training. Children don't do it on purpose.
Why Do Kids Wet the Bed?
There's usually no single cause, and it's rarely anything serious. The most common reasons are:
- Sleeping very deeply, so they don't wake to a full bladder
- Making more pee overnight than their bladder can hold
- A smaller or more active bladder
- Family history (if a parent wet the bed as a child, their child is more likely to)
- Constipation, which can push on the bladder
Caffeine and fizzy drinks, like soda, can make it worse. For older kids, a stressful event such as a new school or a big change at home can bring it on. If wetting starts again after a long dry spell, it's worth a check with your pediatrician.
So, why would a 10 year old wet the bed? Usually for the same reasons as a younger child, and they're far from alone. Up to 10% of kids still wet the bed at age 7, and some keep going into their teens.
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Bedwetting at Different Ages
Every child gets there in their own time. Here's what to expect at each age.
Younger Kids (3 to 5)
Wet nights are very common at this age. Many children are potty trained during the day long before they're dry at night.
Wondering how to stop bed wetting at age 3, 4 or 5? Mostly, you don't need to. A bathroom trip before bed, a nightlight and nighttime diapers or pull-ups (if they help everyone sleep) are all you need for now. Once wet nights become less frequent, try going without.
Most simply haven't developed nighttime bladder control yet, but if you're worried, it's always fine to ask your pediatrician. For more, see our guide to nighttime potty training.
School-Age Kids (6 to 10)
Plenty of 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 year olds still wet the bed, usually for the same reasons as younger kids.
If it's still happening and bothering your child, this is a good time to ask your pediatrician about a bedwetting alarm. Sleepovers and summer camp can bring the worry to a head, but you can plan ahead (see our FAQs).
Tweens and Teens (11 and Up)
Fewer children wet the bed at this age, so it can feel lonely and embarrassing. Keep conversations gentle and private, and if it hasn't been checked by a doctor yet, now's a good time.
Independence helps too. Older kids can strip their own bed and start the laundry without waking anyone. Our HushDry™ bedding is a fitted sheet and mattress protector in one, so there's less to strip.
How to Stop Bed Wetting: What Helps
There's no instant fix, but these simple habits are the best place to start if you're looking for how to prevent bed wetting at night:
- Stay calm, never punish or shame. It's not in your child's control.
- Front-load drinks, with most in the morning and early afternoon, then ease off in the evening.
- Skip caffeine and bubbles, plus citrus juices and sports drinks, especially later in the day.
- Use the bathroom right before sleep, every night.
- Add a nightlight so the bathroom is easy to find.
- Keep things moving with plenty of fiber to help prevent constipation.
- Praise effort, not dry nights, like remembering to go before bed.
A wet and dry calendar your child fills in themselves is a simple, low-pressure way to track progress.
What about waking your child at night to pee? Experts at the National Institutes of Health advise not to make a habit of it, as nighttime wake-ups aren't thought to help. A bathroom trip before bed and easy access to the bathroom are more useful.
Wondering how you can help your son or daughter stop wetting the bed if these steps aren't working? That's when to talk to your pediatrician about treatment.
Do Bed Wetting Alarms Work?
For many children, yes. A bed wetting alarm wakes your child at the first sign of wetness, which helps them learn to wake to a full bladder over time. The AAP says alarms work 50% to 75% of the time, and they work best for deep sleepers. A few things to know:
- Plan on 3 to 4 months of consistent use
- It works best with the whole family on board (yes, it may wake you too)
- It works best without diapers or pull-ups
- Sort out any constipation first, as it can get in the way
Your pediatrician can help you choose one.
How Is Bed Wetting Treated?
Your pediatrician will usually start with simple steps and an alarm. Medicine is available for children 6 and older and can be handy for sleepovers or camp, though it rarely cures bedwetting on its own. HealthyChildren.org has more on treatment options.
When Do Kids Stop Wetting the Bed?
It varies from child to child. Most grow out of it over time as their brain and bladder mature, and only around 1% to 3% are still wetting the bed in their late teens.
So how long does bed wetting last? There's no fixed age. Wet nights usually become less frequent before they stop altogether, which is a lovely sign things are heading the right way.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
So, what age is bed wetting a problem? There's no single cut-off. Talk to your pediatrician whenever you or your child are concerned, especially if it's upsetting your child. Also call if your child:
- Starts wetting the bed again after being dry for 6 months or more
- Wets during the day too
- Has pain, burning or straining when peeing
- Is constipated
- Snores loudly or seems to pause breathing during sleep
Your pediatrician can check for anything that needs treating and talk you through the options.
Can Bedwetting Be a Sign of Something Else?
Most bedwetting has no medical cause, but sometimes it can be linked to a urinary tract infection, constipation, sleep problems, a health condition, or a stressful or upsetting event.
If it starts suddenly after a long dry spell, or comes with other symptoms like being very thirsty, peeing a lot, tiredness or weight loss, call your pediatrician promptly. The same goes if your child has ADHD, takes a medicine or has been through something tough and you're wondering about a link. The AAP has more on ADHD and bladder control.
How to Clean a Mattress After Bed Wetting
Here's how to clean a wet bed mattress in two easy stages.
In the middle of the night: strip the bed and get the wet bedding into the laundry (or a hamper). Blot the mattress with a towel, pressing rather than rubbing, then lay a dry towel over the damp spot and remake the bed.
The next morning:
- Treat the area with a mild cleaner, then rinse by blotting with a damp cloth
- Once it's nearly dry, sprinkle over baking soda to help with odor, then vacuum it off
- Let it air dry completely before making the bed again
Check your mattress manufacturer's care instructions first, and avoid soaking it.
Here's the thing, though: the easiest mattress to clean is the one that never got wet. HushDry™ 2-in-1 Waterproof Bedding is a buttery-soft bamboo fitted sheet with a whisper-quiet waterproof layer built in, so the sheet goes in the wash and the mattress stays dry.
How Long Does a Wet Mattress Take to Dry?
It depends on how wet it got, the mattress type and the airflow, and it can take many hours. Open a window or run a fan, and keep spare sheets (and pajamas) ready to go. With a waterproof sheet, there's no mattress to dry, just a sheet to wash.
FAQs About Bedwetting
Is bedwetting a sign of bad behavior?
No. Children don't wet the bed on purpose or for attention, and it isn't caused by poor potty training. It usually comes down to deep sleep, making more pee at night or a bladder that's still maturing. Calm and kind is the way to go.
When should I stop putting my child in nighttime diapers?
When wet nights are becoming less frequent, or as part of a plan with your pediatrician. Diapers and pull-ups can make it harder for kids to get up and go, so many families stop using them at home and save them for sleepovers. A waterproof sheet takes the pressure off while they practice.
How can I help my child with bedwetting at a sleepover or camp?
Plan ahead. Talk to your pediatrician well before the trip about short-term options, like medicine for camp. Pack spare pajamas and a discreet bag for wet clothes, consider disposable underwear under pajama shorts, and let a trusted adult know.
Should I wake my child at night to use the bathroom?
US health experts advise against making a habit of waking your child to pee, as it isn't thought to help them stay dry. A bathroom trip right before bed and easy access to the bathroom at night, like a nightlight in the hallway, are more useful.
Key Takeaway
Bedwetting is common, it's not your child's fault, and most kids outgrow it. Stay calm, try a few simple habits, and talk to your pediatrician whenever it's worrying you or your child. In the meantime, a waterproof sheet makes those 2am changes quicker for everyone.
For more sleep tips for every stage, visit our baby sleep blog.
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