Bedwetting Problems? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Enuresis in Children

Perhaps you have woken up one morning to your child saying sorry for wetting their bed and pyjamas? If this is the first time it has happened and you’re worried for him or her, be comforted to know that they may grow out of it and that there is help available.  

First and foremost, it’s good to educate yourself about enuresis in children; the causes and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. You can discover more on enuresis, causes and treatments here. 

What is Enuresis?

Enuresis is the loss of bladder control in younger children and teenagers. At age 3, night-time bedwetting is considered normal. As they get older, 90% of children are expected to gain control of their bladder fully.ⁱ However, if bedwetting or daytime accidents continue after your child reached 5 or 7 years old, it’s advisable to seek the help of a paediatrician. 

Here are some facts about enuresis: 

• In the UK, more than 500,000 children between ages 5 and 16 wet their bed regularly.ⁱⁱ  
• Bladder weakness is more common in boys than girls at 60% and 40% respectively.ⁱⁱⁱ 
• Nocturnal enuresis, also known as bedwetting, is very common in children and young adults. It affects 15% of 5-year-olds, 5% of 10-year-olds, 2% of 15-year-olds, and 1% of young adults.^iv 

• Bedwetting affects a child’s school and social performance, emotional well-being, and day time functioning.^v 

Daily Struggles of Children with Enuresis 

It is normal for children with bladder weakness to feel embarrassed and try to think of ways to cope with it on their own. Some might prefer to say that they are just sweating a lot during the night, and it’s very common to hide soaked-through undergarments from their parents. It’s also a sad fact that some children isolate themselves for fear of getting embarrassed publicly. 

Other symptoms you must watch out for are as follows ^vi: 

• Having difficulty in delaying their urge to urinate. 
• Sudden change in behaviour (e.g., embarrassed for seemingly no reason or no longer wants to go out and play) 

• Bedwetting and/or daytime accidents twice a week for three consecutive months. 

If your child has shown any of these symptoms, don’t delay looking for treatment and advice with paediatricians. It is best to start treatment immediately to help your child and to reduce accidents, embarrassment and prevent possible complications. 

What Causes Enuresis? 

Many factors may contribute to the development of enuresis. These include small bladder, constipation, UTI, severe anxiety or stress, developmental delays, and family history.^vii 

Based on research, there is no link between early or later onset of bladder weakness and learning disability in school. However, children with specific types of developmental disabilities are likely to suffer from this condition.^viii 

For example, when a child has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they may struggle with performing an executive function, such as planning and following through their actions.  Because their processing signals don’t work as quickly as is needed to hold their bladder for a few minutes, they can often experience accidents. 

Aside from poor executive function, behavioural factors like depression, anxiety, or stress can also trigger bladder control issues. But don’t despair it is treatable. When it is addressed, your child will have improved self-confidence and independence. They’ll also be able to go out on play dates worry-free. 

What can You do to Help Your Child? 

Children mature at their own time. Therefore, learning how to control their bladder will vary from child to child. As a parent, your role is to make them understand that they can learn bladder control and motivate them to do so until they recover. Other coping strategies are for instance potty training or below, that you can do for now include:^ix 

• Encourage your child to urinate 4 to 7 times a day. 
• Avoid dairy, sweets, and salty foods at dinnertime. 
• Do not give your child food three hours before bedtime. 
• Prepare foods that are healthy for the bladder. 

• Keep a bladder diary to record every accident. This will help your paediatrician understand any significant pattern and diagnose and treat enuresis. 

Manage Accidents with iD Comfy Junior 

While it’s true that enuresis is treatable, bladder training can take two to three months to be successful.^x During this period, there may be inevitable accidents that can cause distress to your child. Manage these issues with our iD Comfy Junior pants! 

Specially designed for your child’s bladder control needs, our products fit like real underwear with excellent absorption capacity and leak protection. Your child will never have to feel like they are wearing a pad under their pants, providing maximum discretion and comfort all day or night.  

Whether it’s daytime or night-time wetting issues, iD Comfy Junior pants have got you covered. 

For the month of February, we contribute to charity! With every purchase of iD Comfy Junior we donate £1 to ERIC foundation. Make sure you join us!

ⁱ What is Nocturnal Enuresis (Bedwetting) 

ⁱⁱ Nocturnal Enuresis Information for Children 

ⁱⁱⁱ Bedwetting Facts 

^iv Enuresis | Symptoms and Causes 

^v World Bedwetting Day: Time to Take Action 

^vi Enuresis in Children: A Case-Based Approach 

^vii Urinary Incontinence (Enuresis) in Children 

^viii Bedwetting and ‘Accidents’: Solutions for Children 

^ix Enuresis (Nighttime Wetting) 

^x Bladder Training