Should You Consult Your Pediatrician If Your Child Wets the Bed?

Should You Consult Your Pediatrician If Your Child Wets the Bed?

Last update: 16 June, 2018

In this article we’ll explain when it’s necessary to consult your pediatrician if your child wets the bed.

Your child wetting the best is part of an evolutionary process. It’s normal for children to wet the bed at night. However, there are certain cases in which pediatricians recommend observing the situation from a clinical point of view.

It can be abnormal sometimes when a child wets the bed. That’s why it’s important to observe the context in which it occurs.

Children sometimes wet themselves during the day and in social environments. However, in most cases, they wet the bed while sleeping at night.

It’s important to treat their wetting the bed as a normal occurrence. Specialist advise parents that it isn’t wise to magnify the situation.

Not all cases have to be taken to the doctor. Although in some families wetting the bed is taboo, it’s wise to help the child without exaggerating.

Parents usually worry that their child is wetting the bed due to a hidden health problem. In regards to this worry, pediatricians recommend for parents to relax.

It’s completely normal for children to wet the bed until the age of three. In some cases, a child who had previously stopped wetting the bed may start again due to stress.

When you should be worried if your child wets the bed

Should You Consult Your Pediatrician If Your Child Wets the Bed?

While your child is going through this process, it’s important for you as a parents to help them while being understanding and loving.

If you worry about the bed being wet, you can put on absorbent protectors on the child. The next step is to understand that the child is going through a normal phase. There is no cause for concern.

Parents should never reproach or reprimand their children for wetting the bed.

According to experts, most children wet the bed until they reach the age of three. Therefore, as parents we must be prepared to support them until they’re physically and psychologically prepared.

However, if the child is older than the age of three and is still wetting the bed, it may be time to consult a specialist. This doesn’t mean you should consult your doctor as soon as your child turns 3, it just means it’s time to pay more attention to the issue.

When a child wets the bed, even when they’re supposed to have developed a bit more, it may be time to consult your child’s pediatrician.

However, keep in mind that in most cases it doesn’t represent a bigger issue, it’s only a slight delay in the child’s maturation process. Pay special attention in the following cases.

  • When some aspect of the child’s behavior is modified.
  • If you suspect an infection or inflammation of the urinary tract.
  • If you have any further doubts.

Why do children wet the bed after the age of three?

Should You Consult Your Pediatrician If Your Child Wets the Bed?

When a child wets the bed after the age of three it’s termed infantile enuresis. Although it seems like a serious illness, it’s actually defined as the appearance of incontinence due to organic immaturity.

In most cases, infantile enuresis occurs when children are going through difficult emotional situations. It can occur for example when the child is suffering from anxiety or stress.

Sometimes infantile enuresis occurs after bullying, the loss of a family member, parental separation or the arrival of a new sibling.

The child may start to wet the bed when confronted with new emotions or changes in their life. In the same way, their inability to manage their emotions prevents them from reaching a level of maturity to stop wetting the bed.

In conclusion, wetting the bed is a temporary issue. Among its solutions are preparing protection for the child’s clothes and bed as well as emotional support.

It’s important for them to feel protected and loved. They should feel capable of overcoming their insecurities.

Don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician to rule out other disorders. In some cases, the child may require psychological support.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.