Some parents are concerned if their child wets the bed past the age of 6. Some are embarrassed, some frustrated, and many wonder silently, “Is my child different?” Fortunately, bedwetting is more common than people realize. In most cases, it’s not a significant medical issue.
But, in some cases, bedwetting could be a sign of bigger health issues that need medical checks. Knowing the difference can help parents deal with patience rather than panic.
What is Bedwetting?
Bedwetting is when a child urinates while sleeping without realizing. In simple terms, it’s when a child is not able to control their bladder at night. The doctors term it as “nighttime wetting.”
Daytime bladder control is most often the first thing children learn. Nighttime control may be more time-consuming. For some children, bedwetting goes away by the time they are four or five years old; for others, it lasts for several years longer.
In fact, it is not uncommon for children to wet the bed occasionally, even after they are 6 years old.
Is Bedwetting Normal After 6?
Yes, for many kids it can be normal. Some kids just take longer to be potty-trained than others. This delay is not due to laziness, stubbornness, or inadequate training. They may still be learning to:
- Emptying the bladder during the night.
- Get up when the bladder is full.
- Have fewer urges to go to the bathroom while sleeping.
Many children grow out of bedwetting by themselves.
Your child may wet the bed occasionally. If they are healthy, active, and comfortable in the day, there may be no real health problem.
Causes of Bedwetting after 6
There are no specific causes. Many times, it is a combination of a few different factors.
1. Deep Sleep
Some kids get so sleepy that they don’t wake up if they have the urge to pee. Their brain is incapable of reacting to the signal in time.
2. Small Bladder Capacity
A child’s bladder may not develop until they are older, and they may not be able to hold urine all night.
3. Family History
Bedwetting may also be due to a family history. When either of the parents wet the bed as children, their child is more likely to wet the bed.
4. Hormone Levels
A hormone in our body is normally produced at night that decreases urine production while sleeping. For some children, this hormone production may be below normal.
5. Stress or Emotional Changes:
Sometimes bedwetting can be caused by a major life change, for example:
- Starting a new school
- Moving homes
- Family conflict
- A child’s arrival in the family.
- Anxiety or fear
This is not to say that the child is “doing it on purpose.” Stress can impact on sleep and bladder control.
When Does Bedwetting Become a Urological Problem?
While most of the time bedwetting is not a problem, there are times when it is associated with a medical condition of the urinary system. There are some warning signs that parents should watch for and consult a pediatric surgeon in Mumbai.
Symptoms that require pediatric medical care include:
- Dysuria or pyuria (pus in the urine)
This might indicate a UTI.
- Frequent Daytime Accidents
If a child also urinates throughout the day, it could mean that there is a problem with bladder control.
- Very Frequent Urination
Frequent urination could be a sign of bladder irritation or another problem. In such a case, seek bedwetting treatment.
- Sudden Bedwetting After Being Dry for Months
If a child has been dry at night for a long period of time and then begins to wet suddenly, it needs evaluation.
- Constipation
A full bowel can compress the bladder and have an impact on bladder control.
- Loud Snoring or Breathing Problems During Sleep
Sometimes sleep problems can be a factor in bedwetting.
- Excessive Thirst
If the child drinks excessive water, it can indicate health issues and should be checked.
- Weak Urine Flow
If the child has trouble passing urine or if the stream is weak, it may indicate a urinary problem.
If these symptoms occur, a pediatrician or urologist might suggest tests to assess bladder health, urine infection, or other conditions.
What Parents Should NOT DO
Parents may be emotionally responsive, feeling helpless and tired. However, some things can exacerbate the problem.
Avoid:
- Punishing the child
- Shaming or teasing
- Comparing them to siblings
- Calling them lazy
- Receiving a clean sheet as punishment
Most often, bedwetting is not a choice of the child. Negative responses can hurt confidence and raise stress, potentially exacerbating the problem.
What Can Help?
With time, simple habits can help minimize bedwetting.
Promote use of the bathroom before going to bed at night
Have the child empty the bladder just before bedtime.
Reduce Drinks Late at Night
Do not have large amounts of water, juice, or soft drinks near bedtime. However, avoid restricting fluids during the day.
Avoid Caffeine
Coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages like cola may irritate the bladder.
Keep a Calm Routine
A soothing bedtime routine can enhance sleep habits.
Waterproof Mattress Covers
This helps to decrease stress for parents and children.
Gently celebrate Dry Nights!
It’s better to encourage than to pressure.
Do Bed Wetting Alarms Work?
Yes, some children can benefit from them.
These alarms are moisture sensors that notify the child when wetting starts. As the child grows, they might become able to hear the bladder signals earlier.
But patience and consistency are needed to make alarms work. It may take several weeks or months.
The Bottom Line
After the age of 6, it is common for children to continue wetting the bed. Some children just need more time to develop nighttime bladder control.
If it is very heavy, sudden, painful, or if it occurs along with daytime symptoms, however, it could indicate a urological or medical problem and should be investigated by a physician.
Patience is the primary thing that parents can give their children. Children do not wet the bed to get in trouble. Most children can successfully stop wetting the bed with understanding, reassurance, and guidance.