Bedwetting in children

• give your child enough water to drink during the day

• make sure your child goes to the toilet regularly, around 4 to 7 times a day, including just before bedtime

• agree with your child on rewards for positive actions, such as a sticker for every time they use the toilet before bed

• use waterproof covers on their mattress and duvet

• make sure they have easy access to a toilet at night

• do not punish your child – it is not their fault and can make bedwetting worse

• do not give your child drinks containing caffeine, such as cola, tea and coffee – this can make them pee more

• do not regularly wake or carry your child in the night to use the toilet – this will not help in the long term

• you've tried things you can do at home and your child keeps wetting the bed
• your child has started wetting the bed again after being dry for more than 6 months

If your child keeps wetting the bed, a GP will be able to suggest options such as:

• a bedwetting alarm
• medicine to reduce how much pee your child makes at night

The GP will check if treatment is helping. They'll also be able to offer support if you are finding it hard to cope.

If these treatments do not work, your child may be referred to a specialist.

There are many reasons why a child might wet the bed. Causes include:

• not feeling the need to pee while sleeping
• making too much pee at night
• stress at home or at school

Bedwetting may also be caused by an underlying health condition such as diabetes or constipation.