Breaking The Stigma: Let’s Talk About Childhood Incontinence
Understanding incontinence in children means knowing what causes it, when to worry, and how to help. Whether your child wets the bed, struggles during the day, or has started having accidents after a dry spell, this article will explain what’s normal and when to seek support from your healthcare professional.
Key Points:
● Most children gain full bladder control between ages 3 and 6
● Child incontinence can be daytime, nighttime, or both
● Wetting isn’t usually a child’s fault—underlying causes are common
● Good drinking habits and bladder training often help
● There are simple home strategies and medical treatments that work
What Is Urinary Incontinence (Enuresis)?
Urinary incontinence can affect people of any age; in children, this means that they leak urine more often than usual, to the point where the child cannot naturally stop it. Whilst it is common for your child to urinate frequently, this should begin to ease after the age of three when they begin to regulate toileting movements.
However, if this continues further, persistent wetting is known as enuresis, which can happen while they are awake or asleep, and is one of the most common concerns linked to childhood incontinence.
There is also a strong correlation to bed wetting in adults, and how adults of any age can also experience nocturnal enuresis, which usually occurs at night, and could be affected by childhood incontinence.
Have you noticed that your child leaks more when laughing? This could also be tied to giggle incontinence, a lesser-known but still treatable condition that affects some children during a humorous occasion.
When Does Enuresis Become a Concern?
Bladder control can develop at different speeds. Many young girls will be able to maintain control of their bladders by the age of five, whereas young boys by the age of six.
Speak to a healthcare professional if accidents continue past these ages or a once-dry child starts wetting again.
Are Boys or Girls More Prone To Enuresis?
Night-time accidents affect boys almost twice as often, especially when there’s a family history.
Daytime leaks appear slightly more in girls, often tied to an overactive bladder or postponing toilet trips.
Types of Enuresis
● Diurnal: wetting during waking hours
● Nocturnal: bedwetting after sleep begins
● Primary: the child has never stayed dry for six straight months
● Secondary: dryness was achieved but wetting returned
What Causes Enuresis?
Every case of child incontinence is uniquely different, yet common triggers traditionally include:
● Slow bladder growth or a small bladder
● Deep sleep that masks the “full” signal
● Constipation pressing on the bladder
● Urinary tract infection or unmanaged diabetes
● Stress, anxiety, or attention-related conditions
● Low night-time antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels
● Caffeine or fizzy drinks close to bedtime
Read more about how anxiety affects your bladder and bowel to better understand the link between emotions and accidents
How Much Should Children Drink?
Good hydration supports learning and bladder health, making it a way to cut the risk of childhood incontinence.
Most children typically need six to eight water-based drinks daily on average. Glass size should grow with the child: about 200 ml for a seven-year-old and 250 ml for an eleven-year-old.
Use the table below to navigate how much your child should drink per day, based on their age:
|
Age |
Daily Drinks |
| 1-3yrs | ~1 litre |
| 4-8yrs | 1-1.4 litres |
| 9-13yrs | 1.2-2.3 litres |
| 14-18yrs | 1.4-3.2 litres |
Partaking in sports activities, hot weather or higher body weight can also increase the need to consume fluids. If plain water is unpopular, offer well-diluted squash or milk. Relying on thirst alone is unreliable; ensure and encourage regular sips to be maintained throughout the day. You could also track what your child eats and drinks by using a bladder diary, where you can present this to their healthcare professional should matters worsen.
For further guidance, use this hydration guidance poster for children.
How Is Childhood Incontinence Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional will ask about family history, daytime toilet habits, fluid intake and stress.
A physical examination plus urine or blood tests rule out infection, diabetes or kidney problems.
Tracking accidents on a chart can reveal patterns and guide treatment. Curious about how many times a day you should wee?
Treatment That Works For Childhood Incontinence
A recent 2023 study using data from 611 children treated with a bedwetting alarm and mobile tracking app showed that over 50% of children achieved full dryness within eight weeks of consistent use, confirming alarm therapy’s long-standing effectiveness. Notably, researchers used artificial intelligence to predict successful treatment outcomes as early as week three, helping families and healthcare professionals decide whether to continue, stop, or adjust treatment sooner—saving time and reducing stress for children living with childhood incontinence (Jönsson et al., 2023)
In most cases incontinence in children fades on its own, but practical steps can help to speed up the process:
● Reduce sugary or caffeinated drinks after school
● Schedule toilet breaks every two to three hours
● Wake the child once for a bathroom visit before you go to bed
● Treat constipation promptly
● Consider a moisture alarm or bladder-calming medicine if advised by a specialist
● Provide extra protection using discreet incontinence products
Shop for incontinence bed sheets to help your child to stay comfortable at night
Remember: no one is to blame for childhood incontinence. Patience, reassurance and consistent routines usually move things forward. If accidents continue past age seven—or suddenly return—ask for medical advice.
In summary, childhood incontinence is more common than many parents realise—and it’s rarely something a child can control on their own. With the right mix of support, routine, and sometimes medical advice, most children grow out of it in time. From understanding the different types of child incontinence to encouraging good drinking habits and trying simple treatments, there’s plenty parents can do. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You’re not alone in this journey.
FAQs
Can a child's UTI go away on its own?
Mild urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children may improve on their own, but it's not recommended to wait. Untreated UTIs can lead to more serious infections or kidney problems. Always see a healthcare professional if you suspect a UTI.
Why would young girls get a UTI?
Girls are more likely to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Wiping from back to front, holding in urine, or poor hygiene can increase the risk.
Sources
British Nutrition Foundation (2021) ‘Healthy Hydration poster: children aged 5–11’. Available at: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/media/kwpd0g3o/15419-bnf-hydration-posters_children-aged-5-11-
Jönsson, K.-A., Andersson, E., Nevéus, T. et al. (2023) ‘Improving the efficacy of enuresis alarm
treatment through early prediction of treatment outcome: a machine-learning approach’, Frontiers in Urology, 3, Article 1296349. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fruro.2023.1296349/full
About the author
Julie Boultwood is the strategic eCommerce manager for HARTMANN Direct. With over 25 years of experience in marketing, she has developed expertise in several industries including healthcare, agriculture, and travel. View her social media here.
