Bedtime and Daytime Wetting

Some things to think about that might help with keeping your child dry during the day. 

• The most important thing to tackle wetting accidents is to get your child to have plenty to drink. Children should try to drink six to eight glasses of water-based drinks per day (one glass is approximately 250ml) – this is important even though you are worried about them not being dry. 
• Avoid fizzy drinks, blackcurrant or orange and drinks containing artificial colourings, flavours, sweeteners or caffeine, as these can irritate the bladder. 
• Could your child be constipated? It’s always best to exclude this first. See our information on constipation. 
• Does your child get so engrossed in their activities that they are then too late to go? You could try prompting your child at regular intervals to go to the toilet (ideally every 90 minutes). This can also exercise the bladder to fill and empty properly. 
• Are they rushing in and out of the toilet? Your child may need incentives to stay in the bathroom a bit longer, such as a book or a game. 
• Are they comfortable sitting on the toilet? Your child may need a child’s toilet seat and a stool or step. 

Some things to think about that might help with keeping your child dry during the night. 

• Is your child drinking enough during the day? Children should try to drink six to eight glasses of water-based drinks per day (one glass is approximately 250ml) – this is important even though you are worried about them not being dry. 
• Could your child be constipated? It’s always best to exclude this first. See our information on constipation. 
• Avoid fizzy drinks, blackcurrant or orange and drinks containing artificial colourings, flavours, sweeteners or caffeine, as these can irritate the bladder. 
• Try and make sure your child’s last drink is about an hour/an hour and half before bed. 
• Make sure they go to the toilet before bedtime – but we don’t recommend you wake them in the night and get them up to go. 
• Try to avoid going in and out of pull-ups as this can become confusing for your child. Decide what is best for you all for the moment, but help your child to understand why they are wetting the bed and the tips they can follow to get dry. 
• Waking in a wet bed can raise awareness of wetting and prompt some children to be dry. However, for others it may make no difference and make them feel even worse. 

Please also take a look at the useful links section for advice and helpful suggestions about how to manage toilet training and constipation and soiling.

We will work with you as a family to support you by discussing techniques that will work best for you and your family.  

To request support please go to the contact us page 

• Bedwetting in children (NHS)
• The children’s bowel and bladder charity (ERIC)