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One in five 5-year-olds still wets the bed

	Most children who wet the bed become dry without any treatment. However, there are treatments available that hasten the process. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to find out what parents can do to help their child become dry.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to learn whether bedwetting alarms or medication rates best for treating this common childhood condition.

If you have a child aged 5 or older who still wets the bed, you are not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about nocturnal enuresis (the medical term for passing urine at night while asleep) and expert evidence and advice about how to treat it.

Key points for parents whose child wets the bed

• Primary nocturnal enuresis is when your child has never been dry at night. This is the most common type of bedwetting.
• Secondary nocturnal enuresis is when your child starts wetting the bed after being dry for a time.
• Most children eventually become dry at night without any treatment. But treatments can help your child stop wetting the bed sooner.
• There is good evidence showing that use of a bedwetting alarm can successfully treat bedwetting.
• The drug desmopressin can also help children become dry, but they may begin wetting the bed again once they stop the medication.

Doctors don’t know why children wet the bed. It might be related to having a small bladder, not being able to produce enough of the hormone ADH, or not being able to recognize when the bladder is full. A child experiencing emotional stress may also begin bedwetting.

Whatever the cause, be patient with your child. Do not punish your child for wetting the bed. Involve your child in the process of becoming dry. Be sure your child uses the bathroom before bedtime, and that he or she stops drinking (especially caffeinated beverages) about 2 or 3 hours before going to bed.

We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your child’s doctor to learn more about bedwetting. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for your child.