Bedwetting and the Back to School Transition

If your child is experiencing bedwetting during the back to school transition, you’re not alone. Changes in routine can sometimes lead to setbacks, even after months of dry nights. With a bit of patience and gentle support, things usually settle back to normal quickly.

Starting school again can disrupt everything, from sleep schedules to stress levels and even bathroom routines. One UK survey found that half of parents report a spike in bedwetting within the first week of term. This may be due to nerves, tiredness, shifting sleep patterns, or changes in routine.

Let’s look at some common triggers that might explain why your child’s bedwetting has returned with the start of term:

1. Avoiding school toilets

It’s common for kids to avoid school toilets if they feel anxious or uncomfortable. A YouGov poll found that nearly half of UK parents say their children worry about using school toilets, often due to hygiene or lack of privacy – something that could contribute to a rise in bedwetting.

2. Sleep patterns and deep sleep

Deep sleepers may miss the signal to wake up when they need to use the toilet. Add in tiredness from early mornings, and accidents can become more likely.

3. Stress or life changes

Stressful events like starting a new school, adjusting to routines, or social anxieties may cause bedwetting. Other life changes, such as a new sibling, moving home, or sleeping in a new environment, can also trigger it.

Research shows that children who experience bedwetting are significantly more likely to have anxiety issues. According to the Sleep Foundation, children who struggle with bedwetting are more likely to experience panic attacks, school phobia, social anxiety, and separation anxiety.

4. Constipation and overactive bladder

If your little one is constipated, this may compress their bladder, causing bedwetting. Some children may have an overactive or small-capacity bladder, which can also contribute to bedtime accidents.

5. Food and drink consumption

Drinking too much or too close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of needing the toilet at night. Caffeine, citrus juices, fizzy drinks, and food high in salt or sugar can also irritate the bladder and increase the chance of bedwetting. The NHS advises not to give your child drinks containing caffeine, such as cola, tea and coffee, as these are diuretics, which means that they cause the body to produce more urine.

Why not try a healthy snack from our list of foods that help you sleep?

6. Medical factors

In some cases, bedwetting may be the cause of physical conditions like:

• ADH (antidiuretic hormone) imbalance – During childhood, some kids don’t produce enough antidiuretic hormone, which slows down how much urine is made during the night.
• Urinary tract infection – Having a UTI can make it hard for your child to control the passage of urine, causing bedwetting and daytime accidents.
• Sleep apnea – Sometimes, bedwetting can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition in which a child’s breathing is interrupted during sleep.
• Diabetes – Random bedwetting may be a sign of diabetes when seen with symptoms like weight loss and extreme tiredness.

Consult your GP if accidents continue beyond age seven or if daytime wetting, pain, frequency, or mood changes arise.

Here are some tried and tested methods for how to help your child stop wetting the bed. These won’t work for everyone, and that’s okay. Only you know what’s best for you and your children. Refer to this list whenever you need some bedwetting guidance:

1. Encourage a regular bathroom routine

Remind your little one to go to the bathroom every 2-3 hours, especially twice before bed, once an hour before sleep, and again just before bedtime. This can help establish a routine for using the bathroom. Ensure they have easy access to the toilet during the night and provide nightlights to make this easier.

If your child is bedwetting because they don’t use the school toilets, find out what they don’t like about them. You could also inform their teachers to ensure your child can use the toilet as needed.

2. Address constipation

If your child is constipated, make sure to speak to a healthcare professional. They may advise treating it with hydration and fibre, as this may relieve pressure on the bladder and reduce accidents during the night.

3. Limit evening drinks

Limit fluids 1–2 hours before bed and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks. If your little one is thirsty, why not give them one of the best drinks to help them sleep? Just make sure not to provide them with too much; this way, you can help your child sleep soundly without any accidents.

4. Consider a bedwetting alarm

These are alarms with moisture sensors that can teach your child to wake up before wetting the bed. Consistent use can lead to improvements and help your child stop bedwetting altogether.

5. Provide emotional support

Ensure that no joking or teasing with siblings or family members occurs. Negativity, shame, and punishment can all worsen accidents and self-esteem issues. Reassure your child often. It’s not their fault, and it will pass.

Your child will need plenty of reassurance from you, too. Here are some tips for parents to stay supportive when bedwetting reoccurs:

• Always be supportive of your child, no blaming or punishing.
• Use a nightlight so your child can reach the toilet safely at night.
• Share a chart or sticker system if it motivates them, but avoid pressure.
• Whenever bedwetting happens, praise your child for trying to stay dry to empower their progress.
• Have a waterproof mattress protector and keep fresh bedding around; accidents happen after all.

A water-repellent mattress can help with cleaning up after bedwetting. If your child does wet the bed, we recommend cleaning any spills as quickly as possible with warm, soapy water and a cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and vacuuming if your mattress care label advises against it.

If you think it’s time for a new mattress, we have many waterproof and supportive kids’ mattresses to replace your old one.

Yes, while bedwetting is common in younger children, most of them will grow out of it by the age of 7. The majority of cases aren’t due to health issues, and with patience, routine and emotional support, your little one will regain confidence and dry nights.