Bedwetting in children - what to do?

What are the reasons for bedwetting in children?

Here are a few facts:

An estimated two out of ten five-year-olds are still not dry at night
Similarly, one in ten seven-year-olds still regularly wets the bed at night
Boys are twice as likely to wet the bed as girls

Although it is not uncommon, bedwetting at night can be stressful for a child in the long run, and no less so for parents. While the problem usually resolves on its own over time, we have nevertheless compiled some suggestions about the reasons for bedwetting in children and how you can best support your child.

Basically, one can distinguish between children who, for developmental reasons, are still not staying dry through the night at five or six years old, and those who were already dry but for various reasons suddenly start wetting the bed again. Both groups have different causes, and often more than one.

No stress: How to behave when your child wets the bed

Don't scold: Waking up in a wet bed is unpleasant for any child, especially if it happens frequently. Don't add to the pressure by scolding them. The question 'Why isn't it working?' is unlikely to be answered by your child. Better: remake the bed together and agree that maybe it will work out the next night.
Have patience: It's not unusual for a child to still need a diaper at night at four years old, even if they have long been dry during the day. So don't set your goals too high. Allow your child to become dry at their own pace and expect small setbacks.
Don't assume it's intentional: If you have to get fresh bed linen from the closet for the third night in a row, it can easily seem like a deliberate provocation. But: your child is very likely just as bothered by the bedwetting as you are.
Sleeping without a diaper: Of course a diaper is practical. But if your child is of primary school age and still not dry at night, a diaper tends to postpone the problem rather than solve it. Thin training pants often help with the transition. They can be pulled on and off like underwear and are much thinner than baby diapers.
Don't wake them to pee: Waking children at night to take them to the toilet generally has little effect on getting them dry. Instead, it can confuse them and reinforce the feeling that something is wrong.
Find possible causes: If your child suddenly starts wetting the bed again, major changes or traumatic experiences can be the cause. Try to explore such causes together and help your child process the changes, rather than criticizing the bedwetting.
See a pediatrician: If your child in primary school still frequently wets the bed at night, you should see a pediatrician to rule out possible medical causes.