Bedwetting or Wetting of Clothes During the Day – A Common Yet Treatable Concern
By Dr. Punit Chhajed – Consultant, Paediatric Nephrology, Pune
As a parent, it can be distressing to see your child wetting the bed at night or wetting their clothes during the day. While it might seem like a behavioral issue or laziness at first glance, it’s important to know that bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) or daytime wetting (diurnal enuresis / incontinence) is more common than you think—and most importantly, it’s treatable.
At our clinic in Pune, Dr. Punit Chhajed, a trusted and experienced Paediatric Nephrologist, offers expert evaluation and compassionate care for children facing these issues. Let’s understand the condition better and explore how we can help your child overcome it with confidence and comfort.
What is Bedwetting and Daytime Wetting?
Bedwetting is when a child who is old enough to control their bladder urinates while asleep. This usually happens in children above 5 years of age. Some children may also have accidents during the day, which can lead to wet clothes at school, home, or play.
These situations may make the child feel embarrassed, anxious, ashamed or even be bullied among peers. These can have a lasting impact on their confidence & self-esteem. As parents, it’s important to understand that this is not their fault and there are many possible reasons behind it—both physical and psychological.
Is it Normal? When Should You Worry?
Many children go through a phase of bedwetting or occasional accidents, especially during toilet training. However, if your child continues to wet the bed regularly after age 5 or has repeated accidents during the day, it’s a good idea to consult a specialist like a Paediatric Nephrologist.
Our Service
Here’s when to seek medical help:
- Bedwetting continues regularly after age 5
- Daytime wetting in a child older than 4 years
- Sudden onset of wetting after being dry for months
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Unusual thirst, tiredness, or changes in urine color or smell
- Constipation along with wetting
- Family stress or behavior changes in the child
- Repeated urine infections
What Causes Bedwetting or Daytime Accidents?
There is no one-size-fits-all cause, but here are some of the most common reasons:
1. Delayed Bladder Maturity
Some children’s bladders take longer to develop full control. This is a normal variation, not a disease.
2. Genetics
Bedwetting often runs in families. If one or both parents had it as kids, chances are higher the child may too.
3. Deep Sleep
Some kids sleep so deeply that they don’t wake up when their bladder is full.
4. Small Bladder Capacity or Overactive bladder
If the bladder can’t hold much urine, it may cause frequent accidents.
5. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
This can cause sudden urges to urinate, pain, or daytime accidents.
6. Constipation
A full bowel can press against the bladder and reduce its capacity.
7. Stress or Emotional Factors
Moving to a new school, arrival of a sibling, or family stress can trigger wetting episodes.
8. Underlying Medical Conditions
Rarely, problems in the urinary tract, diabetes, or neurological issues can be a cause. A thorough medical examination is needed to rule these out.
9.Excess production of urine
Some children have increased secretion of Anti diuretic hormone, especially at night which could lead to increased volume of urine produced overnight overwhelming the capacity of the urinary bladder.
How is It Diagnosed?
At Dr. Punit Chhajed’s clinic in Pune, the process starts with a detailed discussion with the child and parents. We understand the emotional toll it takes, and our goal is to make both the child and parents feel supported.
Evaluation may include:
- Detailed history of symptoms, patterns, and triggers
- Urine tests to check for infections or sugar
- Ultrasound of kidneys and bladder
- Bladder diary (keeping track of when and how often your child pees)
In most cases, these basic evaluations are enough. If needed, advanced tests may be done to check bladder function or rule out other causes.
How is It Treated?
The good news is that most children outgrow bedwetting or daytime wetting with the right guidance, reassurance, and sometimes medical support.
Treatment may include:
✅ Lifestyle Changes (Urotherapy)
Encourage regular bathroom breaks
Avoid drinks 1-2 hours before bedtime
Ensure the child empties bladder before sleeping
Encourage a healthy diet with fiber to prevent constipation
✅ Positive Reinforcement
Praise dry nights and avoid punishment for wet ones
Use reward charts for motivation
✅ Bladder Training
Help the child increase the time between bathroom visits gradually
Teach techniques to strengthen bladder control
✅ Medication (If Needed)
In certain cases, medications may be given to reduce urine production at night or improve bladder function.
✅ Alarm Therapy
Bedwetting alarms can train the child to wake up when they begin to urinate. These are safe and effective but require patience and consistency.
Emotional Support for the Child
This issue can be frustrating for both child and parents. Children may feel they are “failing” or be teased by siblings or friends. At our clinic, Dr. Punit Chhajed and his team take a gentle, child-friendly approach to make children feel safe and empowered.
We always encourage open conversations where children feel heard and supported. Remember, “your child is not doing this on purpose”, and with your support, they can overcome it.
Why Choose Dr. Punit Chhajed in Pune?
Dr. Punit Chhajed is a highly qualified Paediatric Nephrologist with extensive experience in managing childhood urinary problems. His caring, calm, and scientific approach ensures your child receives accurate diagnosis, customized treatment, and long-term support.
He works closely with parents to:
Identify root causes
Minimize stress on the child
Monitor progress gently
Achieve results without shame or fear
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
Whether it’s occasional accidents or long-standing bedwetting, know that you’re not alone. Many families go through this, and with professional support, most children make a full recovery.
Don’t let embarrassment or worry stop you from seeking help. At our clinic in Pune, Dr. Punit Chhajed offers a warm, confidential, and effective approach to guide your child back to confidence—and dryness.
Dr. Punit Chhajed
If your child is struggling with bedwetting or daytime wetting, reach out to us for a comprehensive assessment. Let’s work together to bring your child comfort, confidence, and restful sleep.
