Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Wetting the bed

Also called: Bedwetting, enuresis

Bedwetting is common in children and usually outgrown. It's not the child's fault. New bedwetting after being dry should be checked.

Common causesNormal development, deep sleep
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifNew bedwetting, or with pain or thirst
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Many children wet the bed until age 7.

It often runs in families.

When to get medical care

Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayBurning, fever, or extreme thirst.
See a doctor soonNew bedwetting after being dry for months.

Causes

Causes include development, constipation, UTI, and diabetes.

OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause wetting the bed. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • BedwettingOften treated at home

    Peeing during sleep in a child who's old enough to stay dry.

What you can do at home

  • Limit drinks before bed.
  • Don't punish.

Medicines

Bedwetting alarms or medicine.

At the doctor

The provider will check.

Questions you may be asked

  • Pattern

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

  • Urine test

Prevention

Support helps.

  • Pee before bed

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.