Is Bedwetting Hereditary?

If you are the parent of a child who wets the bed, you know how frustrating, stressful, and sometimes heartbreaking it can be. There are many causes, and many things you can do to help your child through this stage.

Bedwetting is common among children between the ages of 4 years old until puberty, with about 15% of children in this age group wetting the bed. More boys tend to wet the bed than girls, and most children stop wetting the bed by the time they reach puberty.

Hereditary factors do increase the probability of bedwetting, so if one of the parents wet the bed during childhood, his or her child is more likely to wet the bed as well.

There are other reasons that a child may wet the bed, including sleep disorder, a change in routine or a stressful experience. Events that bring about insecurities, such as a new home, new school, divorce, or a new baby, often cause a child to begin wetting the bed when they've had no problem with bedwetting before.

In most cases, however, a child wets the bed because his or her bladder is developing at a slower rate than normal. In this case, a child does not have control over his or her bladder for an extended period of time. Studies have shown that this is an issue that may be hereditary, since bedwetting runs in families.

The good news is that most children do grow out of the bedwetting stage. If the bedwetting is caused by a change in routine, positive emotional support from parents will soon help the child adjust. Weak bladder muscles can be a hereditary factor and soon develop, allowing the child to hold his or her bladder throughout the night.

Until then, there are many things that you can do to help your child. First and foremost, never yell at or punish your child for wetting the bed. If your child is wetting the bed due to emotional stress, this will undoubtedly only make it worse. Instead, change your child's bedding and clothing as soon as he or she wets, and encourage him or her to go to the bathroom. It's okay to have your child help change bedding.

Two hours before bedtime, limit liquids for your child. Before bed, encourage your child to use the restroom. Wake your child during the night to empty his or her bladder. Invest in a bed alarm that sounds when your child begins to wet the bed. This may help your child become aware of when he or she is wetting the bed, and eventually they may be able to wake on their own when the urge arises. You can also utilize bedwetting protective underwear or bedwetting diapers if your child is willing.

Always be sure to praise your child when he or she wakes up dry. Provide encouragement on a daily basis and let your child know that you are not disappointed in him or her. Soon enough, the bedwetting stage will only be a memory to you both.

Sources:

"Bedwetting," American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.