Daytime wetting

Understanding challenges such as daytime wetting helps families support their child’s health and wellbeing with confidence. Daytime wetting (diurnal enuresis) is when a child accidentally or unintentionally passes urine (wee) during the day. It’s common and can happen alongside bedwetting.

It’s usually linked to how the bladder is working, not poor behaviour or parenting. If your child is over 4 and regularly experiences daytime wetting, talk to a nurse continence specialist, pelvic health physiotherapist, maternal child health nurse or GP (doctor).

Why daytime wetting happens

Common causes of daytime wetting include:

• overactive bladder – the bladder sends strong signals even when not full, causing urgency and leaks
• underactive bladder – needing to pass urine (wee) less than 4 times a day can lead to leaks and infections
• delaying toilet visits – ignoring the urge to go can cause accidents
• incomplete emptying – not fully emptying the bladder may lead to wetting later
• kidney or bladder infections
• not drinking enough fluid.

Physical causes are rare, but if suspected, your doctor can refer you to a specialist.

Ways to support your child with daytime wetting

Daytime wetting is a normal part of development and not caused by attention-seeking or poor behaviour. With patience and support, children can build confidence and make progress.

Watch your child

Watch your child’s toilet habits over a few days (a bladder diary can help with this) to help health professionals understand what’s happening. Take note of:

• how often your child goes to the toilet
• if they rush when on the toilet
• what happens just before or during wetting
• how often your child passes faeces (poo) and if it is hard for them to do (constipation issues are usually managed first before bladder treatment)
• how much and what types of fluids your child drinks.

Share this information with your nurse continence specialist, pelvic health physiotherapist or GP (doctor). They may:

• ask about your child’s overall health
• check for infections
• do a physical exam
• recommend an ultrasound.

If you’re not satisfied with the advice given by your health professional, or if they suggest your child will simply grow out of it, you have the option to seek a second opinion from another qualified health professional who works with children.

Patience and partnership help

Supporting your child as they develop toileting skills takes time, patience and teamwork. Your encouragement and understanding are important to help your child feel safe and supported.

What you can do next

Use our free resources to learn about:

• Managing incontinence (toileting at home, going out etc)
• Caring for someone with incontinence
• Continence products

This content has been reviewed by sub­ject mat­ter experts in line with Continence Health Australia’s established process. Read about our clinical content review protocol.