If your child stopped wetting the bed but suddenly starts waking up wet again, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

This is called bedwetting regression (or secondary nocturnal enuresis), and it’s when a child who’s been dry at night for at least six months starts wetting the bed again.

It can definitely be tough on both you and your child, but it’s actually pretty common—it happens to about a quarter of kids according to the National Kidney Foundation.

So, what’s causing it, and how can you help your child through it? Let’s chat about it!

What causes bedwetting regression?

Bedwetting, also known as primary nocturnal enuresis, is a normal part of growing up and can happen for lots of reasons. 

But when bedwetting comes back after a dry spell (called bedwetting regression or secondary nocturnal enuresis), it’s often linked to emotional or psychological stress [1].

Some examples of life events that could trigger it include:

• A new sibling joining the family
• Parents separating or divorcing
• Starting a new school or moving schools
• Losing a loved one

Kids with health conditions that affect their mental, behavioural, or cognitive development—like ADHD, anxiety, or autism spectrum disorder—might be more likely to experience bedwetting regression [2]. If this sounds familiar, it’s a good idea to bring it up with your child’s doctor or therapist.

Sometimes, bedwetting can come back due to medical reasons like a urinary tract infection, an anatomical issue, or even diabetes (though that’s less common) [3]. But in some cases, there’s no clear psychological or medical reason—it just happens.

If you’re unsure what’s behind your child’s bedwetting, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.

How to help your child overcome bedwetting regression

Dealing with bedwetting regression can be tough for both you and your child, but there are plenty of ways to support and encourage them as they work toward dry nights again.

Get Medical Advice

If bedwetting starts again, it’s a good idea to take your child to the doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions, like the ones we mentioned earlier.

Make sure to see a doctor right away if bedwetting comes with:

• Changes in toileting habits (like how often or how much they’re going)
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Pain when peeing or pooping
• Daytime accidents
• Constipation
  

If there’s a medical cause, treating it will often help resolve the bedwetting. Your doctor might also suggest tests, refer you to a specialist, or prescribe medication if needed.

Talk it Out

Encourage your child to talk about anything that might be bothering them. Stressful events are often linked to bedwetting, so let them know you’re there to listen and support them.

If your child seems especially upset or anxious, it’s worth mentioning this to their doctor. They can provide extra support to help your child through this tough time.

Create a Safe & Supportive Environment

It’s easy to feel frustrated with late-night clean-ups, but try to stay calm and patient. Remember, your child isn’t wetting the bed on purpose, and they’re likely feeling embarrassed or upset about it too.

Punishing or blaming them can actually make things worse, increasing their stress and possibly leading to more accidents [4]. It can even impact their mental health over time.

Instead, focus on comfort and reassurance. After an accident, help them get cleaned up without making it a big deal, and let them know it’s not their fault. On dry nights, celebrate their progress with praise and encouragement.

Being supportive and comforting can make a huge difference in boosting their self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

Protect Bedding & Clothing

Protecting your child’s mattress, pillows, and quilt can save a lot of hassle. Waterproof bedding can keep everything clean and odour-free while making laundry easier.

If you prefer, disposable mattress protectors are a quick and convenient option—just throw them out after each use.

Using absorbent incontinence pants, like our Nundies Youth Pants, can also make life easier. They fit just like regular underwear, are easy for kids to pull on and off, and feature 3-channel absorbency superpowers that keep your child dry for up to 12 hours - perfect for bedtime!

We hope this article has given you some helpful tips on why bedwetting regression happens and how to support your child through it. Remember, every child is different, and this advice is general. Be sure to check in with your child’s doctor if you notice any changes in their health or habits.