Nothing throws a wrench into a busy morning like finding wet sheets on your toddler’s bed… again. Ongoing problems with nighttime potty training can be frustrating, but you can take comfort in the fact that you're definitely not alone. Bedwetting is incredibly common, and can be biologically normal even up to age seven. Most kids naturally outgrow it as their bodies develop. In the meantime, understanding what's happening can help you support your little one with patience and confidence. Nighttime accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of these completely normal parts of child development. 

6 normal reasons why bedwetting happens:

1. Growing Bodies, Growing Bladders
Your child's bladder might simply be too small to hold all the urine their body produces overnight. As their body grows, their bladder capacity will naturally increase. 

2. Deep Sleeper Alert
Some children sleep so soundly that the signal from a full bladder doesn't wake them up until their nervous system signals become more developed. If your little one could sleep through a marching band, they might just sleep through their bladder's wake-up call too.

3. Hormone Development
Some children's bodies are still learning to produce the right amount of anti-diuretic hormone (or ADH), which helps reduce urine production at night. This process can take longer for some kids than others.

4. Life Changes and Big Feelings
Starting a new school, welcoming a new sibling, and other life changes can sometimes trigger bedwetting, even in children who have been dry for months. It’s a very normal way for small bodies to respond to big stresses.

5. Sleep Apnea 
Sometimes bedwetting can be linked to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes breathing to be interrupted during sleep, and can also lead to snoring during sleep and excessive tiredness during the day. 

6. Genetic Factors
Children whose parents wet the bed as children are more likely to experience ongoing bed wetting, as well as little ones who have ADHD. 

Check in with Your Pediatrician
You should always chat with your child’s pediatrician if you have concerns. Bedwetting is usually just part of growing up, but here are some reasons you might start a conversation with your child’s doctor: 

-Your child is over the age of seven and still regularly wetting the bed
-Bedwetting starts happening again after months of dry nights
-You notice other symptoms like pain during urination, excessive thirst, or changes in stool patterns

Supporting Your Little One
Try to remember that bedwetting can be just as frustrating for your child as it is for you. Chances are, they're not being lazy or defiant. Their body is just still learning. Keep your focus on comfort and reassurance instead of shame or embarrassment.

Thankfully, most children naturally outgrow bedwetting. Until then, waterproof mattress protectors, a few extra sets of sheets, and lots of patience can help everyone get through this phase.

The good news is, it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll be sending your child off to college with diapers. This too shall pass, and with your support, they'll get through it feeling loved and confident.