At what age is bed wetting a concern?

I am wondering this as I am getting ready to make my son's bed after an accident lat night. He is seven and a half and still occasionally wets the bed. It is pretty random as to when he does it (although it seems to be frequently the day after I have changed his sheets...lol ) . He can go weeks between having an accident. Sometimes he will do it a few days in a row. Othertimes it will just be one night and then we will go a long stretch again without any problems. I tend to think it might have to do with how tired he is. At his age would this concern you?

 

Is he a deep sleeper? Since it isn't consistent I don't think you should worry. Just keep his mattress covered. One of my kids (won't say who, cause he/she would kill me if he/she ever read this) had occasional accidents until around 12. But he/she is a VERY deep sleeper and is VERY hard to wake up. Also, some kids who have a history of sleep walking also have a history of bed wetting.

 

Holly is still in overnight pullups every night. I couldn't manage having to change her bed EVERY night. Her doctor is fine with it and has said its perfectly normal. I wouldn't worry about an occasional night of wetness, if it is a string of several days together, and there are any other symptoms, I'd put in a call to the doctor. In fact I just did, Holly has had accidents each of the past 4 days, during the DAY, and today had two one at school and one just as she was trying to get in the door afterschool. She has a UTI. Poor baby. Sorry off topic.

Covering the bed with a plastic sheet/cover is a good idea. Keep track of how often its happening, and note any trends, like he had a large drink or a certain food right before bedtime. Anything that might show something that could be avoided to help avoid a wet bed. I know he sounds a bit young, but is he actually peeing? Could it be the early onset of puberty?

 

My oldest ds was a bed wetter until he was 13. At around 7 yrs old we went in to talk to his Dr about it and she explained that its a chemical imbalance and that he would most likely wet to bed until after puberty. She was right. She DID give him a prescription to NOT wet to bed .. but it was for special occasions only .. like sleep overs or vacations.
I truly hope this isnt your ds case .. but if it is .. just let him know he isnt the only kid going through this ..

 

Thanks of the responses. I do have a plastic cover on his bed. All the kids beds have them. (It's not just good for bed wetting, but for when they throw-up in bed as well.) I think I'll just let it be for now. I meant to ask at his seven year well check-up but forgot. I try not to make a big deal about it. I usually don't say anything to him. I know he is a little self concious of it. We don't do many sleep overs and even then it is only with grandparents so there are not issues with friends.

Thanks!

 

it's considered in the range of "normal" until at least 8 yrs old.
If it's very occasional, I wouldn't worry yet.

There's a recent similar thread, it may give more insight.

 

I think it's pretty normal. My son is also 7.5 and still in Good-nights every night. He is a VERY deep sleeper. It's so weird. If I help him out of bed to pee before I go to sleep he is SO disoriented. My other kids could still sleep lightly, follow my instructions to use the bathroom, and go back to bed with no problem. This son, though, just can't. I have to do everything for him if I help him use the restroom late at night.

From my research, it sounds like until 8, occasional accidents are still common. I am hoping it doesn't go on forever! It mostly bothers him that his 5 year old brothers are consistently dry and never need pull-ups. I know he hates them but he wakes up wet frequently.

One thing we've done that has seemed to help is make sure he is peeing enough during the day. If he goes every 2 hours, we are much less likely to have wet sheets in the morning. It sounds simple, but on days where we're busy and I'm not reminding him to go, he almost always pees the bed!

 

QUOTE(allgood2000 @ Sep 30 2008, 05:38 PM) [snapback]1005622[/snapback]
I think it's pretty normal. My son is also 7.5 and still in Good-nights every night. He is a VERY deep sleeper. It's so weird. If I help him out of bed to pee before I go to sleep he is SO disoriented. My other kids could still sleep lightly, follow my instructions to use the bathroom, and go back to bed with no problem. This son, though, just can't. I have to do everything for him if I help him use the restroom late at night.
Yes, this is how it is for us. Hard to wake up, disoriented and he/she seems angry at being disturbed.