Behavior & Social

Bedwetting (Enuresis) in Toddlers

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Nighttime bedwetting is extremely common and developmentally normal for toddlers and young children. Nighttime bladder control is one of the last developmental milestones and depends on brain-bladder signaling that matures at different rates for every child. Most children achieve consistent nighttime dryness between ages 3 and 5, and some not until age 7 or later. Bedwetting is not a behavioral problem and is not caused by laziness or deep sleep alone.

Key takeaways

  • Nighttime bedwetting is extremely common and developmentally normal for toddlers and young children. Nighttime bladder control is one of the last developmental milestones and depends on brain-bladder signaling that matures at different rates for every child. Most children achieve consistent nighttime dryness between ages 3 and 5, and some not until age 7 or later. Bedwetting is not a behavioral problem and is not caused by laziness or deep sleep alone.
  • Usually normal when: A toddler who is daytime potty trained but still wets at night
  • Call your doctor if: Your child has new bedwetting along with excessive thirst, increased urination during the day, or unexplained weight loss, which could indicate diabetes

Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, nighttime bedwetting is extremely common and developmentally normal for toddlers and young children. Nighttime bladder control is one of the last developmental milestones and depends on brain-bladder signaling that matures at different rates for every child. Most children achieve consistent nighttime dryness between ages 3 and 5, and some not until age 7 or later. Bedwetting is not a behavioral problem and is not caused by laziness or deep sleep alone. At 2-3 years, at this age, nighttime wetting is completely expected, even for children who are fully daytime potty trained. Daytime and nighttime bladder control develop separately. The hormone vasopressin, which slows urine production at night, may not yet be produced in sufficient amounts. There is no need to rush nighttime training. Using waterproof mattress covers and pull-ups at night is perfectly appropriate. It is generally considered normal when a toddler who is daytime potty trained but still wets at night. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has new bedwetting along with excessive thirst, increased urination during the day, or unexplained weight loss, which could indicate diabetes.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
A toddler who is daytime potty trained but still wets at night
Your child has new bedwetting along with excessive thirst, increased urination during the day, or unexplained weight loss, which could indicate diabetes
Occasional dry nights mixed with wet nights as the child gradually transitions
Your child has pain, fever, or foul-smelling urine along with bedwetting, which could suggest a urinary tract infection
Bedwetting that runs in the family, as there is a strong genetic component
Your child snores loudly or has pauses in breathing during sleep along with bedwetting, which may indicate sleep apnea
A temporary return to bedwetting during stressful times like a new sibling, move, or starting daycare
Your child was consistently dry at night for 6+ months and has started wetting again (secondary enuresis)

By Age

What to expect by age

2-3 years

At this age, nighttime wetting is completely expected, even for children who are fully daytime potty trained. Daytime and nighttime bladder control develop separately. The hormone vasopressin, which slows urine production at night, may not yet be produced in sufficient amounts. There is no need to rush nighttime training. Using waterproof mattress covers and pull-ups at night is perfectly appropriate.

3-4 years

Many 3-year-olds still wet the bed regularly, and this remains within normal range. Some children begin waking up dry spontaneously as their nervous system matures. You can look for signs of readiness like waking with a dry pull-up several mornings in a row. Restricting fluids before bed and encouraging a bathroom trip at bedtime can help, but the primary factor is biological maturation.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child was consistently dry at night for 6+ months and has started wetting again (secondary enuresis).
  • Mention if your child is also having daytime wetting accidents after being fully trained.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • A toddler who is daytime potty trained but still wets at night
  • Occasional dry nights mixed with wet nights as the child gradually transitions
  • Bedwetting that runs in the family, as there is a strong genetic component
  • A temporary return to bedwetting during stressful times like a new sibling, move, or starting daycare
  • Needing pull-ups or training pants at night through age 4-5
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child was consistently dry at night for 6+ months and has started wetting again (secondary enuresis)
  • Your child is also having daytime wetting accidents after being fully trained
  • Your child complains of pain or burning during urination
  • Bedwetting is causing significant emotional distress for your child
Act now when...
  • Your child has new bedwetting along with excessive thirst, increased urination during the day, or unexplained weight loss, which could indicate diabetes
  • Your child has pain, fever, or foul-smelling urine along with bedwetting, which could suggest a urinary tract infection
  • Your child snores loudly or has pauses in breathing during sleep along with bedwetting, which may indicate sleep apnea

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that a toddler who is daytime potty trained but still wets at night — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 2-3 years, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has new bedwetting along with excessive thirst, increased urination during the day, or unexplained weight loss, which could indicate diabetes.

Potty Training Regression

Potty training regression is extremely common and almost never a cause for medical concern. Many children who were reliably using the toilet start having accidents again during times of stress, change, illness, or developmental leaps. This is a temporary setback, not a failure. With patience and a calm, supportive approach, most children return to their previous potty skills within a few weeks.

Potty Training Refusal

Potty training refusal is one of the most common challenges parents face with toddlers. Many children simply are not ready when parents expect them to be, and pushing too hard often makes the resistance worse. The average age for potty training readiness is between 2 and 3 years, but some children are not truly ready until closer to 3.5 or even 4. Backing off, reducing pressure, and waiting for signs of readiness is usually the most effective strategy.

Toddler Not Potty Trained by Age 3

While many children are potty trained between ages 2 and 3, it is completely normal for some children to not be fully trained until age 3.5 or even 4. The AAP states there is no "right" age for potty training - readiness varies widely. Girls tend to train earlier than boys. Pressuring a child who is not ready often backfires, leading to resistance and regression. Signs of readiness include staying dry for 2+ hours, awareness of wet or dirty diapers, interest in the toilet, and ability to follow simple directions.

Milestone

Milestone Checklists by Age

Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers normal?
Nighttime bedwetting is extremely common and developmentally normal for toddlers and young children. Nighttime bladder control is one of the last developmental milestones and depends on brain-bladder signaling that matures at different rates for every child. Most children achieve consistent nighttime dryness between ages 3 and 5, and some not until age 7 or later. Bedwetting is not a behavioral problem and is not caused by laziness or deep sleep alone.
When should I call the doctor about bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers?
Your child has new bedwetting along with excessive thirst, increased urination during the day, or unexplained weight loss, which could indicate diabetes Your child has pain, fever, or foul-smelling urine along with bedwetting, which could suggest a urinary tract infection Your child snores loudly or has pauses in breathing during sleep along with bedwetting, which may indicate sleep apnea
When is bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers normal?
A toddler who is daytime potty trained but still wets at night Occasional dry nights mixed with wet nights as the child gradually transitions Bedwetting that runs in the family, as there is a strong genetic component
What causes bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers?
Nighttime bedwetting is extremely common and developmentally normal for toddlers and young children. Nighttime bladder control is one of the last developmental milestones and depends on brain-bladder signaling that matures at different rates for every child. Most children achieve consistent nighttime dryness between ages 3 and 5, and some not until age 7 or later. Bedwetting is not a behavioral problem and is not caused by laziness or deep sleep alone. Common explanations include: A toddler who is daytime potty trained but still wets at night. Occasional dry nights mixed with wet nights as the child gradually transitions.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers?
You should mention bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers at your next visit if: Your child was consistently dry at night for 6+ months and has started wetting again (secondary enuresis). Your child is also having daytime wetting accidents after being fully trained. Your child complains of pain or burning during urination.
Is bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers normal at 2-3 years?
At this age, nighttime wetting is completely expected, even for children who are fully daytime potty trained. Daytime and nighttime bladder control develop separately. The hormone vasopressin, which slows urine production at night, may not yet be produced in sufficient amounts. There is no need to rush nighttime training. Using waterproof mattress covers and pull-ups at night is perfectly appropriate.
Is bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers normal at 3-4 years?
Many 3-year-olds still wet the bed regularly, and this remains within normal range. Some children begin waking up dry spontaneously as their nervous system matures. You can look for signs of readiness like waking with a dry pull-up several mornings in a row. Restricting fluids before bed and encouraging a bathroom trip at bedtime can help, but the primary factor is biological maturation.
Should I go to the ER for bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers?
Seek emergency care if your child has new bedwetting along with excessive thirst, increased urination during the day, or unexplained weight loss, which could indicate diabetes, or if your child has pain, fever, or foul-smelling urine along with bedwetting, which could suggest a urinary tract infection. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers go away on its own?
In many cases, bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers resolves on its own, especially when a toddler who is daytime potty trained but still wets at night.
AAPAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Bedwetting in Children. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Nocturnal Enuresis. Pediatrics in Review. AAP
  3. [3]National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Bladder Control Problems & Bedwetting in Children. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Bedwetting (Enuresis) in Toddlers.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child was consistently dry at night for 6+ months and has started wetting again (secondary enuresis).
  • Mention if your child is also having daytime wetting accidents after being fully trained.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your child was consistently dry at night for 6+ months and has started wetting again (secondary enuresis)
  • Your child is also having daytime wetting accidents after being fully trained
  • Your child complains of pain or burning during urination

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child has new bedwetting along with excessive thirst, increased urination during the day, or unexplained weight loss, which could indicate diabetes
  • Your child has pain, fever, or foul-smelling urine along with bedwetting, which could suggest a urinary tract infection
  • Your child snores loudly or has pauses in breathing during sleep along with bedwetting, which may indicate sleep apnea

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Milestone ChecklistsEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of bedwetting (enuresis) in toddlers are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has new bedwetting along with excessive thirst, increased urination during the day, or unexplained weight loss, which could indicate diabetes.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Potty training regression is extremely common and almost never a cause for medical concern. Many children who were reliably using the toilet start having accidents again during times of stress, change, illness, or developmental leaps. This is a temporary setback, not a failure. With patience and a calm, supportive approach, most children return to their previous potty skills within a few weeks.

Potty Training Refusal

Potty training refusal is one of the most common challenges parents face with toddlers. Many children simply are not ready when parents expect them to be, and pushing too hard often makes the resistance worse. The average age for potty training readiness is between 2 and 3 years, but some children are not truly ready until closer to 3.5 or even 4. Backing off, reducing pressure, and waiting for signs of readiness is usually the most effective strategy.

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