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Daytime Wetting

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You are here: Home / Get Help / Daytime Wetting

Daytime wetting is more common than many people realise and can affect children, young people and families in different ways. It can be upsetting, frustrating or embarrassing, but it is not something you have to manage alone. With the right support and advice, many people find ways to improve symptoms and feel more confident in everyday life.

More about daytime wetting

Daytime wetting is when a child accidentally wets themselves during the day after the age they would normally be expected to be toilet trained. It is a common problem and can affect a child's confidence and daily activities.

There are many reasons why daytime wetting can happen. Some children put off going to the toilet, have an overactive bladder, are constipated, have a urine infection, or do not empty their bladder fully. They may need to rush to the toilet, go very often, or have leaks before they get there.

An assessment can help identify the cause and find the best way to improve bladder habits.
Treatment may include encouraging regular toilet visits every 2–3 hours, drinking enough fluids throughout the day, avoiding drinks that can irritate the bladder such as fizzy or caffeinated drinks, and treating any constipation. Some children may need medicine or extra support if symptoms continue. With the right support, most children show a significant improvement in their daytime wetting.

Questions and answers

My child is toilet trained but still wetting - what can I do?
If your child is toilet trained but still experiencing wetting, start by ensuring they are drinking enough—aim for around 6 drinks a day (approximately 250-350ml each), spread evenly throughout the day. They should avoid fizzy drinks and caffeine. It’s also important to rule out constipation, as this can affect bladder function. For further support with day or night wetting, please book onto a Toileting Support Webinar, where you will receive practical advice and support. They can also guide you on next steps and whether any further assessment or referral is needed.
How can I support toileting training for my child with additional needs?
Children with additional needs may take longer to toilet train, but it’s important to remember that most children can achieve continence with the right support and approach. Start by introducing a consistent, structured routine, allowing plenty of time for practice, repetition, and reassurance. Keep things calm and positive, and adapt the approach to suit your child’s individual needs. You can access support from your local Healthy Families Team, who can offer advice and guidance. They will help you plan next steps and, if needed, support onward referral to specialist services.
What should I do if I think my child is constipated?
If your child is showing signs of constipation (such as pooing less than three times a week, painful or hard poos, poo in their pants or withholding), it’s important to seek medical advice. Start by contacting your GP, who can assess your child, provide treatment if needed, and make an onward referral to specialist services if appropriate.
Should my child's school follow the same toileting plan?
Consistency between home and school is important when supporting a child with toileting. Good communication between families and education settings can help ensure that the same strategies are used across different environments, promoting a consistent approach and supporting positive progress.
My child isn't toilet trained yet. How do I get started?
Start by introducing a potty as a normal part of your child’s daily routine, such as sitting them on the potty after meals, or before getting in the bath. There is no evidence to support waiting for ‘signs of readiness’, so it’s okay to begin gently at around 18months of age and build from there. Keep the approach calm and consistent, use praise to encourage your child, and remember that accidents are a normal part of learning. You can contact your Health Visitor for support with toilet training.

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