Concerns About My 3.5-Year-Old's Recent Bedwetting
My daughter is 3.5 years old (she celebrated her birthday in March, weighs 35 pounds, and stands at 40 inches tall) and has been successfully using the potty since she was two. Up until recently, she had only experienced bedwetting once or twice. However, over the past month, this has escalated to nearly every night. Initially, we speculated that this change could be due to nightmares. (My elderly in-laws mistakenly thought that "Stranger Things" was appropriate for children and left it on, exposing her to frightening scenes, which is why they can no longer babysit.) Thankfully, she doesn't seem to be having nightmares anymore, yet the bedwetting persists every night. We have made sure she stops drinking fluids an hour before her bedtime, which is around 7 to 7:30 PM, and we encourage her to use the bathroom hourly starting from 4 PM. I shared my concerns with her pediatrician, who reassured me that this is likely just a hormonal issue that will resolve itself. However, I am worried because this sudden change in behavior is alarming. I've read that frequent urination could potentially indicate type 1 diabetes in children or point to an ongoing urinary tract infection. During her last visit, which was originally for hand-foot-mouth disease, I brought this up again, but the doctor dismissed it and didn't perform a test for a UTI. I wonder if this is simply a developmental phase that will pass in time, or if I should be more proactive in seeking another appointment for a thorough evaluation.
Answers (1)
12/16/2025, 3:50:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your daughter's recent increase in bedwetting, especially given her previous success with potty training. While it’s common for young children to experience bedwetting, especially during periods of stress or change, it’s important to consider various factors that may be contributing.
Explanation: Bedwetting, or enuresis, can occur for several reasons, including developmental phases, hormonal changes, emotional stress, or even dietary factors. Children might regress after experiencing stressors like exposure to frightening media or changes in their environment. Since you mentioned that your daughter had previously only wet the bed occasionally, this recent escalation could be attributed to a range of factors, including the prior exposure to frightening scenes or even other stressors.
Moreover, it’s wise to stay aware of other medical conditions. Conditions like type 1 diabetes can cause increased thirst and urination, while urinary tract infections often come with additional symptoms such as pain or discomfort during urination.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of her urination patterns, fluid intake, and any other symptoms—such as thirst, discomfort during urination, or behavioral changes. This can be useful information for her doctor.
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Morning Routine: Encourage her to use the bathroom right before going to bed, reinforcing this as a consistent part of her bedtime routine.
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Comfort and Support: Focus on creating a positive bedtime atmosphere. Reassure her that bedwetting is something that many children experience and that it's okay. Avoid negative responses or punishment, as this can increase anxiety.
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Follow-Up with Pediatrician: Since your concerns remain, consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with her pediatrician specifically to discuss the bedwetting. Request a urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection or other concerns, and express any worries regarding diabetes clearly.
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Patience: Remember that many children outgrow bedwetting as they mature. It can take time, and your support is vital during this phase.
Let me know how things progress or if you have any further questions!
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