Babies cannot decide when to empty their bladder from the moment they are born and it empties spontaneously. The balloon-like bladder receives and stores urine. During this storage, the bladder muscles are relaxed.
When it is time to empty, the bladder contracts and empties with the urethra. While the urine is emptied by the relaxation of the sphincter and pelvic floor muscles, the urine is stopped by its contraction. This process is all about training the muscles.
The bladder is a trainable organ.
Every child’s developmental process is different. Control of bladder and bowel movements also varies for children. Children between 12 and 18 months have little control of the bladder. Usually, this control cannot be fully achieved until 24 to 30 months. The ideal time for bladder control starting with toilet training support is stated as 24-36 months on average.
Urinary evacuation is done with the cooperation of the brain and bladder.
The bladder control mechanism works with the brain. Nerves in the spinal cord tell when to hold and empty the bladder with signals from the brain. Each child’s ability to control their brain and bladder differs. Some children up to age 5 may have control during the day, but may have trouble wetting at night.
Night control may start later.
In all children, there is a difference between day and night control. Children who can hold their urine during the day can achieve night control months or years later. Generally, no night bladder control is expected until 5 to 7 years of age.
They may not be aware of it when they are in a deep sleep.
One of the main causes of incontinence at night is that the bladder nerves are not fully trained and immature. Also, the bladder may not be flexible enough to hold the urine that occurs at night. Children’s peeing too much at night also causes bedwetting. One of the reasons is that the stimulus from the bladder is not perceived while in a very deep sleep.
In some cases, a doctor’s control may be required.
Family history, lifestyle and the child’s character are effective factors in bedwetting at night. Although nocturnal urinary incontinence is considered normal, especially until the age of 7, it should not be forgotten that there may be some diseases behind it. Therefore, parents need to understand and observe their children.
Source: CUH, Mayoclinic, ERIC, NarayanaHealth
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