Incontinence is the involuntary release of urine and faeces. It can affect people of any age or gender, including children. There are physical and cognitive disorders that cause incontinence making every case different.
While it’s more common in those over 50, children aged five and older may also experience incontinence in children, even after becoming toilet trained. This condition can arise from a range of physical, neurological, or lifestyle factors, making each case unique.
As parents, carers, or guardians, it’s essential to understand the different types of incontinence, how they manifest, and how to manage them effectively to ensure the wellbeing of the child and the family as a whole.
What Does Incontinence Look Like in Children?
The three primary forms of incontinence in children are:
- Daytime wetting (diurnal enuresis)
- Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis)
- Soiling (faecal incontinence)
In Australia, 3-12% of children experience daytime incontinence and 1-3% experience faecal incontinence. Bedwetting is the most common form of pediatric incontinence with one in five kids experiencing this.
Each type has unique causes and effects, requiring tailored approaches for management and support.
Daytime Wetting
By around the age of four, most children gain full bladder control. However, if a child continues to experience accidents during the day, it may indicate a condition called daytime wetting. This can be caused by:
- Overactive bladder: Uncontrollable bladder spasms leading to urinary urgency and wetting.
- Underactive bladder: Issues such as delayed toileting, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and infections.
- Pollakiuria: Also known as frequent daytime urination syndrome, this condition typically affects children aged 3–8 and is often stress-related.
If a child struggles with frequent accidents, consulting a healthcare professional for advice and support is recommended.
Bedwetting
Bedwetting, the involuntary emptying of the bladder during sleep, is the most common form of pediatric incontinence, affecting one in five children. Bedwetting can have emotional and social impacts, including embarrassment or anxiety.
Common causes include:
- A small bladder capacity or inability to wake with a full bladder.
- Overactive bladder muscles during the night.
- Increased urine production by the kidneys overnight.
Soiling (Faecal Incontinence)
Soiling, or faecal incontinence, occurs when a child passes stool somewhere other than the toilet. Since most children are toilet trained by age four, regular soiling or difficulty with toilet training beyond this age may signal an issue.
Constipation is the leading cause of soiling, affecting up to 25% of children at some point. Other causes include:
- Ignoring the urge to go, often due to play or toilet inaccessibility.
- Avoidance of bowel movements because of pain.
- Underlying physical conditions.
How Does Incontinence Affect the Family?
When examining the impacts of incontinence on children, “it’s important not to forget about the impact that it can have on the whole family”, says Bunzl Australia and New Zealand’s National, Clinical and Governance Manager, Lesley Barton.
A child dealing with incontinence may feel socially isolated or different from their peers, leading to reduced self-esteem and quality of life. For parents and carers, managing incontinence can be stressful, requiring extra time, understanding, and resources.
This is why it’s important for parents to be involved in the management which is often overlooked when there is a lack of understanding about the condition. Providing information about pediatric incontinence can help parents to be more involved and know what they are looking for if their child begins to experience symptoms of incontinence.
Parents, guardians and carers will inevitably be affected by their child’s change in behaviour and want what’s best for their child, especially during their formative years.
Managing Incontinence in Children: Tips for Parents and Carers
Effective management of incontinence in children starts with careful observation and monitoring by carers, parents or guardians. Consider these steps:
- Track behaviours: Keep a diary noting:
- How often your child uses the toilet.
- Their daily fluid intake and types of fluids.
- Frequency and ease of bowel movements.
- Instances of wetting or soiling and the context in which they occur.
- Seek professional help: If you notice ongoing issues, consult a healthcare professional. They may conduct physical exams, blood or urine tests, or imaging (e.g., x-rays, ultrasounds) to determine the underlying cause.
- Explore treatments and aids: Depending on the diagnosis, your child may benefit from:
- Medications like laxatives or bladder control tablets.
- Toilet training strategies.
- Continence aids such as discreet diapers and pads, pull-ups, or bed protectors to manage leaks and spills confidently.
Support for a Better Quality of Life
Most cases of pediatric incontinence are temporary and may just need management. With care, support, and appropriate products, children can regain confidence and continue their daily lives without unnecessary worry.
At Atlas McNeil Healthcare Community, we provide a range of high-quality continence aids designed to support families managing incontinence in children. From pull-ups to bed protectors, we’re here to help you and your child navigate this journey with ease.
Explore our range of Children & Baby Continence products.