Maintaining healthy bladder and bowel habits is essential for your child’s overall wellbeing. Issues such as bedwetting, daytime accidents, or constipation are common in children and can affect their confidence and daily life. Encouraging regular bathroom routines, a balanced diet rich in fibre, and staying well-hydrated can help support healthy bladder and bowel function.
If your child is experiencing persistent problems, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, as early intervention can often prevent long-term issues. Addressing these concerns with care and patience will help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
Constipation is a common bowel condition amongst children. If left untreated, constipation can lead to soiling.
A child should poo around four times a week. Common causes of constipation are insufficient quantities of fibre and water in meals, Physical inactivity, and holding poo in for long periods.
Constipation can be improved by drinking plenty of water, eating lots of different foods including fruit and vegetables, and lots of exercise can help to keep the poo moving and avoid your child from becoming constipated.
If your child is showing signs of constipation you should book to see your GP as soon as possible. The quicker they are assessed, the easier it will be to treat the problem. More information can be found below:
Daytime wetting in children, also known as diurnal enuresis, refers to involuntary urine leakage during waking hours, which can be caused by a variety of factors including bladder dysfunction, developmental delays, or psychological stress, and may require a comprehensive medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and management. More information can be found below.
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Delayed toilet training in children refers to the extended timeframe beyond the typical developmental age for achieving bladder and bowel control, which may result from a variety of factors such as physical, emotional, or developmental challenges, and often necessitates individualised approaches to support the child’s progress. More information can be found below. |
Nighttime wetting in children, or nocturnal enuresis, is the involuntary release of urine during sleep, commonly occurring due to delayed bladder maturation, genetic factors, or insufficient nighttime urine production, and typically requires a thorough assessment to determine appropriate treatment strategies. More information can be found below.
Soiling in children, also known as encopresis, refers to the involuntary or voluntary passage of stool into inappropriate places, often associated with chronic constipation or emotional factors, and typically requires medical evaluation and behavioural interventions to address both physical and psychological components. More information can be found below.
Stool withholding in children occurs when a child deliberately avoids bowel movements, often due to fear of pain or discomfort, which can lead to constipation and other complications, requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving medical, behavioural, and dietary interventions. More information can be below.
Smearing in children, which involves the intentional spreading of faeces, is often associated with sensory processing issues, emotional distress, or developmental conditions, and typically requires a thorough assessment and individualized behavioural strategies to address the underlying causes. More information can be found on the Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity website (ERIC).
Toilet worries in children, which may stem from anxiety, fear of using unfamiliar toilets, or previous negative experiences, can impact their willingness to use the toilet and may require reassurance, behavioural interventions, and a supportive approach to address the underlying concerns.
More information can be found on the Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity website - ERIC.
Please note: If you have any immediate concerns, please seek medical advice through your GP, walk-in centre, or contact NHS111.