Elimination Disorders

Bedwetting (Enuresis): Information for Parents and Caregivers

Definition of bedwetting Because young children are not capable of staying dry through the night, a child is not considered to have problems with bedwetting until at least age 5.   Children are considered to have bedwetting if: A child aged 5-6 that has two or more bedwetting episodes per month A child aged 7 and above that has one or more bedwetting episodes per month Bedwetting is very common in children who are going through toilet training.   How common is bedwetting? At age 5, 15-25% of children wet the bed At age 6, 15-30% still have at least one episode of bedwetting a ...

Encopresis (aka Soiling): Guide for Parents and Caregivers

What is Soiling (aka. Encopresis)? Soiling (also known as encopresis) is when a toilet-trained child has bowel movements in places other than the toilet (for example, in their underwear or while sleeping) when they lose bowel control. Constipation is by far the most common cause of encopresis in children. How Does Soiling (Encopresis) Happen? Children often put off going for a bowel movement or resist the urge to poop when they are stressed about toilet training or simply busy playing. Over time, this can lead to stool becoming hard, dry, and difficult to pass. By this point, constipation makes bowel movements hurt, and your child will ...