The Most Common Cause of Bedwetting That No One Talks About
When parents try to figure out why their child is wetting the bed, they often look at bladder size, deep sleep, or stress. But one of the biggest (and least talked about) causes of bedwetting is something most parents never suspect:
Constipation.
Yes, really! Even if your child poops every day, they can still be backed up—and that can make nighttime accidents much more likely.
Let’s break down why constipation causes bedwetting and what you can do about it.
How Can Constipation Cause Bedwetting?
Your bladder and bowels are right next to each other in the lower abdomen. When the intestines are full of waste, they can press against the bladder, making it:
❌ Harder to hold pee overnight
❌ More likely to send mixed signals to the brain
❌ More sensitive to even small amounts of urine
This means that if a child is even mildly constipated, their bladder is under extra pressure all night long—leading to more accidents.
But My Child Poops Every Day—Could They Still Be Constipated?
Yes! Many kids are "silently constipated" because their body isn’t fully emptying when they go. Here are some signs of hidden constipation:
🚨 Hard or pebbly poop
🚨 Skipping days between bowel movements
🚨 Large, difficult, or painful poops
🚨 Complaints of tummy aches
🚨 Wetting during the day (or sudden urges to pee)
25 out of 30 kids who wet the bed have hidden constipation when X-rayed. That’s why solving constipation is often a key step in stopping bedwetting.
How to Fix Constipation (And Help Stop Bedwetting!)
The good news? This is quite often a simple fix! Here’s how to get things moving the right way:
Hydration is Key
💧 Water is the #1 natural remedy for both constipation and bedwetting.
✔ Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day (not just at meals).
✔ Never let them “hold it in”—both with poop and pee!
✔ If they struggle with water, try adding a splash of maple syrup or honey or using a fun straw to make it more appealing.
Encourage a Morning Bathroom Routine
The body is naturally ready to poop in the morning. Encourage your child to sit on the toilet for 5-10 minutes after breakfast—even if they don’t feel like they need to go.
Pro tip: Make it fun by letting them read a book or play a quiet game while sitting.
Fiber-Rich Foods (Instead of Laxatives!)
Many kids don’t get enough fiber, which can lead to slow digestion
And don’t forget to get adequate fats! Fats are the lubrication for the bowels. Healthy fats are all the animal fats (Tallow, Lard, Butter) and vegetable fats such as coconut, avocado and olive are all healthy choices.
✅ Good fiber foods for kids:
Oatmeal
Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
Whole wheat bread
Carrots, cucumbers, and leafy greens
❌ Foods to Avoid Before Bed:
Dairy (especially milk & ice cream)
Bananas (can slow digestion)
Processed white bread
Citrus and Melons
The Bottom Line: Fix the Gut, Help the Bladder!
If your child is struggling with bedwetting, constipation might be the missing piece of the puzzle. By keeping their digestive system running smoothly, you’re also taking pressure off their bladder—making dry nights much more likely!
Of course, hydration and diet are just part of the solution. Bedwetting is almost always caused by a mix of factors, and that’s where a step-by-step approach really makes a difference.
👉 For a full constipation guide, download my free DryTime Starter Toolkit.