Although parents might think they can start to relax when their babies enter the toddler stage -- which typically marks the beginning of potty training -- bladder problems often accompany this stage of childhood. Understanding what's normal and what's not can help you identify and know when to seek treatment for bladder problems that might afflict your toddler.
Types
Bed-wetting and infections are two of the most commonly encountered toddler bladder problems. Although bladder infections develop more frequently in girls, Diane Kaschak Newman, coauthor of "The Urinary Incontinence Sourcebook," notes that bed-wetting generally occurs more often in boys. Usually caused by E. coli bacteria, bladder infections arise when bacteria enters the urethra -- the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside of the body -- which is shorter in girls than in boys, according to Heidi Murkoff, coauthor of "What to Expect the Toddler Years."
Called enuresis in medical circles, bed-wetting often occurs more frequently at night and may become chronic as a result of physiological factors, such as an undersized bladder, or psychological factors, such as stress, notes MayoClinic.com.
Time Frame
Born without the ability to control their bladder, infants void involuntarily, emptying the bladder when it becomes full. As children grow older, they develop the ability to control their bladders, which allows them hold urine until they choose to empty it. Sometimes, bladder problems such as bed-wetting develop when parents expect babies and toddlers to control their bladders at too young an age. Although some toddlers could develop the ability to control their bladders as young as 18 months, others may require three to four years or more before they master this skill.
Solution
Although you may find bed-wetting an annoyance, it often improves on its own and typically doesn't indicate long-term bladder problems. In certain cases, bed-wetting may be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as a bladder infection, sleep apnea or diabetes. Talk to your pediatrician if your toddler experiences bed-wetting for an extended period of time or if he suffers from other symptoms, such as snoring, frequent ear infections, excessive irritability or thirst, and unusual weight loss or fatigue.
Warning
In certain cases, untreated bladder infections in toddlers may lead to a more-serious kidney infection. If you suspect that your toddler may have a bladder infection, arrange for an immediate appointment with your child's pediatrician for prompt diagnosis and treatment to minimize her chances of developing one of these potentially life-threatening infections. Bladder infection symptoms vary by child and may include a fever, excessive fussiness and foul-smelling urine, as well as painful urination and vomiting, according to Robin Barker, registered nurse, midwife and author of "The Mighty Toddler."
Prevention
Although some bladder problems, such as those arising from undersized bladders, may not be preventable, you can minimize your toddler's chances of developing other bladder problems, such as infections. Decrease the potential spread of bacteria in diaper-clad toddlers with frequent diaper changes, as recommended by KidsHealth.org. Encourage your potty-trained toddler to develop proper bathroom hygiene practices, such as wiping from front to back, to minimize the potential spread of bacteria from the rectum to the urinary tract, especially in girls. Other preventative tactics for both boys and girls include drinking plenty of water, wearing cotton underwear and urinating on a regular basis, notes Murkoff.
References
- "The Urinary Incontinence Sourcebook"; Diane Kaschak Newman & Mary K. Dzurinko;1997
- "What to Expect the Toddler Years"; Heidi Murkoff et al; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Causes of Bed-wetting
- "The Mighty Toddler"; Robin Barker; 2007
- KidsHealth.org: Urinary Tract Infections
