NHS
Public health information, symptoms and treatment options. Start with the condition-specific links on these pages.
Continence information & supportLittle bodies.
Little bodies.
Big feelings. Zero blame.
For children, teenagers and the people who care for them: wetting or soiling is never a reason for shame. Support starts with “we’ll work this out together”.
A note for young people
You are not naughty, dirty or alone. You do not need to keep toilet worries secret. A trusted adult, school nurse or doctor can help you find support. You deserve privacy and to be listened to.
Bedwetting
Wetting at night is common in younger children and is not deliberate. Offer drinks throughout the day, regular toilet visits and a visit before bed. Make the toilet easy to reach and use bedding protection if helpful.
Praise things a child can choose, such as following their routine, rather than dry nights. Never punish wetting. Regularly waking or lifting a sleeping child to the toilet does not teach lasting dryness.
Speak to a GP if home steps are not helping, or bedwetting returns after more than six dry months. A clinician may recommend an alarm or medication, depending on the child’s needs.
Read more: NHS: bedwetting in children
Constipation, withholding & soiling
Hard or painful poos, holding on, tummy pain and infrequent bowel movements can suggest constipation. Soft poo can leak around a build-up of hard poo: this soiling is not deliberate and can be mistaken for diarrhoea.
Get help early from a GP. Treatment often needs prescribed laxatives as well as everyday changes, and can take months. Follow the treatment plan rather than stopping as soon as things improve.
Keep toilet time calm, try a routine after meals, support the child’s feet and praise trying. Avoid pressure or punishment. For babies, ask a health professional for age-specific feeding and constipation advice.
Read more: NHS: constipation in children
Daytime wetting, toilet learning & school
Daytime accidents and toilet avoidance deserve understanding, not criticism. Talk to a GP, health visitor or school nurse about persistent or new difficulties. ERIC has practical guidance on daytime wetting, toilet learning and bowel problems.
Work with school or nursery on discreet toilet access, spare clothes and a named trusted adult. Ask about a personalised plan that respects privacy. Adapt support to sensory, communication, mobility and learning needs rather than comparing children.
Teenagers deserve a say in how support works, including at sleepovers, on trips and when moving to adult services. ERIC provides information for families and education settings.
Good information. Real support.
ERIC
The children’s bowel and bladder charity: guidance for families, young people and schools.
ERIC’s helplineBladder & Bowel UK
Specialist bladder and bowel information for adults and children, with a confidential advice helpline.
These are a public health service and specialist support organisations signposted by the NHS. Linking does not imply they endorse LooStop; LooStop is not a medically accredited service.