Enuresis is typically defined as bedwetting occurring at or after what age?

Enuresis, commonly referred to as bedwetting, is generally defined as the involuntary discharge of urine during sleep in a child who is old enough to have developed bladder control. The standard age at which children are expected to gain complete nighttime bladder control is around 5 years old. Therefore, if bedwetting occurs at or after this age, it is classified as enuresis.

Learning about age norms in child development is crucial for understanding this condition. By the age of 5, most children have achieved a degree of bladder control at night, and continued bedwetting beyond this age may indicate a need for assessment or intervention.

Understanding enuresis is important not just for diagnosis, but also for addressing the social and emotional implications for children and families. Managing expectations regarding what is typical at various ages helps parents understand when this behavior is a concern and when it may be considered part of normal development.