Have you noticed that your child is using the bathroom more than usual? Maybe they ask to go several times in a short span or wake up at night to pee.
It’s common to wonder: Is this just a phase or something more?
In many cases, frequent urination in children isn’t serious. But when it starts to affect your child’s sleep, confidence or daily activities, it may be time to talk to their health care provider.
We spoke with Philip Gleason, MD, a pediatric urologist with Banner Children’s, about the causes of frequent peeing and solutions that may help.
How often is too often?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Bathroom habits vary by age, the amount your child drinks and their level of activity.
As a general guide:
- Toddlers (ages 1 to 3): Every two to three hours
- Preschoolers (ages 3 to 5): About seven to nine times per day
- School-aged kids (ages 6+): Around six to eight times per day
“Frequent urination can be completely normal,” Dr. Gleason said. “Kids often go more when they’re drinking a lot, feeling anxious or just learning how to use the toilet.”
But if your child is peeing much more than usual and the change lasts more than a few days, there may be another reason that’s worth looking into.
Common causes of frequent urination
Several things can cause your child to pee more often. Some are temporary and harmless, while others may need medical attention.
Overactive bladder
One common cause is an overactive bladder, where the bladder sends signals to empty even when it isn’t full.
Children with this condition may:
- Feel a sudden, urgent need to pee
- Only pass small amounts of urine
- Wake at night to use the bathroom (called nocturia)
- Worry about accidents or have trouble holding it in
“This happens when children haven’t yet learned to fully relax their bladder muscles to let it empty,” Dr. Gleason said. “Instead of relaxing, they may tighten their pelvic muscles to hold it, which can cause a stop-and-start stream or incomplete emptying.”
Over time, this pattern can lead to accidents, urinary tract infections and confusion about whether they really “have to go.”
Constipation
Believe it or not, the bowels can affect the bladder. When the rectum is full of stool, it can press against the bladder and cause it to feel irritated or full.
“Constipation is very common in Arizona and other dry climates, especially with a Western diet low in fiber,” Dr. Gleason said. “Even with good intentions, kids can get backed up. And a stretched rectum can mimic the feeling of needing to pee or cause bladder accidents.”
Signs of constipation include:
- Pooping fewer than three times per week
- Hard or painful stools
- Bellyaches or bloating
- Streaks of poop in underwear
Managing constipation with fiber-rich foods, hydration and, if needed, a gentle stool softener like MiraLAX can help reduce bladder issues, too.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
A UTI can make your child feel like they have to pee constantly, even when their bladder is empty.
Other signs may include:
- Pain or burning with urination
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- Fever
- Wetting accidents in previously trained children
UTIs are common in children and treatable. If you notice these symptoms, contact your child’s health care provider for testing and treatment.
Learn more about recurrent UTIs in children.
Diabetes
One early sign of type 1 diabetes is frequent urination. This happens when the body tries to get rid of extra sugar through the urine.
Other signs include:
- Increased thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness
- Changes in appetite
This cause is less common but important to consider if symptoms develop suddenly.
Stress or anxiety
Children often feel a stronger urge to use the bathroom when they’re anxious or overwhelmed. Big changes — such as starting school, moving, or family stress — can affect bladder habits.
“At times, going to the bathroom is just not a priority,” Dr. Gleason said. “Kids may not notice the urge until it’s too late or deny they need to go. Then suddenly they’re running for the toilet or having an accident.”
A predictable bathroom schedule can help manage this natural distraction and inattentiveness.
Less common causes
In rare cases, frequent urination could be related to:
- Kidney stones
- Structural differences in the urinary tract
- Neurological conditions, such as a tethered spinal cord
If symptoms don’t improve or are paired with other red flags, a pediatric urologist can evaluate and guide next steps.
When to see a pediatric urologist
Frequent urination may not need medical treatment, but in some cases a closer look is helpful. Talk to your child’s provider if you notice:
- Pain when peeing
- Daytime or nighttime accidents
- Blood in the urine
- Sudden changes in thirst or appetite
- Difficulty sleeping due to bathroom trips
- Ongoing changes in mood or behavior related to bathroom use
- Symptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks
“A pediatric urologist can help figure out what’s going on and create a care plan that fits your child’s needs,” Dr. Gleason said. “That might include bladder training, diet changes, timed voiding or, if needed, medication.”
What parents can do at home
Here are some steps you can take to support your child:
1. Track their bathroom habits
Keep a simple bladder diary to log when your child pees, how often and any accidents or symptoms. This helps you and your child’s provider spot patterns.
2. Set a schedule
Encourage your child to use the bathroom every two to three hours, even if they don’t feel the need to go. Give them a minute or two to sit and relax, allowing the bladder time to fully empty.
“Toilet training works best when kids go every few hours with time to relax,” Dr. Gleason said. “That helps train the bladder to empty completely and reduces accidents.”
3. Watch out for bladder and urinary tract irritants
Avoid drinks like soda, citrus juices or anything with caffeine, which can irritate the bladder. Scented bubble baths and soaps can also irritate the urethra.
4. Support regular bowel movements
Serve high-fiber foods, encourage hydration and, if needed, talk to your provider about using a stool softener. Managing constipation can go a long way toward improving bladder control.
5. Create a calm environment
Stress and embarrassment can make things worse. Reassure your child, avoid punishment and keep the focus on progress.
Takeaway
If your child is peeing more than usual and you’re unsure what’s causing it, trust your instincts. While it may be a short-term phase, it can also signal something more.
At Banner Health, our pediatric urology team understands the unique needs of kids and families. We offer expert care, child-friendly support and compassionate guidance. Whether it’s a simple fix or something more complex, we’re here to help your child feel better and help you feel supported.
Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health pediatrician or pediatric urologist near you.
