Reasons for Sudden Potty Accidents

Engaged in Activities

• Children who are engaged in fun activities may forget to use the potty, resulting in accidents. This is especially true if your child has a new toy or friend to play with, or if she is new to potty training. To help your child remember, take her to use the bathroom at regular times every day, especially before play and nap times, and before leaving the house. Stick to your schedule so that your child will become accustomed to using the potty at those scheduled times. In addition, ask your child if he has to use the bathroom throughout the day; this serves as a reminder to your child, who may only realize he has to go once you ask him.

Tired

• Children who are overly tired might find it more difficult to hold their urine until they get to the bathroom, resulting in accidents. Developing a regular schedule of potty times can make it easier for your child to remember to use the potty, especially if her bladder is eliminated at regular times throughout the day. Extra precautions should be taken during times when your child might become unusually tired, including travel or a change in routine. If your child is just beginning her potty training, consider using training diapers or offering to take her to the bathroom more often than usual to avoid accidents.

Waiting To Go

• Young children are still developing control over their bladder and might find it difficult to wait until they make it to the potty. The longer your child waits to use the bathroom, the more likely he will have an accident. Ask your child if he needs to go to the bathroom throughout the day. Encourage him to try to eliminate, even if he does not think he has to go; children often say they do not need to use the restroom because they are busy with something else or simply do not want to go. Recognize that once your child realizes that he has to go to the restroom, he may need to go urgently. Take him as quickly as possible, and do not criticize or punish if he does not make it. Instead, praise him for realizing that he had to go, and talk about things he can do to make it the next time.

Upset or Excited

• Accidents often occur when children become upset or excited. Developing a potty time schedule and reminding your child to use the potty throughout the day is your best bet to avoid accidents. Anticipate events that might bring on strong emotions, such as a visit to the doctor, and use training pants or take your child more often than usual.

Medical Conditions

• Accidents are common for young children, but if your child suddenly begins having accidents after a long period accident-free, she may have a medical condition. A urinary tract infection can cause frequent and painful urination, and may cause accidents. Such infections require a visit to the doctor, and can usually be treated with antibiotics. Overactive bladder is a condition that causes frequent urination, another symptom that makes bladder control difficult. Medications for this condition are also available.