How often does a child urinate before it is considered frequent? The frequency of urination in normal children is related to their age. One month after birth, your baby will urinate about once every hour. At one year of age, they urinate about once every two hours. Only after the age of three does your child urinate closer to once every three hours. After puberty (around 12 years old), it is closer to every four or five hours for adults. These are just averages. Each child’s frequency is a little different. The frequency of urination should be outside the child’s usual normal range and not strictly compared to the numbers in the book. What can cause frequent urination? There are many causes, and the common ones should be ruled out first before looking into the less common ones. As for where to start with the examination, a history and a careful physical examination can provide important clues. Is there any urgency or painful urination? Do you drink more water than before? Do you lose urine at night? What previous illnesses or surgeries have you had? Any recent emergencies that have made the child anxious, etc. Some common causes are listed below: 1. Urinary tract infection: Due to inflammation and sensitivity of the bladder, the child will urinate frequently, urgently, and even painfully. The urine looks cloudy and even has blood. If the kidneys are also affected, the child may have a fever and vomit. The fastest way to check is urine routine, microscopic examination and urine culture. 2. Diabetes: Careful history taking will reveal that these children are thirsty and drink a lot of water. Some of this is due to the hot climate. The best way to do this is to have the child and parents make a diary of water intake and urine output. The diagnosis can be made at a glance. However, in some cases, it is due to diabetes. 3. Bladder pathology: Small bladder volume, neurogenic bladder, spinal cord embolism, and functional unstable bladder contractions are also encountered from time to time. The shape of the spinal sacrum, the nervous system of the lower extremities and the function of the anal sphincter should be clarified during the physical examination. Further investigations, ultrasound, cystography, urodynamics and even MRI of the spinal cord are sometimes required. Urodynamic testing becomes very important. Some children have overactive bladder (OAB), which can be controlled with some medications. Many heal spontaneously after a period of time. 4. Advanced renal failure: These children are usually old and have a clear diagnosis. The kidneys have lost their ability to concentrate, and the amount of urine starts to increase, causing frequent urination. Dialysis or kidney replacement is needed. So, there are many reasons for frequent urination. The diagnosis should be confirmed by a pediatric urologist before prescribing the right medication. Systematic examination and correct diagnosis are very important.