- my iParenting

- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.

Expert Q&A
![]() | ||
| By John Dorsey, M.D. Pediatrician | ||
I just put my 10-year-old back in diapers. Is this OK?
It is not OK. There really is no normal reason for a child that age to need diapers. The accidents at this age are called encopresis. It can be a medical or psychological problem or both. Usually, it starts as a physical problem that can eventually lead to behavioral problems.
Putting a 10-year-old child back in diapers can lead to other complex problems and is not advised. In this situation, I think it's important to work with your pediatrician to find the best solution for your child. Only with examination and direct questions, can the appropriate treatment method be mapped out.
Related Expert Q&A
- How do I reduce the amount of liquids my son drinks without making him too thirsty?
- What effect will the onset of menstruation have on my 11-year-old daughter's bedwetting?
- My 3-year-old daughter wets several times a week while my 5-year-old son has wet just about every night of his life. Does this mean that his case is more severe than hers?
- Does bedwetting have anything to do with my daughters' prematurity?
- Could the vitamins my child takes affect his bedwetting?
More Answers by this Expert
- What is the main cause of birth marks?
- How can I get rid of a terrible diaper rash?
- Why did my baby getting a rash when I switched him to whole milk?
- Is it normal that my 7-month-old isn't even attempting to crawl?
- My baby is 12 weeks old and has just cut two teeth -- with more on the way. He can't hold a teether, and the gels are all for babies over 4 months. What do you suggest?



