Children, Teens and Young Adults with Ostomies

If you or your child has an ostomy, you probably have many questions and concerns. Be prepared for trial and error in caring for, or helping to care for, your ostomy or that of your child’s. There are some changes that will happen in the beginning that won’t happen later. There may be diet adjustments, skin issues, pouching problems, socialization and more. The important thing to remember is that all of these changes will become more comfortable over time.

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Step by Step Guide to Emptying and Changing the Ostomy Pouch What to Expect After Surgery Parents/Clinicians Resources Play the Ostomy Game
Link to: Peds Infant – Landing Page

(0-3yrs)

Infant/Toddler

There are a lot of developmental changes that occur in the first 3 years of life. Infants, in particular, go through a lot of developmental growth in the first year of life.

Link to: Preschool – Peds

(3-5yrs)

Preschool

During this period children begin to have some manual dexterity. They can manipulate toys and crayons, and can be taught some of the basics of ostomy care.

Link to: Elementary School – Age 6-9 years

(6-9yrs)

Elementary School

Between the ages of 6 to 10 years of age, children develop and improve their manual dexterity. This is a time to encourage ostomy care independence.

Link to: Pre-Adolescent – Overview

(10-13yrs)

Pre-adolescent

You and your child are adjusting to school and everyday living with an ostomy and each person’s situation is unique.

Link to: Adolescent – Overview

(14-18yrs)

Adolescent

You are not alone, so, while you may feel ‘different’ and self-conscious, there are a lot of others just like you!

Link to: Peds Young Adult Landing Page

(18-25yrs)

Young Adult

You are taking the step from being a teenager to being a young adult. You can do so many more things! You’re the one in charge of your own life now.  

A Simple Guide to Managing An Ostomy with Confidence

Whether you’re new to ostomy care or looking for a refresher, our Step-by-Step Guide to Emptying & Changing the Ostomy Pouch provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions to help you feel comfortable and in control. Download your free PDF today and gain the confidence to navigate ostomy care with ease.

DOWNLOAD HERE

There are many ways to understand and manage life with a ostomy.

It’s very important that you and your child have support and help.

United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA) at Toll-free number: 1-800-826-0826. Website: www.ostomy.org

For Ostomy nurses, call the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society at 1-888-224-9626 or visit their website at www.wocn.org

Milestones

Click the arrows to scroll through the age milestones.

  • Infant & Toddler

    This age group also displays some “magical thinking” and so, “medical play” with dolls and stuffed animals with stomas can be helpful. Some of the major ostomy supply companies can provide these, giving children in this age group a helpful way to give them some control.

  • Preschool

    This age group also displays some “magical thinking” and so, “medical play” with dolls and stuffed animals with stomas can be helpful. Some of the major ostomy supply companies can provide these, giving children in this age group a helpful way to give them some control.

  • Elementary School

    During this time, young teens experience a myriad of physical, emotional, and social changes at different speeds and times. During this time, young teens begin to make their own decisions about friends, school, and sports. Although parents are important, Young Teens become more independent showing their own personalities and interests.

  • Middle School

    You and your child are adjusting to school and everyday living with an ostomy. Each person’s situation is unique, so your experience may not be the same as someone else’s. You and your child’s health care is our priority. UOAA is dedicated to providing support for any problems that come up or questions you may have. In this document you will find important and supportive information that will assist you in applying pouching equipment, ostomy supply management, steps for caring for your ostomy, lifestyle, and more.

  • High School

    Being a teenager can be challenging enough, so needing a stoma on top of all the other changes your body is going through can make it even harder. But don’t worry − with a bit of learning and support, having a stoma will become part of your normal daily routine. You are not alone, so, while you may feel ‘different’ and self-conscious, there are a lot of others just like you! There’s no reason why your stoma should restrict you.

  • Young Adult

    You are taking the step from being a teenager to being a young adult. You can do so many more things! You’re the one in charge of your own life now. You may be college-bound or seeking employment, and there are legal changes due to your age you should be aware. You may be seeking a relationship as you explore your sexuality. It’s an amazing time in your life.

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Hope, support, and finding community

Parent Stories

I sing during bag changes; this always makes him freeze and focus on my voice and lips. Once I’m done, we play for a minute before getting him dressed!

At first whenever I went swimming in the river, my bag would pop off and make a big mess. But then I figured out it was from being full of air, and air floats! Now I am careful to keep all the air out when I swim and it hasn’t been a problem.

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UOAA thanks the Children to Young Adult Webpages Development Committee Members who were involved in creating the content and publication(s) provided on these webpages. The members include:

Judith Stellar, MSN, CRNP, PPCNP-BC, CWOCN, Committee Chair; Chloe Moody, Co-Chair; Lynn Mohr, PhD, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPN, FCNS; Brent Carter-Reel BSN, RN, CWOCN, CWS; Laura Phearman, RN BSN CPNP; Sarah Wells, MSN, RN, CPN, CWOCN; Ferne Elsass, MSN, RN, CPN, CWON, WOCNF; Tracy Swift, BSN, RN, CPN, CWOCN; Missy Frevert, WOCN; Elizabeth Becraft, Child Life Specialist; Samantha Lee, MS, CCLS; Cheryl Ory, RN; Patrick McKinney; Bridget Dorsey; Molly Atwater-Pulisic; Jo-Ann L. Tremblay; Millie Parker; Rebekka and Tenille Smith; Christine Ryan and Kelly Kilgallon.

Hollister

These webpages are funded by a grant from Hollister Incorporated.

Content Published April, 2025