(1-3yo)
Toddlers are starting to be able to manipulate their environment and can learn through simple play. Now is an excellent time to have a doll handy with an ostomy to assist the child with simple things about their ostomy pouch.
You can also involve them by asking them to hold supplies for you, such as the wafer or paper backing. Because Toddlers are able to manipulate their environment, they may begin to pull off their appliance out of curiosity and learning. Teach them with positive reinforcement about leaving the pouch in place. Use of onesies and layers of clothing will reduce the likelihood of the child pulling the pouches off. Ostomy support belts and pouch covers can be helpful as well.
Preparing your child for day care/preschool
Meet with day care providers ahead of time to let them know about your child’s ostomy and what to expect.
Put together extra supplies for a pouch change.
Have pouches/ wafers all cut to appropriate size.
Include plastic bags to throw away old pouches.
Provide written step by step instructions for childcare providers and offer to show them prior to child attending. Include a section on emptying the pouch and another on changing the pouch. Using photos can be very helpful for providers.
Consider making a video on a phone that could be shared with providers.
Add an extra set of clothes.
Hope, support, and finding community
Parent Stories
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
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