At Kids That Go we know how hard it is to select the most suitable continence aid (pull-up, nappy or lined undies). There are so many options on the market and yet it can be a challenge to find the aid that meets your child’s needs.
We have put together our top tips in a checklist help you know how to go about selecting the most suitable continence aid, so you can find the best fit for your child!
THE RIGHT ABSORBENCY
Continence aids have different absorbency for the volume of liquid that needs to be contained. Consider when will the aid be worn: day and/or night and for what duration of time?
The bigger the capacity/absorbency of the aid the more material is in the aid. This can be good for night times when the aid needs to manage a higher volume of voids at night.
In the daytime, your child may require an aid with a smaller volume capacity. The aid is likely to be changed more frequently; at natural toilet time breaks e.g. after big drinks and meals. A smaller capacity aid may be cheaper and less bulky, so your child feels more comfortable and it is easier to remove and put on.
THE BEST FIT
A tape measure is your best friend here! The range of continence aids for children is limited so we use age, weight, and hip / waist measurements as initial guides to help select options. This is a great link to help guide you through taking measurements: https://www.tenaprofessional.com.au/professional/education-and-knowledge/product-choice-assistance/choose-right-size-product/
We also recommend calling the suppliers, as they can guide and help choose the best fit for your child’s need and assist with samples. Kids That Go have some sample stock to test out so ask your OT and we can help identify an aid to try on.
Key questions to ask to find the best fit:
- Is it comfortable – does it fit snug without causing redness, abrasions, any skin sensitivities and leave marks in the skin?
- Is there any leakage?
- Is the absorbency rating of the aid more than the requirement? E.g. there may be times when a smaller capacity aid is suitable.
- What is the best style of aid? What is easier for the child to put on/off with the aim to increase their independence in the task? E.g. pull-up or nappy.
- What designs are available? Choosing an aid that is neutral in colour/pattern may be a helpful step in helping transition to undies. Undies can offer more colours and designs that are motivating for children who are getting ready to transition to undies time.
CONSIDER WASHABLE / LINED OR PADDED UNDIES
There are an increasing number of styles, designs and absorbencies on the market. Washable aids offer an opportunity to wear continence aids for short periods of the day and experience wearing undies whilst having a degree of protection.
They can come in different absorbencies – usually 100mls and 400mls. The positive is that they are washable and therefore reusable, and the material can feel softer and more comfortable than continence aids. A little tip is to wash the aids a few times before using as this helps with the absorbency.
Talk with your OT to learn more – as in our clinic we have multiple examples you can explore and consider!
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND CONTINENCE NURSES
Occupational Therapists and Continence Nurses can offer some further guidance through this process. For example, they can help you understand the options available and assist with contacting suppliers and distributors to request trials of continence products.
GET SAMPLES
Many companies offer free samples of a range of their products, so you can test out their fit and style before narrowing down on your chosen option. Requesting a few samples of the same continence aid is also recommended as this offers an opportunity to test out the aid at different times of the day/night and over a few days. This provides the best assessment to meet your child’s needs and avoid purchasing a bulk supply of aids that over time are not providing the containment required.
THE CONTINENCE FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA
The Continence Foundation of Australia is a great resource and offers a whole range of information and supports for persons of all ages: https://www.continence.org.au/incontinence/management/continence-products
We know this process can feel overwhelming at times, so we hope the checklist helps you move through the steps to find your child’s best fitting continence aid!
ROS PULLMAN
Occupational Therapist
