Useful Ostomy Supplies For Pediatrics

Kids should be kids, and most of the same conveniences found in adult ostomy supplies can be found in pediatrics ostomy supplies. Pediatric ostomy supplies are scaled to fit and conform to smaller bodies, available from major suppliers of Ostomy supplies:

Hollister Pouchkins – Pouchkins pediatric ostomy products are small-sized pouches for newborns, infants, and young children. Materials used in the Pouchkins line of ostomy supplies are constructed with soft plastics and ComfortWear fabrics for extra comfort for a baby’s sensitive skin.

ConvaTec Little Ones – The Little Ones line offers all the benefits of ConvtaTec’s ostomy products for the needs of children and the preference of their parents. Each pouch is designed to fit the contours of a child’s body and sit comfortably and gently on their skin. Little Ones includes post-operative, colostomy, illeostomy, and urostomy supplies, including some colored prints.

Coloplast ColoKids: Coloplast’s answer to Pediatric Ostomy supplies use the Assura Adhesive Coupling (AC) system that makes it easier to apply the pouch to the barrier. Coloplast offers both 1-Piece and 2-Piece Ostomy systems for Pediatrics.

Children and Ostomy

Ostomies, especially for children, give the impression that they will prevent them from participating in activities. However, this isn’t necessarily true. While it’s an inconvenience not experienced by other children, those with an ostomy can still do all the same things – play sports, go swimming, ride bikes, etc.

Ostomies are particularly difficult with children than adults for a few reasons. The first reason is that an ostomy can make them feel “different” from the other children. This can develop resentment, shyness, and embarrassment. There are many situations that children face – for instance, changing in locker rooms – that can make a child fearful or embarrassed.

Here are a few tips for helping your child with Ostomy:

• The best thing you can do is respond positively and informatively about ostomy. Children respond to your reactions. Explain ostomy to them clearly or have a doctor do it. Answer their questions, and do your best to keep an open dialogue about the ostomy.
• If your child is uncomfortable speaking about it, respect their privacy and ensure they’re properly managing their ostomy if they’re at an age to do so on their own.
• Speak with your child’s school teachers, counselors and principals. Let them know the situation up front so the teachers to help facilitate their comfort around other students.
• Emptying or changing an Ostomy appliance can be stressful for a child who is at school or among their peers. When present, help them find a comfortable place to do so. If they’re at school, also ensure the staff understand and can assist with finding a private place – for instance, in the nurse’s office or discreetly in a bathroom.

A final note on children is that having an ostomy requires responsibility on their part to take care of their stoma and maintaining their ostomy appliances. Nothing is more difficult for a child managing their ostomy than not having the right tools available to them when they need it. Help your child by ensuring they always have the right tools, pastes, pouches, and barriers at all times in case they are in need of an appliance change or cleaning. Assist them with any preparations needed for their appliances, like cutting the wafer. Also be sure they have a good understanding of all of the tools, pastes, and powders needed and how to use them properly.