Caring for a baby or child with a stoma
What parents and guardians need to know, from nappies and pouch fitting to school and growth.
About 6 minutes to read
Children with stomas grow up healthy
Babies and children have stomas for reasons including birth defects, bowel obstruction, injury and severe infection. Many are temporary and reversed once the child is stronger.
Children adapt remarkably well. What they need most is a pouch that fits, skin that is not sore, and adults who treat the stoma as an ordinary part of care rather than something shameful.
Fitting a pouch on a small body
- Children's stomas change size quickly as they grow, so measure often
- Small paediatric pouches fit better than trimmed adult pouches, where available
- Change the pouch while the child is calm, and let older children help
- For babies, a nappy worn over the pouch keeps it secure and out of reach
- Keep nails short and hands busy during a change so the pouch is not pulled
Skin and comfort
Children's skin is more delicate, so remove adhesives slowly and use plain warm water for cleaning. Avoid frequent unnecessary changes.
A child who is unusually irritable, refusing feeds or pulling at the pouch may have sore skin underneath, so check.
Feeding and growth
Growth is the best sign that things are going well. Weight gain, energy and normal development matter more than any specific diet.
Children with an ileostomy lose more fluid and can dehydrate quickly during hot weather or illness. Seek medical help early if a child has high output with vomiting, sunken eyes, dry mouth or unusual sleepiness.
School and other children
Tell the school what they need to know so the child can use the toilet without being questioned or embarrassed. Give the school a spare pouch.
Children usually take their lead from the adults around them. Where families speak about the stoma calmly and without shame, children are far more confident.
Support for parents
Caring for a child with a stoma is demanding, and parents often carry it alone. ZOST supports families with supplies, practical teaching and contact with other parents in the same situation. Please get in touch rather than struggling alone.