Pediatric Ostomy Supplies - Infant Ostomy Bags, Ostomy Pouches & Skin Barriers

Pediatric ostomy supplies are the same as those needed for adult ostomies, with the main difference being the size of ostomy pouches and covers. Besides drainable or closed-end ostomy bags, you will also need generic ostomy supplies like adhesives and removers, wafer barriers, pouch deodorants, ostomy pouch covers and belts, appliance cleansers, and skin barrier cream.

Pediatric ostomy bags and smaller flexible wafers are available for children and petite adults, as standard ostomy bags can be too long and uncomfortable, creasing in the groin area instead of properly fitting to the body contour. As the child grows, the bag size will most likely need to be adjusted, so remember to ask the stoma care nurse or doctor for advice on this matter to make sure you always have the appropriate supplies handy.

Drainable ostomy bags designed for infants and children are usually 6 inches long, whereas the smallest closed-end single-use colostomy bags, suitable for children over 10 lbs, are only 5 inches long. This is also the length of the smallest urostomy bag available. A top brand of ostomy supplies for children is ConvaTec's Little Ones®, but Coloplast's Assura® and Securi-T also provide options for pediatric ostomy pouches. The smallest colostomy bag is considered to be the stoma cap and it is more suitable for people with an end colostomy, where the stool is slightly more solid and more predictable. Stoma caps are generally 4 inches across and can be worn only for short periods because of their reduced capacity.

The only difference is that infant ostomy supplies include smaller pouches, belts, and ostomy wraps, as the waste volume is also reduced. All ostomy skin care products and other ostomy accessories are the same regardless of body size or age. A child and an adult have the same needs when it comes to caring for a stoma daily, but a child's body is still growing, so they will need more often adjustments in terms of pouch and flange size.

First of all, make sure the colostomy bag stays in place, and do not hesitate to use special-size ostomy belts and wraps for that purpose. Once you have this step covered, use a slightly larger diaper than your baby would normally need, so that it covers the colostomy bag comfortably. Proceed with a very snug onesie and stay clear of anything with waistbands as they can press the pouch and pinch it in two.

Ostomy wafers adhere best to smooth and dry skin. While keeping the skin clean and dry is a general must, smoothing it out can be achieved with the help of ostomy pastes. These improve the fit of skin barriers, filling skin crevices to perfection. Make sure you choose a paste made with non-sensitizing ingredients, especially if you need to use it on a small child and keep in mind that alcohol-free means sting-free. The adhesive you choose is also important — a hypoallergenic silicone-based one will be moisture resistant and adhere well without irritating the sensitive peristomal skin.

You may think baby wipes are completely harmless and thus suitable for cleaning stomas, but even though the ingredients and textures are friendly to the skin, baby wipes often contain substances that prevent adhesion. This is extremely important to stave off leakages, discomfort, and frequent change of ostomy pouches. Therefore, you should stick to wipes and skin care products intended for ostomy usage. While peristomal skin can be cleaned, most of the time, with just lukewarm water and a soft washcloth, you can also use mild skin cleansers and adhesive removers.