Pediatric Elimination Program

Increase Fluids

• Children should drink __________, 8 ounce servings of fluid every day.

• At least half of the fluid should be water.

• Avoid drinks with caffeine, bubbles, citrus and chocolate. These may irritate your child’s bladder and cause more wetting accidents.
  

Timed Voiding

• Make a bathroom routine. Your child should go to the bathroom at least every 2 hours during the day.

• Use a timer to remind your child when it’s time to use the bathroom.

• Have them go to the bathroom when they wake up in the morning.

• Do not rush when going to the bathroom. Tell your child to slowly breathe in and out. This will help them relax and fully empty their bladder.

• Put your child’s feet flat on a foot stool. This will help them relax.

• Your child should urinate in a “steady stream”. Running water in the sink may help your child know what this should look like.

• Boys can place Cheerios® in the toilet bowl and try to “sink” them or place soap in the bottom of a potty training chair. A steady urinary stream will make the soap bubble.
  

Regular Bowel Habits

• Your child should have one long, soft and easy to pass stool once a day. Type 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart is best. Eat a high fiber diet. Your child should eat___________of fiber daily.

• Plan meals and take your time eating.

• Set times to use the bathroom. Help your child to relax and don’t rush.

• Increase activity time. Being active, can help your child have a bowel movement.

• If your child has trouble with a daily soft bowel movement, talk to your provider about adding a fiber supplement.

• If your child is unable to have a regular bowel movement, talk to your provider about adding a stool softener or laxative.

Good Hygiene (For Girls)

• Wipe front to back

• Change wet clothes as soon as you can.

• Tell your child to sit on the toilet with legs wide open and place her elbows on her knees. Place her feet on a foot stool so they are kept flat.

• Send extra clothing to school in case of wetting accidents.

• Wear cotton underwear.

• Avoid bubble baths and soaps with dyes or perfumes.

• Diaper creams may protect the skin from wet clothing and help heal irritated skin.