If your child needs to use intermittent catheters, you may wonder when they’ll be ready to learn how to self-catheterize on their own.
There is no “right” age for every child. Some children may be ready to start self-cathing at a younger age, while others may need more time, support, or hands-on help from a parent or caregiver for longer.
Tips for Helping Your Child Learn to Self-Cath
Here are a few tips to help you teach your child to self-catheterize independently.
1. Start with your child’s pediatric urologist or healthcare provider.
Because intermittent catheters are prescription-only medical devices, your child’s doctor or healthcare provider should guide their catheterization routine. They can tell you how often your child should cath, what catheter French size may be right for your child, and how to follow proper technique.
For additional training resources, 180 Medical offers online catheterization instructions for boys and girls, including downloadable activities and video guides, at HowToCath.com.
2. Make sure they understand proper hygiene.
Talk with your child about practicing good hygiene to help reduce the risk of contamination and the spread of germs. Have your child wash their hands before and after using their pediatric catheter, and always follow the instructions provided by their healthcare provider.
Depending on your child’s needs, their provider may recommend insertion supplies like gloves, antiseptic wipes, or a drape to help. If you have questions about your options, 180 Medical is here to help you understand what products may be available with your insurance coverage.
3. Make catheterization feel like a normal part of the daily routine.
Learning to self-cath can be a big step for a child or teen. They may feel nervous, frustrated, or even worried about being different.
It’s important to reassure your child and let them know that using catheters is just part of how they take care of their body.
Keep conversations open and age-appropriate. Let them ask questions, express concerns, and practice at their own pace with support from you and their healthcare team.
For younger children, the 180 Medical Kids Club is designed to help make using catheters feel less scary and more normal. The program includes educational booklets, activities, and child-friendly resources featuring Ethan and Emma, 180 Medical’s storybook characters who help children learn to use catheters.
4. Follow the prescribed catheterization schedule.
Following a consistent catheterization schedule can help build a habit and avoid missed catheterization times.
You may need to stay involved at first. Offer reminders, check supplies, and help your child stay on track.
Some parents and caregivers like to set an alarm on their child’s watch or phone. Having automatic reminders like this is an easy way to make sure your child always knows when it’s time to go to the bathroom.
5. Plan ahead for when your child is at school.
If your child will need to catheterize at school, talk with the school nurse or homeroom teacher before the school year begins or as soon as you know your child will need to bring their catheters to school with them.
A school plan may include:
- Where your child can privately cath
- Where their catheter supplies can be stored safely
- Who will provide reminders if needed
- What to do if supplies run low
- How you or another parent/caregiver will be updated in case of a concern or emergency.
Some children may be able to store supplies in the nurse’s office, while others may just carry their catheter supplies in their backpack. If you have questions about discreet pocket catheter options, 180 Medical can help you and your child try out options based on their prescription and insurance coverage.
6. Listen and address concerns with patience.
As your child adjusts to the new routine of self-cathing, it’s normal to hit some snags or bumps in the road. You might hear some complaints like “My friends will know” or “Cathing takes forever.”
Assure your kid that their friends don’t have to know unless they decide to tell them. They don’t have to tell anybody about their personal needs. However, if your child chooses to share that information with a friend, let them know that any good friend will understand and care that this process is what keeps you healthy.
Parents and caregivers can help by reassuring their child that learning takes time, and occasional setbacks don’t mean failure. You can help by listening, staying consistent, offering encouragement, and working with your child’s healthcare provider or catheter supplier when challenges come up.
With a little practice and support, self-catheterization can become a normal part of your child’s day.
How Do You Know Your Child May Be Ready to Self-Cath?
Readiness depends on several factors, including your child’s physical ability, comfort level, attention to hygiene, and their ability to follow their prescribed catheterization schedule. A good sign is if your child starts to show interest in taking part in their bladder management routine or already remembers when to cath.
According to Louisa Salvin, an RN in the Pediatric Urology Department at SSM Cardinal Glennon Medical Center, certain physical and mental skills may help indicate whether a child is ready to start self-cathing.
She recommends trying these different activities to determine if your child may be ready to learn:
- Hold a pencil with a pincer grasp and make up-and-down strokes.
- Thread a shoelace.
- With eyes closed, feel a hole and place a peg in it.
- With your child watching you, place three objects in a bag. Do something else for a few minutes. Then have your child tell you what’s in the bag and, in what order, the objects were placed in it.
Where to Get Pediatric Catheter Supplies
180 Medical has been specializing in intermittent catheters for over 20 years. We’re here to help you and your child find the best intermittent catheters to fit their unique needs.
If you have any other questions or would like more information, contact our friendly specialists.
Disclaimer: Content provided on 180medical.com is for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Product and sample availability may vary based on your insurance plan, prescription, and other requirements. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.
