Diapers are part of the daily life of many people with disabilities and other physiological problems. You need to be prepared and act efficiently when changing diapers for your teen as he may easily get embarrassed by the process. Knowing the options available in your situation and understanding how to use the necessary equipment will make your job easier. Do your best to maintain your teen's privacy and give him as much control as possible throughout the process.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparation
Step 1. Watch for signs
Watch for signs that she needs a diaper change. If he's soiled with poop, it's usually easy to smell and you may notice him standing up in an easy-to-recognize poop position and even hear him fart loudly. With a more independent teen, you can ask him if he needs a diaper change. If he's not independent enough, you need to have an in-person check-up. Peek inside the back and front of the diaper to see if the diaper is wet or dirty.
- He may resist your need to check if he needs a diaper change. Therefore, be sensitive to his feelings, try to respect his privacy and dignity when you do the examination. Try to do a discreet in-person examination even though this may be impossible without removing at least a little bit of the diaper. Also try to make him understand that if he's willing to let you know every time he needs a diaper change, you don't need to check and show someone else his diaper. If possible, you can create a shared password, such as saying, “You want a break?/I want a break.” Rest means changing diapers. You could also say “It smells bad in here – do you want some fresh air?/I need some fresh air”.
- You need to change the diaper as soon as you suspect it contains dirt. Delaying replacement can lead to congestive and urinary tract infections, skin irritation, and rashes.
- The frequency of changes depends on a number of factors (the person's health, etc.), but adult diapers should be changed 5 - 8 times each day. If possible, make a change schedule and adjust as necessary for soiled diapers.
Step 2. Go to a replacement place
If you're indoors, go to the toilet or a room with extra space. If you are traveling, the situation will be more challenging. Go to a public restroom and enter a larger cubicle, disabled cubicle, or family toilet, if you have one. The room should be clean and large enough for the movement of two people. Occasionally, you will find a toilet with a very large changing table.
- Do this step discreetly, avoid making public spectacle. If you're around someone else, simply say, "Excuse me for a second, we'll be right back," and quickly walk away.
- If you can choose, always choose a toilet cubicle with handrails and/or luggage racks (to place replacement fixtures).
Step 3. Maintain privacy
Always lock the toilet door. If someone is standing outside the toilet, don't be afraid to ask them to give you some space. Likewise, if you're in a public room, use a whispering tone when completing changes. Don't complain out loud or you'll tire and embarrass the teenager even more.
Step 4. Prepare the equipment
If you are outside, you should bring a sturdy diaper bag containing the following items: diapers, single-use towels, wet wipes, skin protection cream, a pair of gloves, and hand sanitizer. Open these items and place them near you for the replacement process. If your teen can afford it, you can ask him to help by holding onto wet wipes or a new diaper.
- Disposable lacquer is only one of many options that can be used as a replacement surface mat. It's waterproof, thin, and about the size of a bed, but it can be expensive. Another option is a folded shower curtain or a waterproof picnic blanket. You can make your own replacement mat that is thin but cushioned and covered in soft vinyl that can be folded or rolled up to make it perfect for traveling with your teen.
- Any of these essentials is easy to forget, or run out of. Before every trip, do a quick inventory of your diaper bag to make sure you have what you need.
- If you're in a public restroom and can't put things down, leave them in your bag and take them out and put them back in as needed. The less germ-contaminated equipment, the better.
Step 5. Make room adjustments
If you need to move something to make extra space on the floor of the room, just do it. Also pay attention to the room temperature. You don't want a room that's too hot or too cold as this will make the replacement process even more uncomfortable. If you can and need to, adjust the temperature control device.
Step 6. Preparation of the replacement position
If your teen is unable to stand on his own or his diaper is heavily soiled with dirt, you may need to arrange a room for lying down changes. For replacement while lying down, place the sheet on the floor or on the bed, if available. If there is a replacement table, make sure the plastic cover on the replacement mat is cleaned with a damp cloth. For replacement while sitting, place the sheeting on a chair or bench. For standing replacement, place the sheeting on the floor close to the wall, if necessary.
Part 2 of 4: Taking Dirty Diapers
Step 1. Clean hands
The next step, you have to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Many people will also prefer to wear latex gloves at this stage. The goal is to prevent the spread of germs from you to your teen and vice versa.
Step 2. Perform substitutions in a standing position
In general, this is the best option for teenagers because it is the least confusing and usually the quickest way. This position also takes up very little space, making it a great choice for small toilets and other tight spaces. Start by placing the mat on the floor, ask the teen to stand on the mat, then lower the pants until they are piled up around the ankles.
- Remove the sides of the diaper, holding the diaper in place while using the other hand to clean the genital area, starting from the back. Once the back is cleaned, you may lower the diaper, use a new tissue to clean the front, and place any soiled wipes in the soiled diaper for disposal.
- If your teen needs support to stand, he or she can reach for a handrail (if available), use a walker, touch a wall, or hold your shoulder to balance.
- If you think the diaper is heavy with dirt, be careful with this position as the clothes will easily get soiled or create a general mess.
Step 3. Switch to a sitting position
This is a choice of switching positions in areas where there is seating (such as a family toilet seat) or in situations where the teen can stand on his own from a sitting position (for example, in a wheelchair), but is not actually able to stand on his own. Start by asking the teenager to sit on the mat that has been placed. If he's already sitting down, ask him to lift himself up a bit and tuck the rug under him. Ask him to stand up again to take off all his pants.
- To remove the diaper when the teen is sitting, ask him to remain seated while you remove the side tape. Then, ask him to stand up. As he stands, pull the diaper down toward the seat and wipe the back, then the front. Pull the diaper out from under you and tuck all the tissues into it, if you haven't already.
- Note that the sitting position requires some upper body control on the part of the teenager. However, he could always just sit on the mat between moves, if necessary.
Step 4. Switch to a lying position
This option can make the teen feel very vulnerable and embarrassed because in this position he is diapered like a baby. However, for teens with severe mobility limitations or if their diapers are full of dirt, this is the best option – some teens also prefer to have their diaper changed in a reclining position because they have been used to it since childhood. Start by helping the teen lie down on the floor, on the changing table (if there is one), or on the bed (if changing in the bedroom), where the bedding is placed. Remove his pants completely – including plastic pants if he's using them for added protection. Remove the diaper tape, pulling it open, but not completely.
- To clean effectively in this position, gently press the teen's knees toward your chest using your forearms behind the knees. You can also ask the teen to help by lifting his legs as high as possible. Then, clean from front to back, insert the used tissue into the diaper that has now been removed but is still under his body. When you're done, pull out the soiled diaper.
- When you take off your pants, look for signs that the diaper is leaking. If the pants get wet or get dirty, replace them with new ones. If the plastic pants get dirty, replace them with new ones too. Put all wet or soiled clothes in a plastic bag.
Part 3 of 4: Putting on a New Diaper
Step 1. Make sure the teen's bottom is clean
In any position, use as many wipes as needed to make it completely clean. If possible, ask him to help you with the cleaning yourself.
- Use alcohol-free or fragrance-free wipes to reduce skin irritation.
- After cleaning, put the soiled tissue in the dirty diaper and fold it all up for disposal.
- Make sure you clean from front to back. This step is to prevent the spread of fecal bacteria and is especially important when changing diapers for teenage girls, girls who become boys, and teens who are designated as girls at birth.
Step 2. Apply skin cream
After cleansing, apply a zinc skin cream around the diaper-covered skin. This is to prevent itching and rashes, especially in teenagers who always wear diapers. This step is very intimate, teens who are still capable may want to do it themselves.
- Some brands of diaper cream now provide spray cans to make applying it easier and cleaner. Your teen may prefer this option because you don't have to use your hands to apply the cream.
- If you notice a diaper rash that is dark red or very thick, seek advice from your doctor. Long-term rashes can lead to infection and lead to other health problems.
Step 3. Put on a new diaper and clothes
Take and open a new diaper and attach it between the legs, securing the two sides by tightening the adhesive. When you're done, put the pants back on as usual.
- In a standing position, you will need to use one hand to hold the diaper and the other to secure the tape. In a sitting position, you need to have the teen lift up to place the new diaper between the legs and tighten it. In a reclining position, you should keep the knee bent while putting the diaper on, and remove it after the diaper is used, then tighten the tape.
- Make sure the diaper fits snugly without any gaps around the legs and waist. Also make sure the diaper doesn't get in the way of movement. Ask, “How does it feel? Too tight or is that okay?”
Step 4. Dispose of anything that is contaminated with dirt
Put the soiled diaper in the trash or diaper holder. Discard any wipes that may have fallen on the floor or elsewhere during the replacement process. Check around to make sure everything looks the same as before.
Step 5. Clean your hands again
When you're done, washing your hands or using hand sanitizer is even more important, even if you're wearing gloves. You should also ask the teenager to wash his hands.
Step 6. Pack your gear
Make sure you repackage everything in the diaper bag if you're out in public. When you're in a hurry to get out of the toilet, it's easy to forget a tissue, for example. Ask the youth to help you check around by saying, “Did you forget anything before we left?”
Part 4 of 4: Overcoming Challenges
Step 1. Stay calm
To reassure both of you, say, "Relax, everything will be fine" or "Trust me, we've done this many times before." If the teen refuses to go to change the diaper, set a time limit for the refusal, such as, "Okay, I see you're busy, we can wait a minute, see me in five minutes."
If you feel the urge to scold or say something negative, take a deep breath and count to five
Step 2. Be empathetic
Be aware that your teen may be embarrassed by the diaper changing process. You can alleviate this problem by changing your teen's diaper only in private places, such as the bathroom. Don't talk openly about your teen's diaper changing needs and be tactful when telling him it's time for a diaper change.
It may be helpful to ask if he has any suggestions for smoothing the process and reducing his anxiety or embarrassment. For example, “I think we should put your gear in this backpack, does this give you enough privacy? Do you have any other ideas?”
Step 3. Deal with physical rejection
Teenagers may resist the entire diaper changing process. If so, prepare for the challenge by reminding yourself to stay calm and in control. Resist the urge to physically push him, or punch him, as this will only cause problems later in life.
- You can channel your teen's resistance to the diaper changing process by asking him to help set up the equipment or room. Just say, “You are so strong, can you use a little of your strength to help me do this? Let's finish faster."
- Tell the teen that you're only trying to help and it's not okay if he hurts you in the process. Just say, "I know you're frustrated and I understand that, but if you're trying to hit me, it's wrong and you need to stop it." If you feel physically threatened, stop the diaper changing process and try again after a 15-minute quiet pause.
Step 4. Provide positive reinforcement
If your regular teen refuses to be reimbursed, make sure you give credit when things go well. At the end of the change, just say, “Thanks so much for the help! Do you feel this is going too fast?”
- It's a good idea to offer incentives for co-operation at a later date. For example, say, "If there aren't any fights about changing diapers in a week, we'll go to your favorite restaurant."
- Try turning the diaper changing situation into a positive one for both of you. Use this time to talk about anything other than diaper changes. It's important that you don't show any signs of frustration with having your teen still in diapers. However, it can be hard to stay positive when you have to change a teen's diaper who has had a lot of poop in his diaper-but work hard to create a positive diaper changing situation for your teen.
Step 5. Ask for help
You may not be able to complete the reimbursement process on your own, especially if your teen refuses. If this happens, ask your teen for help and then if necessary, ask someone else for help. For example, when changing diapers at home, you can call other family members. Choose someone your teen can trust, or ask him who you want to help, if possible. This is a last resort, as it may violate the teenager's privacy.
Tips
- Usually you don't need to double diaper. Most will only wet one diaper every few hours.
- Move efficiently when you change diapers. Teenagers will often perceive changing as a distraction from their routine and want their diaper changed as quickly and as discreetly as possible.
- If your teen pees frequently or poops a lot in diapers, it's a good idea to add plastic pants as an added precaution against leakage. It can also reduce odor after pooping.
- If at home, always do diaper changes in the same room and put all the equipment needed for the change process in one easy-to-reach place. Work on creating a safe, stress-free diaper changing environment at home and work on making diaper changes a normal part of everyday life at home. If your teen needs a replacement table/chair, place the table/chair in a room where guests are not allowed to enter and a room where your teen's privacy is guaranteed during the replacement process. Put clean diapers and clothes in the same room and buy a large diaper pail which is good for disposing of wet and soiled diapers. Make sure the room is ventilated to avoid unpleasant odors after use.
- If your teen needs to wear diapers later in life (because of a medical necessity or otherwise), try teaching him to do some of the steps himself, if he can. He could collect supplies or clean himself, for example. This will help you move from parent-guided diaper changes to a more independent way.
- When your teen is no longer using diapers, you can donate leftover diapers to a nonprofit that will use them for a good cause, such as a domestic violence shelter.
Warning
- Don't punish or beat your teen for changing diapers. Doing so is likely to cause additional problems and will create negative emotions that will slow down potty training.
- Don't show any signs of disgust when you change a teen's diaper that's soiled. Changing a baby who has pooped diapers can be a big challenge for many people, and doing the same for a teenager who poops a lot is a very big challenge. However, after a while you will get used to it and it will become a daily routine – just like when you had a baby.
- Teenagers may also occasionally pee or poop during a diaper change. So, it's a good idea to be prepared by providing a towel to use as an emergency diaper and having your teen on top of the waterproof mat. If this happens, don't blame your teen; stay calm and handle the situation without making it a big deal. Your teen will be very embarrassed to do this because peeing or pooping on the changing table while being put on a diaper is usually considered very childish. If this happens several times, ask your teen to give a warning a few seconds before it happens – if he can feel it.
- Be aware that some people feel insulted by the word “diaper” when it comes to teenagers or adults. The preferred term is “shorts”.
- The desire to wear diapers by adolescents can be associated with "paraphilia infantilism". If you believe this is happening or if your teen also suffers from depression and anxiety, it is best to discuss the situation with a medical professional.
