Double diapering

What is double diapering?

After surgery, some patients have catheters or stents left in for drainage. Depending on the age of child and the type of surgery, the surgeon may have the catheter or stent drain into a double diaper system. The purpose of double diapering is to help prevent tugging or pulling on the tube and surgical site to keep the tube from coming out.

How does it work?

Double diapering requires two diapers:

1. The inner diaper is for the child’s bowel movements.
2. The outer diaper is to absorb the urine. The inner diaper should be the size the child usually wears. The outer diaper should be one size larger.

 

How are the diapers put on?

1. Place the first diaper on the child.

2. Then gently bring the catheter out of the leg or over the top of the inner diaper and place it into the outer diaper. Always position the catheter so the urine flows "downhill."

Be careful to ensure that there are no kinks or twists in the catheter. Do not cut a hole in the inner diaper to pass the catheter through. Diapers have absorbable beads in them which may spill out, get wet and can clog the catheter or stent.

How do I care for my child?

The outer diaper should be changed every 3-4 hours or sooner if wet. The inner diaper should be changed when it is wet or soiled with stool or at least three times a day.

What else do I need to know?

If you notice a dry outer diaper with no urine output, first make sure that the catheter is not kinked or twisted. If there are no kinks or twists, you should call the surgeon or clinic for further instructions.

Questions?

This information is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please ask the doctors or nurses. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit the Family Resource Center library.

Reviewed 6/2016

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