Diaper changing facilities (for older kids)

[hans_berg]

We hope to visit Disney World in 2005 and are really looking forward to it.

We have two sons (9 and 12 y/o). Our youngest son has a bladder control problem and has often had accidents. We’re considering to put him in diapers during our visits to the theme park. We heard that most of the restrooms have changing facilities, are they suitable for changing a 9 y/o old child?<O</O

 

[Debbie]

I'm curious to know this too. With families who travel with children or young adults who are physically challenged or mentally challenged, and they are older than four or five, and wheelchair bound, how do these parents get it done? There may be a place that us average Joes don't know about, and I hope there is.
If not, I would see how my son felt about wearing diapers in public. My 9 year old is very macho and wouldn't. However, if your son has a bladder control problem, is it such that he has to frequent a restroom after every 45 minutes? and would he be willing to do that to avoid the diaper situation.
If diapers are a must, then perhaps he can go into a stall with some wipes and a bag, and change himself, then hand it to you to dispose while he dresses. I know this may take a little more time, but I'm thinking he might be getting to an age where he wants to be independent, and God forbid, anyone sees him in a state of undress.

 

[The Mom]

Debbie, that's what I had to do with my mother, and it worked out fine. I brought along the smallest, scented trash bags, and stuck a few in my tote, along with a small package of wipes (travel size) and "adult pull-ups."

Also, if the problem is more "can't get to the BR fast enough" vs "can't control it" it might be possible to put an incontinence "pad" into "whitey-tighties." Or even a small women's stretch panty. This might be less noticable than a diaper.

Of course, you can go back to recently potty-trained days, and stop at a rest room every hour. :animwink:

 

[epcotfan]

There are family restrooms in the theme parks. That might be more suitable than using a regular washroom.

 

[barnum42]

There are family restrooms in the theme parks. That might be more suitable than using a regular washroom.

I think they are called "assistance" bathrooms. Usually marked on the maps with a wheelchair symbol. They are self contained large rooms that ensure total privacy for guests with special needs requiring assistance.

 

[Shellybelle]

My 9 yr old son is physically and mentally challenged. We use the family bathrooms when they are close, but there are also "baby stations" set up at the parks. Can't think of what they are called at the moment but be sure to ask about them when you enter the park or look for them on the park map. It's rooms set up for mothers to change or feed their children. The CMs there have been very helpful allowing us to change my son or just let him cool off on very hot days at the park. These places could be an alternative if you can't find a family bathroom.

 

[rosebud's mom]

I think the large family bathrooms are wonderful . They really come in handy when you have a little one asleep in the stroller, but you need to go yourself. There's plenty of room to bring the stroller right on in with you. That way, if you're really lucky, the little one will keep right on sleeping !

 

[Unique man]

My 9 yr old son is physically and mentally challenged. We use the family bathrooms when they are close, but there are also "baby stations" set up at the parks. Can't think of what they are called at the moment but be sure to ask about them when you enter the park or look for them on the park map. It's rooms set up for mothers to change or feed their children. The CMs there have been very helpful allowing us to change my son or just let him cool off on very hot days at the park. These places could be an alternative if you can't find a family bathroom.

If it's just mentally challenged is one thing but if it just physically challenged is a whole another ballgame. Because you've feelings and emotions that an older child to adult has to deal with along with the parent/s and/or caregiver/s like being embarrassed about having to wait in a que/line before getting up on the changing table unless they're independent enough to do it all on their own. Not saying they should've special privileges by cutting lines or anything like that just need something to distract them from having those negative thoughts about having to wear diapers in public. Because all that stress and other health concerns are not good at any age. Don't get me wrong they can be a great tool just try and distract the person getting their diaper changed at all costs. If you need some ideas their favorite games, stories, memories, and etc. that can be performed during the diaper change.