• The steps in the method below may serve as a guide; speak to your healthcare team about the specific equipment that your child uses.

Considerations:

• Each time the bag is emptied, it is very important to close it securely in order to prevent leakage and odor.
• Optimize your child’s comfort during care with appropriate positioning and the use of distraction.

• Empty the bag when you find that it is 1/3 full of air/stool by gently feeling to see the amount it contains.

• Depending on the age of your child, and the type of stoma, the bag should be emptied between 1-6 times per day. A bag that is overfilled can detach from the skin and cause leaks.
• If the bag is filled with air, let the air out through the opening of the bag. If your child has a two piece device and there is very little stool in the bag let the air out by partially detaching the bag from the flange.