Video guides for parents of children who use catheters

Using a catheter to empty your child’s bladder

You will need to help your child catheterize until they are about five years old or until advised otherwise by your health care provider. If your child has spina bifida, they may not be able to empty their bladder naturally. Your doctor or nurse may prescribe the use of an intermittent catheter- a thin plastic tube that is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. 

Why emptying the bladder is so important

It’s important that you and your child both understand why bladder emptying is so important and develop a good bladder management routine.
The goals of good bladder management is to:

• Prevent damage to the kidneys and prevent infections
• Improve the child’s quality of life
• Help the child become independent

If your child’s bladder is not emptied regularly, it may cause infections. Even small amounts of urine left in the bladder can cause infections.

Getting started

Before starting any new bladder management routine, you should always consult your health care provider. Together with the doctor or nurse, you will decide what type of catheter best fits you and your child's needs. They will also advise on how often you should catheterize. Typically, the bladder needs to be emptied 4–6 times a day – but this may depend on fluid intake and physical activities.

Helping your child learn

When your child starts to show an interest in self-catheterization – normally between the ages of three and five – you may consider to begin teaching them to empty their own bladder. 

Becoming independent

As your child gets older, they will want to become more independent. This is a natural part of growing up. The same goes for the child’s toilet habits. When you feel your child is ready, you can start teaching them about going to the toilet and emptying their bladder.

The Wee Game

The Wee Game is a set of cards that you can use to teach your child how to empty their bladder. The cards can be used to play different fun games that can be adapted to suit age and skills. Simply print the cards, cut them out and you’re ready to play.

The Wee Game has been designed to help you and your child learn toilet habits in a fun way. It’s simple to use and as the child gets the hang of it, it’s easy to make it more challenging. Have fun!

The game comes in a girl and a boy version.
Download Wee Game playing cards for girls, (pdf, 1MB) - instructions for girls

Download Wee Game playing cards for boys (pdf, 1MB) - instructions for boys

icon

Remember: The Wee Games are meant as a training supplement, not to replace actual instructions for use. Consult your health care provider to get proper guidance or training in how to self-catheterize and always read the 'instructions for use'