Travelling with kids can be stressful. You’ve got to make sure you’ve packed everything, make sure they’re not hungry or thirsty - the list goes on!

If your child is also coping with incontinence, it can add an extra layer of anxiety to any trips - both for yourself and your child and no matter how close or far you’re travelling.

No matter if you’re making the journey via car, train or plane, there are some things you can do to prepare so that your getaway runs as smoothly as possible - even if there are some incontinence accidents.

You know how the saying goes - failing to prepare is preparing to fail! This tip might seem obvious, but making sure you have all of your travel plans in order in advance can do wonders.

If you’re driving, we recommend checking the route you need to take to your destination and keeping an eye out for public bathrooms and rest stops if you’re driving. This will save a lot of hassle on the day and help avoid any wetting or soiling accidents in the car because you’re more likely to make it to a toilet in time knowing where they are.
The National Public Toilet Map is an extremely useful resource for this - be sure to use it!

It’s also a good idea to plan time intervals for bathroom breaks in advance, as well as factoring in extra stops (just in case!) so you don’t fall behind your schedule.

If you’re travelling via boat, plane or train, see if you’re able to book aisle seats or whichever are closest to the bathroom on board. You can even contact your travel provider before the trip to discuss any accommodations your child may require.

It’s also worth looking up bathroom locations at the port, airport or station before you arrive to avoid any stress and confusion trying to find one in the moment.

This is a no-brainer for parents or carers of children with incontinence, but it’s important not to underestimate the amount of supplies you should take on a trip.

Make a list of all the items or supplies you’ll need (including wet wipes or sanitisers), and pack them all in a bag to take with you on your journey. For extra peace of mind and preparation, pack a change of clothes as well as more youth pants or waterproof protectors than you’re anticipating you’ll need.

It’s also a good idea to bring along a waterproof, sealable bag or two to hold any soiled items until you’re able to wash or dispose of them accordingly.

When your child is in a rush for the bathroom, the last thing you want to do is have to fiddle with too many buttons.

Make sure you dress your child in clothing that’s easy to change in and out of, either by themselves or with your assistance, such as pants with drawstring waists. Make sure your child is comfortable, without anything too tight or restrictive that might put pressure on the abdomen, especially for long journeys.

If your child uses continence aids under their clothing such as pull-up pants, it’s important to choose a product that is comfortable and breathable, as well as easy to put on and take off.

Our Magics Youth Pants are a fantastic option - they feel just like regular underwear with a super stretchy elastic waistband that doesn’t restrict movement. They’re fitted with patented Magical Tube absorption technology with a flash-dry top sheet to quickly wick and lock away liquid from the skin.

They also boast active odour control technology that keeps your child fresh for up to twelve hours - perfect for travelling.

You may think that reducing liquid intake during the trip might reduce the potential for accidents or extra stops, but it can do the opposite.

Dehydration makes urine more concentrated, which can irritate the bladder and make symptoms of urinary incontinence worse, especially if your child has an overactive bladder. Dehydration can also contribute to constipation, which puts extra pressure on the bladder which can exacerbate urinary or faecal incontinence.

Make sure your child is drinking enough water to keep them hydrated while travelling and avoid any beverages containing caffeine or other drinks with a diuretic effect.

Stress can be heightened when travelling, but remember to stay calm and supportive of your child if an accident happens.

Before the trip, encourage them to let you know when they need the bathroom. If they’re concerned about other people knowing they’ve had an accident, it could be a good idea to come up with a special ‘code word’ they can say to you if they need to be changed or taken to the toilet.

If they have an accident, get them changed and cleaned up quickly without drawing attention or making them feel as though they’ve done something ‘naughty’ or ‘bad’.

We hope these tips help you plan and prepare for safe and comfortable travels with your child, no matter where you’re off to!