How to measure your child for continence products

This leaflet will help you accurately measure your child to ensure they receive the correct size continence products (pads or pants to help manage bladder or bowel weakness). Correct sizing helps prevent leaks, improves comfort, and supports healthy skin.

What you will need

• A soft, flexible measuring tape.
• Pen and paper to record measurements.
• Your child wearing lightweight clothing or underwear.

Key Measurements

Waist Measurement

• Locate your child’s natural waistline — this is usually just above the belly button.
• Wrap the tape measure around the waist, ensuring it is level and not too tight.
• Record the measurement in centimetres (cm).

Hip Measurement

• Place the tape measure around the fullest part of your child’s hips or bottom.
• Keep the tape measure snug but not tight.
• Record the measurement in centimetres (cm).

Weight

• Use recent weight measurements or weigh your child if safe to do so.

Tips for accurate measuring

• Make sure your child is standing upright if able.
• Take each measurement twice and use the average.
• Do not measure over bulky clothing.
• Ensure the tape measure is flat against the skin.

You will provide your measurements to the school nurse.

Patient Experience Team (PET)

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Team who will help you to do this.

This service is based at the University Hospital of North Tees and at James Cook University Hospital but also covers The University Hospital of Hartlepool, The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.

Out of Hours
If you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard (numbers below).