The following leaflet aims to help parents / carers keep a record of their child’s bladder and bowel functions. Within this leaflet, you will find a bladder diary and a bowel diary to assist you and us in assessing how your child’s bladder and bowels are working. If you require any further assistance with using them, or if you have any questions, please contact a nurse or doctor.
My child’s bladder
Why should we keep a bladder diary?
Keeping a bladder diary helps us to make an assessment of how your child’s bladder is working and helps identify the best treatment. It may be easier to complete over a weekend when your child isn’t at school.
Useful information is:
• What has your child had to drink and how much?
• Record when they have a wee, measure in a jug where possible.
• Does the child have any wetting accidents? If so what is the size? For example, Small = Damp patch in underwear. Medium= Outer clothing wet. Large= Clothes very wet, may be some on the floor or on shoes and socks.
Record any urgent feeling your child experiences to empty their bladder.
My child’s bowel
Why should we keep a bowel diary?
Keeping a bowel diary helps us to assess how often your child opens their bowels and whether there are any problems with constipation.
How to complete the bowel diary:
• Fill in the bowel diary carefully for seven days. For each day please indicate with a tick if your child opened their bowels and record the approximate time.
• Indicate with a tick if there was any discomfort, and describe the degree of discomfort if there was any. • Record what the stool looked like (shape and texture).
• Base your answer on the different types listed in the Bristol stool chart (see below).
• Indicate with a tick if there was any soiling or if any bowel accidents occurred.
• Tick the appropriate box if this was accompanied by any day or night-time urinary wetting accidents.
Remember to bring your bladder and bowel diaries with you to your next appointment.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns about completing this diary, or if you would like any further information about the contents of this leaflet, please contact: Paediatric Continence Service Tel: 01253 953042.
