Diapering a larger child at WDW

[DZNEE4US]

My 4 year old son has Autism, and I am wondering if anyone has any tips about where/how to change him at the parks. He is getting too big for the changing tables, and we are having problems toliet training him. Are pullups any easier? He will wear pullups, but he still uses them like a diaper. Just thought I'd ask here- where someone may be in my shoes.
Thanks!

 

[Bete]

in a wheelchair and we often use the family restrooms, hubby and I. They are bigger and private. Some are situated where multiple people can fit into them if you need a helper. They have sinks in them for any clean up that may be necessary and paper towels. There are handicap handrails for support that can help, too if he can reach them.

I think using a diaper with tabs might be best. You don't want to take clothes off; unless, there's a mess and it becomes necessary.

 

[mistysue]

I would go with pullups-at least that will make most of the changes much easier.

 

[deegack]

We use pull ups For my dd for long car rides and naps. The new one are easy to pull apart to get off but you put them on like underwear.
You can use the baby centers and probably first aid if you need it.

 

[Mrs K]

I would try to go to the baby care centers. My nephew is 4 and is autistic and he would never lay on the restroom changing table. It's too noisy and he's too big. I would put him in whatever he's used to at home, either diapers or pull-ups, whatever is less confusing for him.

 

[mdvlprof]

first aid centers have cot-size beds on which you can change him. And they're quiet. Use them to change our quad 20 yr-old.

 

[SueM in MN]

This thread will help you- it's all about bathrooms.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30018153#post30018153

There are pictures of some of the Companion Restrroms, an explanation of what they are, pictures of First Aid and some other helps.

For what to wear - pull ups are great if he might use the toilet, since they are easy to pull up and down for toileting if he is dry. If he is more likely to be wet, I would probably use diapers with tabs, so you can remove the diaper and put a clean one on without taking all his clothes off, as other posters mentioned.

 

[DZNEE4US]

Thanks for the link- now THAT was thorough!! Very helpful, Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the link- now THAT was thorough!! Very helpful, Thanks!

Thanks!
I still have measurements and pictures to add for the parks other than Epcot.

 

[GrumpyMom25]

We use the First Aid Stations for changing our son with special needs. He was 10 on our last trip. They have tables like you would find in a pediatricians office and it's much more sterile there then it is trying to change a larger child in the rest rooms. We've also found it easier to have him in diapers while traveling. You don't have to worry about removing their pants and shoes like you would with changing a pull-up.

 

[Lisa71]

Our DS is almost 5 and very tall and big (46 inches, 63 lbs)..I would go with Underjams as they are like pull ups, but hold a lot more. If you are running around all day he might need something more substantial than a regular pull-up. Our son no longer fits those. We bring a towel or blaket in our diaper bag in case we need a soft spot and are not near a good area to change him.

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

My DS with PDD/MR was not out of diapers until he was nearly 8, so I understand your situation. I will reiterate what other posters have said about the first aid stations in each park as being a great place to change a bigger child who needs to lay down. The CM's there are wonderful and there is never a hint of judgement at all, they understand the needs of our special kids Also, for those who mention diapers as opposed to pull ups so clothes don't have to totally be changed, most of the pull ups now have velcro sides so they can be taken off like a diaper. The Pampers Easy Ups do not, but the actual Pull Ups brand do as well as several of the generic brands.

 

[freepixie]

I used to teach in a preschool and we would have children at times who were 4-5 years old still in diapers, and unfortunately our facility only had changing tables for infants and toddlers; the big kids would never fit.

Not knowing what all your child is able to handle, but I used to change children standing up. Its tricky and sometimes messy but its definatly do-able. Just a thought

Good luck on your trip and have a wonderful time!!

 

[tmk0730]

My son who has Asperger's wasn't toilet trained until he was 4 1/2. We were in Disney when he was 4 and he wasn't using the potty at all. We used the changing tables at the baby center. They are much roomier and the cast members there where very nice to us. Have a great trip!

 

[Jake06]

My 4 year old son has Autism, and I am wondering if anyone has any tips about where/how to change him at the parks. He is getting too big for the changing tables, and we are having problems toliet training him. Are pullups any easier? He will wear pullups, but he still uses them like a diaper. Just thought I'd ask here- where someone may be in my shoes.
Thanks!

Great question! MyDS with DS will be turning 6 while we are there and not potty trained. I didn't even think of this. Thanks for all the great tips/hints. Much appreciated.

 

[disney 4 5]

Great question! MyDS with DS will be turning 6 while we are there and not potty trained. I didn't even think of this. Thanks for all the great tips/hints. Much appreciated.

Same with me. Our DS with Down Syndrome will be 6 in August (we will be there in May) & is not toliet trained. He does wear Pull ups (Huggies brand actual Pull ups) so they have the side tabs. I have taken one apart to put it on him before while he was standing but it definitely is not easy. He has his own potty at home that he sometimes uses. I don't think he will even sit on a regular potty.