When Nature Calls

Gear for Nappy Wearers

Venture away from the world of flush toilets and diaper containers, and you'll want to bring the following for a day in the outdoors:

* changing pad (some kid carriers come with one)

* enough spare diapers for your outing

* diaper rash ointment

* disposable wipes in travel-size containers

* antibacterial gel or wipes (for hands)

* two trash bags for dirty diapers. Insert one inside the other for extra protection from odor.

Photos: Top Ten U.S. Rivers for Rafting

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Here's the situation you're likely to encounter most: You're on a trail with no toilet or outhouse in sight. Once everyone gets used to the drill, it's no big deal. Boys, obviously, have an easier time than girls.

The drill:

-- Let your child help choose a sheltered spot as his or her "wild bathroom." This may help overcome any reluctance to the procedure.

-- Help kids learn to avoid hazards such as briars and poison ivy.

-- Make sure children don't soil their clothes in the process. You don't want this to be a clothes-changing as well as a bathroom break.

-- Offer a steadying hand when your child needs to squat.

-- When your child has to go "Number 2," he or she may find it helpful to sit on an overturned branch or tree instead of squatting. Remember, kids often take their time during bathroom breaks, so they may find it hard to squat for the duration.

-- In the middle of a canoe or bike ride, treat the bathroom emergency the same as you would in the car. Pull over when it's convenient. Sometimes, too, you can convince your child to wait until a more convenient spot or time.

Precautions

Here are a few problems to avoid:

-- If your child isn't peeing, he may be dehydrated, especially if the weather is hot. Be sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids and monitor his output. The color of your kid's urine is also an indicator of adequate fluid intake. Anything darker than light yellow means your child isn't getting enough water and juice.

-- Just like at home, don't let diapers stay on too long. If it's hot, you risk diaper rash; if it's cold, wetness can cause chilling.

-- Avoid wet sleeping bags. If your child is a bed-wetter, insist on pull-ups. Be sure to dry any accidents that do occur.

-- If you're taking a teenage girl into the wilderness, be sure to bring along sanitary napkins just in case. When her period strikes, you want to be ready.