Stress-Free Shopping Tips for Managing Incontinence During the Festive Season

The festive period is upon us, with Christmas markets up and down the nation popping up, the scent of fresh fir branches, the warm hug of a scarf, and the stress of finding that perfect gift. It certainly is the most wonderful time of the year.

These days bring us together and should be able to be enjoyed by everyone. Regardless of your condition.

Around 14 million people in the United Kingdom deal with some degree of urinary incontinence, whether you or a loved one are going through this, you don’t need to allow it to dictate your life.

We know that your incontinence does not define you, and with some planning and preparation, you can enjoy life, without the added anxiety.

Be Prepared: Pack a Bag

The first and probably most important step is preparation. Find a bag, maybe a backpack, whatever you feel comfortable carrying around with you. Then pack the essentials:

• A change of clothes
• Necessary incontinence products – Underpads, All-In-Ones, Pull-Up pants or incontinence pads
• A plastic bag to hold your clothes in case of an accident
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes for quick clean-ups.
• Dress for Comfort and Convenience

A lot of the anxiety comes from the threat of leaking, you might feel scared of people noticing a patch staining your clothing. If you fear the anxiety of people noticing your leak, then one way to mask this is by opting for dark-coloured as this will help disguise leaks.

As it’s that time of the year, when your nose turns red, and the battle with whether to turn the heating on feels like you’re stuck in a standoff, it is most likely you’re going to be wrapped up on your trip, so wear layers that are easy to remove during toilet visits.

Use the Right Products

Choose products suited to your level of incontinence and activity.
The best form of protection you can have is an incontinence product. There is a wide array available, and it can be difficult to know which one is best suited to your needs, we have resources on our page to help you.

Develop a plan

As we’ve expressed throughout this blog, planning is key, make the most of the information and resources you have available.

One particularly useful website is toiletmap.org.uk, this website shows you the nearest toilets to you and helps you plan and alleviate any worries. Try to familiarise yourself with accessible toilets and their proximity to your planned stops.

Shopping centres and markets will most likely have maps available and clear signage to help shoppers navigate their way around the market. These maps will also show facilities such as toilets, which allows you to track down the toilets that can prevent accidents.

Depending on how you travel for a day out Christmas shopping, be prepared. If you are travelling by public transport then try and have extra supplies in case of delays or cancellations.

• When creating your strategy it's key to knowing:
• Where to find toilets or changing rooms
• How to discreetly handle and store soiled clothing.
• Who to contact for support if needed.

With the influx of shoppers, you could likely face long queues. Shopping during off-peak hours can reduce stress brought on by crowded areas and long queues.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or the day is becoming too stressful for you then try to combine online and in-person shopping to reduce the physical strain of the trip.

Mind Your Diet and Hydration

From gingerbread to mulled wine, the allure of festive treats proves a tough challenge to not indulge in, but be cautious.

Drink small amounts of water throughout the day to stay hydrated without overloading your bladder. Not drinking enough can concentrate urine, leading to bladder irritation.

Foods to watch for

• Gingerbread and Spiced Cookies - While delicious, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove be irritable.
• Candied Citrus – Acidic foods can be problematic.
• Pickled or Fermented Items – Pickled treats tend to be acidic which can irritate the bladder.
• Spicy Sausages or Meats - Highly spiced foods, like bratwurst or chilli-flavoured sausages, are common at markets and can irritate.
• Cranberry-Based Desserts - Cranberries are also acidic.
• Alcohol-Infused Treats - Cakes, puddings, or chocolates made with alcohol can have a mild diuretic effect.

Drinks to watch for

• Mulled Wine – Is alcoholic, which is a diuretic and can irritate the bladder.
• Hot Chocolate - Often caffeinated, which can increase urine production and bladder sensitivity.
• Coffee-Based Drinks – Contains caffeine which is a bladder irritant.
• Spiced Teas - Some teas, especially those with cinnamon or clove, might aggravate the bladder.

While it might seem like you need to avoid every treat, that’s not true! There are bladder-friendly substitutes, such as:

• Herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos.
• Warm milk-based drinks.
• Non-acidic juices, such as pear or blueberry.
• Plain roasted nuts, soft pretzels, mild baked goods like sugar cookies or shortbread.
• Savoury options like roasted potatoes, non-spicy sausages, and mild cheeses.

By choosing these options, one can savour festive treats without discomfort.

Stay Confident and Flexible

As you can see, there are many ways to navigate a market trip without being overwhelmed. Don’t let incontinence consume you or stop you from enjoying the festive season.

Remember, prioritising comfort helps you feel more confident and allows you to enjoy your day. With preparation and awareness, you can handle any situation that gets thrown your way.

You are not alone.