roonee If you had told me ten years ago that cleaning up poo would be a regular part of my life, I probably would have been horrified. And yet, here we are.
For many disability families, smearing (sometimes called fecal smearing) is part of daily life. It can be connected to autism, sensory needs, or curiosity. While it’s never pleasant and is always a cleaning nightmare, after years of navigating it, our family has found routines and products that make life easier.
Why Smearing Happens
Smearing can be linked to:
- Sensory regulation – the texture or smell can be a sensory experience.
- Medical issues – such as constipation or tummy discomfort.
- Curiosity and play – especially with younger children or those with additional needs.
Whatever the reason, one truth remains: being prepared makes cleaning up far less stressful.
Our Biggest Game-Changer: Sleep Pods
Both of our twins now sleep in specialist sleep-safe pods. These are designed to keep disabled children safe at night, but a huge benefit for us is the wipeable mesh walls. Instead of scrubbing bedding or mattresses, I can clean surfaces much more quickly and effectively.
We actually invested in a travel-friendly sleep pod after a disastrous night on a trip earlier this year. We stayed in a log cabin for a few nights, and at 2am I found myself scrubbing poo off the cabin curtains with no supplies at hand. Never again! Now, we always travel with a pod that sets up in ten minutes and has saved us endless stress.
Fair warning – the type of pods we have don’t come cheap. Our more permanent pod is made by a company called Creative Care Ltd, and we are very thankful that the council footed the bill through their occupational therapy for disability services. If paying out of pocket, these pods can rack up thousands of pounds.
Our more recent addition of a travel pod came from Safe Place Beds. It’s a lot less sturdy than our main pod, but it’s perfect for travelling with and has been a game changer. While there are probably some charities that would help with contributions to this type of bed, we paid out of pocket, and it was £360. It’s definitely been worth it for us, but I would recommend doing very thorough research before making such a big investment for something that may not work for you.
The Smearing Clean-Up Kit Every Parent Needs
Over the years, we’ve built a cleaning kit that makes smearing incidents easier to manage. Here’s what we keep on hand:
- Antibacterial spray – strong but safe for children’s spaces.
- A washing-up bowl – handy for soaking reusable cloths and bedding.
- Reusable cloths – tougher than paper towels and eco-friendly.
- Disposable gloves – when you need that extra layer between you and the poo.
- Scented bin bags – double-bagging keeps smells contained.
- Odour neutraliser or fabric spray – to freshen up rooms and soft furnishings. This definitely won’t work for everyone – be mindful about causing sensory overload.
Pro tip: keep these items in a designated basket or box so you’re not hunting for them at 2am.
Staying Calm During a Smearing Incident
The mess can feel overwhelming, especially if it happens at night. What helps me most is reminding myself:
- It’s not my child’s fault.
- It doesn’t make me a bad parent.
- It’s temporary and manageable.
Deep breaths, gloves on, and a “get it done” mindset usually carry me through.
Preventing Smearing Where Possible
You can’t always prevent smearing, but some strategies help reduce incidents:
- Sleep-safe clothing – zip-up or back-fastening pyjamas can act as a barrier.
- Sensory outlets – fidgets or chew toys provide safe sensory alternatives.
- Routine toileting – making sure children are comfortable before bed.
- Visual schedules – for some autistic children, these help reinforce toilet routines.
What I’ve Learned on This Journey
We are still learning, but compared to the early days, we’re more prepared, less panicked, and better equipped to deal with incidents quickly. Smearing is never fun, but with the right tools and mindset, it doesn’t have to derail the whole day – or night.
For other parents and carers: you are not alone. This is part of many disability families’ reality, and with preparation, it can become just another task to manage.
