First things first…
Take a deep breath, momma! It’s going to be ok. Casts are just a speed bump in the road of childhood. And yes, they’re a major inconvenience, but at the end you get healed bones and a healthy kid.
Next, as you are sitting at the urgent care or emergency department, reach out to your support system at home and make sure you have a few essentials, children’s over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. Before leaving the doctor, check which medicines your child is cleared to take. Ibuprofen lasts longer than acetaminophen (6 hours versus 4 hours) and reduces swelling. Ice packs can help with ancillary swelling in hands or feet depending on where the cast is.
Once you are home…
Elevate the affected limb once you’ve made the small patient comfortable. Giant stuffed animals work well and make much better companions than standard pillows.
As for entertainment, an elevated lap desk on the couch or floor worked well for us, especially if your kiddo has long leg casts that prevent them from fitting in a standard high chair, or at a table. We found ours for a few bucks at a local thrift shop. And while you’re there looking for a lap desk, check for fresh puzzles, small play sets (think Polly Pocket sized!), MoonSand on a cookie sheet, and other fresh (calm!) activities since your kid won’t be able to get around as well as normal.
Other things that make casted life easier…
Looser clothes help with dressing and undressing over a cast. A size larger works well for pants and shorts over leg casts, and short sleeves with a size larger jacket work well in cooler months. Adult sized tube socks can be tucked around the top of leg casts to prevent it from rubbing tender legs, and adult sized fluffy socks keep toes warm. As a bonus, tube socks make it easy for kiddos to slide around on the floor and become a bit more independent.
Depending on how big your kiddo is, an umbrella stroller can be a lifesaver to transport a kid with a leg cast when you’re out, and will save your back and arms from lifting an extra heavy child. If you have an older kid with a leg cast, a knee scooter or a walker with a seat can be majorly helpful in getting around. And as for getting around the house, a ride-on toy can be extremely helpful as well!
Bathing and keeping the cast from smelling…
So now you’re home, comfy, and have sent your husband to the store for clothes that will work with a cast. What now? If you have the misfortune of having a cast in warm weather, do your best to keep your child from excessive sweating. (I know, I know, tall order!) If you were lucky enough to receive a waterproof cast, skip this next part. (And know there are many parents who are quite jealous!)
For older (trustworthy) kids, a waterproof cast cover from a drugstore allows easy bathing without the worry about ruining a cast. For younger kids, a soap and water sponge bath is your best bet. Holding their head over the tub or sink is a good way to wash hair without risking a cast getting wet. In a pinch, a waterless cleansing foam will work as well. Check the aisle with adult incontinence products. (seriously.) Take care to keep the skin around the cast clean and dry, this will make all the difference in keeping it stink-free!
Congratulations! You are now cast free!
If your casted kid needs another cast, take some baby soap and wash cloths when getting the first one removed to give their previously casted limb a gentle scrub before recasting. Skin will be tender and dry, so be gentle! Dry it well before the next cast is applied.
If the cast is being removed for good, it still wouldn’t hurt to bring gentle soap and wash cloths to get freshened up a bit. Slightly tighter clothes on the now-free limb helps keep it a tiny bit stable, and prevents loose clothes from rubbing tender skin.
If I have missed any important tips on caring for a child with a cast, drop them below!
