What to do with a 3 year old in a cast for 6 weeks?

[Anonymous]

My 3 year old daughter just broke her leg. Full cast—hip to toe—for 6 weeks. Do we cart her around in a wagon? Sponge bathe her? Do arts and crafts, read books, watch old Disney movies, and play games?? I’d appreciate any tips.

[Anonymous]

DS broke his leg skiing when he was three and we used the stroller with the tray removed - sort of like a wheelchair. We had one for inside and one for outside.

If you are a SAHM, get a babysitter or “tutor” in - someone to do science experiments (colored vinegar squeezed over baking soda, milk, food coloring and white dish soap, etc) with - or the togetherness will drive you bonkers.

Good luck. It sucks.

[Anonymous]

Can you connect with OT and/or PT while she’s still in the cast? I would call the ped or the ortho and ask.

[Anonymous]

This happened to us when our kid was three. Is it a Spica cast? The toughest part is figuring out how to use the bathroom. That was very difficult for the first few days but we eventually found a solution that could work for our kid and keep the cast clean.

As for activities: wagon, yes. Walking around the neighborhood. Art projects, building things on the bed on tummy, science experiments, reading, some TV. A family member got us some caterpillars from a science site and watched them turn into butterflies. We ordered geodes to crack open, etc. If you can stand it, I’d order some “sit still” toys that are new and special for this time. It is a very difficult cast to be in and your kid deserves a little TLC.

Sleeping: our orthopedic surgeon recommended putting a mattress on the ground and having one parent sleep with the child. On the ground in case they fall off the bed. And parent with them because they can’t get up and help themselves if something is wrong.

Sitting: Prop up with pillows on the couch, grab a bean bag chair, prop up in bed, etc.

It was a long haul but everything turned out ok and our child was strangely very patient with the whole process and idea.

Oh, and you might want to buy some books about casts, getting casts, etc. The removal process is a little upsetting for some kids (loud saw involved) and so that may help plant the seed of how the thing comes off.