5 Ways to Survive a Toddler in a Cast

By no means am I an expert on little ones and casts. Max only had is on for 10 days. But, in that short time we did learn a few things to make his (and our) experience a little easier.

1. With an arm cast, we immediately noticed that his under arm was getting roughed up by part of the cast. So we added a wrist size sweat band around the top to create a protective barrier. It worked great! As time went by we also saw that the white padding had shrunk down and the hard cast was rubbing on one of his fingers. We fashioned a moleskin barrier there to protect his finger from getting cut up. With little ones it’s super important to really assess the cast every day so you can catch these things and protect them from further injury.
2. A bulky cast makes some clothing more difficult. This is one of the reasons that pushed me to do his surgery in a warmer month. Thanks to a comfortably warm August, Max spent most of his cast days topless or in a sleeveless shirt. Tops in the next size up worked great too. Either way, think through adaptable clothing if you’re able to pre-plan.
3. Our poor coffee table took quite the beating from Max’s cast because he would drag his arm across it for balance while learning to walk. I learned from a friend that a men’s tube sock works as a great, protective addition. It also helps soften the blow when mama or sister unexpectedly get whacked by brother’s arm!
4. Two words – pain meds. In our case, the cast was a protective measure after Max’s thumb surgery. But even with a broken bone, I’d assume this would apply. If the doctor gives you a prescription for pain medication or itching (we got both) – use the prescription as often as directed. With kids it is way easier to stay on top pain rather than trying to catch up with it. Especially when they can’t fully communicate how they’re feeling. Usually I’m an all natural, hold off on drugs kind of mama, but in the case of surgery/related cast injuries I totally feel like drugs fall into the “it’s the right time/place” scenario.
5. Casts are annoying. No one thinks they’re fun. I’m especially raising my hand on that statement! After the pain was gone I noticed Max was still antsy and just not himself. He was annoyed and put out at the circumstances :( We added some extra outings and fun adventures during his cast days to provide some distraction. It worked fabulously!