Any tips on washing a child with a broken arm?
Asked by
Stinley (
11525
)
August 16th, 2011
Well, my four year old has broken her arm when we were on holiday and it is in a plaster of Paris cast which can’t get wet. I need ideas to try to keep it dry when she has a bath. So far I’ve been sponging her down but would like to get her into a bath. How can I keep the arm dry? A plastic bag attached somehow?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
12 Answers
At my local pharmacy, they actually have cast protection bags with a velcro closure at the top of the bag to make on and off easier on you and the kiddo.
Get a plastic bag and place it over the arm, then tape around where the arm meets the bag. Make sure not to tape too tightly.
Here is what they have at Walgreens. Here is one example of Target’s offerings. And Here is what KMart has.
When my brother broke his, my mom used a bread bag to cover the cast, and taped the end shut. And it is easier to keep the cast dry in a bath than in a shower.
Glad Press ‘n Seal! I’ve used it on numerous occasions for keeping IV sites and such dry and it’s a lifesaver.
Stupid idea maybe, but can’t you do it so that her (broken) arm dangles outside of the bath tub?
Let it rest on a small table or chair?
@rebbel If she is a typical 4 year old, there is going to be some splashing about. It would still be a good idea to protect the cast.
My 7 year old went through this last year. We used small kitchen garbage bags and ponytail holders. The ponytail holders were just tight enough, but not too tight that they hurt like rubber bands sometimes do.
I made out just fine with the plastic bags that newspapers come in, cut long enough to allow a taping margin. I used waterproof adhesive tape and taped one several times around, and then added a second newspaper bag and did it again.
I did what @Jeruba did! I used bags that sliced bread came in. Sometimes it would get wet anyway, in which case I would fold a paper towel and stick the end in my cast to wick out the moisture. Worked every time! Your kid’s lucky to have you to do the washing, that’s the hard part one-handed!
Its a big cast with a bend at the elbow. I think the breadbag sounds like a good idea as it is slim, not like a bin bag or shopping bag. Maybe one taped to another with that silver waterproof tape. Or splash out on a shop bought one. My husband suggested a condom I’ll give bread bags a try and report back!
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
