Bathing a baby in casts

Plaster cast and water only go together during the process of applying the cast. Unfortunately, soaking or wetting a cast once it is on the child’s leg causes a number of problems. On the other hand, a child in casts still needs proper daily care. So what is the best way to do it?

A cast that has already been applied, dried, and hardened does not tolerate water. When exposed to moisture, it swells (like popcorn) and becomes soft. Such a cast:

• causes skin maceration underneath
• leads to skin irritation (plaster is essentially lime)
• can slip off

“But the baby still needs to be washed! They can’t stay dirty for several weeks” – you might object. Yes, that’s true — a child’s hygiene must be taken care of. However, during this very specific period of casting, there are other ways to do it.

CLINIC / OUTPATIENT BATHTUB

In some clinics where children are treated with casts, there is a designated area for bathing an infant.

A DAMP TOWEL FOR SPONGE BATHING

A good way to “wash” both an infant and an older child is simply to use a damp towel and gently but thoroughly wipe their skin, without the need for running water.

TOWEL “DRAINING MAT”

Some parents place a large, absorbent towel on the changing table, folded in half or into quarters, lay the baby on it, and—while keeping the legs raised—gently wash the child. Any water running down the body is absorbed by the towel placed underneath the baby.

COOPERATION

Sometimes parents place the baby in a bathtub or sink, with one parent holding the casted legs raised above and outside the tub or sink, while the other gently washes the child’s body.

RUBBER CAST COVER

Online, you can also find many dedicated medical products that allow a child in a cast to be bathed—especially useful for older children. One such product is a rubber cast cover, for example by the company Bloccs. This type of rubber protector works like a membrane that prevents water from getting in. However, it must be properly fitted so that it adheres snugly to the skin above the cast and creates a tight seal.

A BAG? A PLASTIC COVER? A RUBBER BAND AND TAPE?

If the child is older, some parents put a plastic bag (for example, a trash bag) or a plastic sleeve over the cast and secure it tightly around the thigh with a rubber band or tape to prevent water from getting inside the bag. All tricks are allowed 🙂