The diagnosis of DDH can be a lot especially if it was unexpected. Thinking about the logistics of having to care for a baby with a spica cast can be overwhelming!
In reality cast care is relatively simple, and here are a few things that I did to ensure Baby Bee was comfortable and her cast well cared for:
- Hair dryer on cool - I would blast that up her cast at least once a day to give it some fresh air circulation (just imagine how itchy that thing would get!)
- I went over the top (I went seriously OTT!) with the petalling tape, but it meant that if her nappy leaked it was easy to clean and we could avoid it getting into the material lining.
- Watch the ankles - Baby Bee had a growth spurt which meant the ankle gap was a bit smaller and the cast started to rub her skin. Its best to reach out to your Dr if this happens so they can trim or pad it.
- Trust your gut - I probably seemed like an annoying paranoid parent but as soon as I noticed any kind of rubbing or I felt the cast wasn't fitting correctly I would call the Dr. They ended up taking her cast off early because she grew too quickly! You know your little one best so if you have concerns, get them seen. Even if it just helps put your mind to rest.
Disclaimer: this information is intended to support , not replace discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. Every effort is made to ensure this information is up to date, accurate and easy to understand. No responsibility for inaccuracies, or information perceived as misleading.