The Spica Cast

We've just received the glorious news that Elizabeth's Spica Cast comes off on June 2nd! Her hips are healing beautifully. So for all of you who think, "Wow, time has just flown by. I can't believe it's coming off so soon." Let me fill you in on just how fun it is to deal with a baby in a Spica cast every day. Hopefully those who've just found out that they will have to deal with a Spica cast will find this information useful too.

The Necessary Tools

The Boppy
This is wonderful for diaper changes. It is a way to prop the baby up while keeping the diaper on a lower level so that way the contents doesn't leak up the back while changing.


Moleskin
This is what the hospital will put on the cast before you leave. They call it "Petaling". It is to prevent chaffing and they wrap it around all the edges of the cast. Moleskin is expensive. Try to buy it at a medical supply store. It will be more bang for your buck.


Duct & Waterproof Tape
The waterproof tape is not essential. In fact it makes it difficult for the moleskin to stay down. But feel free to try it. The Duct tape is essential. The moleskin will peel up and the glue gets all over. You will need Duct tape to tape down the edges of the moleskin on the outside of the cast. Luckily, now days they have colored duct tape at craft stores so your cast doesn't have to look so trashy.





Clothes A Few Sizes To Big
You'll need clothes that will fit over the cast. The good thing is when the cast comes off. They'll be able to wear it again!


A Sling
This is the only type of pack that will hold a Spica cast. It's hard on the back but one of the only ways to carry the baby around for long periods of time.


A FEW BITS OF ADVICE

Lower one side of the crib. That way when they the go to the bathroom in the night it will stay in the diaper, not go up her back.

The Hospital tells you to use newborn diapers on the inside of the spica cast so you can fit it up inside properly. We've found that using their age appropriate diaper is best. It prevents against leaks and will save money. Not changing diapers as often means less trips to the store for more.

THE CHANGING OF THE DIAPER!

Put the baby on the Boppy.


Lift up the skirt


Take off the pull up


Prep a new diaper by pulling off the tabs


Pull off the inner diaper and clean the bum and... such.


Tuck in the new diaper




Then flip her over and tuck in the back



Then put a new pull up on