Spica Cast Maintenance
Information on how you can modify the Spica Cast to help your child be more happy and comfortable can be found here.
Chairs:
High-Chair
- Babies in a spica cast can't sit normally in a high-chair. The child may be able to sit sideways with their left leg in front (normal position) and their right leg behind the high-chair's support bar.
- A high chair can also be made from a car seat that is designed for spica casts.
- Umbrella strollers work well with the cast. Some come with a removable padded bar that can be put under the baby for more stability. Use a pillow behind the baby to prop him or her up and always use the seat belt.
- A stroller can be used in place of a high chair to feed baby and it folds easily for travel.
Other
- A bean-bag chair is almost a "must-have." It molds around the child and you can place them in almost any position you need from semi-reclined to almost straight up so it can be used for entertainment purposes or whatever you need. Small bean-bags can be used as padding to support the child.
- Straight back infant seats also work wonderfully (most seats are "L" shaped to bend at the waist and won't work with the cast).
Baby Slings
Parents have had success using a variety of baby slings to carry babies in spica casts. Remember that the cast adds weight and bulk, so make sure you feel comfortable when carrying your baby and that you are not straining your muscles. If your baby’s cast has a bar between the legs, a sling might not work.
Breastfeeding
You can breastfeed with an infant in a spica cast. You might look a little awkward, but it can be done. In general, one leg is by your ear and one leg is by your waist. Also, an 11-pound baby becomes a 25-pound baby in a spica cast, so use pillows to support your arms and wrists so they don't get tired.
Diapering
Click this link to see detailed steps and video on tips for diapering when your baby is in a Spica Cast.
Bath Time
A full size infant bath sponge can be used:
- Set the sponge next to the kitchen sink and lay baby on top
- Fill the sink with water and wash exposed skin with a damp washcloth
- Pull baby to the edge of the sponge with your hand cradling his or her head to wash and rinse hair
Never leave baby unattended even for a second
- You can also reach under the cast with a damp washcloth, and then a towel to keep things dry
Sleeping
- Keep the baby on an incline while sleeping, use a wedge pillow. Place folded towels under the baby's feet.
Cast Removal Preparation
Removing casts is performed with a cast saw that vibrates instead of making a circular motion like saws that cut wood. The vibration will cut through hard cast materials, but not through the cast padding underneath the cast. The cast saw is loud when operating so it sometimes helps to bring headphones or ear muffs if your doctor doesn't have any.
What happens after the cast removal is completely dependent upon your particular child’s needs and your doctor’s treatment plan for your child. Sometimes a child is weaned off the Spica Cast by having a period of time where the child is fitted with a hip abduction brace.
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Treatment Tips for Parents