Spica Diapering and Pajama Time

Welcome to our bevy of new diapering supplies.  Spica cast care is not as simple as having a child in a cast- proper diaper care will be essential to avoiding skin breakdown or a perpetual litterbox smell.  We collected supplies today to bring to her surgery.

First on the list was duck tape.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Our hippie's cast will extend from her armpits to her ankles, with an opening for her diapering areas.  The cast edges will need to be "petaled" with strong, waterproof tape to prevent chafing or cast soiling.  The petals will not need changing very often.  I was advised that duck tape is better than the stock tape Scottish Rite provides- plus, I can select my color of choice (Scottish Rite uses grey tape) and bring it to her surgery.  I was directed to check Wal-Mart and, as you can see in the photo above, there are some wild colors available.  They were out of solid pink, so I opted for two patterns- a butterfly pattern not pictured above and the polka dots.

Second on the list was incontinence pads.  I was advised that Equate works better than Poise for spica purposes.  We will need to line the edges of her diapering area with the pads to help dam urine and stool.  We will not have the ability to fully clean diaper leaks off the cast and these pads are a preventative measure.

Third on the list was multiple sizes of diapers.  We will need to use a size or two smaller than usual to tuck between the Equate pads and cast.  Then, we will need a size or two larger than usual to secure over the cast and keep everything tucked in and tidy.  I had considered a purchase of reusable diapers, which look like bloomers, for the outer layer.  I was a bit skeptical of the waistband on the reusable diapers and opted to wait until she is casted to measure.  

Fourth on the list was extra baking soda and a toothbrush.  Should we have to treat diaper leaks (I shudder), I read on another hippie's blog that baking soda is the best tool to approach stains and stench.  

After diapering supplies, pajamas were the next   order of business.  Her cast may add one or two clothing sizes.  Wal-Mart just happened to have spring pajamas with two of her favorite characters, so I purchased them two sizes larger than usual.  We were advised that she is welcome to wear a hospital gown while admitted, but some parents bring clothes.  I hope these pajamas bring her a bit of sunshine as she adjusts to life in her cast.