Advice needed for 2 year old staying in hospital and then a full leg cast

[merrie]

Hi! I don't post here often but I do lurk quite a bit and was wondering if anyone has been in my shoes or has any advice: My 2 year old son is having surgery in a few weeks on his leg and we will be in the hospital for 2 days. He is very active and I am looking for ways to keep him entertained while in the hospital- he will not be able to get out of bed and move around. He will also be in a cast from his toes to his upper thigh for 4-6 weeks after his surgery. If anyone has gone through a 2 year old in a cast I could really use your advice/encouragement! Also- has anyone ever used those waterproof cast covers that they sell where you can still take a bath with your cast on? Thanks!

Merrie

[stella]

no advice, but wanted to say *hugs* to you and your little guy! It sounds like quite a chore for the mommy! Good Luck!

[HeatherW]

I am a peds nurse, so my advice comes from what I have seen..


for comfort...get a "husband" pillow, I think now they even make really nice memory foam type ones.

If it is cold out, he won't be able to get dressed too well..buy a pair of black or navy leg warmers, the same type dancers use. His non casted leg will be warm and you may also be able to stretch one over the cast to keep his toes warm as well.

magnadoodle

Crayola Colorwonder stuff...can't get it everywhere when lying down

an educational video game...oxymoron of sorts, but FP has one out now I think geared towards toddlers

playdough

Just a quick list for now....good luck.

H

[tippy]

Hi,

I've been lurking and not that often so I didn't see your post until now. How's your little guy doing? How was his surgery? I'm so sorry you didn't get more reponses to your post. I don't have experience with this situation so I can't give you any firsthand experience. I just wanted to send some healing vibes and good wishes your way.

ETA: I just reread your post and realize your ds may not have had his surgery yet. In that case please still accept my good vibes and healing wishes. Hopefully you'll get some great ideas from some other posters. I'm thinking some new books, stickers (if he uses them yet) and maybe a small toy he can hold in his hands to play with to keep him occupied.
Teva
Mom to AJ born 1-8-03

[annasmom]

Merrie:

I am so sorry that you and your ds have to go through this. I am sure you have already thought of these but I would suggest bringins lots of crayons & paper, books, and I am sure others will disagree with me, but I would also suggest bringing lots of your ds's favorite videos to the hospital.

My dd spent 3 days in the hospital this past Summer and was having trouble walking, so we couldn't let her get up much. It was not a very pleasent experience. She didn't want to be in the crib AT ALL, and in fact slept with us on the couch for the most part.

We were not prepared for her hospital stay, and didn't bring many things to entertain her. Although the hospital had a lot of things to occupy the kids, I wish I had my own stash as well. I suggest the videos because although we try to limit our dc's TV, NOTHING works like a video when my dd is not feeling well!

Hopefully your ds will have a speedy recovery. Children are resilient and recover quickly. When my brother was about 1 1/2 he broke his arm and only spent 2 weeks in a cast!

Best of luck to you!

[cilantromapuche]

Sending you best wishes for a succesful surgery. I don't have too much advice but my 2 year old son (who is extermely active) loves the scholastic DVD's of books that he loves. We check most out of the library but own a couple (he also like Richard Scarry and signing times).
That and pictures of animals, maybe a matching game.

Christine

mama to A (7/03)

[phirey]

You've gotten some great suggestions so far. I can't imagine being in your shoes, so hugs to you.

DD was in the hospital last spring and I was unprepared (we went in at 4 am through the ER). It was a children's hospital, so they were AMAZING at having anything and everything to entertain her. If your DS's surgery will be at a children's hospital, totally take advantage of the BTDT advice from the Child Life specialists they have there. in fact, I would call them in advance and ask for any tips, since the last thing you'll want to do after the surgery is run out to get whatever they suggest.

Even if it's not at a children's hospital, i'd bet a sympathetic ear at any big children's medical center would offer advice.

BTW, I had a few surgeries between the ages of 2 and 4. I remember I played with my Little People toys that Mom must have brought from home on the floor beneath my crib. I remember they dropped the sides of the crib down to the floor so it was like I was in jail. Apparently it made me feel safe, like the nurses and doctors couldn't get to me down there. Don't be surprised if he wants something like that.

HTH