How to Make an Arm Sling for a Child

According to the Kids Health website, children are susceptible to broken bones or fractures. Most children will develop an injury in their arm as a result of trying to absorb a fall while playing. Depending on your child's injury, a cast or splint may be placed on the arm to fix the injury. A sling may then be needed to support the arm as the arm heals. A sling can easily be made using common household items.

Things You'll Need

• Large head scarf or pillowcase
• Safety pin
• Scissors

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Instructions

• 1

  Use a head scarf to make a sling.

  Cut a pillowcase in half. Alternatively, use a large head scarf. Fold the pillowcase or scarf into the shape of a triangle.

• 2

  Rest the sling over the child's injured arm. Slip the child's arm into the sling, with the shorter point of the sling supporting the elbow. The two longer points need to come up over the child's chest.

• 3

  Use a safety pin to secure the sling.

  Tie the front and back of the sling behind the child's neck, or use a safety pin to fasten the sling.

• 4

  Adjust the child's arm within the sling. The hand of the injured arm should be kept higher than the elbow. This will keep blood circulation flowing and keep pain minimal.