How to Bathe a Kid in a Cast

Depending on the severity of her injury, a child with a broken bone may have to wear a cast for several months. Keeping her cast dry is challenging, but it's essential. Wetting a cast weakens the plaster so it can no long stay rigidly in place and keep the bone immobilized. Getting water in between the child's skin and the plaster also causes rashes. Plan some extra time whenever you're bathing a child in a cast so you can do the job carefully and thoroughly.

Things You'll Need

• Cast cover
• Plastic garbage bags
• Waterproof tape
• Handheld shower head
• Cup
• Shampoo
• Washcloths or sponges
• Body wash
• Towels

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Instructions

• 1

  Wrap the cast in a protective waterproof sleeve. Buy these sleeves in a medical supply store. Create a cover yourself if you're not able to find a waterproof covering. Wrap the cast in plastic garbage bags. Use a double layer of bags for extra protection. Use waterproof tape to secure the tape to the child's skin.

• 2

  Fill the tub a quarter of the way full with warm water. Keep the water running through the tap for the duration of the bath.

• 3

  Help the child get into the tub. Lower her into the water carefully so she doesn't slip and fall into the water.

• 4

  Ask the child to tip her head back and close her eyes. Point a handheld shower head or use a cup filled with water to rinse the child's hair. Lather the hair with shampoo. Rinse it with clean water.

• 5

  Use a soapy sponge or a washcloth covered in body wash to bathe all the exposed areas of the child's skin. Rinse the cloth under the clean water. Wipe off all the suds with the clean cloth.

• 6

  Lift or guide the child out of the tub. Help her dry off with dry towels. Once she's completely dry, remove the plastic covering. Use a soapy washcloth to wipe the skin that was covered by the plastic. Rinse the soap off with another wet washcloth.