Spica cast care and tips - the Must Haves list

We scoured the internet for any help and advice we could get on caring for our toddler in his Spica cast. We found that the best advice came from parents who had been there and knew our concerns, fears, hopes and exhaustion. Here is a list of items that we consider MUST haves when caring for a toddler in a Spica cast (keep in mind we had a stability bar so the bean bag was not much use to us but is highly recommended by most): 

Must haves: 

Air mattress with raised edges 

Memory Foam pillows 

Umbrella stroller 

Poise pads - preferably the Ultra kind because they are longer and can be tucked inside the cast 

Diapers 2 sizes larger than one child was wearing pre-cast 

Large plastic bibs with catcher trays Hippo Snug Seat car seat (most hospitals have them for rent, don't leave without it) Medicine log - keep track of medications Children's or infants motrin/tylenol to rotate 

Patience/love/strong arms 

Nice to haves: 

larger shirts (2 sizes bigger than child was wearing before cast) 

leg warmers 

movies 

small, easy to hold action figures or play figures 

foam balls - JT loved throwing them and we would "fetch" for him, it kept him engaged 

books 

noise makers (as much as you can stand it) 

wagon - if it is nice oustide 

blocks 

TV tray for use as a table when child is in umbrella stroller 

From other parent lists: 

bouncy seat - we couldn't find one that would work with the bar 

Bean bags - again, they didn't quite work with the bar 

I hope this is helpful and perhaps that best help of all was that other families had been through this and survived. It was encouraging to read their stories of how their son/daughter was now walking and happy and healthy. This too shall pass.