Bathing your spica kid can be a challenge until you find a system that works for you. First, check with your healthcare provider about rules on if the cast can get wet at all. Most of them cannot be submerged. Many families find a sponge bath works best, while your child is sitting or lying in a comfortable position. Mustela No Rinse Cleansing Water is a favorite product, as well as the cast cooler or blow dryer on cool setting to get some air flow and dry out the cast in case of sweat or soil. 

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For girls with long hair, there are some additional considerations. Long hair can become matted easily when your child is casted and immobile. Here are a few tips:

- Cut hair short.

- Use a silk pillowcase.

- Use dry shampoo so you can go a day or two between shampooing.

- Use a spray detangler and immediately braid your child’s hair after washing.

- If space and weight allows, have your child lie on his or her back on kitchen counter to wash hair in the sink.

- Call a local hairdresser and see if you can go to just have their hair washed in the sinks there.

- Use an inflatable hair washing basin

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Toileting

For spica kids, they will most likely want to continue toileting rather than wearing a diaper. A bedside commode or urinal jug can both be helpful tools. For girls, check out the Shewee, or female urination device. Another factor to consider is discussing laxatives with your child's healthcare provider, as constipation is a common side effect of immobility in casted kids. 

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