Advice on Activities for a Two Year Old in a Cast

Updated on July 28, 2014
G.F. asks from Bethesda, MD
10 answers

Yesterday my two year old broke his tibia on a trampoline. We are told that he can't walk on it for about 5 week's. My heart is breaking and I want to make this horrible ordeal as easy as possible for him. Has anyone been in the same situation and if so what activities did you do to keep them stimulated? Other than tv which I'm sure he wil be getting a lot of.
Also how will he get around? Commando crawl?
Any advice would be so greatly appreciated

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G.T.

answers from Rochester on

My grandson broke his leg when he was about a year and a half. Doctors also said he wouldn't be able to walk for a few weeks. Yeah right. The day after getting his cast he was up and waling like a pro. My niece's daughter broke her leg at about the same age, She also was up and walking on it shortly after getting her cast. Both had casts that covered their whole legs right t down to their toes.

The only thing I recommend is you get a sock with the grippy stuff on the bottom so he doesn't slip on kitchen floors. We used an adult size sock because it fit better and covered most of the cast and kept it clean.

2 moms found this helpful

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M.C.

answers from Chattanooga on

Awww, poor baby. My daughter broke her arm last summer right after she turned 3yo, and I thought that was rough... At least she could still walk around.

For getting around, I think I would borrow/buy a wagon if you don't already have one. Then you can take him around in it. Maybe the novelty of riding in the wagon will help him get over the frustration of not being able to walk. Or just use a stroller... But a wagon would be more fun. ;)

For getting around on his own, I would almost be tempted to get him a skateboard or scooter, and let him sit/lay on it to scoot himself around. Just make sure he keeps his hands wide to avoid rolling over his fingers.

If you have a smartphone/tablet, mayb you can download some apps for him to play on. Take him to the library for story time, and get a bunch of picture books for him to look at. Heck, you could even play at e library for a while. Most have a children's section that has a play area where kids can read, work on puzzles, do puppets, etc. Even if he is doing the same ting he would do at home, the change of scenery will help keep him stimulated.

Use the wagon, and take him on walks. You can take him to the zoo, or museum, etc.

You could make yourself a little sandbox. Just get a cheap plastic pool, and fill it with a few bags of play sand and some sand toys. (Just make sure to wrap his cast really well so he doesn't get any sand in it.)

I would also browse Pinterest, and search 'sensory bins'. They are a great sit-down activity that keep kids occupied well.

I would look online and order a cast protector for bathing. I used plastic bags for my DD, but 5 weeks is a pretty long time so I think it would be worth the investment. I would also pick up some moleskin, and use it in places where the cast tends to rub more to help protect his skin from chafing. The padding does compress and move around a little bit, so even of you don't need it right now you may need it later. You can also use it for areas where the cast seems to get grimy... Put the moleskin on the cast, then just peel off and throw away as needed. :)

I hope he heals quickly.

3 moms found this helpful
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P.K.

answers from New York on

Now we know why insurance companies will cancel your insurance if you have one.

If you have a tablet I.e., iPad there are so many things he could do with that. Movies, you can do sing a longs with him, play catch sitting on grass, put him in a stroller and go out. Stay out. Go for lunch. Go to a zoo, local farm etc. good luck. Hope he heals quickly.

2 moms found this helpful

F.W.

answers from Danville on

I am sorry...
I HAVE to ask...
What in the F%ck was your 2 year old doing ON a trampoline in the first place???

That said...

Commando crawl he will become good at. IF it is not a removable cast, start looking at plastic bags and a way to tie them so he can bathe.

Beyond that, I would be looking at movies he can watch...and 'arts and crafts' activities that can be brought to him while his poor leg is elevated.

**WHAT were you thinking???**

2 moms found this helpful

S.G.

answers from Grand Forks on

I would take him on lots of outings in a stroller to places like zoos, museums and the library. Have crafts, play-doh, colouring and lots of books at home.

2 moms found this helpful
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❤.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Oh no, I'm so sorry.
I like what one poster said about taking him around places (the zoo, mall)
in a wagon. That will be the best anity saver.

I'd also get or borrow a portable DVD player. Rent some kid DVD's from
the library. He may or may not be interested in these for very long yet
but.....You could, also, turn on cartoons.

Take him for walks around the neighborhood in the wagon.

Buy him some new toys. New toys are amazing at "getting/keeping their
attention".

Erase board w/erase pens.

Coloring books & crayons.

Toddler puzzles (the ones w/like 6 big pieces).

Blocks (get some new ones).

1 mom found this helpful
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❤.I.

answers from Albuquerque on

My son broke his leg when he was around 3. He had a full leg cast on and that didn't stop that kid from walking on it! Just have a stroller handy for outings.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.O.

answers from Dallas on

Lots of good tips from previous posters, I don't really have anything to add except I'm sorry your little guy was hurt and ignore the ladies ranting at you about it being 'your fault'.

There seems to be a good group of people that wants to gather all the trampolines and burn them (I believe they call it trampoclasm or bouncicide). I was also unaware until I started reading Mamapedia. Best to ask any further questions without mentioning trampolines, if possible.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.O.

answers from Detroit on

There are some good suggestions here for activities.

I do think it' a learning post, as well. A 2 YO should not be on a trampoline. The extended family has had two breaks due to them, and not pretty ones (not ones that will heal quickly; one child might have a limp for a long, long time).
Anyway...
Hope the little one heals quickly!

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L.E.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Audio books from the library - he can draw or build or do other things while listening. The librarian can help you pick out some good ones for his age. My son loved the original Pooh books (unabridged, not Disney version) at that age, as well as funny ones like the Stink series, Charlotte's Web, etc.

Prayers for you and your little guy. Hoping the time goes quickly!

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