I need a waterproof abdominal wrap for a tot...

[Mabel 29]

Hi All. I'm calling on all of you creative, been there/done that type of people. I previously posted this in the pediatric forum, but received no posts, so I thought I try it here.

I'm currently working with a 1 year old girl who has, among other things, a G-tube and a J-tube. She is also sensitive to most adhesives. This child is becoming increasing more mobile / independant, and I can't keep her still! The J is held in place with a Hollister tube attachment appliance, which adheres with a microporous adhesive. I put her in a bathtub with about 2 inches of water, and she loves it..but only briefly because if the Hollister becomes wet, the adhesive becomes gummy and the appliance must be replaced. (these are not cheap!) This child becomes overheated easily and with summer coming I need to find a way to cool her down while keeping her happy. Mom bought a small baby swimming pool for her to enjoy with her sister. I need to come up with a way to keep her abdomen area dry while she splashed in the pool. I'm imagining a stretchy, waterproof fabric that I can wrap around her and will remain in place while she plays. It can't be too bulky or constricting, as she needs to bend and move. Has anyone seen or made such an animal? Perhaps they make this item, but I am new to this area of nursing and can't find it anywhere.

[MisterSimba, BSN]

Would tegaderm work?

[nightmare, RN]

How about waterproof baby pants and clingfilm.Put the clingfilm on first then the pants.It might work!

[SenoritaM]

i'm interested in the suggestions because my kiddo has a j tube and swimming seems out of the question unless i can find a good waterproof dressing.

[delta32]

here's just a guess, i have never tried it and have no idea if it will work but what about the cling wrap like you put on your dishes. maybe wrap it around the body, have the child ALWAYS with supervision but maybe it might work.

it does sounds kinda scary but i can see it working

Jamie

[Mabel 29]

I thought of tegaderm, but isn't that porous? I'm also cautious because of her sensitivity to adhesives. I could use the film from a would vac, but again, it may irritate her skin. The plastic part of the Hollister sticks out about 3/4 of an inch and it's about an inch long, so it's not the easiest thing to cover. We're heading to CHOP soon, so I will ask the professionals for their ideas. Thanks for brainstorming!!:loveya:

[Jolie, BSN]

Could you post a picture of her device or a link to a photo of one?

I'm having a hard time visualizing this.

[APBT mom, LPN, RN]

What about a child size wet suit? I have seen some for children that look more like one piece bathing suits.

[caringforlife]

We often times us press n seal wrap to cover IV sites and other sites, it sticks to skin impressively well. We use it for showers and baths. Good Luck to you.

[Valanda]

THis is what I have used in the past to cover ostomy appliances and feeding tubes for showering. Never tried it for swimming, but it might work.

http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/12180682/Seal_Tight_Shield.html

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Since she is sensative to most adhesives, I suggest the Glad's cling type plastic wrap as best bet--seal edge with silk tape and 20 min splashing in pool might work. Other thing after unwraping, use hair blowdryer on low setting over wafer area to decrease moisture.

[Annony RN]

what about coban over the plastic wrap? Is she sensitive to that? You can even buy it under the name "vet-wrap" at horsey shops or farm supply stores in bright colors. If you unwrap and dry carefully it can be re-used.