Hip Spica advice please

[BlappyMcBlapperson]

My little boy has fallen and managed to fracture his femur.
To help aid his recovery he's been put into a hip Spica which goes from his left toes all the way up to his nipples and back down to his right knee. It also has a rod straight across above his knees.

I'm looking for some advice and positive reassurance from anyone who's been through something similar.
What helped your little one?
How long was the spika on for?
How did you keep them entertained?
How did you get them out and about?
What problems did you encounter and how were they managed?
How did you wash them?
Any tips to help aid recovery?
I was given tape, but I can't remember what it's for?
How did you get over the emotional heart break that your baby can't toddle about like they used to and how can I ever let them walk ever again!?

Sorry, didn't mean for these to sound like interview questions, I'm still in shock and trying to process the past 48 hours!

I was in a spica cast for 6 months as a baby, my mum did flannel washes & dangled me over the sink to wash my hair. You can get padded tape for the edges of the cast. Have you a beanbag you can use to prop him up to eat & play? Within a month I was dragging myself around the house using my arms, it didn't stop me doing anything. Have you a large buggy or pushchair you can use for getting around? Next do clothing specifically for spica casts & hip dysplasia harnesses. This is not time to restrict watching TV or screen time, you do whatever you need to to occupy him.

Hi @BlappyMcBlapperson I wondered how you are getting on? My little girl has just gone in to a spica which was planned but it still all feels very overwhelming. Looks like you are a couple of weeks in now - have you started to get in to the groove if things?

Hi @Carrot678.My little boy is doing so well!
The first week was the worst and I was in with him each night but he's only 2 weeks in and already pulling himself around and sleeping through.
He's been a trooper fair play!