OT : How to occupy a toddler with a sprained ankle ?

[Kashi]

My 22-month old fell off a foot-stool last night and twisted her ankle. She was still limping and in pain this morning, so I took her in to the walk-in clinic.

The doctor said that nothing was broken, but there is a definate sprain, and she needs to keep off her feet for a week.

Any suggestions on how to occupy her enough that she doesn't realize she's not mobile ?

[Jeanum]

Ouch, that's tough for anyone but especially for an active toddler.

My 12 month old just wants to eat my older DD's crayons, but a 22 month old may actually use crayons for the intended purpose. :) Crayola makes a plastic lap desk to hold paper and crayons, and washable crayons that are easy to clean up after. Lots of coloring books, paper and crayons, and Play dough could potentially occupy her. Taking her for long walks in a stroller/carrier also comes to mind. Stock up on new story books from the library to read to her, take extra long baths, maybe set up a kiddie pool. Not that kids will necessarily just sit there in the water, but lots of bath and pool toys may help occupy her and could possibly help with any swelling to soak the ankle. I'm kind of loathe to suggest kid's videos and t.v. but sometimes they can be useful. I definitely wouldn't recommend shows like the Wiggles right now though because the Wiggles turn my oldest into a dancing bundle of energy and the baby will bop along to anything with music. Something more subdued like Baby Einstein maybe?

Hope her ankle feels better soon.

[Michi]

Put her in the stroller and take nice long 'walks' ???

[bucket2]

Puzzles, playdough, Duploes (would occupy my nephews for 20-30 minutes, even at 22 months)

Any kind of scoop/dump/fill will be fun (but very messy). Use a booster/high chair at the table, play on the floor, or outside.

Put a table cloth/sheet/drop cloth on the floor under the table/seat AND on the table. Clean up by using the material as a funnel.
Give your child a large cake pan or low sided container with about an inch of rice, sand, oatmeal, cheerios or water.
Add measuring cups/spoons, sifter, water wheel, various small containers, small vehicles/people - characters, slotted spoons, ladle, other kid-safe kitchen utensils.
If using water, use bath toys and do float/sink.
Enforce the "water stays in the pan" strictly - no throwing.
The trick for extending the activity is to introduce only one or two items at a time and trade them out.


Good Luck.