So here’s a curious little fact about me that you may not know: I had the very same due date for both boys, two years apart. Yup! May 25th was circled on my calendar twice – what are the odds?
(Another curious fact: if you count backwards and do the math, that means my husband and I got frisky on Labour Day long weekends. Now, we vacation separately. Don’t want to chance another May 25th to circle on the calendar!)
My two May babies were born just before the hot, sticky summer weather rolled in, which presented a few challenges to this neurotic mom:
1) How do I know if he’s too hot? Do babies sweat?
2) What does heat rash look like?
3) Should I apply sunscreen to a one month old?
Ugh, I really stressed out about this kind of stuff with Ryder. (We all know that I just stripped Reid down to his diaper and left him in the bouncer. Cause that’s what you do with your second kid, obvi.) At the end of the day, I just wanted to make sure my boys were cool, comfortable and content.
(I found the above photo of Ryder at 13 months old… looks like he found a great way to keep cool on hot summer days! And ye gods – that kiddie pool was tiny – and so was he! Ah, memories…)
Today, I’m proud to announce that I am a Disney Baby Mom Ambassador. If you’ve been reading my blog over the past few years, you’ll know it’s a match made in heaven! (Yes, you’re also looking at a Disney Social Media Mom and a Disney Junior Mom… let’s just say I have a love affair with the brand.) As part of my collaboration, I’ll be posting the very best in tips and tricks straight from the experts at Disney Baby, in addition to sharing their latest products, innovations and promotions.
Coming along with me on this journey? My beautiful niece… who at 10 months old, is the apple of my eye! I am thrilled that she will be a bona fide Disney Baby.
To start, we all know summer with a baby can be a lot of fun. There are plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy together and lots of new spaces for baby to explore. When you’re outside with your baby in the summer heat, comfort and safety are key. Here are some tips from Disney Baby on how to keep your little one cool, so you can get back to having fun in the sun.
1. Embrace Layering: Make sure you don’t overdress your baby. Loose-fitting, lightweight clothes are best, and light layers mean you can add and remove clothes as necessary.
2. Choose Cotton: Dress your baby in natural fibres. Cotton breathes and absorbs sweat more effectively than synthetic fabrics. Disney Baby offers lots of adorable summer options, like this Layette Set or this Minnie Mouse Skirted Creeper.
3. Stick to the Shade: Stay in the shade when you can find it and create some when you can’t. Buying an umbrella stroller is a great way to ensure that your little one is always protected from the sun.
4. Keep Baby Hydrated: If you’re spending a lot of time in the heat, you need to spend a lot of time nursing as well. Like you, your baby gets dehydrated and needs to replenish fluids. If your baby is older, make sure you always have Sippy Cups ready at hand.
5. Find Some Air-Conditioning: Malls, movie theatres and libraries all have air conditioning, and offer a great place to take a break from the heat. Not to mention, they’re a great place for both you and your baby to find entertainment.
6. Buy a Hat: Protect your baby’s head and neck with a cotton summer hat. This Winnie the Pooh Hat features a chin strap so it will stay firmly in place.
7. Have a Splash: Letting your baby play in a paddling pool or on a splash pad is a fun and easy way to cool them down. If you don’t have access to one of these, try a cool bath, or simply sprinkle some water on your baby’s hair.
8. Be Strategic: Avoid spending too much time outside in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. When you can, it’s better for you and your baby to go out in the morning or evening.
How do you keep your baby cool in summer? What season was your baby born in?
Really logical and achievable tips! I love the photo of your little one in his pool! lol Brought a smile to me old face this morning!
Aw, thank you Anne! Brought a smile to my face too!
All great tips and that picture of Ryder is very cute!
Thanks a bunch Judy!
I remember reading about your son when he was that old. Love your blog and seeing your kids grow.
That’s so sweet! Thank you Ruby Red!
we could all do with our own personal splash pool
Right?? I wish, ha!
My daughter was born in mid-April (34 yrs ago) and although the memories are really fuzzy now, I do know I would have had the shade and hydration covered LOL
When is her birthday, Flora? I’m an Aries myself!
April 17th :)
he’s so adorable, love the pool! good way to stay cool, my girls when they were that young used to just run around in their diapers
That’s a great way to beat the heat too!
those pictures can melt a heart. so adorable and so happy!
Thank you Chandra :)
all very good ideas, along with just be sensible
Yes, often that’s the best approach!
great tips, thanks for the good ideas :-)
You’re welcome Nicky :)
Aww what a cute pic! Great post also :)
Thanks Athena!
Oh my goodness! Could Ryder have been any cuter!
Hahaha thank you Diana! xx
Okay this kid is adorable, and those are great tips. We love Disney Baby!
So awesome to hear that Jenny!
Too cute for words Lena!
Thank you!
Great tips, we just hide out in the shade.
We did that too! Very effective!
These are some fab tips! I can’t help but giggle a little when I look at the picture of Ryder… such a contagious smile!
Hahaha I know – he was quite the charmer! Thank you Darlene!
Aww, he is too cute! Perfect way to keep them cool! :)
Love the tips too! Thanks Rossana!
i had a plastic tub as a kid
Um, so did I :)
bath toys make every bath super special
Or pool time super special!
Babies always love the splash pad, its fun and refreshing!
It really is! In fact both my boys still love running through it!
Mine too. Even though my DD is 11. lol
LOL Keira :)
Thank you for this! Always appreciate the articles on childrens safety
You’re very welcome Jaime!
My girls are May babies and my boys June babies so I had to worry about the summer as well. I definitely took advantage of all the ideas on your list.
So great to hear, Heidi!
I’ve used about half the tips and gained some good insight from the others. Thanks for this!
You’re very welcome Alex!
My friend won a prize at your Disney Baby Twitter party!!
Sweet! Thanks for joining us!
Good tips and cute baby! We have a lot of Disney Baby products. Love to Pooh merchandise.
Me to – sometimes I wish my boys were little again! Thank goodness I have my niece to spoil :)
I love the buy a hat, drives me crazy when I see parents not having a hat on their little one.
I agree! All babes need protection from the heat, and a hat is a great (and stylish) way to do it!
Oh my, he looks so adorable in his little pool :) Great tips. It certainly helps to have AC!!
Thanks Melinda! And YES – AC does help a lot!
Great tips, thanks!
You’re welcome Vivian!
Great Tips thanks so much for sharing :)
You’re welcome Treen!
I keep cool by cranking up the AC
Huh. Don’t spoil our fun!
Cute pics :)
Thanks Athena!
Oh my your little guy is so handsome,he sure has grown since this shot.Thanks for the wonderful tips !