Beat the Heat, Baby!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
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Sara Rontal FisherRecent posts
Another date with early intervention? - 12/10/2010
Chicago Baby Holiday Gift Guide - with giveaways! - 11/27/2010
Baby, it's cold outside - 11/23/2010
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We are officially in the dog days of summer, and oh my gawd do I feel like a sweaty dog lately, not like the pretty constellations they are named after. It's been a sultry, steamy, crazy-hot summer here in Chicago.
But do you know who's been the dampest of them all? My poor, sweet baby. Every time I take him outside for more than five minutes he looks like he just took a schvitz at the club. It doesn't help that my Bugaboo stroller is lined with fleece. (Why, oh, why did I spend $700 on an oversized Patagonia jacket with wheels!?) It also doesn't help that we've had like 40 million days over 90. I would kill for just a low 80s day, you know?
Though I try, I just can't hibernate all summer (and winter), because of the weather. So I've concocted some ways for my baby (and me) to stay cool when the temp soars.
- Carry around a spritzer bottle. When I know I'm not going to run into anyone I care about seeing, I spray on the cold water like Jennifer Beals in Flashdance. The baby thinks it's funny, and he doesn't complain that he's at least five degrees cooler with a little spritz.
- I ditch the hat for the shade. Hats make me and my baby sweat. Instead of constantly trapping the heat with a summer hat, I just walk in the shade, park in the shade, do just about anything in the shade that helps me to avoid those searing UV rays.
- Make excuses to go into air-conditioned stores. We like to walk, walk, walk, but about every 10th block or so mama needs to cool off. It doesn't count as shopping if you're trying to regulate your temperature, right?
- Not too cool to pool. I'll try out any pool around as long as it has cold water. Even the baby pool. And, I'm not even ashamed of my post-baby bod. Yes, I'm that hot (temperature-wise, people!)
- Walk slow. I usually race around town like the road runner, but come the hot days, I try to slow down my gait to ease the heart rate (and resulting perspiration.)
- Give licks of popsicles. No! Not for me, for him. I know I should probably avoid sugaring up my little guy at such a young age, but nothing cools off a youngin' like a lick of a popsicle (or even a little touch of it to the back of his sweet, soft neck.)
So how are you all going to stay cool for the rest of this month? Share your tips!
Sara Fisher is a mother of two living in Roscoe Village. She also blogs at selfmademom.net.
See more of Sara's stories here.
A Cool Mom is a Happy Mom
By Twinsmomof4 on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
When it is terribly hot and humid who wants to be outside? But you need to get out - good for the spirit and doesn't make Mom feel like she's at home all day. I grab my twin stroller and head to the Mall. It is usually open before the stores open. I wear comfortable clothes and push the stroller around the mall for exercise. It is cool and comfy. Babies are happy because there is so much to look at. I get to window shop and exercise and stay cool. When the twins are hungry. I sit at the bench. Pull my baby feeding tray out and hold like a artist palette, I insert baby food, toss the food. and I am on my way again! I like to see the baby food I feed the babies so I trust foods that have been around longer. Ever notice there are no meats in plastic? That is because the protein breaks down the plastic. Trust brands that care about your baby. Acidic fruits break down aluminum (found in pouches) For example, there is a special film placed on your soda can to prevent the acid from breaking down the can. Here is another tip. Some companies make these but this is cheaper. Look for insulators that you can freeze that wrap around wine. Cut it so it is long and flat. Freeze it. Place it under your Bugaboo Stroller pad between plastic and Fleece Pad. I use a Graco Double Stroller. Then use a pillow case or bassinet sheet over the fleece. The cotton will keep baby cool and the ice pack will keep babies back from sweating during high heat. Think safety. Never leave a child in a car even with windows open, even with cool pack concept. This was adapted from an article from twinsandtriplets com parents.