Staying Cool This Summer

Of course we're not talking about the latest fashion from the Paris catwalk, we are talking about top tips for staying cool in the warm summer months.
 

Coping with hot weather during pregnancy

How to keep your baby cool when it's hot

Dressing baby for bedtime

While feeling tooooo warm and trawling the internet for tips to keep ourselves cool, we really started to feel for Mamma's-to-be and those with really young children. To make it a little easier for you we've collated the best 'cool' tips from experts at babycentre, Emma's Diary and baby sound asleep . While it's warm you'll find us in the studio with the big fan (usually reserved for floaty maternity photos) and drinking the cold drinks we've bought in for our lovely customers - you know you are welcome to join us 😄📷.

Coping with hot weather during pregnancy

How to keep cool when you're out and about

Tips from babycentre.co.uk

• If possible, try to plan your outdoor activities for the cooler part of the day. Save anything strenuous for the morning or evening when the sun is lower and temperatures are cooler.
• Carry a fine water spray. It's a great way to cool down, giving you a little burst of refreshment when you need it. Small plastic bottles with spray nozzles are available from most chemists. At home, store the bottle in the fridge for extra refreshment. You can even add a drop of moisturiser to help keep your skin hydrated.
• Buy a fan. Either a folding paper fan or a hand-held battery-operated one will work well. They're particularly handy if you're stuck on a crowded bus or train, or in a traffic jam on a hot day.
• Stay out of direct sunlight wherever possible. If you're on a beach, find a shady spot under an umbrella or parasol. This is especially important when the sun's at its highest, which is between 11am and 3pm for UK summers.
• Drink plenty of fluids. You can dehydrate easily when you're pregnant, which can make you feel faint, tired and dizzy. To help avoid this, carry a bottle of water and take regular sips throughout the day.
• Find time to go for a swim at your local pool or take a dip in the sea to help refresh you on a hot day. Swimming is also an excellent form of exercise in pregnancy and may help reduce any swelling in your lower legs and ankles.
• Minimise your salt intake. This will help to combat water retention and make you feel more comfortable.
• For an instant cool down, put your wrists under a running cold tap or pour a little water from your bottle on to your face or the back of your neck. It really does work and it feels lovely!

What you can do to stay cool indoors

• Fans and air conditioning are fast, effective ways to cool down. Just remember that when you're pregnant, it can take longer than normal for your body to adjust to any temperature changes. Try to reduce the heat gradually if possible, and give yourself time to adapt when moving from one environment to another.
• Consider a lukewarm shower or bath to give you some immediate relief from the heat. Don't have the water too cold though. A cold shower may sound appealing, but can actually make you hotter as your body generates heat to make up for the sudden chill.
• Try using Mint shower gel for instant cooling!
• Why not sit back, relax and put your feet in a bowl of cool water!!
• Close the blinds or shutters to give yourself some shade and cool the temperature.
• Wrap a cool, wet bandana or scarf loosely around your neck. It will help cool the major arteries in your neck and make you feel more comfortable.
• Pace yourself. Ask for help if you're too tired to cook, clean, or run errands. Put your feet up whenever you can. Growing a baby is hard work and you need plenty of rest during the day. If it doesn't absolutely need to be done now, or if someone else could handle it, don't do it!
• On a night open your loft hatch (if you have one) and let the heat rise. Try putting a fan in front of an open window to pull the cool evening air into the room. 

How to keep your baby cool when it's hot

Tips from Emma's diary

• Avoid synthetic fabrics that trap heat; opt for loose natural fibres like cotton or muslin
• Give babies as much nappy-free time as possible
• Stay in the shade and encourage your child to spend some quiet time to prevent him sweating too much
• Playing in a paddling pool will keep kiddies cool. Keep it in the shade and supervise their play
• Use a mini fan if you are out and about
• Use cold, wet flannels, or give them a tepid bath or shower to cool their skin. Let them air dry rather than using towels
• Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids

• Remove unnecessary bedding. Opt for a cool muslin sleeping bag
• If he is still hot let him sleep in a vest and nappy, or even just a nappy
• Open windows in several rooms to create a through breeze
• Give them a tepid bath, or sponge bath, before bed and let them air dry while lying on a towel so the evaporation of the water will cool their skin down
• Keep bedrooms cool throughout the day by closing blinds or curtains. Turn a room fan on before bedtime. A fan can be left on all night – but well out of reach and never pointed directly at the cot or bed
• Hanging wet towels over chairs or windows cools the air
• Remove waterproof under sheets or cover with several layers of cotton sheets to absorb perspiration

Dressing baby For bedtime

From Baby Sound Asleep

Stay Cool😎!

Kate & Pete