Hello Summer!

If you live in the midwest like we do, you know that one day you can be scraping ice off your windshield and the next cursing that you grabbed the seat belt buckle before checking if it's hot. Summer is finally here, and it's here with a vengeance. Now's the time to make sure you are taking steps to keep your little ones protected from the sun and heat.

Little ones are like adults in that they need to stay hydrated. Our 2 year old wants nothing to do with stopping play so that he can have a drink, so we have to be creative to keep fluids in him. Make sure they drink plenty of water as they play outside.

Summer also means sun, which means sunscreen. I'm a big fan of the spray sunscreens. Trying to wipe sunscreen on a wiggling toddler, who now is wiggling and slippery because he's covered in sunscreen, is not the easiest thing to do. The spray sunscreens make it a little easier. Make sure you cover them before they go outside, and reapply according to the directions, especially after they've been in the water.

Be careful about your little one's carseat. The seat, even the fabric, can get really hot if left sitting in a car for any length of time. Check the fabric, buckle, and straps to make sure they are cool enough, before putting your little one in the seat. I carry a light colored towel in the car. When I leave, I throw the towel over the carseat, helping to keep it cool.

Stay cool and have a great summer. And cherish these days. All too soon we'll be back to scraping the windsheild.

Melissa & Scott