Portland Heat Wave: How to Beat the Heat with Babies

Heat-busting tips for pregnancy through preschool... [Image of a white toddler eating an orange popsicle while sitting in a lawn chair on a hot day.]

Portland is ramping up to August heat waves - starting this week with what has the potential to be record-breaking heat. If you have a baby or toddler, or if you're about to welcome one through pregnancy, it can be a real challenge staying cool. And with many Portland homes not having central air conditioning, finding things to do to get through the afternoon is a must.

Here are a bunch of stay-cool tips and activities. Be safe out there, Portland!

Stay hydrated!!
Above all else, remember plenty of fluid intake this week. Reuseable water bottles are portable and many are insulated as well.

Here are three LOCAL reusable water bottle companies to support! https://www.pdxmonthly.com/articles/2015/5/26/3-local-bottle-companies-beg-you-to-ditch-the-plastic-may-2015 (article from 2015 but all three companies remain in business)

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Splash Pads
Stay hydrated on the inside AND outside at one of Portland's many amazing splash pads. Bring that reuseable water bottle, plenty of sunscreen, and some dry clothes for later! Check out PDX Parents' resource: http://www.pdxparent.com/fountains-splash-pads/

Splash pads cool all ages on on hot day [Image of children splashing in water fountains at a splash pad.]

Cool Hang-outs
Not a water fan? No worries! There are lots of indoor alternatives: Legos, dance parties, arts & crafts, and ice cream - yum. There are so many possibilities in this list for little kiddos to still get the wigglies out while staying cool! Thanks again to PDX Parent: http://www.pdxparent.com/ten-places-beat-the-heat/

There's also a helpful list of free cooling centers that have been established in the Metro area. This article also has a lot of general heat safety tips, tips on keeping pets cool, and a guide for identifying and treating heat-related health conditions: http://portlandtribune.com/lor/48-news/364055-244846-chill-out-heres-how-to-beat-the-heat-this-week 

Remember when traveling to events - stay in the shade and bring portable shade such as an umbrella if necessary. Everyone except babies under six months can use sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids. Babies under six months should be kept shaded at all times and have extra breastmilk or formula (formula mixed at the same ratio, not diluted).

Natural cool awaits under wooded canopies and along bubbling streams... more ways to stay cool in Portland from pregnancy to preschool at adjoyn.com [Image of a family standing on a foot bridge surrounded by lush green forest.]

Escape to Nature
We are blessed to live in such close proximity to natural air conditioning! Explore the rivers, lakes, and woods local to Portland - just get in early enough that you're not hiking in the heat of the day, and make sure to bring snacks, water, first-aid, and a fully charged phone for emergencies. Travel Portland lists several city spots and the Columbia Gorge: https://www.travelportland.com/article/favorite-hiking-spots-in-portland/

Practice Safe and Cool Babywearing
Babywearing is still possible in the heat! And even though the idea of being in close proximity to anyone while so hot, babywearing is the most convenient way to monitor little ones for signs of overheating. Keep you and baby cool by using a lightweight carrier like a single-layer ring sling or mesh buckle carrier. Remember some mesh carriers, like water wraps, are made specifically to be wet while wearing, so they're not always a useful solution on dry land - check your manufacturer's instructions. For all carriers, if you find cooling towels helpful just make sure there's always a layer between baby and any cooling device. Never use ice packs to cool a baby.

If you need help finding a solution for your baby carrier goals, contact Adjoyn today and book a session at your home (or we can find an air conditioned meeting place too!). For lots more hot-weather baby wearing tips, check out this amazing resource from Babywearing International of Portland, including this handy infographic from BWI St. Louis Gateway: ​http://bwipdx.weebly.com/blog/hot-weather-wearing

Handy tips for babywearing in the heat from BWI of St. Louis Gateway!

Newborns Need Extra Care
Babies don't sweat! They rely on their caregiver to help them cool, so be sure to dress baby in light layers, keep baby in the shade with a breeze or fan nearby, and even use damp cloths with room-temperature water to cool baby's hands and feet when needed. If using water, always be sure it is room-temperature: cool water can cause chills which will raise body temperature.

Here's a concise article with tips for newborn's hydration and keeping baby cool indoors and out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joan-liebmannsmith-phd-and-jacqueline-nardi-egan/keep-your-baby-safe-in-th_b_640028.html#

How do you plan to beat the heat this week? If you need more guidance about baby - for any kind of weather - we'd love to help here at Adjoyn! Contact us today!