PSA FOR LITTLES DURING HEATWAVES..!
It has been getting pretty hot recently, especially for Europeans, so here are some things to know if you regress during this time, plus how to deal with the heatwave..!
Keep your pacis away from the sun..!
Keeping a pacifier in direct sunline, like on a window sill, will make it prone to breaking and cracking - these cracks can then trap moisture inside the nipple and cause mold.. If you have a paci that has been kept in sunlight, make sure to thoroughly check it for any breakage..!
If you feel like your pacifier has suddely become sticky or "slippery" when putting it in your mouth, TAKE IT OUT AND RINSE YOUR MOUTH.. That is the latex melting from the sun, you should safely dispose of this and make sure your mouth is thoroughly rinsed.
Keeping hydrated and safe..!
Hydrating, especially now, is very important.. Keep a waterbottle full of cold water next to you at all time - if water is too icky, it's more recommended to use water flavour packets than subsituting for other drinks, as these other drinks may dehydrate you even more (coffee, caffinated drink/energy drinks, sodas, etc.)
Using sippy cups / bottles can help you stay hydrated even when regressing - but if you decided to use things like juice, milk, soda, etc. instead of water - make sure to not let the sippy/bottle sit in direct sunlight and try to clean it out instantly - leaving it out with drink residue can lead to growing mold, especially if its silicone or a bottle with a nipple - when you finish your drink, instantly rinse it out..!
Keeping your space and yourself cool..!
A lot of Europeans tend to not have AC, so one way you can ensure that your home stays cool is to create a cross-breeze - open up all the windows, with two windows from opposite sides of the home fully open (make sure they aren't restricted by doors, walls, hallways. If there are no windows that could meet throughout the house, open up two windows in a room from the opposite ends so that they are opposite of eachother). This will create a cross-breeze through the room from the little wind that's outside, cooling the space.
Try keeping most of the doors open - this will help especially with the cross-breeze..!
If the sun is facing your room and making it hotter, close the blinds/curtains while leaving the windows open to make sure the room doesnt overheat..!
Besides drinking water, taking cold showers can help cooling you down, but if cold showers are difficult for you - dipping your feet and wrists in cool water can help too, it's advized to do this as much as you can, especially if your country is in the 35-40 celsius range..!
Take a rag/towelette and run it under cold water, ring it out and place it behind your neck or on your wrists to cool you down, its especially recommended to keep a cold rag on the back of your neck during the hottest point of the day..!
Try avoiding onesies or any clothing that may overheat you - settle on light-weight breathable matterial, avoid anything that may cover your skin more - opt for shorts, short sleeved tops / tank tops..!
AVOID GOING OUTSIDE..! Especially during the hottest points of the day, but if you must go outside, protect yourself with a light-colored hat that blocks the sun from your face, sunglasses, light-colored and light-weight clothing with sunscreen..! If able, getting a sunblocking umbrella can also be very good..!
Recognizing heat exhaustion..!!
If you start heavily sweating with cold skin, feel dizzy or nauseous, or feel a rapid pulse - IMMEDIATELY move to a shaded area, somewhere that is cooler and lightly sip of cool water, keep a cool rag on the back of your neck, wrists, under your armpits and on your thighs/groin. If symptoms dont improve or you start feeling confused, request someone to call the emergency line immediately..!
Remember that heat exhaustion can lead to a heat stroke, which can be fatal, so it is very important for you to look out for youself and others when seeing the signs of heat exhaustion - heat exhaustion can be treated and elevated, so dont wait on it..!!
Stay safe everyone, keep cool.. <3
