Summer car safety

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As the weather gets warmer we start seeing those sad stories of children inadvertently left in cars for too long.  These are terrible stories.  I can't even bring myself to write about what these poor children go through.  I can't imagine what pain the parents have to live with for the rest of their lives.  But I do feel compelled to write something about it.

This sort of thing scares me so much.  You know why?  Because it can happen to anyone.  Oh, I know.  There are tons of people out there who read these stories and think, 'Nope, not me. I could never forget my kid.'  I don't think I could forget my child.  But then I think about times that I have driven home and can't quite remember the drive exactly.  You know what I mean.  You are so deep in thought that you kind of go on auto pilot.  I know I have set out to go somewhere and ended up steering to the office out of habit.  Say you have something major on your mind.  A big presentation, an illness in the family, or just the chronic tiredness that can come with having small children.  It makes sense that someone could go about their routine and miss the step of dropping off their child.  Our brains can fail us, and it can lead to tragedy.

I have my children with me every day, I am used to loading them in and out of the car.  Okay, so maybe I am less likely to forget them.  What about if someone else has them?  If you aren't accustomed to getting a child in and out of the car it could be easy to forget they are even there.  You aren't used to getting a baby out of the car, and that baby is sound asleep.  It can be easy to forget.  Why would you look in your backseat if you don't on a regular basis?  In this case habit works against us.  I am happy that Ben is now old and big enough to stay awake through most car rides.  He likes to talk to me and I know he is back there.  The girls are still rear facing and often doze off during car rides, which could make it easy to forget they are back there.  I've forgotten my phone, my purse, books, etc in the car.  I am not infallible.  I make an effort to not forget my children are in the car with me.  Honestly with three to load in and out it is a bit harder.  And as I said, the kids are always with me.  In fact in the rare instances I am out without them I find myself climbing in the back to unload anyway.  But that isn't to say I couldn't make a tragic mistake.  I always try to put something in the back I will need at my destination, just to be safe.

There are so many ways to help prevent this.  Leave your phone in the backseat.  You shouldn't be on it while driving anyway.  Put a shoe in the back.  You will notice walking around with one shoe.  Make a plan to have your childcare provider call you if your child doesn't show up on time.  Call the person who has your child to make sure they got the child out of the car.  Do whatever it takes to keep your family safe.

An acronym to help is ACT.
A: Avoid- never intentionally leave your child unattended in a car.  Don't leave cars unlocked for kids to get into. Don't leave keys out where children can play with them.
C: Create reminders- leave something in the back you need.
T: Take action- if you see a child alone in a hot car do something!  Call 911 for help.
(source)

I hope whoever takes care of Ben, Ali, and Sammy understands if I call to make sure they are all safe.  As I said, this could happen to anyone.  And I hope anyone who worries (like Pat) calls me to check on the safety of our children.  It isn't worth the risk to put my pride first and assume take offense to someone checking in.

Here are some links for additional information.

http://www.today.com/parents/7-tips-preventing-hot-car-related-deaths-children-t31551
http://www.kars4kids.org/safety-app/
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/hot-cars-and-child-death-prevention
http://www.safercar.gov/parents/inandaroundthecar/heatstroke.htm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joan-gage/how-can-we-stop-babies-fr_b_9993322.html

I also want to mention that if you accidentally lock your child in the car and can't get them out, call 911!  Accidents happen.  Kids grab keys and push lock buttons.  You will not get in trouble for saving your child.  Emergency personnel are trained to know what to do in this sort of situation.  They just want your child to be safe too.

I know there are many dangers that face our children in the world today.  This is one that everyone can take steps to prevent though.  I hope we all take that extra caution to try to make it so no family has to suffer through this sort of tragedy.

-Kim

Beating the heat

We have been having some hot days around here.  Ali and Sammy have also been hitting a nice place with their naps.  I really want to give them the chance to have a consistent routine as much as possible, so we have been limiting our outings a little bit.  Mainly we have the middle of the day between the two big naps.  That means we have the hottest part of the day to get out and play.  I hate heat.  The only thing we can do about that is water play!

Now, we have a big blow up pool for Ben to use.  The thing is, it is huge.  We are happy to have it, but it is a lot of work to set up and then take down.  With just me, I tend to not use it.  I am happy to report that we have taken a step up from last year where I just gave Ben a bucket to play with.  This year he has a whole tub.  Now, I know it looks a little, well, lacking.  But he seems to really enjoy it!  It is easy to fill up.  He can sit in it if he wants to.  It is super easy to clean up.  And it holds his toys when we aren't using them!  Plus I can have it on the deck, which means I can keep the girls inside if it is too hot for them.  It's a little annoying to hover in the doorway between Ben outside and the girls inside, but better than sunburned babies.  I think the best part is that Ben is happy with it.  That's all we need!

Our first time I just let him play in his regular clothes.  He was soaked!!!  He didn't mind at all, this kid just loves to play in water.

Of course just playing with the toys wasn't enough, he had to climb in himself.  He just barely fits, but he liked it!  The water was so cold, I was surprised he wanted to get in it!

Over the weekend Pat got in on the fun.  Ben adored having someone to chase him around the yard.  I loved that I didn't have to constantly jump back and forth between the girls and Ben.  The summer heat is tough with the girls being so young.  I want to keep them cool and out of the sun, but still let Ben get plenty of activity outside.  

Fortunately we have a big golf umbrella to keep the girls in some shade.  I had a squirt bottle to keep them cool.  They loved getting their feet sprayed!  I also let them play with cold, damp washcloths.  The shade is the biggest thing though, have to keep that perfect baby skin safe!

We have a big change from last year- Ben can work the spray nozzle on the hose!  Last year his hands weren't strong enough.  We have to be careful this year, he can turn it on us!  We still have a bit of an advantage in that he isn't good at aiming yet. ;)  He thought he was pretty cool, spraying Daddy with the water.  Good thing Pat is teaching him young that you don't spray Mommy or the babies.  

I know it's a pretty basic set up, but I am loving easy water play at home.  It is so nice to not have to go anywhere, and so nice that Ben loves it!  It's on the list of our weekly activities for the summer. :)

-Kim

Relaxing

Does this kid know how to relax, or what?  Nothing like hanging out with your 50 closest stuffed friends while enjoying some water.  I'm just happy this kid loves his independent play time!

-Kim

Activity chair fun

Now that the girls are doing better with their assisted sitting, we pulled out an activity chair Ben used to play with.  It's a simple one, just a seat with some toys that circle around it.  We had used it in our bedroom to keep Ben entertained while I got ready in the morning.  (Ah, back in the day when Pat and I had the big bedroom...)  I thought it might work to put one of the girls in it, and then just pull the other close to it while sitting in the bumbo.  That way they could both play with it.  

I brought it upstairs and cleaned it all up.  (It had sat in the basement for over a year, it was bit dusty.)  I sat Sammy in it at first and pulled Ali up in the bumbo.  The girls seemed very interested!  They weren't the only ones who thought the new toy looked pretty cool though. 

The ladies, enjoying the new toy. (Ali left, Sammy right)

Ben took notice and in typical two year old style wanted to play with it too.  He came right over to show the girls how it was played with.  Luckily they were happy to watch him play with their toys.  We're trying to get him to understand that some of these toys are for the babies now, and he is too big for them.  Honestly though if the girls don't seem to mind him playing too we let him.  As long as he is gentle and gives the girls priority with it.

Big brother, showing how the toys work

They love watching him play!

Ben had to wait until after Ali got her turn in the toy.  The girls get first dibs on baby toys.  Ben stayed nearby in case they had any questions.

Ali, contemplating a turtle.

Finally after the girls were done playing we let Ben sit in it.  He is for sure way to big for it!  He wanted the circle tray all the way on, which meant his little legs had to stick straight out.  Even then it barely closed.  He didn't seem to mind though.

Finally, Ben's turn!

It's funny to watch Ben take such an interest in these 'baby' toys.  I understand it, they are things he hasn't seen in a while.  His sisters are getting attention with new things and he wants to be in on the fun.  We try to let him explore the toys as much as possible.  My thought is that letting him play with them will take some of the mystique away and make him realize they aren't that interesting.  Even if he does want to keep playing with them we are trying to teach them that the girls get first go at them.  I am hoping that helps teach him patience and sharing.  I know we will have many a toy battle in our future, so anything we can do now to encourage sharing, or at least not fighting, is a good thing.  And it's really cute to watch all three of them play together!!

-Kim

Happy Birthday, Pat!

Happy Birthday, Pat!!

We love you and are so lucky to have you in our lives. 

Here are some shots of my wonderful husband and the kids' great dad.

We love you so much, Pat!  Happy Birthday!!

-Kim

BFBN: Keeping Cool Outside... Even When It's Unbearable Hot- Guest Post

It's a Babywise Friendly Blog Network trade day!  I'm over at Chronicles of a Babywise Mom with some tips for newborn twins.  I have Emily from The Journey of Parenthood blogging here today!

Summer is here, and fortunately it hasn't gotten too hot yet.  But I know it is coming.  I do not like the heat and humidity of summer.  I hate to sweat.  It's one thing if we are out working out, or at an activity where sweat is expected.  But just randomnly to be out in the middle of the day?  No thank you.  Well, now Ben is two, and kids need to get outside.  I want Ben to be able to go out and enjoy the summer.  I want to teach him and Ali and Sammy to love to play outside.  This means I need to mom up and get us out!  Luckily for me Emily lives in the south and has some awesome beat the heat tips here.  I will for sure be using these this summer!

Be sure to check out the rest of the BFBN to see what they have today!

-Kim

I live in SOUTH Georgia. As in the hottest place on Earth. We are not near an ocean. We do not have cool breezes coming from the water. It's hot. And in the summer? It's unbearable. I know other areas of the country have high summer temps as well, but throw in our insane humidity and I think we win ;)

When summer approaches we see commercials showing family gatherings outside. Bike riding. S'mores. Watermelon eating contests. Every winter we fantasize that maybe this summer it won't be so hot (maybe all that "climate change" stuff will work in our favor!). But every summer we are stuck with the heat! 

Outdoor play is not just important for our vitamin D or for our children to get out of the house and get a break, but it's also important for ourselves. Breathing in fresh air (yes even 100 degree humid air) is refreshing and revitalizing and will help ease the stresses that being a mom brings (especially being a mom who is home with kids all day every day all summer long!). 

Here are some tips for beating the heat so you can enjoy your summer fun:

1. Go Out Early (or Late): Being a Babywise Mom my kids are all in bed right around 7:00 each night and get up right around 7:00 each morning. I've found that if I get out to walk with the kids between 8-9 I can usually beat the heat of the day. We've had luck with not being overly hot when going on family walks after dinner as well (around 6:30) but that's not always possible...and the further into summer we get the less likely it is it'll stay nice around that time. By having outside time scheduled first thing in the morning it makes it easy to prevent getting overly hot AND helps the kids burn off some energy before the day even really gets started! 

2. Go Out OFTEN: I'm a person who doesn't like to sweat. I loathe it. I am also a person who gets sweaty SUPER easily. This is my first summer with the goal of getting outside EVERY SINGLE DAY. And guess what? It doesn't seem as hot to me as usual! I truly believe that by exposing yourself (and your kids!) to the weather every day will help adjust to it. As it slowly warms up, we just adjust to the new temps. #science

3. Have a "Cool Off Supply Box": There are many helpful products to keep cool. Not only do we live in South Georgia, but we also love Disney so I've become pretty knowledgeable in products that help keep you cool in the heat. Going on a family walk? Clip a stroller fan on the stroller for the baby. And for those who can walk? Get a Frogg Togg towel. They are legit game changers! I also recently bought some super cool misting water bottles! Everyone can stay hydrated and cool! 

4. Incorporate Water: We are fortunate to have a pool in our backyard so we swim several times a week. But even when we don't feel like jumping in the big pool I like to have other water type toys handy for my kids to play with outside. They are able to stay cool and have fun and still be outdoors! Water tables are wonderful. Not only for toddlers, but my older kids love ours too! Of course nothing beats jumping through a sprinkler in summer time either :)

5. Popsicles for the WIN: We have really upped our outdoor game this summer and go on walks several times a week. It's not always fun for the kids to walk beside the stroller so we've made it part of our routine to have a popsicle when we get back home. We sit on the back porch (under the fan ha!) and cool off and eat our popsicles. It's amazing how quickly a little popsicle can help cool you off. SO many foods are great frozen (my kids love bananas, blueberries, even apples!) and are easy to take outside as a snack. Even if they thaw out a little they will still be nice and cold and refreshing!

6. Setting Spray: This is a tip just for the moms who may be like me and like to wear makeup even when playing outside in the yard. I'm the mom who has learned if I don't get fully ready for the day before my kids wake up, then it'll never happen. I get up 20-30 min before they do and get ready and part of my routine has been incorporating a setting spray! My makeup will last all day long, even with our outside adventures! 

How do you keep you and your babies stay cool in the summer time? I'm always looking for tips to help beat the summer heat and would love to hear yours!

Today I needed a village

The expression says "It takes a village..."  Today, I needed that village.  I aim to be pretty independent.  I want to take care of myself and my children.  I feel it is my responsibility to take care of my children.  I love that I feel confident taking all three kids out and about by myself.  But every trip does not go perfectly, and today I needed help.

It was a little trip.  We had gone to the park, and we were swinging by Target on the way home.  We needed all sorts of important things like dino nuggets, bananas, and ice cream.  We also needed to order a cake for Pat's birthday.  Let's be real though, the whole trip centered around getting ice cream.  I have taken Ben, Ali, and Sammy to Target on my own many times.  We have it down.  I push the girls in the stroller and Ben walks along with us.  Today though, I wanted to swing by the restroom before we did our shopping.  Ben had been great about leaving the park, and we entered Target without a problem.  Ben wasn't happy about heading towards the restroom; it was not the normal path we took.  He protested a bit, but I didn't think too much of it.  I mean, he's two.  He whines sometimes.  Then he took off.

I had started to maneuver the girls into the family restroom and looked down to encourage Ben in.  And he was gone.  Just like that, he had taken off and was racing down the store.  Ben has taken off in the past.  He had a big running away phase, but that was months ago and he seemed to be over it.  This was the first time he had really taken off in a store and gotten such a lead on me.  I started for him, but grabbed the stroller to bring the girls with me.  I mean, I couldn't just leave them behind.  I don't know about other double strollers, but ours doesn't exactly turn on a dime.  Add to that I was trying to hurry and it just wouldn't move.  I was calling after Ben, but he had turned and run deeper into the store.  Fortunately for me another mother was standing nearby and told me "Go, I'll stand with them."  She had four girls with her, all looking under 10.  I took the chance and tore off after Ben.  I was able to grab him and sprint back to the girls, who were glowing under the attention of this mother and the girls with her.  I thanked her profusely.  She gave me a knowing smile and was off with her crew.

I don't know that woman.  I had never seen her before, and probably will never see her again, but I am so thankful she was there.  I would normally never leave the girls with someone I don't know.  I was stuck though.  I am glad Ben turned to run into the store, but who knows what sort of trouble he would get into.  He could have gotten hurt.  He could have destroyed merchandise we would then have to pay for.  And what about the girls?  They could have been taken or somehow hurt while I ran off after Ben.  This is where it is so hard because there are three of them, and only one of me.  I needed this woman to step in and help out for a minute.  Because of her I could get Ben back in less than 60 seconds.  She got it.  She stood by the girls so they weren't alone, but didn't touch them or move the stroller.  Once I was back she was gone, not needing an explanation or anything more than a heartfelt thank you.

Could I have taken the girls and gotten Ben back by myself?  Probably, but not as efficiently or safely.  It was my fault that Ben took off.  I wasn't watching him closely enough.  True, I had good reason.  It's hard to open a door, move a stroller, and corral a two year old at the same time.  That's no excuse though.  I should have been watching him more closely, but the fact is he got away from me.  And because of another caring mother, nothing bad happened.  I am so lucky and grateful.

Sometimes we need to let others lend a hand.  Sometimes we need the village to help when we drop the ball.  Today I needed that, and I am lucky someone was willing and able to step up.  I hope other mothers don't find themselves in my situation, but knowing toddlers they will.  I hope if I am there I can be that other mother who steps in and says "Go, I'll stand with them."  We need each other out there.

Thank you, stranger at Target.  All three of my babies are home safe tonight.

-Kim