Mamatoga Summer 2016

mamatoga SUMMER 2016

SARATOGA’S FIRST PARENTING MAGAZINE

AGES AND STAGES

ZIKA AWARENESS HEALTHY COMPETITION

MYRTLE STREET Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C.

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McGregor Links Country Club 359 Northern Pines Road Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-584-6270 518-584-6664

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Summer 2016

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Letter from the Editor When I was a kid my summers were spent bike riding and swimming, playing tennis and running through sprinklers, eating ice pops and catching fireflies. Every year I always try to match that summer ideal, and each summer we run into the same thing: boredom, struggling to keep up with all the camp schedules, and more boredom. So I took my expectations way down, and set up a simple summer bucket list. If we do all the things on our list, great. If we don’t, at least we had fun trying.

Jenny Witte

CEO & Founder

Jake Van Ness

Creative Director jake@graphicprecision.com

Mamatoga, LLC

In Saratoga, that bucket list includes a picnic on the lawn at Publisher SPAC (celebrating 50 years this summer), running through publishing@mamatoga.com the sprinklers at the local sprinkler park, riding the carousel at Congress Park, cheering on the horses at the race track, visiting the gardens at Yaddo, and being the first to jump into at the pool with their friends, the trips to the beach and the the pool at McGregor Links (already crossed that one off ). ice cream cones.

When I told my mom how I try to live up to my own childhood summers she laughed, and told me that even though I remember it as being perfect, she also has the memories of us whining about being bored and hot, and I realized that even though we have the “OMG I’M SO BORED” days in this family, what the kids will remember when they are grown are the nights eating watermelon and lighting sparklers, the days

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So give yourself a break this summer and just take the days as they come. Summer magic has a way of creeping in even if you don’t cross all those things off your bucket list, and that’s what the kids will cherish.

xoxo - Jenny

Contents 5

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10 WHY YOU ARE ALWAYS A NEW MOM 16 ADVENTURING IN CO-PARENTING 20 BANNED TOY 22 SUMMER SALAD 27 NEWBORN DIY PHOTOGRAPHY 28 ZIKA VIRUS AND PREGNANCY 30 MEDITATION: MY PEACE ANCHOR 32 GALLIVANTING MAMA 35 BOOK CLUB

36 CAR SEAT FACT OR FICTION 39 MOM STYLES

46 DON'T LEAVE 49 AGES AND STAGES

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Katie Nemer Katie is mom to Jackson (14), Zoe (5) and Preston (3). She is also co-author and columnist with Jackson’s stepmom, Julie Hahn Cox. Together the mom/stepmom duo share their journey learning to Co-parent successfully (and sometimes not so much!) who unexpectedly become friends in the process on their website www.adventuresincoparenting.com.

Julie Cox You can often spot Julie around town doing one or more of the following things: chasing one of her three boys, Jackson (12), Declan (4), and Beckett (1), educating teenagers about Shakespeare/aliens/grammar, driving her sweet minivan between various sports and activities, and chugging coffee in the midst of all the organized chaos. But most likely you will find her wandering the aisles of the grocery store where she spends the bulk of her time stockpiling food for the aforementioned three boys who are, for the most part, very very hungry.

Jessica Mougis Jessica is an experienced yoga teacher and filmmaker. She has taught yoga, dance and videography to more than 1000 children, and has led teacher trainings for more than 150 adults nationally and internationally.

Jessica currently writes a blog, Lifted Into the World, about her experiences with new motherhood. (https:// liftedintotheworld.wordpress.com) She lives in the Upper West Side of Manhattan with her husband Steve, daughter Emily Rae, and Rhodesian Ridgeback, Romeo.

Alice Corey Alice Corey is a seasoned business professional with a proven track record of success. She grew up in a small town south of Albany, NY, where she developed a passion for babies, photographer Anne Geddes, and the medical profession. Alice currently operates a successful professional photography business, specializing in product photography, photojournalism, weddings, and couture newborn and family portraiture.

Jake Van Ness

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Jake is a graphic designer and the owner of Graphic Precision, a design firm serving clients locally and nationally. With over 16 years experience in the design and printing industries, Jake provides his clients with cutting edge branding and marketing design in print, as well as online. Graphic Precision has received numerous national awards for it’s design work, including three for the design and layout of Mamatoga Magazine. Having grown up in Saratoga Springs, Jake enjoys working as the Creative Director for a magazine based in his home town. Learn more about Jake and his design firm Graphic Precision at www.graphicprecision.com.

Summer 2016

“When a mother brings a child into the world, she wants to know right away, ‘Is my baby okay? Is everything alright?’ I’m the one who answers that question, as carefully and completely as possible. And usually I’m able to say, ‘Yes, you have a beautiful and healthy baby boy or girl.’ That’s such a wonderful moment I’m able to share.

We can all be proud that Saratoga Hospital has made the commitment to provide round-theclock neonatology care for all its newborns. That’s such a tremendous benefit, and a relief, for parents. I feel privileged to be working at a hospital that does this for mothers and fathers.”

Jennifer Lefner, MD neonatologist, Chief of newborn Medicine | Home: Saratoga Springs

For more information, visit: saratogahospital.org people you trust. care you deserve. www.Mamatoga.com

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WHY YOU ARE ALWAYS A NEW MOM

By Jenny Witte O’Keefe

O

ne thing I hear almost every day?

Something along the lines of, “Four kids? Well you must know what you are doing by now.” Haha, suuuuuure. Yeah.

Totally. I totally know what I’m doing. Except not so much. You see the thing is, no matter what stage you are at, you are always just about to be a “New Mom”.

Sometimes the success in this job of parenting can be just being there for them, plain and simple. Just showing up.

Don’t get me wrong. I have mastered a few things, and I have picked up some tricks of the trade along the way 10 | MAMATOGA

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that has made things easier than it was with my first. I have definitely learned a lot and have changed a lot and have grown a lot and all of that good stuff. But when it comes to parenting, that brand new stage is always right around the corner. And even if you have more than one child, those

same stages can be much different from kid to kid. What was easy with one comes with a whole new set of challenges for the next one sometimes, so get ready for it. And even if things are somewhat the same for each kid, you have the added challenge of now doing it again with another kid to also take care of at the same time.

to eat lunch all by himself (okay with his friends but you get my point)! He’s going to get on a BUS, at four? And I had to just let him go and move on to the next stage, just like that? Right after I had gotten so GOOD at this toddler and preschool stage. We had it down. We were buddies. We were in a groove. I had mastered preschooler with my oldest and things were great. And now it was over and I had to figure out a whole new arena of parenting.

That’s the kick in the teeth about parenting. Just when you think you’ve got something down, it changes. Sleeping in the crib? Oh yeah guess who just crawled over the railing It’s not easy. and down the other side? I remember thinking how in the HELL am I supposed to put my toddler into an actual bed? You have to learn a whole new set of parenting skills each Just leave them all loosey goosey in the room, ready to wreak time you move on to the new stage, and you have to leave havoc at any hour of the night or early morning?! HOW that old stage in the past. Just like being the veteran mom at WILL THAT preschool pickup WORK? But it now here you are, did, successfully the newbie at That’s the kick in the teeth about parenting. (more or less). Just kindergarten, not Just when you think you’ve got something when you’ve gotten knowing a thing into a groove with about this new down, it changes. breastfeeding or school or how bottle feeding then things work or if you’ve got to start your kid is going feeding them actual food? That they spit out every single to like it and be happy and make friends. It can be tough, time? How will this ever work?! and it can be a little heartbreaking, even.

Curveballs are sort of the norm with parenting. The first time you try potty training is always a biggie. Okay, so…I’m going to take this diaper off and just go with it. Sounds great! And once you get the hang of the whole potty training while at home, the curveball comes with “Oh wait, you mean I’ve got to take this now un-diapered ticking potty time bomb out in public with me?”.

Last week I volunteered for a couple hours at our school during the kindergarten screening, because I remembered that feeling of bringing my oldest in for the screening, and it can be daunting. Here I was, with this child that had been with me pretty much non-stop all day for four years, and I was going to just hand him over to this stranger (granted a super nice, super well qualified stranger whom I absolutely adore now) and all these kids that I don’t know?? He’s going

I find myself facing it soon, with my oldest going to middle school in a couple years. MIDDLE SCHOOL. Now all of you with older kids are laughing at me like “Ha, you’re worried about middle school, try HIGH SCHOOL lady!”.

And those high school parents are looking at the parents of college kids like “How do I drop them off at college and just drive away and be cool with it?” I know. I get it. When I talk to parents of older kids I always sort of grill them like “Is it as hard as I think it’s going to be?!”. Some responses are honest, some are kind, some are both. But the thing is, it will once again be a parenting first, even thought by then I will have been a parent for well over ten years. Leaving them at a dorm hopefully not too far away will be a first, even though it will seem like an entire lifetime has gone by since holding them as a brand new baby and wondering how the heck do I do this parenting thing? www.Mamatoga.com

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The firsts won’t end there either. There will be first heartbreaks and first job interviews. First rejections. First acceptances. And these are all things that are just the norm, not even the kinds of challenges parents can go through with a child that can face health challenges or any of the other curveballs life can also toss your way. All of these new challenges can be humbling, and will teach you that no matter what you go through, as a parent you are always learning. It isn’t a skill to be mastered, it is a job to continue trying your best at, even though you are thrown for a loop on a regular basis. That the success lies in getting up and just trying your best, even if those days feel like more of an uphill battle than you’d like. Sometimes the success in this

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job of parenting can be just being there for them, plain and simple. Just showing up.

There’s something beautiful in that though, when you think about it. There’s no end goal in parenting to achieve, even when they are adults and you continue fostering a relationship with them, it’s always about just building in love and building up these humans you created, and taking in the lessons that you learn along the way. Everyone is always on their own learning curve with what stage they are currently going through, so if you feel like you are struggling, give yourself a break. You’re a new mom, and M you always will be one.

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Summer 2016

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HEALTHY COMPETITION an Adventure in Co-Parenting

by Julie Cox and Katie Nemer With the Finest Fillies & Some Colts event just around the corner and us co-authors on competing teams, we couldn’t think of a better topic for our summer column than that sticky hot and sensitive, beautiful word- competition. It’s an especially touchy subject in mom-land, a circumstance we will [hopefully] lighten up for you. So sit back, relax, grab an ice cream cone, and read on…

J

ust admit it- winning feels good. We both love winning.

One of us is an avid Trivia night player/ die hard spelling bee champion, and the other will spend months training intensively for any upcoming race just take home a cheap silly little plastic medal. So believe us when we say it’s a competitive world we live in; we totally get it.

to

*However* what if we sometimes take a little too seriously… so seriously that we end up hurting each other and taking the fun out the experience in the process. In that case, is the medal all worth it? And especially in the parenting world… is there really such a thing as “Healthy” competition?

And what happens in a co-parenting situation when you’re thrown into the same ring

it

at

Julie

I

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I suppose I'm not competitive in the traditional sense. I never held any illusions during high school or college regarding my athletic prowess. I was Summer 2016

generally happy to ride the bench, keep the books, or cheer loudly from the sideline rather than score the game-winning shot. In fact, I held the job of team manager for both my high school and college women's basketball teams and the only time my competitive blood started to boil was if any of my impeccable score-keeping skills were ever brought into question by a ref or someone on the other team. I may not have been a star on the court, but my fair and proper record-keeping game was strong.

the phone and ask Katie what kind of circus act she’s hired for the day and if she’d mind sharing the number with me.

Katie

I was about five years old when my Dad first put a baseball bat in my hand. I swung and missed, night after night as Dad yelled out “What the heck Kate! It’s easy! Just hit the ball!” and every time I’d fall over trying and we’d both laugh hysterically, Not surprisingly, my affinity for being correct as well as an until finally one beautiful summer evening… crack! That’s obsession with trivia and obscure facts thrives into adulthood. when I heard my Pop’s infamous whistle followed by a “Yeah My husband and I have weekly intense Jeopardy competitions Gator!!!” He was proud. I was proud. We ate ice cream. And and when we can get out to a local tavern for trivia night, we it was so fun. The crack of a bat is still to this day my favorite generally place in the top three. The night before I was to be sound of spring. induced with my first son, we didn't hesitate to belly up to the bar and take on all the local college-kid teams under the all My Dad’s contagious spirit and competitive nature stayed with too appropriate team moniker "I Think My Water Just Broke." me as I grew older, playfully challenging friends at any given We won a six-pack and then welcomed our son approximately opportunity while always remembering Dad’s words- laugh a twelve hours later. Both were shining moments for me. lot, try your best, but never take it too seriously. The harsh truth Dad didn’t tell me- everyone else does.

I try my best not to subscribe to the whole mommy-competition game. But I see it. And I hear it. And I read it all over the Take motherhood for example. I still remember my first Internet. And from time to time I've felt the pull to throw my playgroup in a wealthy suburb of Syracuse. I dressed myself hat in the ring where it's every mom for herself. It does feel thoughtfully in what I like to think of as cute comfy casual great when my child excels at something or if I figure out a new sporty chic (you know you have that outfit too) and got very parenting trick that happens to work for me. I may be able to excited just thinking about the games and activities I anticipated name Shakespeare's plays in order and correctly identify any 90s playing with the other moms and our kids. Poor, dumb, me. hip hop song in 10 seconds or less, but I don't have even close to all the answers to figuring out how to be a great mom. Most When I got there it was obvious I was very young and definitely of the time I think I'm doing pretty well, but then sometimes I did not fit in. I got stared at, talked about, pointed at, whispered think I know absolutely nothing at all.

The thing is, the reasons I've always loved the sports teams I've managed and trivia teams I've played on is because I got to be part of a team. I'm lucky to be part of many different teams - my family, my girlfriends, my co-workers, and of course, Team Jackson. As is true in most cases, mommy-competition could have reared its ugly head and drawn a line in the sand between his mom and me many times.

Like for example, when Jackson finds himself bored at my house and calls Katie to see what they’re up to in case their day’s plans seem to be more fun. When this situation presents itself I simply take advantage of the opportunity to jump on

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behind and totally left out. The conversations that did come were more about what skills my baby was able to do or not do than who we were as people. The fun was gone. The smack talk was not allowed. And I don’t remember the menu situation exactly but I can tell you there was definitely no comforting ice cream cone afterwards.

By the time I met Julie years later, I had totally given up on the concept of ‘mom friends’. But she was so different- nerdy (like super hero nerdy), funny, extremely smart (see through people’s b.s. smart), and would gladly show up at a race to cheer me on rather than secretly crossing her fingers I lost. Actually I’m pretty sure she prayed I’d never invite her to do one with me. Just like I prayed she’d never ask me to one of her English teacher quizzes-are-fun genius gatherings.

It felt less threatening in a way, us being so different.

We had a mutual respect for each other. That was until the day Jackson came home and asked me for “Julie’s ribs” because they were “better”. That’s when I had a decision to make. I figured, well, I have one of two options. I can either take some good cooking lessons and try a little harder, or, grab a pint of ice cream and a spoon and hide in a part of the house where no one would find me for a few hours until I felt better.

Conclusion Don’t allow our friendship to mislead you into thinking we aren’t competitive at times. It’s very difficult not to feel it when you have a charming 14 year old letting you know (nicely) that one of you makes his favorite meal better than the other, and that the other house currently has a better gaming selection.

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But competition means something different to everyone and by this point in motherhood we have both found a way (thankfully) to be thrown in the same arena, pitted against each other, and to not take it too seriously. Sometimes you have to laugh it off, take off your “I win” hat, and help each other be better rather than tearing each other down with every inevitable misstep. But not to worry, win or lose there’s always light at the end of every tunnel, and neither one of us is opposed to mis-stepping our way over to the comfort of our good friends Ben & Jerry. M

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The Beloved Child’s Toy from my House I’m pretty loose when it comes to restrictions on the kids and their creativity. Finger paint, watercolors, we have about four billion crayons and colored pencils at any given point. We have a child’s size easel in our dining room and rolls upon rolls of white paper ready to go at any moment.

I even will go the point of saving milk and egg cartons for them to craft from, we have a whole craft area dedicated to just that one activity, and I will break out the special waterproof tablecloth for those particularly messy projects. But there is one particular childhood craft that I have since banned from my house which I hope never will return.

Play-doh. I HATE PLAY-DOH. I can’t stand the smell of it and the texture, and I can’t stand that no matter what I will not be able to get the remains of it out of the cracks in our floorboards or the pieces that have become as one with my carpet. Within mere minutes, no, seconds even, of opening brand spanking new Play-Doh containers they are combined into brownish, purplish globs never to be separated into the proper colors again. And don’t get me started on the cleaning of the Play-Doh making toys. EVERY parent has been in the position of wondering how to clean one of those Play-Doh machine thingies which is now encrusted with a multi-colored but mostly brown hued crust of Play-Doh. Should I just throw it out? Should I just give it to them blocked off with the remnants of last month’s Play Doh playing binge and see if they can figure it out?

But the true hatred of Play-Doh came this past summer, which was enough to solidify a lifelong ban on it from ever entering my house again. I had decided that fine, they could play with the stockpile we had somehow accumulated through birthdays and little goodie bag giveaways. BUT, they had to do it outside. I thought I was so smart.

Clean up will be so easy! This will solve all the craft clean up issues with Play-Doh, and I’ll just sweep the little leftover crumbs onto the lawn never to think about them again! So I set up the patio table with all the tools their little sculpter hearts could desire, opened up about seven containers of Play-Doh and let them go nuts. I popped my head out to check on them every few minutes, and got the usual Play-Doh snakes and pretend food presents, and things seemed to be going well.

That is, until I realized that Play-Doh and mesh patio chairs DO NOT MIX. Every. Single. Chair was embedded with a rainbow of colors, smeared into them permanently in a way that no cleaning agent could eradicate. Google searches were embarked on to find a solution, countless Magic Erasers were utilized to no effect, and when we put the patio furniture away for the season this year I realized I would either have

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to live with each black mesh patio chair being smeared with Play-Doh or get a new set altogether. I mean, I get it. I have baby number five on the way, personal belongings of mine will always be smeared with paint or glitter glue, it’s par for the course. But this situation?

I just can’t.

So I decided that my kids would just have to endure a Play-Doh-less childhood. I will not be buying it, will not be making my own seasonally scented versions

of it, will not be allowing any little mini pots of it to be smuggled into this household inside goodie bags or Valentines. Should I just grin and bare it with the Play-Doh? Probably. Might do me good to loosen up a bit, who knows. Will I? Absolutely not. Do I think my kids will blame me in the future for depriving them of this time honored child’s toy? Probably not. There are just some meaningless things as a parent that you just M HAVE to put your foot down about.

www.Mamatoga.com

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Coastal Kale Salad A Guaranteed Pinic Hit

Going to a summer picnic and don’t know what to bring? This kale salad recipe is so easy to make (but tastes like you had to put in WAY more effort). I guarantee there won’t be anything else like it at the picnic, and be prepared to be asked for the recipe‌ This recipe makes 3-4 servings (find all the ingredients locally at Healthy Living Market and Cafe in Saratoga Springs) Ingredients: 1 bunch curly leaf kale-stripped and cut into bite sized pieces 1/2 red onion-julienne cut 1 oz. sunflower sprouts (optional, if you can find them) 1/4 C. sunflower seeds-already shelled 1/4 C. pumpkin seeds 1/8 C. sesame seeds 1 1/2 oz. Bragg Liquid Aminos 2 oz. lemon juice 2 1/2 oz. olive oil Directions: 1. Toast all seeds and let them cool.

2. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately (wet ingredients will separate naturally, just whisk right before adding to salad mix).

3. Mix salad with dressing and toss well. Can be served immediately or will last for up to 48 hours refrigerated.

JESS UPDYKE my mom style

A born-and-raised Upstate NY girl with a passion for Saratoga who has a genuine love affair with the community.

I

am also passionate about a multitude of seemingly unconnected things: podcasts,human potential,psychology, habits, entrepreneurship, creativity, spirituality, book club, photography, my kids: Rowan, age 5 and Bodhi, 18 months going on 5, and anything that leads to a happy, successful, creatively fulfilled and meaningful life.

Describe your every day style, what are your go to items?

Convenient, inspired and relaxed. Go to items: Luluemon Flow & Go capri leggings (all colors). Inspired tops typically from Positivity Designs (see attached picture—Kindness, love.) Kitsch initial earrings from Silverwood Home & Gallery, John of God necklace, TOMS shoes, Urban Junket bag.

What are some of your favorite brands for yourself (clothing wise), what are some of your favorite brands/shops for kids stuff ?

I love to shop everywhere but I really love Anthropologie and Intermix. And I am always a sucker for great finds at Target. For kids I love Hunt West clothing, CampLight Apparel and Sunday Soldiers are some favorites for the kids.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring one beauty item, what would it be?

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SeaSouce Detox Spa Re-Mineralizing Body Lotion-24H

What are your top beauty products for you? Favorite kids bath/health and wellness products?

I am huge fan of Arbonne products, I know I can count on them to be pure and safe from harmful chemicals & ingredients. My go-tos are the entire RE9 system, make up primer and the nude lip combo. I use the ABC line for the kids as well. I also love, Little Ducks Organics, probiotic fruit snacks for the kids.

What are some of your favorite local spots?

When we do go out, I really love the Brook Tavern, Druthers or Henry Street Taproom. But even more frequently than going out, we order a lot from 9 Miles East. I love Silverwood Home and Gallery and Piper for myself. And for the kids, Gap & H&M seem to fit them the best but I would have to throw Target and Marshals in there as well.

What are some of your favorite Saratoga local events?

I am not sure about events, there are too many but over the summer, I get so excited when Old Friends at Cabin Creek opens, a local thoroughbred retirement farm. The kids love to get up close and visit with the horses. And I love when the track opens, we love to go in the morning for breakfast before the craziness of the day starts. There is something really special and peaceful being there then. And the Kayak Shak is a steady go-to for over the summer for SUP and kayaking! But the boys really seem to enjoy Big Truck Day every summer.

Has your style changed at all since having kids?

No, not that much. The only difference is I probably dressed up a little more than I do now. But overall style has not changed.

Arbonne

TOMS shoes

Spirit Junkie hoodie

JESS’S FAVORITES Necklace

Tank Top

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Summer 2016

Yoga pants

Little Duck Gummies

Bag

fun & creative newborn diy photography

By Laura Williams Featuring Elizabeth Jessie Williams-Graham

Izzie’s signature squirminess and alert curiosity star in these one-month portraits, taken from above on a simple black tabletop.

In Photoshop I added the accessories her pose suggested, erasing her hands to give the appearance of grasp. Some graphics (skateboard, quiver) are simple line art from Wikimedia and others (cape) are shapes captured from more complex images and altered to match the style. Such simple fun.

I’m creating more each month as she grows!

ZIKA VIRUS AND PR What You Should Know

by Bernice Moeller-Bloom, NP from Myrtle Street Obstetrics and Gynecology

M

osquitoes have always been a nuisance of outdoor life. Itchy and uncomfortable, the bites they leave have rarely meant more than a red mark and some calamine lotion to most of us. But a new threat from mosquito-borne illnesses may have many of us, especially families considering a pregnancy in the near future, re-thinking the impact of the persistent, pesky insects. In the past decade we have heard a bit about chikunguya and more about West Nile, but it is the specter of Zika that is flooding us with fears for our health and the health of our families.

“The devastation and fear associated with Zika virus comes from birth defects caused when an infected woman passes the virus to her unborn baby.�

BUT not right next to it in the article, of course.

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Zika is a virus carried by one particular species of mosquitoes, and humans. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it becomes a viral host for Zika . The mosquito then transmits the virus to any other human it bites. The CDC reports that a pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her fetus during the pregnancy and around the time of birth. There are no reported cases of breastfeeding passing the virus from mother to child.

There are South American cases of transmission through blood transfusion, but none, as of February 2016, in the US. Zika lives longer in semen than it does in blood.

Research is showing that a man can transmit Zika to his sexual partners and it has been shown to happen when the man has symptoms, but it is known that Zika is present in semen before symptoms begin, while the man is ill, and after recovery. So far, there are no cases of women giving the Zika virus to her sexual partners.

Zika infection may cause no symptoms in the adult host. If there are symptoms, they are mild and include a rash of generalized redness with raised bumps; a fever below 1020 F; red, swollen eyes; aching; and fatigue. The symptoms usually start within 2 weeks and last 2-14 days.

There can be a rare auto-immune reaction to the Zika infection called Guillian-Barre' Syndrome which causes paralysis that can be temporary or permanent. Once a person recovers from a Zika infection, researchers believe the person is immune.

REGNANCY Although there are still unanswered questions about transmission of the virus, the CDC and the New York Department of Health have some clear guidelines for women who want to minimize their risk of contracting Zika, especially in their child-bearing years.

The devastation and fear associated with Zika virus comes from birth defects caused when an infected woman passes the virus to her unborn baby. Medical research has proven a link from the Zika virus to a serious birth defect known as microcephaly. It can sometimes be detected by a prenatal ultrasound, starting in the mid-second trimester. Some subtle abnormalities cannot be detected till birth, or even at early “Well Baby” visits. A baby with microcephaly has a significantly smaller head than babies in the normal head size range. Brain development and growth is abnormal. They generally do not reach normal developmental milestones on time. Most have learning disabilities, seizure disorders, and facial defects.

There is a lot of variation in the severity of the physical markers as well as the intellectual abilities of people with microcephaly. Most do not live independent lifestyles.

The life expectancy for people with microcephaly is shortened; few live into their thirties.

The species of mosquito that carries Zika exists in the United States, but has not been found to carry Zika here yet. It is not native to New York, but another closely related species can exist in our downstate climate. Public health efforts are vigorous here and across the country where mosquitoes may eventually pose a Zika threat.

They are aimed at suppressing mosquito populations and M decreasing mosquito bite incidence.

• Avoid travel to areas where Zika is prevalent for you and your partner.

A current map of the risk zones is available at the link below and includes Mexico, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and most of South America.

• After a man travels to a high risk zone, the safest plan is for him to reduce risk of exposing his partner to semen for 6 months through the use of abstinence, condoms, or by a change of sexual practice. To be effective, the CDC reminds us, condoms must be used correctly, from start to finish, and for any semen exposure: oral, vaginal, or anal.

• As of June 8, 2016, the New York Dept. of Health is prepared to test any pregnant woman who has traveled to a high-risk area for Zika infection during or immediately before her pregnancy.

They will also test any pregnant woman who has had semen exposure to a man who has traveled to those zones, whether or not the man has symptoms.

Women can contact their health care providers for details.

For more information, the two best web resources on Zika infection, transmission, testing, and prevention are: www.cdc.gov/zika www.health.ny.gov/diseases/zika_virus

Meditation: My Peace Anchor

by Jessica Mougis

W

hen the second faint line appeared on the pregnancy test, I thought I was seeing things. I brought it over to my husband and said, “Is it just me or do you see two lines? Two lines means pregnant!”

We were cautiously optimistic. Once we got confirmation from the doctor it felt very real; we would finally be starting our family together!

The initial excitement was quickly followed by intense anxiety. Scary thoughts began to spiral like a storm through my head. What if I had unknowingly eaten something that wasn’t good for the baby? How would my body change?

What if I lost the baby? I ended up falling into the rabbit hole of the Internet and began Googling everything about pregnancy. I was trying to find some kind of information to soothe me and calm my mind. I went to the doctor hoping that it would resolve these feelings, but soon after my first visit the same feelings returned.

It was during this time that I found out my baby was breech and I would need to have a cesarean. It was a struggle for me to accept this. I had to let go of birth experience I had dreamed of and surrender to what was necessary for the health of my baby. This is when a friend told me about a new platform called Expectful that makes it easy for expectant and new moms to meditate.

Within days Expectful’s guided meditations brought me a sense of inner calm and quickly became an anchor of peace among the storm of my thoughts and emotions. The meditations brought me back again and again to the quiet space within me, and ultimately helped me accept my new birth plan.

The community I found through Expectful was also hugely comforting. Talking with other women who were experiencing many of the same struggles as me made me feel like I wasn’t alone at sea;. It also made me realize every single pregnant woman has to navigate strong emotions at one time or another.

My personal experience with meditation made me wonder why my doctor never addressed mental care during my pregnancy. Our visits were focused on my body and things like weight gain, diet, exercise and the size of my belly. But what about my feelings, emotions and state of mind?

After noticing the positive effects of a meditation practice in my life, it has been validating to see my experience backed up by science. Meditation has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety. I found this to be true during my pregnancy. If I took the time to sit and do an Expectful meditation at the beginning of my day, I was less likely to get overwhelmed by my anxious thoughts during the day.

Meditation has also been shown to increase the ability to recognize emotions in others and practice compassion.

Compassion towards myself and towards my husband during my pregnancy brought us closer together. I noticed it was easier to recognize what I was feeling and to communicate that to my husband when I took time to sit and meditate. In addition, meditation leads to better sleep, something I was struggling with in my third trimester.

Expectful’s sleep meditation was instrumental in allowing me to get a full night’s rest.

As I reflect on this all, it has become evident to me that there’s a gap in prenatal health care. In order to have a healthy pregnancy, both the body and mind need to be addressed. Women should be offered tools to support their mental health… especially since studies show this can really help both mom and the life growing inside.

Pregnancy is beautiful, but it’s also a time of intense change, stress and vulnerability. Meditating through pregnancy can be an anchor that supports mental and physical health in an otherwise chaotic time.

www.expectful.com

Gallivanting Mama "People don't take trips, trips take people."

- John Steinbeck

By Bridgette Gallagher

W

hen I was in sixth grade, my best friend's family drove in a minivan ALL THE WAY to Florida. I say it in all caps because to me this was amazing. To traverse the entire eastern seaboard with a family of seven? How? How long? What did you do? How often did you stop? So many questions.

I was raised mostly as an only child, the one child in a "his, mine and ours" family. My siblings never really vacationed with me except when I was a baby. Once I got to prime family vacation age, everyone was grown up. No minivan, no big trips to the beach or the lake. It was mostly just trips to my backyard pool or to family members' homes.

So, as a parent, I was not built for the family road trip. I knew no cooler packed with Hi-C and sandwiches, no fun road games with brothers and sisters, no songs that we sang as we made our way to the next stop. I was untrained, unexposed, unwise to the ways of the road tripping family.

But somehow, I picked it right up.

As all things in childhood, my hunger for something I didn't have as a girl became a larger than life desire as an adult.

"We will camp!" "We will road trip!" "We will buy an RV and travel the country!" All things sounded a little bit crazy but sometimes the craziest ideas end up being the most rewarding.

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When you road trip as a family, you compromise the bliss of an all inclusive resort with drinks with umbrellas for sandwiches packed in a cooler at an interstate rest stop.

You don't have a cabana with your own waiter but a plastic bracelet that gets you into the pool, the water park and a free freeze pop afterwards.

There are trips in life that are transformative for us as people.

The backpacking trip in Europe, the mission trip to South America, the volunteer trip to Brazil--- these types of trips can really make gentle imprints on who we become, the hunger we develop for travel and our affection for other places.

But the trips we take with our families are cut from a different cloth. They have a rawness and purity that say, "this is a memory, this is part of their childhood."

No pressure, right?

We plan vacations because we need a break. We plan road trips because we need an adventure. Sometimes we need both and that happens too. No matter which way you cut it, time away with your family is: Time. Well.

Spent.

This summer, as you tick off the items on your summer trip pack list: a multi-pack of sunscreen, big-as-yourhead box of goldfish and 800 juice boxes (check!), use what I call the Seven Tips for a Good Summer Road Trip listed below.

1. SPF OMG

I have a redhead. Everywhere we go, I get the, "I hope he's wearing sunscreen!" comment. (This is semiannoying but sometimes a helpful reminder) Since the sun is like, always there even on a cloudy day (not just in a song) I always overload my car, my hubby's car, my bag, my purse, the kids bags and even leave a couple bottles by the door for those "Mommy, can we just play outside?" days.

If your kids are like mine and resist the sunscreen process as if you are spreading poison on their skin, the front door/car glove compartment/ purse sunscreen is your friend. A rub or a spread or a spray before you rush out the door can ease your peace of mind for outdoor play all day long.

2. Dirty Devils

Baby wipes are not just for babies. They are an equal opportunity cleaning agent. Don't leave on a road trip with anything less than one package per person. Trust me.

3. Because: Thirst.

On our cross country trip last year, we would keep a freezer full of water bottles and a fridge full of water bottles. This was great because we always had something to throw in a cooler for a picnic or place on boo boos. It helped in keeping us cool in the hottest places but also helped to keep us not dying of thirst in the middle of Utah.

4. In Every Crevice (How do sand/dirt/crumbs get EVERYwhere?)

Baby powder is your friend. It eases sand, dirt and even a little stink off your little person. Baby powder is a post bath and post beach staple in our house. It's magic pixie dust.

And who can say no to that smell? Delicious.

5. Fun Last Minute Bag

Bathing suits, extra underwear and everything listed for numbers #1,2,3 and 4 should go in your last minute bag.

This is great to have in the car just-in-case you make an unplanned stop to see the National Potato Museum in Idaho (True story).

6. Summer Bucket List

Sometimes you just need a good list to keep you focused day to day. I read an article recently that said kids need to be bored in order to learn to play on their own. They need more time rather than more toys. They need adventure rather than screen time. Although k think I fail at this during the school year, I do try to be more attentive to it in the summer.

A summer bucket list is the perfect antidote to your little one’s whine, “I'm boooored.” It presents clear goals and “to dos” ( like any Mom, I like a good list I can just go after), makes for a great way of finding out what sounds like fun to your little people and helps you to guide your next (OMG it's raining for the fourth day in a row) panic. I like to put all of my favorites on there but make sure the kids have some ownership too.

7. Christmas Card???

I have an annoying habit (I try to keep it quiet because other Moms will shoot daggers if they know you do this) of doing my Christmas card pictures in the summer. It's been the best thing I've done and simplifies the holiday rush so much.

Reasons this works are below: 1. Weather always cooperates.

2. There's no pressure if the photos are terrible, you just take some more another time.

3. Everyone looks better with a tan!

4. You can order cards before prices go up (I do mine in early October).

5. You can incorporate the scenery from a trip or vacation which make the picture more original and not too "posey."

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Cheers to your summer getaway be it a road trip, a beach house, a camping trip or an island getaway. You deserve it, Mama, all of it.

M Summer 2016

BOOK CLUB Summer reads from toddlers on up to you, picked by Northshire Bookstore bookseller Jennifer Armstrong

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Board book illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Jerry Pinkney. Pinkney's stunning illustrations bring this classic lullaby to life, and will give little sleepyheads much to dream about after a busy summer day.

Lion Lessons Board book illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Jerry Pinkney. Pinkney's stunning illustrations bring this classic lullaby to life, and will give little sleepyheads much to dream about after a busy summer day.

The Scorpio Races

Mango and Bambang: The Not-A-Pig

middle school/high school fiction

by Maggie Stiefvater (in paperback).

Horse-racing meets fantasy in this breathless ride. What could be better for a Saratoga summer?

Hardcover chapter book by Clara Vulliamy. Young readers who love the Mercy Watson books will adore Mango Allsorts, who can do all sorts of things, but is not necessarily good at them. Her new friend is a tapir, definitely not-a-pig. First in a new series

The Wild Robot

The Rocks

Adult fiction by Peter Nicholas (in paperback). Looking for a beach read you'll respect in the morning? This is one's for you.

A decades-long romance with a Mediterranean backdrop, a hint of mystery, and beautiful writing.

Hardcover middle grade by Peter Brown. A Robinson Crusoe adventure with a twist: the castaway is a robot, who powers up for the first time on an island populated only by animals, and who learns to survive in the wild. The Wild Robot is entirely original, utterly captivating, and perfect for a family read aloud or for either a boy or girl to take to sleep-away camp.

Car Seat

Fact or Fiction

By Britney Lombard, CPST/I SN

Think You Know it All When it Comes to Carseats? Think Again

A

s a parent, who do you learn your car seat safety information from? How do you know the information is accurate? As a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician/Instructor, I’m going to debunk some of the most common myths I’ve heard over the years.

Incorrect information can come from well-meaning friends, online groups or blogs, or sometimes, even firefighters, law enforcement officers, and pediatricians:

seat in front of them. Additionally, rear-facing helps protect children from spinal injuries, which are usually more severe. It is recommended to keep children rear-facing for at least two years- but preferably longer- based on skeletal development. They can safely rest their legs in any position that is comfortable, and children have flexible joints that keep them comfortable in even the strangest positions.

Myth 1: As long as your child fits within the weight limit of the seat, it is safe to use.

Truth: Child restraints have a few different limits- a weight range, a height range, harness height requirements, and head position requirements. Your child must be within all of the limits to use that particular car seat. Even when your child IS within the limits listed for the car seat, your child might still be too young for that stage of safety. It is safest for your child to use each mode to the maximum limit before moving to the next seat or mode.

Myth 2: Once a rear-facing child’s feet touch the vehicle, they should be turned forward, or they could break their leg in a crash.

Truth: Broken legs are an extremely rare injury for rearfacing children. In fact, a forward-facing child is significantly more likely to break a lower extremity by hitting the vehicle

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Myth 3: You can take your car seat to any fire or police station to be installed.

Truth: Not all fire personnel or law enforcement officers are trained in Child Passenger Safety. Without the SafeKids certification training, they may be unknowingly giving out dangerous information. I have trained many LEOs and Firefighters who were unaware that they were making errors with their own children and families they helped before

development that happens with age, not physical size. There are child restraints on the market that rear-face up to 50 pounds, seats that forwardface to 90 pounds, and boosters that fit children up to 120 pounds. There are seats with taller height limits for taller children, as well. If your child is at the top of the percentile scale, make sure that you look for a seat with higher limits.

Myth 6: Driver’s side is safer than Passenger side, because a driver will instinctively swerve away from a collision.

obtaining the certification. Only a certified CPST should be helping you to install your car seat- you can always ask to see their certification card.

Myth 4: Your car seat must go in the center, it’s the safest.

Truth: The center seat is the furthest away from any potential point of intrusion. However, it’s only *safer* if you can properly install your child restraint in that position. A secure install needs less than 1” of movement side-to-side and front-to-back at the car seat’s belt path. Depending on your car seat, there will also be specific rules regarding how much overhang is allowed, lower anchor use, overlapping seat belts, and head restraint or tether requirements. Those rules may make the center seating position incompatible or less preferable for your particular child restraint. It is also important to address the needs of all children in the vehicle. A CPST can help you determine where your car seats fit safely.

Myth 5: My pediatrician said I can move my child to the next stage earlier, because he is big for his age.

Truth: Doctors don’t receive car seat safety training in medical school, so their knowledge may be limited. Safety stages are generally based on skeletal

Truth: This myth originated from an episode of TV’s “The Office”, and it’s not based on fact. Numerous studies have shown a nearly equal rate of passenger and driver’s side collisions, with small variation depending on location and time of day. Statistically, the outboard seats are considered equivalent for safety, so place any outboard restraints on the side that works best for your family.

Myth 7: Car seat expirations and crash replacement policies are just a ploy to make more money.

Truth: Car seats expire for two main reasons: First, degraded plastic may not absorb crash forces in the way it was designed to. Second, child passenger safety is an ever-evolving field, and technology is constantly improving. New research in the field means better technology to protect your child. Child restraint manufacturers test their seats for material degradation over time to determine lifespan. After a collision, car seats may have visible or invisible damage that could affect future performance. It’s important to follow manufacturer’s guidelines after a crash, and auto insurance may cover your replacement child restraints.

Myth 8: We didn’t use car seats when I was a kid, and we all survived!

Truth: While vehicle collisions are still a top cause of

death for children under 14, we are seeing a significant www.Mamatoga.com

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drop in death rates from motor vehicle crashes. In 1950, the death rate from motor vehicle collisions (for children under 14) was 9.8 deaths per 100,000 resident population. By 2010, that had dropped to just 2.3 deaths per 100,000 resident population. This decrease can be directly attributed to vehicle safety features and child restraint usage.

Myth 9: The hospital let us leave this way, so it must be safe.

Truth: It is very rare that your doctor or nurse is trained as a CPST, most hospitals do not have them on staff. I have worked in hospital settings as a CPST, and the nurses and doctors I worked with did not always give out accurate information. They may not know if your car seat has a recall, or if the padding you’re using is allowed. They aren’t checking for proper install or harnessing. Generally, a hospital’s concern is only that you have a child restraint to bring your child home. It

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is up to you, as a parent, to meet with a trained CPST to learn how to properly use and install it.

Myth 10: I’m short and petite - with today’s safety guidelines, I should be in a booster as an adult!

Truth: Parents are surprised to find out that their child may need a booster until they are at least 4’9” tall, and the adult seat belt fits them properly. Often times, this causes petite adults to worry that they need a booster, which simply isn’t true. During puberty, there are changes to the shape of the pelvis, including the development of the Iliac Crest. This change in shape allows a post-pubescent pelvis to hold your lap belt down away from your torso, where your soft intestines sit without skeletal protection. A child without a fully developed iliac crest is at risk for an injury called “seat belt syndrome”. A booster seat’s belt guides work for a M child like your iliac crest would work for you.

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M O M S T Y L E F I L E S

BOHO SPORTY PREP WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Tattly Friendship Tattoos www.tattly.com

Pizza for Dinner www.pizzadelivery.farm

Sakura Mommy and Me Slings www.sakurabloom.com

BOHO MOM Cloth Diapers

www.thebundlestore.com

Flower Crowns for Toddlers www.etsy.com

CJasmine & Ocean Water Hair Texturizer

Little Unicorn Diaper Bag

www.domino.com

www.lexandcleo.com

Coffee to Keep Up With Her Two Year Old

Natural Habitat:

www.deathwishcoffee.com

Perusing the 2016 Markets at Round Lake,

doing yoga in the park (with a toddler in tow, of course), getting a massage at To the Moon and Back, and picking out some makeup at

Saratoga Botanicals Organic Spa and Store

Mommy and Me Organic Fresh Squeezed Juices www.healthylivingmarket.com

SPORTY MOM 2.

1. Lives in GTS yoga pants www.gtsclothing.com

2. Patriotic Shorts

www.laurenjames.com

3. Stand-Up Paddle Boards

www.dickssportinggoods.com

3.

4. Head tennis tote

www.shop-us.head.com

5. JOOVY jogging stroller www.joovy.com

1.

4.

5.

Natural Habitat:

Running with a Sunrise 5 miler group from iRun LOCAL, doing SUP Yoga in Fish Creek with the Kayak Shak, figuring out which of the High Peaks to hike this summer with the family, scrolling through her instagram feed for #fitmom posts, and trying to figure out how to schedule in the next Tough Mudder.

PREP MOM

Natural Habitat:

Sipping and painting at a Mimosa Morning at Saratoga Paint and Sip Studio, watching from the bleachers while her kids play tennis at Skidmore Tennis Camp, wearing wellies at a North Country Horses horse show (put blue ribbon by this part), and Popping into the Pink Paddock on the regular.

5.

2.

6.

1.

3.

4.

7.

1. Lemon chiffon skirt - www.tnuck.com

2. Lobster Tennis Tote - www.tnuck.com

3. Lilly Pulitzer Dress - www.lillypulitzer.com

4. Pink Drinks from Starbucks - www.starbucks.com 5. Aviator Sunglasses - www.nordstrom.com 43 | MAMATOGA

Summer 2016

6. Out of Office Hat - www.thewhiteelephantdesigns.com 7. Pearl Earrings - www.toryburch.com

If I had a list of things I wish I had with my first baby almost ten years ago now, the Owlet Baby Monitor would be at the top of that list.

The Owlet uses the same technology hospitals use, pulse oximetry, with a wireless Smart Sock that fits snug on your baby’s foot and monitors their heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep. You can keep track of your baby’s well being with their app using your smartphone.

Welcome to the future, am I right?!

Owlet is designed to sound an alert if your child’s heart rate dips too low, rises too high, or if their oxygen level drops below a preset threshold.

This alert strategy was determined by a team of pulse oximetry specialists, pediatricians, neonatologists and pulmonologists. And if your phone dies, don’t worry. The Base Station acts independent of Wi-Fi and is your primary alert system, your phone is just a convenience.

Advanced technology made simple. Know from a glance that your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels are in range.

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It’s peace of mind for parents in a tiny little sock. Easy to use, it lets you rest a little bit easier (even if there isn’t that much rest with a newborn).

www.Mamatoga.com

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1

STUFF I LOVE Flamingo Pool Float - We're helping the little ones get on the action with the Baby Inflatable Flamingo. Designed for kids aged 8-24 months to float about. Summer is blowing up!

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Boon Marco Light-Up Bath Toy - Don't call him Bob. Although he's pretty darned good at it. Macro loves to peek at you from just below the water line then take off on deep-sea missions where his wateractivated color-changing light can guide the way. And don't even get him started on his favorite game.

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Baby Balloon Banner - Oh Baby! Get baby shower ready with this balloon banner.

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Mama Bundle Freshening Spray - Let’s face it, being a mom means not always getting a chance to shower, which is why I love this sweet and subtle fragrance to keep you feeling fresh.

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Toddler Target T-Shirt - Such a sweet little trendy shirt for any cute Target lover!

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Rosé Gummy Bears - Your candy wishes just got a lot more delicious (and a lot more adorable) with these bears infused with Whispering Angel Rosé. Rosé all day? Yes please.

8

Every Mother Counts Tote - This double-sided printed tote was created in partnership with Every Mother Counts (EMC). Every Mother Counts is a non-profit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother.

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Personalized Neckalces - Of course I had to include something with a monogram! Love these handmade beauties from Etsy.

Purple Jumper From The Bundle Store - This lightweight jumper is made from 100% organic cotton and naturally hypoallergenic. Sustainably and ethically produced with eco-friendly AZO / heavy metal free water-based dyes.

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Don’t Leave!

Tackle Separation Anxiety Before School Starts with These Tips

I

s your little one heading to preschool in the fall or starting out in Kindergarten? Separation anxiety is very common, and can sometimes pop up out of nowhere. Use these tips to nip separation anxeity with your little student in the bud and have them start off the school year on a confident foot.

Make a visit to the school before school starts, if possible, so your child can get acquainted with their new surroundings. Meeting the teachers and knowing the lay of the land can go a long way in easing fears. It might also help to set up a playdate or two with some new classmates so your child can see some familiar faces at their new school.

Prepare your child for the separation. Before the first day of school, plant the suggestion that you are leaving and that your child can cope by saying, “I know you’re so big now and that you’ll be fine in school while I go run errands.” Tell your child what you will be doing while you’re gone to reassure him that you are not leaving because you don’t want to be with him anymore, but because you need to get some things done. Describe to your child what he will be doing in school and tell him in detail about the fun things he will be doing in school with his teachers and new friends.

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Give your child a “transitional object”, something from home that they can have with them for a little comfort from home. This could also be a little note or a picture you can tuck into their backpack that they can have a look at if they’re feeling upset.

Say goodbye. This one sounds obvious, but it’s an important step.

Say goodbye, give your child a hug and a kiss, then leave. Don’t linger, don’t give one more kiss, just say bye and be off. By keeping the goodbye short and sweet, you’ll show your child that you have confidence in their ability to handle preschool, but if you hover they’ll sense your anxiety which will only add to theirs.

Don’t let them see you sweat. Separation anxiety isn’t only hard on the child, it’s hard on you! No one wants to see their little one upset or scared, but it’s important to keep a brave face and a positive attitude no matter what. We all know how sensitive and adept children can be at picking up on our feelings, so projecting an outwardly positive attitude will help them do the same.

Involve the teacher. Your child won’t be the first (or last) one to have this issue, and preschool teachers are more than ready to help out. If it wasn’t for Miss Sue and Miss Lisa last year my daughter would never have made it through. If you speak to the teacher and

they are aware that your little one might need some extra attention at drop off time this can make the crucial drop off point less scary.

Miss Sue would whisk Levy off to start an art project or find her favorite toy which would usually do the trick of getting her mind off saying goodbye.

Be honest. Talk to your child about what they are feeling and why.

Ask them what makes them so upset about you dropping them off at preschool. Try sharing a story about a time that you may have felt scared or nervous about something and how you dealt with it. Talk about why going to preschool is important and how much fun they are going to have while they are there. Don’t minimize their fears or concerns, instead address them while assuring them that you will always be there to pick them up at the end of school.

Be prepared for some regression. So you’ve done all these steps and you’re winning the battle against separation anxiety and then poof!

It’s a school holiday or your child has been home sick for a few days and it comes roaring back. Don’t be discouraged, it may take a little while but you can get back to the happy drop off place again with M some patience and consistency.

www.Mamatoga.com

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SAVE THE DATE American Girl Night at SPAC July 27, 6 pm SPAC and American Girl Place proudly present their annual celebration for girls and their families.

Girls can bring their dolls and experience an eve­ ning of music, pink lemonade, sugar cookies, free photo booths, special American Girl crafts, plus enter for a chance to win an American Girl doll.

(All kids on the lawn $10 this night) Celebrate the newest Girl of the Year from American Girl, Grace—an aspiring baker. Help us transform SPAC’s grounds with dancing, artistic murals, and music from SPAC’s Instrument Petting Zoo.

Saratoga Race Track Opening Day Union Ave, Saratoga Springs Fri, July 22 The historic Saratoga Race Track is full of fun for families, click here to see the Mamatoga Guide to visiting the track with the kids!

Big Truck Day Maple Ave Middle School, Saratoga Springs Saturday, August 6th 10 am - 2 pm Big Truck Day is a great kid and family friendly event from The Children’s Museum at Saratoga that features trucks of all shapes and sizes for children to tour, and tons of fun activities for the whole family!

pages

baby

keeping baby cool

toddler

staying hydrated in the heat

big kids banishing backyard bugs

baby

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Keeping a baby cool in the summer heat

Do’s and Don’ts Summer can be a tricky season for keeping an infant safe and comfortable, here are some easy tips to keep in mind to beat the heat with baby.

DO dress your infant in loose-fitting, lightweight garments, preferably made from a natural fiber like cotton, which absorbs perspiration better than synthetic fabrics. A good tip to remember is to dress the baby the way you're dressed, so ff you're comfortable in the heat wearing shorts and a T-shirt, that will be fine for the baby too. For the outdoors, put the baby in light-colored long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield their face and protect them from the sun.

DON’T assume it is okay to leave a baby exposed on an overcast day, since harmful rays can penetrate the clouds.

DON’T ever leave an infant in a hot room or a parked car even for just a few minutes, as this could cause a baby’s temperature to spike and, in extreme cases, may prove lifethreatening.

DO use a Summer-Friendly Baby Carrier made from a lightweight fabric. If a child's face starts to look flushed, remove them from the carrier right away.

DO use sunscreen wisely. The American Academy of Pediatrics now says it's okay to apply a minimal amount of sunscreen to a baby's exposed skin, including the face, for babies under 6 months of age.

For a baby older than 6 months, use sunscreen more liberally and more often. Reapply every two hours, or whenever the child gets wet or sweaty. Choose a waterproof sunscreen designed for kids, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply it under clothing too.

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Prevent Dehydration When warm weather hits, most kids want to spend the entire summer playing outside, and it’s important to make sure kids are drinking enough water to prevent dehydration.

Dehydration is a condition that occurs when someone loses more fluids than he or she takes in, and in the hot summer heat, this loss usually occurs through excessive sweat.

Once a child becomes dehydrated, he or she is vulnerable to more serious heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke, the latter being a medical emergency.

Two of the early signs of dehydration are irritability and fatigue. So if your child becomes crabby, or seems to have lost their get-up-and-go, it’s time to get them out of the heat to cool off and drink some water. Don’t wait till they are thirsty to determine if they are becoming dehydrated. It’s hard to believe, but thirst is usually not a good indication of dehydration since most of us, especially children, do not have a good thirst mechanism; by the time our brains register that we are thirsty, we’re already dehydrated.

If your child appears weak, complains of a headache or nausea, has clammy skin and begins to vomit, they may have heat exhaustion. If this happens, follow these steps:

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Bring your child indoors or into the shade.

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Loosen or remove your child's clothing.

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Encourage your child to eat and drink.

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Give your child a bath in cool (not cold) water.

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Call your child's doctor for further advice. If your child is too exhausted or ill to eat or drink, intravenous fluids may be necessary.

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Keeping Ticks out of the Backyard These tips won’t guarantee your backyard will be tick free, but they can help manage the problem.

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Remove leaf litter.

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Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edge of lawns.

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Place a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick migration into recreational areas.

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Mow the lawn frequently.

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Stack wood neatly and in a dry area (discourages rodents).

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Keep playground equipment, decks, and patios away from yard edges and trees.

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Discourage unwelcome animals (such as deer, raccoons, and stray dogs) from entering your yard by constructing fences.

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Remove old furniture, mattresses, or trash from the yard that may give ticks a place to hide.

For more about preventing Lyme disease this summer, visit Mamatoga.com

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minicity

get wet guide We’ve got a lot of options here in the Saratoga area for beating the heat while getting wet, most of which are free or inexpensive! Here are my top picks for Places to Get Wet in Saratoga!

Photo by Alice Corey SPRINKLER / SPLASH PARKS:

There are four sprinkler parks in Saratoga, all of which are free. These sprinkler pads are great for kids too little to swim, but older kids love ’em too. A button on the side of a shed controls the sprinkler and there’s always a mad dash to be the first to push it when the water stops. You can bring a picnic blanket, a book, and just hang out while your little one cools off. Plus, there are usually some ice cream trucks making the most of the opportunity to have so many kiddos in one place at one time.

East Side Recreation Field Lake Avenue & Granger

West Side Recreation Field Beekman & Division Streets

South Side Recreation Field

Worth Street (between Jefferson and Vanderbilt)

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Geyser Park Cady Hill Blvd

Gavin Splash Park

Located at Gavin Park at 22 Traver Road in Wilton.

A 7,000 square foot facility with 20+ spray elements including ground sprays, water cannons and water dumping buckets. It has a Concession stand and Handicap accessibility. The park is restricted to age 12 & Under and must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older (proof of age required).

Cost:

$2/Wilton Residents* $5/Non-Wilton Residents *Proof of residency required (license, utility bill, tax document, etc)

Children 2 and under are free with paying adult There is no fee for supervising parents/guardians who are not utilizing the wet area of the Splash Park.

Hours: 11:00am to 6:30pm

SWIMMING POOLS:

Saratoga Spa State Park also has two pools, the Victoria

Pool and Peerless Pool. Kids are allowed at both pools, but Peerless is the more “kid friendly” and consists of a main pool with a zero-depth entry, separate slide pool with a 19' double slide and a children’s wading pool with a mushroom fountain.

The Historic Victoria Pool is a smaller pool surrounded by arched promenades. This pool has a shallow end of 3 feet. Both pool areas include food and beverage services, showers, locker rooms and restrooms.

There is a Vehicle Entrance Fee to enter the State Park: $8 per vehicle *pool additional

Peerless Pool

STATE PARK BEACH:

Moreau Lake State Park Beach is just a short drive from Saratoga and offers a nice little beach and the lake for swimming. There is also a playground nearby the swimming area. You can bring a little picnic and make a day of it, and there is also plenty of hiking there as well as camping. On hot days I recommend getting there early as the beach area fills up quickly. There are lifeguards on duty at the lake, and it starts off shallow so it’s pretty good for little ones as well. There are always a ton of kids there, so it’s a great impromptu playdate on a hot day.

Cost: Park entry $8 per car, Swimming is free.

Hours: 10am – 6pm daily

$2 Adult $1 Child (5-11yrs) $1 Seniors (weekdays, 62 yrs & older, NYS resident) and $2 fee weekends & holidays Children under 5-Free

Victoria Pool

$8 Adult $4 Child (5-11yrs) $4 Seniors (weekdays, 62 yrs & older, NYS resident) and $8 fee weekends & holidays Children under 5: Free

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