If you’ve stepped outside recently, you know the temperatures are climbing, and they don’t seem to be coming back down anytime soon! If you’re a parent with little ones, you know that conquering the heatwaves during summer is vital for your sanity and your health! Here are five ways to beat the heat this year!

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-Hydrate! As a parent (or even someone without children!), you know it’s not easy to get all the water your body actually need during the day. Remember to drink more water than other beverages. One way to do this is if you drink a morning coffee like Starbucks, drink a tall size coffee and order a venti sized water! Drink your water first, and your stomach will feel more full before you drink your caffeine/sugar. Refill your water cup often, or swap to a reusable, beautiful steel bottle like this one, and keep several full in your fridge.

–Find a cute hairstyle to keep your hair up off your neck! If you have little girls, or you’re a mom with longer hair, you know it gets really hot when you wear it down. Pinterest has so many clever braids and styles to keep your hair up and looking stylish. Wearing it in a braid or undo also keeps the frizz down in humid weather. We love this fun and cute style…perfect for a sunny day and yes, even beginners can handle it!

-Stay safe: Remember to adhere to basic safety ideas, such as wearing sunscreen (even when not in direct sunlight) on your face and body, storing extra bottles of water in the car in case you got stuck in the heat, never leaving children or dogs in a hot car. Keep track of how long you’re in the sun, and remember that babies and toddlers cannot handle as much heat as an adult (check out this audio snippet for handy info). If you have little ones, carting them to a pool or splash pad can be difficult, and we love this easy version for your very own patio or backyard! It’s under $25, and it is a great option for littles who might be too young to swim. It is also safer for non swimmers (though any water activity should be monitored by a parent or guardian). 

-Plan activities like photo shoots during cooler times of day: If possible, plan activities like a family photo shoot during a cooler time of day, or dress appropriately for the rising temps. Remember to give family members plenty of water and protein before a photo session, so that can be at their best, and you can capture their happiest smiles. I’d love to document your family this summer….contact me today! 

-Prepare your clothes for the heat/sweat: If you’re planning to do family photos, remember to dress appropriately. Apply deodorant, and watch for deodorant streaks on darker colors! Cotton wears well in the heat, and for men, wearing an an undershirt helps absorb sweat as a layer under button downs. Ladies, wearing a slip or similar undergarment also helps keep your dresses or skirts from sticking to you in an unflattering way during your session. If possible, dress little ones in cool cotton, and put their clothes on last to keep them from being overheated.