Sassy Parents

I’ll admit it; I’m a really proud parent and I love showing off my baby whenever I get the opportunity. On the day MicroMe was born, I was meant to go to a barbeque to catch up with old friends. Later that day everyone came to see him, we had 21 visitors to welcome him into the world.  He attended his first children’s birthday party when he was 13 days old.  It was held in a park and nearly every adult there had cuddles with him before he was whisked away for his first photo shoot with us.  I loved showing him off… Actually, 4 years later; I still do.

When MissyMe was born, I left the hospital when she was 36 hours old and I was encouraging visitors to come over immediately. I had just created the cutest thing ever, just as all Mum’s do, so of course I wanted to share that cuteness around.  She was mistaken for a doll the first couple of times we had her at the supermarket as she was so tiny and small, (yes, someone actually thought MaxiMe, a 6’ 4” grown man was carrying a doll?!).

Although we live in a warm country with plenty of sunlight hours, I prefer to use the hood on her capsule or ergo carrier along with a sunhat and sunscreen to protect her.  My son has always known, you put on sunscreen and a hat and appropriate clothing when you go outside.  When we are out for a stroll, I want people to see them as I enjoy the impromptu chats and comments, that being with a young child and baby invite. It is social for me and I truly love sharing the joy and warmth that shared admiration for a baby brings.

I also love talking to my baby and son; pointing out interesting things, so that they get to enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells where ever we may be. Going out is an occasion, it should be a fun, exciting learning experience every time. When MissyMe was 6 weeks old, we took her and MicroMe to Kanangra Walls and Kalang Falls and walked about 7km with them.  The following week we took them both to Jenolan Caves, my son is very strong, fit and healthy due to regular exercise.  They are both regulars at the local rivers, parks, bmx track & swimming pool, we meet many new people and all make new friends.

It is even more fun to share the world with my baby in her carrier and I did the same with her brother. They are close to you and easy to talk to, plus it’s ideal for  pointing out objects and naming them, as well as sneaking a drink of ‘boob juice’on the run.  I often get people approaching me to ask about the baby or the carrier and whether I would recommend it, it is a great way to meet new people in town and out in the beautiful Australian Bush.

So even though it seems to be the current ‘in thing’ to have a cover over your baby to protect it all the time; why not share your pride and joy with the rest of the world and let your baby get some fresh air? I am sure that it has contributed to my son and daughter’s outgoing, confident personalities and I have met many lovely people of all ages and social back grounds by showing my babies off and showing them the world they live in.

For Australian readers:  A link to the Bureau of Meteorology UV Index.  An excellent resource, in conjunction with the Australian Cancer Council; it provides a general reading for your area each day as well as a guideline for recommended sun protection.  This is a little brief on how to read the alert.

This is a link to information regarding Vitamin D deficiency and advice about how much sun is enough sun etc on the Australian Cancer Council site.  The Risks and Benefits of Sun Exposure Position Statement, (approved by the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Osteoporosis Australia, the Australasian College of Dermatologists and the Cancer Council Australia).

Even if you are from another country, these are great guidelines for anyone who isn’t confident about being outside without having their baby cloistered.  You should be able to find similar resources for your own part of our little globe by doing a search on the UV index or weather forecast for your local region.

The index guide for being sun smart is an excellent resource for anyone who isn’t confident working out when the best times of day are for being out and about yet want their babies and kids to experience the great outdoors.  Here is a Positon Statement on Sun protection and infants (0-12 months) from Cancer Council Australia – Endorsed by the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

© 2010 Luisa Foliaki – Proud Mumma of MicroMe & MissyMe

Register or Log In we love to read your comments, your feedback is important to us.

Technorati Tags: babies, baby, capsule, carrier, cold, cover up, guidelines, hats, kids, out and about, stroll, sun, sunscreen, walk, warm

The laws regarding seat belts for babies and children vary from state to state and country to country… Surely the law of common sense should prevail. Parents guardians and ALL ADULTS are responsible for the safe travel of ALL CHILDREN.

Use your brains, do the research, find the safest possible appropriate safety system for your babies and children and for crying out loud USE THEM PROPERLY.  Contact your local motor vehicle authority, roads authority or the police to find out the law and ensure that you take steps to minimise the risk of injury to any children or babies in your vehicle in the event of an accident.

Well done to everyone who not only has the correctly fitted safety capsule, seat or harness to suit the children travelling in your vehicle and actually uses them.  Take it a step further and report incidences of ‘dinasour parents’ (aka ignoramasaus), who don’t attempt to get it right to your local authorities.

Shame on parents, guardians and carers who are either ignorant of the laws, or too lazy to implement them, I would like to award you all a dog poop wrapped in newspaper alight on your door step.

Register or Log In we love to read your comments, your feedback is important to us.

Technorati Tags: appropriate, capsule, car, carers, fit, guardians, law, parents, properly, safest, safety, seat, seat belt, system