First Summer with an Infant
By Chelsea Devona
Summer is a wonderful season, but it can also be a confusing and even dangerous time for raising an infant. How much sun exposure can the baby get? How do you navigate exposing them to the elements? Can you leave the house on a hot summer day without risking bug bites or excessive heat? This guide lets you feel confident, making informed decisions about taking your baby out into the world this summer.
Sun exposure
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants under 6 months be kept out of direct sunlight — caregivers are urged to use an umbrella or other source of shade to shield them from the sun’s rays. Older babies should also be kept out of the sun as much as possible, especially between the hours of 11am-3pm, when the sun is at its peak.
If it’s not possible to protect them physically with shade, the AAP recommends that sunscreen is applied to small areas of the baby’s body, such as the face and hands. It is also recommended to dress them in long sleeves. While sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months, it’s use is preferable to burning.
Do not cover the stroller or carseat with a blanket, as this can lead to over-heating.
AAP also recommends that infants wear sunglasses whenever they are in the sun for an extended period of time. So when you’re going out on a summer day, dress your baby in lightweight breathable long sleeves and bring an umbrella, or at least a hat, if you may be in an area with no shade.
Bug bites
Most bug bites on an infant won’t be serious, although they may cause your baby discomfort. Many bites produce itchy red bumps. On a baby under 6 months, you can treat with a cold pack and try to prevent them from scratching the bite by covering it with a bandaid while keeping their nails short. Antihistamines are generally only recommended for older babies. You should call your pediatrician if the bite looks infected, is near the eye, is causing severe swelling, if your child has trouble breathing or develops hives.
Consider using mosquito netting over the stroller to reduce the need for insect repellent. Dressing your baby in long sleeve clothing with closed-toe shoes also protects them. Parents are advised by the AAP to weigh the risks of exposure against potential serious illness spread by insects and the possible risk of absorbing chemicals from bugspray into the body. It is recommended that parents of newborns and premature infants be especially cautious about using insect repellent, using other forms of bug protection instead when possible.
Late sunsets
Once it’s evening, usually after 5pm, you no longer need to worry about sun exposure for your child. However, the long summer days may affect your baby’s sleep schedule. If your baby is having difficulty falling asleep because it’s light out, try installing blackout curtains where the baby sleeps. If your baby is still struggling, begin your bedtime routine earlier in the room with blackout curtains, perhaps by reading books for a half hour before beginning bedtime.
Excessive heat
Excessive heat can be dangerous for everyone, but it is especially dangerous for infants. Infants cannot regulate their body temperature like adults, so they are highly susceptible to heat. The most obvious element is to avoid dehydration, which is the most common heat related health issue in children. Infants lose body fluids quickly; look out for fewer than 6 wet diapers in 24 hours, a sunken soft spot on their head and no tears when crying.
Breastfed babies do not need water until they’ve started eating solid foods, but they may want to breastfeed more frequently when it’s hot out.
Signs that your child is becoming dangerously affected by the heat include faintness, extreme tiredness, a headache, a fever, being intensely thirsty, experiencing nausea, vomiting, hyperventilating and experiencing skin numbness or tingling. Children can become very ill when left in a closed car, even if the temperature outside is not too hot the closed environment acts like an oven, so never leave a child unattended inside a vehicle.
Where to get an ultrasound in NWO
By Melissa Lee
Finding out you’re expecting comes with a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anticipation and a deep curiosity to see the life growing inside you. For many families, ultrasound appointments are meaningful milestones, offering first glimpses, movements and features that make it all feel very real. Today, beyond traditional medical visits, a variety of local businesses provide unique, family-centered ultrasound experiences designed to celebrate these moments in a personal and memorable way.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy boutique setting, advanced 3D and 4D imaging or even the convenience of a mobile service that comes to you, here’s a guide to some of the trusted places to see, connect with and celebrate your baby before the birth.
Baby Bloom Ultrasound Boutique
3100 Main St. #1599 Maumee | 419-770-2727
babybloom3d.com
At Baby Bloom Ultrasound Boutique, expecting families are invited into a warm, serene space. Known for a heartfelt approach and spa-like atmosphere, Baby Bloom offers advanced 3D, 4D and HD Live ultrasound experiences that allow parents to connect with their baby before birth. Skilled ultrasound technicians guide families through a personalized experience, seeing baby’s face for the first time to begin forming a bond.
Sneak Peek 3D
148 E South Boundary St. Perrysburg | 567- 331-4215
sneakpeek3d.com
At Sneak Peek 3D, expecting families are welcomed into a modern, comfortable studio. Founded by a Registered Sonographer with more than a decade of experience in abdominal and OB/ GYN imaging, the boutique blends medical expertise with a heartfelt, personal touch. Offering ultrasound sessions from as early as 7 weeks through 39 weeks, Sneak Peek 3D provides reassurance scans and early gender determination as well as detailed views of baby’s facial features.
First Hello Ultrasound Studio
6450 Weatherfield Ct #1B, Maumee | 419-866-2833
firsthello3d4d.com
At First Hello Ultrasound Studio, families are welcomed into a warm, comforting space for the first glimpse of their baby. Founded by a mother who understands the excitement, anticipation and occasional anxiety of pregnancy, the Maumee studio blends advanced 3D and 4D imaging with a personal and compassionate approach. Each visit is designed to create a meaningful bonding experience, in a cozy environment that invites loved ones to share in the joy. To ensure the best images, families are guided with preparation tips, including staying well-hydrated and enjoying a light snack before their appointment, to encourage baby’s activity.
My Sonogram
419 Mobile Service, Maumee | 419-552-5654
mysonogram419.com
My Sonogram 419 Mobile Service provides an ultrasound experience which brings comfort, convenience and unforgettable moments right into your home. Designed for expecting families who want a more personal setting, this unique mobile service transforms a familiar space into a place where you can connect with your baby in a relaxed, meaningful way. With more than 25 years of experience, the team combines professional expertise with a caring, compassionate approach. Offering 2D, 3D, 4D and HD ultrasounds, My Sonogram 419 provides the convenience of mobile service with no waiting rooms or travel. With flexible scheduling and affordable pricing, Sonogram 419 is an accessible option for families at every stage of pregnancy.
Midwives and Doulas Provide Maternal Health Care to Local Families
By Mary Rose Kulczak
Families in Northwest Ohio have many choices when it comes to maternal health care. Obstetricians, nurse practitioners, midwives and doulas can all become part of a team that works with parents to design a birth plan. But there can be confusion regarding the overlap of services provided by these caregivers. Christine Scarlett, a local doula and lactation consultant, explains the differences between the care provided by midwives and doulas.
“While there is some overlap in services of midwives and doulas, the major difference is that midwives are health care providers caring for the clinical/medical needs of women and babies during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. Doulas are non-medical providers of education, physical and emotional support, and advocacy for the woman and her partner,” Scarlett said.
These are some of the Midwives and Doulas serving Northwest Ohio/ Southeast Michigan:
Lauren Coats
Lauren Coats is a doula working in Northwest Ohio, Northeast Indiana, and Southern Michigan. As a mom of three, she has experienced birth in a hospital, birth center and at home— each one uniquely beautiful. She believes every family’s story deserves to be honored and she is passionate about planning births for others. She offers both birth and postpartum doula support. sites.google.com/view/laurencoatsdoula
Melanie Krempec
Melanie Krempec is an IDI-certified birth and postpartum doula serving Northwest Ohio. She provides family-centered care throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum, and believes doula support should be accessible to all families. Melanie offers flexible, suggested rates to help meet clients and their financial restrictions and is also available for virtual/online doula care. Her services include prenatal visits, on-call availability, continuous labor support, and postpartum care. https://doulamatch.net/profile/39434/melaniekrempec
Meredith Edwards
Meredith Edwards CD(DONA), LCCE is a certified childbirth doula and Lamaze childbirth educator at Birth with Meaning. She takes on doula clients in eight NWO counties (Erie, Hancock, Huron, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood) and teaches childbirth classes at Flatlands Spine & Rehab in Fremont. birthwithmeaning.com
Erin Marten
Erin Marten, DNP, MPH, CNM is a certified nurse midwife and founder of Solace Health and Solace Health & Wellness, where she provides inclusive, evidence-based reproductive care with a focus on fertility, gynecologic health and midlife wellness. Her work centers on reproductive justice, with particular emphasis on expanding access to midwifeled care for those who exist within traditionally medically marginalized communities. Erin integrates clinical expertise with public health leadership to advance equitable, community-rooted models of care in Northwest Ohio. solacehealth419.com
Joselyn McCann
Joselyn McCann is a Full Spectrum Doula, certified by Birth with Spirit, who serves clients in Northwest Ohio/ Southeast Michigan, and, virtually, throughout the world. Joselyn is also currently a student midwife at Midwife’s College of Utah. Her services include care planning sessions, on-call labor support, postpartum day or overnight care, referrals to other birth professionals, birth photography, and bereavement and loss support. Joselyn offers free consultations for prospective clients, and will soon be able to accept Medicaid to ensure that her care and services are accessible to all. Her care is trauma informed and personable, and tailored to each family’s unique needs and desires. birthwithspirit.com
Christine Scarlett
Christine Scarlett is a wife, mother of seven, and grandmother of many. She is a former pediatric nurse who pivoted to birth and postpartum doula work after decades as a home educator. She is also a Certified Lactation Consultant and a Certified Educator of Infant Massage. She enjoys helping parents build sensible baby registries and organizing their homes for success with their growing families. Search Christine Scarlett on doulamatch.net.
Hanna Rabe
Hanna Rabe is a certified birth, postpartum doula and infant care specialist serving families across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. As a pregnant mother with two boys, she has personal experiences with labor and postpartum recovery that have deepened her empathy and commitment to her work. Rabe offers birth, postpartum doula support and postpartum meal preparation. hannarabedoula.com
Keana Lofton
Keana Lofton is a doula and Community Breastfeeding Specialist providing pregnancy, birth and postpartum support to families across Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio. Through her practice, KENDI, she offers holistic, family-centered care with a focus on education, empowerment and nurturing mothers beyond the birth experience. betterbirthjackson.com/keana-lofton
Danielle Nicole Reddick
Danielle Nicole Reddick is a Northwest Ohio–based full-spectrum and State of Ohio Doula, miscarriage and pregnancy loss doula and social worker (MSW). She provides compassionate, trauma-informed support to families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Danielle also specializes in emotional support, advocacy, and resource navigation, centering care for Black and marginalized families. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Tiny Hearts Remembered, Inc., a nonprofit supporting families impacted by loss and maternal-infant health disparities. Supporting families through birth, postpartum and loss has been one of the greatest highlights of her life as she believes that no one should navigate either journey alone. tinyheartsrememberedinc.org
Hannah Tansel
Hannah Tansel is a native Toledo birth and postpartum doula serving Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Hannah is a DONA certified birth doula and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. She is a VBAC Mom with two children of her own who loves educating and empowering families so they can have their healthiest and happiest birth possible. hannahtanselbirthdoula.com
Marcy Headley
Marcy Headley is a birth doula, photographer and ‘Home-Birth Midwifery Apprentice’, currently precepting with a wonderful midwife team in Tiffin, Ohio. She supports families throughout Tiffin’s surrounding areas near Fremont, Port Clinton, Sandusky and Huron. maplerosephotography.mypixieset.com
