‘Woah’, have I been sucking on my dummy way too long, WHERE AM I?...First we were all packing up for a little trip in the car, bag, dummy, teddy, mommy…yep got all I need in life. Then of course, I decided to take a nap whilst we were on route and when I next opened my eyes I was HERE. 

Here in the sense, in a huge field, blue and yellow flags all around, with people sitting around it and some other people dressed in white in the middle of field, batting balls, catching balls, throwing balls.. what nonsense is this? But the spectators seem to be enjoying themselves thoroughly including my Dad who was reveling with his batch of buddies…lots of long lost acquaintances…black slapping…’Maachhang, how long has it been, getting old now no’. Mum’s in a corner with the wives, I can hear them chattering ‘Myyyy look at the players these days, so hunky..where were they when we were in school’ and then collapsing in a fit full of giggles, silly Mummy, she’s adorable. 

Band’s playing loudly, I’m getting scared, should I scream? Big sister tells me ‘Calm down, we’re at the big match, its only cricket, not an alien invasion by blue and yellow oompa loompas. Well as the Papare band beats on, the temperature starts to rise, MY, are we to be barbecued alive in this heat….that’s it Mum and Dad might be having a good time BUT I’m getting too hot. Must scream for Mum. Mum's hot and sweaty face appears in my line of vision ‘Poor thing’ she says, gets my Dad’s attention, ‘Lets go, baby’s getting too hot’. My Dad shouts back over the noise of the band ‘What’s that dear, baby’s getting hot? Okay here’s the car keys.. you take the kids and go home, I’ll get a ride back from Jagath… don’t worry about me I’ll be just fine' ‘Humph’, Mum replies but does pack Big Sister and I and head off to the car. Ahhhh in the blissfully cool air conditioning in the car I drift back to sleep, did I just dream that, …as my eyes close I hear the announcer on the radio ‘Wow Royal’s done it this year, great match…blue and yellow all the way”, Dad’s going to be pleased. 

Expert Advice - Baby’s Bag 

We recommend keeping a diaper bag pretty much packed and ready to go at all times to make sudden departures less of a hassle. 

Diapers and Clothes 

· 6-10 diapers, depending on the length of your outing 

· Wipes in a convenient travel case 

· Changing pad 

· 2 or 3 changes of clothes for the inevitable spit-up mess or bowel explosion 

· Weather-appropriate accessories like a warm winter hat, a wide-brimmed summer hat, and/or mittens 

· Bag (s) for soiled clothes and diapers 

· Comfort items such as extra pacifers or a soft cloth book to keep baby entertained 

· If baby is formula fed, remember extra bottle, with bolied water, formula powder and bibs 

Expert Advice - Babies and Loud Noises 

Much depends on your baby. Children are born with the Moro reflex — if they hear a loud noise or are otherwise surprised, they will fling their arms outward, arch their back, and then bring their arms together as if they were clutching something. Infants cry at loud noises because those sounds are unfamiliar to them and it's a normal part of their neurological development. As your baby matures and becomes used to different sounds, he may stop crying when he hears them. Babies also respond according to their temperament. An easygoing baby may take blaring sounds in stride, while a more sensitive child may cry at the slightest whisper. 

Expert Advice - Babies and the Heat 

Keep your baby cool and protect them from the sun. Babies and young children can become ill during very hot weather. Their health can be seriously affected by: 

· dehydration, 
· heat exhaustion, 
· heatstroke, and 
· sunburn. 

Sun Safety 

· Keep your baby out of the sun as much as possible, especially when the sun is at its strongest (between 11am to 3pm). 

· Remember to apply high factor sunscreen. Apply the suncream regularly, particularly if your child is in and out of the sea or a paddling pool. 

. A sun hat, preferably one with a wide brim or a long flap at the back, will protect your child's head and neck from the sun. 

By Mayuri Jayasinghe