| How to Dress a Newborn for Sleep in the Summer Posted: 03 Aug 2018 05:00 PM PDT You certainly don't want a newborn to be cold. On the other hand, you don't want the baby to be overdressed and get too hot. Since there's a link between heat stress and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), this is really something to pay attention to.[1] In the summer, this risk may be higher. Dress your newborn in lightweight clothing and keep blankets and other items out of its crib. Take care to keep the room temperature comfortable as well, and you'll help your newborn sleep soundly and safely during the warm months of the year. EditDressing Your Baby - Use lightweight clothing and breathable fabric. Light fabrics like cotton will keep your baby cool. Avoid heavy fabrics like wool or flannel. Short-sleeved onesies are usually fine in the summer.[2]
- Dress your baby in newborn sleepwear, if possible. Infant sleepwear is manufactured from approved materials, and is designed to fit safely. If you can find newborn summer sleepwear, dress your baby in this at night and nap times.[3]
- Choose clothes that will keep your newborn's face clear. Avoid clothing with hoods, high collars, or other parts that might cover the baby's face while it sleeps. That way it will stay cooler and be able to breathe safely.[4]
- Do not cover the infant's head. An infant regulates its body temperature primarily through its head. Many people like to dress newborns in a cap for protection or comfort, but putting one on an infant sleeping in the summer can quickly make it overheat.[5]
- Use a sleepsack rather than a blanket. Experts recommend not putting a blanket in a newborn's crib because it is a suffocation risk. A sleepsack (wearable blanket), however, wraps safely and securely around the baby with velcro or snaps, removing this risk. However, you should remove the sleep sack if the baby gets fussy or seems hot.[6]
EditControlling the Environment - Keep toys, blankets, and pillows out of the crib. Experts recommend that nothing should be in a newborn's crib or bassinet other than a tightly fitting sheet over the mattress. Toys, blankets, pillows, and other objects can be suffocation hazards and cause a baby to overheat.[7]
- If you co-sleep, make sure that your bedding is kept away from your infant.
- Set the room to a temperature comfortable for adults. A sleeping newborn's room doesn't need to be significantly warmer or cooler than an adult's. During the summer, a room temperature between 70-72F (about 21C) should be comfortable for a sleeping newborn.[8]
- Turn on a fan. If you don't have air conditioning, or your baby's room needs extra cooling, try a box or oscillating fan. However, set it so that it doesn't blow directly on the baby's face, and keep it well away from the crib or bassinet.[9]
- Hanging up wet towels in the room is another way to help cool it.
- Keep your newborn out of direct sunlight. Even in a room that is relatively cool, sitting in direct sunlight can cause a baby to feel uncomfortable. Set its crib or bassinet in a shaded area of the room, or draw curtains/blinds closed when it's napping.[10]
- Check to see if your baby is hot. There are a few classic signs that a baby is too hot. If you see any of the following signs, remove some of your newborn's clothing, or take it to a cooler area:[11]
- The baby's forehead is sweating
- Its ears feel hot to your touch
- You can feel a dent at the top of the newborn's forehead
- Fussiness combined with any of the above
- Experts recommend than newborns sleep only on their back, face up, for safety reasons. Just remember the phrase "Back to Sleep."[12]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Build Natural Swimming Pools Posted: 03 Aug 2018 09:00 AM PDT Natural swimming pools are a great way to take a dip without swimming in chemicals. They use plants and other natural details to filter the water and keep the ecosystem of the pool balanced. They also tend to attract wildlife, making them a good spot to relax and enjoy nature. With just a few steps and some solid planning, you can build your own natural swimming pool. EditDigging the Pool - Pick a spot that has even ground and lots of shade. Avoid a spot with tree stumps or shrubs that you will have to move. A shady spot will ensure the pool is not exposed to direct sunlight. Sun can encourage algae to grow in your natural pool, forcing your filtration system to work overtime to keep the water clean and clear.[1]
- Section out a hole for the pool. The hole should be at least and deep. Try not to make the pool too deep, as a deeper pool may require steel reinforcements. Make the pool a square or rectangle so it is easy to line and fill.[2]
- Use tape or chalk to mark out the dimensions of the pool so you have a guideline for when you dig.
- Create an adjacent hole for the plant zone. The hole should be and deep. This hole is for the plants and other natural elements that will help to filter the water in the pool. It should be right beside the larger hole for the pool.[3]
- The hole for the plants should take up or be equivalent to 30-50% of the main pool area.
- The plant zone will be separated from the pool by a piece of black liner that you will put in later. This will allow the water to flow from the plant zone into the pool, but keep the plants from floating into the pool area.
- Dig the holes with an excavator. Using an excavator will make digging the holes much easier and faster. Dig the holes so they have sloped sides, as this will ensure they do not cave in. The holes should also have an even, flat bottom so sealing and filling them are easier to do.[4]
- Save any large rocks that you come across as you dig, as you can use them later when you seal and fill the pool.
- You can rent an excavator from your local hardware store at an hourly or daily rate. Digging the holes should take no more than a few hours.
EditPutting in the Water Filtration System - Place a small water pump on the far end of the pool. Though the natural pool will use plants to filter the water, you will need a pump to move the water towards the plants. Buy a small water pump at your local hardware store or online. Place it at the far end of the pool and run electricity to the pump so it can run.[5]
- You can bury the water pump in the ground if you do not want it to be seen.
- Running a water pump in or around water can be dangerous, so exercise caution when you set it up and make sure the wire you use is water safe. When in doubt, consider hiring an electrician to set up the water pump for you.
- Run PVC tubing from the pump to the plant zone. Bury the tubing at least deep in the soil as you run it from the pump to the hole for the plants. Run the PVC tubing underground beneath the entire pool from the far end to the plant zone. Make sure the piping touches the plant zone so the water flows into this area.[6]
- If you are unsure of how to do this, you can hire a plumber or a contractor to assist you.
- Attach an underwater aerator to the pump to add oxygen to the water. Aerating the water will ensure the water has enough oxygen to feed the plants and other organisms in the pool. Place the aerator in the deepest part or corner of the pool so it is not disturbed. Make sure the aerator is properly connected to the water pump.[7]
- Underwater aerators can range in price from $1,000-$1,200 USD.
- Protect the pump and the aerator with a skimmer. Place the pump and aerator in a plastic container or bucket with a skimmer. Then, cover the bucket with a steel-mesh filter mat to keep debris out of the equipment.[8]
EditSealing and Filling the Pool - Use synthetic liner to smooth out the bottom and sides of the pool. Place the liner tight to the bottom and sides of the pool. Cut the liner to fit the sides correctly, making sure it sits right at the top line of the pool. Line both the main pool and the hole for the water zone so they are protected.
- The synthetic liner is a good way to prevent leaks or cracks in the pool due to rocks or other objects.
- Apply bentonite clay if you do not want to use a synthetic liner. Another option is to apply a layer of bentonite clay over the holes for the swimming pool and the plant zone. You will need at least of clay per square foot to seal the pool. Spread a layer of clay with your hands. Wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself.[9]
- If the soil is very sandy, you may need to double the amount of clay per square foot to ensure the pool is properly sealed.
- Pack the clay down with a tractor or a plate compactor to really seal it into the soil.
- Lay black liner on the bottom and sides of the pool to reflect the sun. Use synthetic liner that is black over the base liner or the clay so it can trap the heat of the sun, heating up the pool naturally. It will also help to protect the pool from leaking.[10]
- Leave a piece of liner hanging between the pool and the plant zone. Cut the piece so it sits below the top edge of the pool. This piece of liner will act as a barrier between the pool and the plant zone.
- Use scissors to cut the liner so it just drapes over the sides of the pool.
- Place large rocks on the walls of the pool to keep the liner in place. Use smooth slabs or rocks to secure the liner and create an extra barrier. Lay them against the walls of the pool so they sit flush to the top edge of the pool. You can then fill in any gaps between the large rocks with smaller rocks or slabs.[11]
- You can also use stone slabs that have been cut to fit together if you want a smooth, even surface for the sides of the pool. The stone slabs will be heavy to lift so you may need someone to help you lift them in place.
- Fill the pool with of gravel or pea rock. Cover the bottom of the pool with gravel or pea rock to create a good habitat for microorganisms. This will also keep the bottom soft and easy to walk on.[12]
- Make sure you use gravel or pea rock that has been washed so there is no dust or particles in the pool.
- Line the edge of the pool with rocks or pebbles. Finish off the pool by placing small rocks or pebbles on the edge so they cover up the black liner. Make sure the liner is completely covered and there is a clear perimeter around the edge of the pool with the rocks. Reinforce the rocks with gravel and soil so there are no leaks.[13]
- Make sure there is a clear pathway between the pool and the plant zone, as water will need to flow between these 2 areas.
- Put water in the pool and let it rest for a week. Use fresh water to fill the pool to the top edge. Then, let it sit and monitor the pool for any leaks or issues. Test the water with a home water testing kit to ensure the pool levels are safe and not contaminated with any chemicals or biological substances.[14]
- Do not fill the plant zone until you are ready to add plants to the pool.
EditAdding Plants - Put of aggregate or gravel in the plant zone. Use aggregate or gravel that does not contain any additives or large portions of organic matter that has not decomposed. Make sure the aggregate has not been in contact with animals, as you do not want germs or bacteria to get into the water.[15]
- Fill the plant zone with water below the top edge. Use fresh water to fill the plant zone. Make sure the water runs into the pool area easily so the plants can help to filter the water.[16]
- Check that the piece of black liner you are using as a barrier sits upward in the water, preventing the plants from drifting into the pool area.
- Place oxygenating plants in the plant zone to keep the water healthy. Waterweed and hornwort are both great options, as they release a lot of oxygen into the water. You can also put in aquatic plants like sedges and rushes on the perimeter of the plant zone to keep the area oxygenated and contained.[17]
- Add in floating plants to provide shade to organisms. Water lilies and other floating plants are great options for the plant zone, as they encourage the growth of microorganisms that will keep the water healthy and clean.[18]
- Anchor the plants with gravel. If you are using plants that have roots, shovel gravel onto the bottom of the plants so they stay in place in the plant zone.[19]
EditThings You'll Need - Excavator
- Water pump
- PVC piping
- Water filtration system
- Synthetic liner
- Black pool liner
- Bentonite clay
- Large rocks
- Gravel or pea rock
- Aquatic plants
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Resign from a Job Posted: 03 Aug 2018 01:00 AM PDT Whether you have a better offer to work somewhere else, or had a bad experience and want to move on, the way you handle a resignation can make or break your career and your professional reputation. Follow your employer's formal procedure to the letter, and work out any required notice with professionalism to ensure a smooth transition.[1] EditSample Resignations EditNotifying Your Employer - Evaluate your situation objectively. Resigning a job is not a decision you should make impulsively. Before you notify your boss of your decision to leave, carefully weigh the pros and cons and make sure you're ready to go.[2]
- If you have a better job offer, consider whether you really want to leave your current employment. If you like your job and the people you work with, but want better pay and more benefits, you may want to sit down with your manager and ask for a raise first.
- If you had a bad experience, such as a fight with coworkers or a disagreement with management, your impulse may be to throw your hands up in the air and say "I quit!" However, it's better for your professional reputation to work towards finding another position before you leave the one you have, then follow proper protocol to formally resign.
- Provide proper notice. If you have an employee handbook, check to see how much notice your employer requires. You can also ask someone in your human resources office. The typical notice required is 2 to 4 weeks, but some companies may require a longer period.[3]
- If you have another job offer, they should be willing to allow you to work out a notice. If not, be sure to notify your current employer as soon as possible and explain why you won't be able to work out the full notice period.
- Talk to your direct supervisor first. Once you've made your decision to resign, have a sit-down meeting with your direct supervisor and let them know of your intentions face-to-face. This can be an awkward conversation, but try to keep it brief and to the point.[4]
- If you have an employee handbook, check that as well. There may be a formal resignation procedure laid out. If so, follow that procedure to maintain your professional reputation and stay on good terms with the company.
- Stay professional, and hold back your emotions. You may be angry or resentful, but this isn't the time to express that. If you keep the conversation as brief as possible, you can reduce the chances you'll blow up.
- Negotiate your final pay and benefits. When you notify your employer of your pending resignation, either your manager or someone from human resources will be in touch with you about any accrued vacation and other benefits.[5]
- Check your pay stub before you notify your employer so you know how many hours you're entitled to. Your employee handbook may have additional information on what happens to accrued hours when you resign.
- You typically have to provide notice before you resign to get any accrued hours paid out. If your supervisor declines your offer to work out a notice and insists that you leave immediately, double-check that this won't impact your ability to get paid out for your accrued hours.
- Discuss health insurance and retirement benefits, particularly if you haven't yet lined up a new job.
- Discuss any legal issues. If you signed a non-compete agreement or nondisclosure agreement, make sure those documents won't impact your ability to accept any job offers or do certain types of work.[6]
- If you plan to violate a non-compete agreement, you may want to consult with an employment attorney. Non-compete agreements are frequently invalidated by courts, but you need a plan in case your former employer sues you.
EditWriting Your Letter of Resignation - Format your letter as a formal business letter. Using personal or company letterhead, address your letter to your direct manager or supervisor. Include a few paragraphs, but keep it to less than a page. Leave space for a formal closing and signature.[7]
- Even if you're sending the letter through email, retain the formal business letter format.
- State that you are resigning and when your resignation is effective. Open your letter with a brief statement that you intend to resign your position, effective on the last day of any required notice.[8]
- You may want to list your job title, if appropriate, or the name of the company.
- For example, you might write "I am resigning from my position as Cupcake Connoisseur, effective July 31, 2018."
- Provide a simple reason for your resignation. You may want to list the real reason you're leaving, or you can use the vague "pursuing a better opportunity." Your resignation letter is not the place to go into detail, to trash your employer, or to make threats or accusations.[9]
- If the reason for your resignation is a neutral one (you're moving to a different state, for example, or going back to school), go ahead and state it explicitly. It can prevent rumors from spreading.
- If you have a new job, you don't have to go into detail if you don't want to. If you're going to work for a competitor, it's probably best to keep that information to yourself.
- Thank your manager and the company for the opportunity. End your resignation letter on a positive note – even if you have few positive feelings for your employer. You might also note any significant accomplishments or lessons you learned along the way.[10]
- Don't go overboard or say something you don't mean or intend to follow through with. If you had a bad experience and never want to hear from anyone in the company again after you leave, don't say you're looking forward to keeping in touch with them.
- Edit your letter carefully. Any typos or errors in your resignation letter will reflect poorly on you, and could come back to haunt you. Read through your letter several times for errors. You may also want to get a trusted friend or family member to look it over.[11]
- Keep your language simple, professional, and unemotional. Avoid making any personal comments (positive or negative) about your manager or coworkers.
- Make copies of your final letter. Depending on the size and structure of the company you're leaving, you may need to submit your letter to multiple people. You'll also want to keep one copy for your own records.[12]
- Give the original letter to your direct manager. You may also need to give a copy of the letter to the manager of your department, or to human resources.
EditWorking through Your Last Day - Maintain good work ethic through your last day. After you've submitted your resignation, you may be tempted to cruise through your last couple of weeks doing as little as possible. However, slacking off because you already have "one foot out the door" will harm your professional reputation.[13]
- Finish any ongoing projects you have, or draft status reports so whoever takes over from you will know what's going on.
- Organize all your files and documents, if applicable, so they are easily accessible after you're gone.
- Prepare your coworkers for your departure. Let your coworkers know about your resignation, and ask them what they need from you to ensure a smooth transition after you've left. Let them know how to find any documents or information on your work projects.[14]
- If your manager has told you not to alert your coworkers of your resignation until later, follow their instructions.
- If you have direct contact with clients or customers, explain to them that you are leaving. If you know who is taking over their file when you leave, take the opportunity to introduce them to the person who will be taking care of them.
- If someone new is being hired to replace you, offer to assist with their training.[15]
- Provide feedback if requested. You may be asked to complete an exit interview. During this interview you'll be asked for constructive feedback on your experience working for the company. Take this opportunity seriously and use it to help your manager and coworkers improve their work experiences.[16]
- Be honest and constructive in your exit interview, but stick to the facts and avoid getting emotional or making accusations. Your goal is to leave your employer in a better position, not to trash them on the way out the door.
- Get a written reference letter from your direct supervisor. If you already have another position lined up, a reference letter may be the last thing on your mind. However, getting a letter now means you won't potentially have to track down your manager later.[17]
- If you worked closely with another manager or a coworker, you might ask them for reference letters as well.
- Leave up-to-date contact information with your supervisor. On your last day, make sure your manager or supervisor can get in touch with you if they need anything. You might also want to leave contact information with any coworkers with whom you want to stay in touch.[18]
- If you have a LinkedIn account, send invitations to managers and coworkers to connect there.
- If you got a better offer somewhere else, resist the urge to brag about it to coworkers or hold it over people's heads.
- In some industries, when you announce your resignation you will be asked to leave on the spot. You may be escorted off the premises. Make sure you've removed all personal property from your workspace before you talk to your manager, just in case.[19]
- Avoid temptation if your manager gives you a counteroffer to stay. No matter the perks, the counteroffer typically won't negate the reasons you wanted to leave in the first place. You may also lose further opportunities if you take it.[20]
- Your manager or coworkers may give you a guilt trip for leaving, or imply that you're letting them down or abandoning them. Try to ignore these types of comments and concentrate on doing your job and leaving on good terms.[21]
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