Splish, splash, slide! You're ready to introduce your child to the season's fun, but these carefree days can come with surprising risks for tots. Follow our stay-safe guide.

By Sunny Sea Gold

Last summer, my daughter Penny, then 11 months old, lost her appetite and was having a fussy spell when small, flat, blisters appeared on the soles of her feet. That's when I realized she had the summer baby virus I'd been warned about: Coxsackie, also known (less appealingly) as hand, foot, and mouth disease. Her doctor confirmed it and explained that the blisters were also in Penny's mouth and throat, so no wonder she was off meals. The virus would take about five days to run its course, and infant pain reliever would help soothe her.

While grown-up bugs typically don't circulate in summer, baby-centric germs do. "There are certain viruses that thrive in the late spring and summer that young children are most vulnerable to," says Alicia Brennan, M.D., a pediatrician at the CHOP Pediatric

Calling all shutterbugs: May is National Photography Month! If you're ready to capture your pregnant glow on film, take a look at these beautiful maternity photos to show to your maternity photographer to spark some ideas. I've rounded up some truly gorgeous finds from around the country… which one will be your favorite? - By Keiko Zoll

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This beautiful summer makeup look is yours in 5 minutes flat!I'm writing this post from one of the hottest places in the world: Phoenix, Arizona. So, if there's anyone who's familiar with wearing makeup in hot climates where there's a 90% chance of sweating, it's me. In other words, I know how to make sure your makeup doesn't melt off your face. And no, you don't need to spend 30 minutes in front of the mirror to get the look!

Of course there are many other desert-dwelling women who are qualified, but I'm breaking things down for those of you who are busy and have only but 5 minutes to spare for your morning face routine.

Minute 1: Prep
Prep that pretty face of yours, ladies. In the mornings, especially when it's hot, I like to rinse my face with cool water and gently damp dry. Once you're all dry, apply a face primer with clean fingertips. This helps minimize pores and creates a smooth surface for any foundation. If you don't wear foundation, skip this step.

Minute 2: Even Complexion
Summers mean hot weather. And for some of you, it means

Photo: Bicycle Bob/ Creative CommonsI love cozy nights, walking in sock feet from the dinner table to the couch to watch movies or snuggle and talk. After darting around to work events all week, volunteering at school and running to soccer practices, most of the time I just want to stay home.

Read More: Schedule a Regular Date Night with Your Sweetie

Since Trey and I blended our families five and a half years ago, he's been resolute about the necessity of date nights. No excuses, once a week. Over the years I've become a believer. Date nights are vital to our marriage. We reconnect and talk to each other without our conversation being drowned out by whining. Yes, we talk about the kids, but we also talk about our future and our work. Here are five tips for figuring out date nights even when the odds are stacked against you.

Read More: 10 Cheap and Easy Kid-Free Date Night Ideas

1. Consider a babysitting swap. If a few willing girlfriends team up, you can alternate who gets to stay home with the kids and who goes out.