baby with a pacifier laying down wearing a sleep sack

Sleep Sack Benefits for Baby

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baby with a pacifier laying down wearing a sleep sack

Sleep sacks, also known as wearable blankets or baby sleeping bags, have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional blankets for babies. There are many benefits to using a sleep sack for your infant. Sleep sacks are safer than quilts or other coverings; they help your baby sleep better and are easy to use. Sleep sacks work by applying warmth and very gentle pressure over your infant’s body for better sleep.

A sleep sack may be the answer if you’re looking for a way to help your baby sleep better. To help you better understand if you should use a sleep sack, we summarized the key benefits of using a sleep sack for your infant, which may surprise you!

  1. Safety: Sleep sacks eliminate the need for loose blankets in the crib, which can be a suffocation hazard for infants. They also prevent the baby from getting tangled up in the blanket or pulling it over their face.
  2. Comfort: Sleep sacks are designed to keep babies warm and cozy, without the risk of overheating. They provide a comfortable sleeping environment and help to regulate the baby’s body temperature.
  3. Convenience: Sleep sacks are easy to use and require no folding or tucking. They are also adjustable, so they can accommodate a growing baby.
  4. Better sleep: Sleep sacks can help babies feel secure and comfortable, which can lead to longer and more restful sleep. They also prevent the baby from waking up due to discomfort caused by a shifting or kicked off blanket.
  5. Mobility: Sleep sacks allow babies to move their legs freely and kick, which is important for their development.

Overall, sleep sacks are a safe, convenient, and comfortable option for baby sleepwear that can help promote healthy sleep habits for infants. They can be used from birth until the child is able to climb out of their crib, which typically happens between 8 and 24 months. However, the exact age at which a baby can climb out of their crib can vary, so it’s important to monitor your child’s development and adjust accordingly.

Below are some general guidelines for using a sleep sack:

  • Newborns: Sleep sacks can be used from birth, as they provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for infants.
  • Infants: Sleep sacks can be used until the child is able to roll over, at which point they should no longer be swaddled. At this point, you can transition to a sleep sack that allows for more movement.
  • Toddlers: Sleep sacks can be used until the child is able to climb out of their crib. Once this happens, it’s time to switch to a regular blanket and ensure that the crib is free of any other items that could pose a safety hazard.

It’s important to note that every child is different, and you should adjust your use of a sleep sack based on your child’s development and individual needs. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper use of the sleep sack, and consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s sleep habits.

 

Checklist for Babysitters

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Having a babysitter checklist is the perfect way to make sure your sitter has all the information they’ll need at their fingertips. When taking care of children—knowledge is power. What and when should they eat? When is bedtime? How much screen time is appropriate and who should be called in an emergency? You know how long it took you to learn what works, and it’s important to pass this on to caretakers to have peace of mind that your kids are safe and having fun while you’re out.

A comprehensive and helpful checklist will give you something to go through with the babysitter when he or she arrives. Whether you are leaving your kids for an evening or a long weekend, you can use this checklist to make sure everything is set in place while you are away:

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following list of information should always be left with a babysitter:

  1. Parents phone numbers
  2. Neighbors phone numbers
  3. Pediatrician
  4. Fire/Rescue
  5. Police
  6. Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222)
  7. Home phone
  8. Home address

Checklist for Parents:

  • Meet the sitter and check references and training in advance.
  • Be certain the sitter has had first aid training and knows CPR.
  • Be sure the babysitter is at least 13 years old and mature enough to handle common emergencies.
  • Have the sitter spend time with you before babysitting to meet the children and learn their routines.
  • Show the sitter around the house.
  • Point out fire escape routes and potential problem areas. Instruct the sitter to leave the house right away in case of fire and to call the fire department from a neighbor’s house or cell phone.
  • Discuss feeding, bathing, and sleeping arrangements for your children.
  • Tell your sitter of any allergies or specific needs your children have. Leave a note with your children’s dates of birth and approximate weights in case these are needed by medical professionals.
  • Have emergency supplies available including a flashlight, first aid chart, and first aid supplies.
  • Tell the sitter where you will be and when you will return.
  • Be sure any guns are stored unloaded in a locked cabinet, and lock and store the ammunition in a separate place..

Provide and install appropriate car safety seats and booster seats if the sitter will need to drive the children in a car.

Checklist for Babysitters:

  • Be prepared for an emergency.
  • Always call or text for help if there are any problems or questions.
  • Never open the door to strangers.
  • Never leave the children alone in the house – even for a minute.
  • Never give the children any medicine or food unless instructed to do so by the parents.
  • Be patient with a child who is unhappy or who cries when the parents leave. Try a different activity, read a book to the child, or suggest playing in the yard. 
  • If a baby is crying and cannot be soothed, it is OK to put the baby in a safe place, like a crib, and walk away for a few minutes.

More Checklist Tips:

Contact information for you and your partner

Have your sitter put your and your partner’s cell phone numbers in his or her phone. If you’re a single parent, provide your sitter with the phone number of someone trusted and local who they can call if you can’t be reached. If you don’t text, let your sitters know so they don’t send you messages and then wonder why you don’t respond.

Emergency contact information

Post a list somewhere obvious – like on the fridge or by your landline phone, if you have one – with fire, police, doctor, poison control, and hospital numbers. If your children have specific medical insurance numbers, provide those as well. If you’re going out of town or won’t be accessible, it’s smart to designate one or two neighbors, friends, or relatives as local contacts. Leave their names, numbers, and addresses. That way your sitter has someone to turn to in case of minor mishaps, such as a pet that gets loose or a power outage. Also, leave your street address (including floor and unit, if you’re in an apartment) to give to fire, police, or medical personnel in an emergency.

A mapped escape route

In case of fire or some other crisis that requires hasty evacuation, your sitter should be aware of all the possible exits from your house. Also make sure she knows where to find the fire extinguisher, the first-aid kit, the circuit breaker, the water shutoff, and a flashlight.

Medical information about your baby

If your child has any allergies or other medical conditions or needs to take medication, tell your sitter about it in advance. Also spell out any additional health problems – such as a bad case of diaper rash or a tendency to spit up food. Also, just in case you or your contact person can’t be found in an emergency, leave a healthcare authorization form that allows your babysitter or childcare provider to get medical attention for your child.

Food and drink list

Don’t leave this to chance. Your sitter may not be aware of foods that pose choking hazards. Leave specific instructions outlining what your baby can and can’t eat and drink. And if the sitter will be preparing formula or giving your baby expressed breast milk, explain exactly how to do it.

Activity schedule

Your baby will feel more comfortable sticking to his usual routine, so let your sitter know what time he eats his meals, when he goes to bed, and how his bedtime routine works. If you usually read to him from a particular book, for example, let them know and leave it out where it’s easy to find.

Finally, it’s wise to let your sitter know about any special words for favorite toys or security objects.



Introducing the Best Crib Mattress for Baby

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When it comes to picking a safe, comfortable place for your baby to sleep, a crib mattress is the most important decision you’ll make. Why? Because a crib mattress is more than simply a sleep surface. It’s a growth and development center. Your baby will be spending 70% of his or her time sleeping during that first year.

Who better to trust your family to than Colgate Mattress®, a third generation, family-owned and operated company. For over 65 years, we have provided babies with the most restful and safest night’s sleep.

Handcrafted with the finest materials to give parents peace of mind, Colgate’s crib mattresses are designed to enhance your baby’s growth and development. The safest crib mattresses made right here in the USA, you can trust your baby will sleep both safely and soundly on an eco-friendlier surface.

Colgate Mattress® offers a wide array of crib mattresses. Beyond being safe and eco-friendly, the main reason you’ll love our CuddleSnooze™ mattresses is because they grow with your baby.

One side features a firmer surface, perfect for your newborn baby. Babies do a lot of growing while sleeping, and the firm surface helps to maximize their development. Additionally, they need a firm spot as they learn to push up, roll over, and eventually stand.

Once they’re a moving and grooving toddler, you can flip the mattress over to give them a little more cushion. This will ensure they feel comfortable at night, giving you both a better chance at getting a full night’s sleep.

The CuddleSnooze™ Hybrid Superior

Image of CuddleSnooze™ Hybrid Superior Crib MattressThe Hybrid Superior crib mattress features the highest quality components available for baby. A breathable, dual-firmness hybrid mattress, the CuddleSnooze™ Hybrid Superior is designed to gently lull baby into a cozy, sound and restful sleep throughout the infant and toddler years.

The infant side features a firm, high-density EcoFoam™ with KulKote Copper® for microbial control, temperature regulation and recommended support.
The toddler side features a foam panel and durable microcoils for added pressure relief and breathability.
In keeping safety first, the CuddleSnooze™ Hybrid Superior is handcrafted with a breathable honeycomb mesh spacer to promote airflow and an anti-flammability barrier made with chemical-free cloth.
All this is wrapped in a velvety organic cotton cover with waterproof-backing on top and bottom to ensure the mattress stays dry and non-waterproofed sides for optimal breathability and air circulation.

Like all Colgate mattresses, the CuddleSnooze™ Hybrid Superior is GREENGUARD® Gold certified, CertiPUR-US® certified, CPSIA compliant, and compliant with all federal and state flammability requirements – without the use of fire retardant chemicals.

Benefits of all the CuddleSnooze™ Crib Mattress Options

No matter which versatile CuddleSnooze™ crib mattress you choose, each of the options offer some important benefits that you and your baby will love. First and foremost, every Colgate mattress fits all standard cribs. That takes the guesswork out of sizing.

Additionally, each mattress is waterproof for easy cleaning – a benefit that every parent can appreciate. When you factor in that these mattresses are breathable and eco-friendly, you can’t go wrong picking CuddleSnooze™ for your baby.

When To Buy Baby’s Crib & How To Make Sure It’s Safe

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Pregnancy can be a confusing time for a first-time mom and the checklist can seem never-ending. Not to mention that you seem to be getting advice from every direction. But, first and foremost, you need to create a safe sleep environment for your baby. 

Although you can use a crib right away with a newborn, some parents choose to use a bassinet initially and then transition their infant to a crib after a few months. However, even if you’re not planning on using a crib immediately, it’s recommended to do your crib research during the second trimester — from four months to six months of your pregnancy. During this window, you have plenty of time to shop and set up the crib well before your due date, while you aren’t sleep deprived with a newborn.  

How long is a crib used for?

Cribs are usually used for the first two to three years of life. Your baby’s going to spend a lot of time in their crib, so make sure you see it as an investment. This means purchasing one that is built to last, includes a warranty and meets industry health standards, like the cribs handcrafted by our friends at Milk Street baby furniture. You’ll know your little one is ready to move into a toddler bed when they are noticeably too big for the crib and can climb out with minimal effort.

What are the important crib safety considerations?

All baby cribs manufactured after 2011 are required to meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. One of these standards is that the date of manufacture must be printed somewhere on the crib, which makes it easy for parents to ensure it’s up to code. 

Here are a few more things new parents should look for in a safe crib:

Side bars: Crib slats or bars should be no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart. The Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests gauging if a soda can would fit through — if so, they’re dangerously far apart. Why? This spacing helps prevent baby from slipping out or getting stuck. Cribs with cutouts on the headboard and footboard should also be avoided for the same reason.

Skip the bumper: The American Academy of Pediatrics has noted the risks posed by bumpers, and there’s no evidence that they make the crib environment safer for baby. 

Sturdiness: Make sure the crib doesn’t wobble when you shake it. If it moves it might have been put together improperly. And if the crib is on wheels, make sure they lock in place.

Corner posts: The height of corner posts should not exceed 1/16 of an inch. Anything taller can catch your child’s clothing. Look for any screws or nails that stick out anywhere on the crib.

The importance of a firm crib mattress: The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Consumer Products Safety Commission and First Candle all recommend a firm, snug-fitting sleep surface that reaches every corner of the crib’s frame with no gaps. If more than two fingers fit between the crib and the side of the mattress, the mattress is too small. Mattresses should be dense and not sag under your baby’s weight. 

A good crib mattress is essential to keeping your baby protected and comfortable while sleeping. In fact, carefully selecting your crib mattress is one of the most important things you can do as a new parent. Wait to buy a mattress until after you’ve picked out and purchased a crib, because the proper fit is absolutely essential. 

Bare is best: There should be no toys, stuffed animals, pillows or blankets inside the crib with your baby. The only bedding they’ll need is a fitted sheet that is suitable for the mattress. If your little one seems cold, use a sleep sack to keep baby warm while sleeping without having the risk of loose blankets that might smother baby.

Cords and strings: Keep the crib away from windows, curtains, cords and anything else your little one can pull. Hanging baby mobiles are okay to use as long as they’re kept out of reach.

Deciding on the right crib is a huge decision that you’ll want to start thinking about by the mid-point of your pregnancy. Not only is it the foundation of the nursery, it also keeps your new addition safe as they slumber away.

 

The Importance of Skin-to-Skin With Baby

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Skin-to-skin contact, also called kangaroo care, provides a bundle of benefits for both mother and baby, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). As a new parent, you’re always there to hold baby tight, whether they’re crying or just want to cuddle. Your warm embrace makes them instantly feel better, and we can all agree that there really is no such thing as loving your baby too much.

Further scientific evidence shows that love, attention, and affection in the first years of life have a direct and measurable impact on a child’s physical, mental and emotional growth. Doctors have found that this skin-to-skin contact decreases babies’ dependency on incubators and also reduces mortality rates from 70 percent to 30 percent.

Doctors around the world recommend this skin-to-skin contact to new moms of both premature and full-term infants. The AAP notes that skin-to-skin is encouraged immediately after birth, throughout the hospital stay and well after discharge. 

Newborns should be placed skin-to-skin with their mother as soon after birth as possible, at least for the first hour. After that, or when the mother needs to sleep or cannot do skin-to-skin, babies should be placed on their backs in the bassinet. The AAP recommends skin-to-skin be given as long and as frequently as possible during the postpartum period, which is typically defined as the first 3 months of life. 

There are plenty of reasons why you should consider the bonding method with your premature or full-term infant. The surprising benefits of kangaroo care for the infant include:

  • Warmth
  • Decreased crying
  • Increased weight gain
  • Increased breastfeeding
  • Stability of heartbeat and breathing
  • Increased time spent in the deep sleep and quiet alert states

These benefits are apparent even when skin-to-skin care occurs for only a few minutes each day. Skin-to-skin care has also been associated with improved mental development, healthy weight and more. Best of all, those perks last long after baby is big enough to run and play on their own. 

New Parent Checklist: How To Baby-Proof Before Baby Comes Home

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When you bring your newborn home for the first time – between feedings, naps and sleep schedules – things are going to move quickly. So it’s very important to make sure the house is safely set up for their grand arrival. In fact, the best time for baby proofing your home is at least three months before your due date because some of these preparations may take time. 

To help you get started, here’s a list of general guidelines to keep in mind as you baby-proof your car, secure your home and prepare for emergencies. 

 

Baby-Proofing Your Car

  • Before your baby even gets to your house, they’ll have to ride in your car. Having the right car seat and installing it correctly is essential to keeping your baby safe. Install an approved rear-facing car seat in the back seat (in the middle, if possible) and get it inspected (for free!) by a local certified child passenger safety technician.
  • Clear the car of any small objects that could be choking hazards, such as coins and pens.
  • If the sun is strong where you live, consider applying stick-on sun shades to the back windows to block the rays.

 

Preparing The House

  • Put non-slip pads under all rugs and make sure rugs don’t have curling edges that you (or a growing child) can trip on.
  • Cover sharp furniture edges and corners with bumpers or safety padding.
  • Block all open outlets with furniture or use safety plugs.
  • Latch closed any drawers, doors or cupboards within baby’s reach.
  • If you plan to hook a highchair to your kitchen table, check that the table is sturdy and strong.
  • Get rid of any blinds or curtains with looped cords, or install safety tassels and cord stops to tuck away the cords.
  • Check your doorstops; many have removable caps that pose a choking hazard.
  • Unplug and store electric appliances whenever they aren’t in use (iron, curling iron, etc.)
  • Make sure all of your houseplants are non-toxic varieties. Some plants are extremely poisonous.
  • Get any flaking or peeling paint sealed or removed by a professional, especially if your home was built before 1978 when it was more likely to have lead-based paint. Dust from lead paint, which was banned from residential use in that year, can be harmful if ingested.

  • Install a UL certified carbon monoxide detector on every story of your house if you use gas or oil appliances or have an attached garage. 

  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and in the hallways outside of bedrooms.
  • Test the batteries of any detectors you already have.
  • Install a temperature guard on your water heater at a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius).
  • Purchase a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
  • Purchase a baby first aid kit, which is important to have at home so that, in case of an emergency, no one has to run out to the store and waste valuable time to get supplies.
  • Add emergency contacts and medical information to your phone that can be accessed even in lock mode.
  • Place a list of emergency numbers within easy access near a landline phone or on the refrigerator.
  • Make sure your home or apartment number is easy to see so fire or rescue can locate you quickly in an emergency.

 

Creating A Safe Sleep Environment

  • Finish all painting and wallpapering at least eight weeks before baby is expected to avoid exposing baby to any potentially harmful fumes.
  • Secure any dressers and bookshelves to the wall with screws, and pull the crib away from any other furniture. 
  • If the crib is near a window, remove pull cords or use cord shorteners on window dressings. Those curious little arms like to reach out and cords can so easily get wrapped around your precious little one.
  • Use a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved crib. Soft mattresses can create a pocket (or indentation) and increase the chance of rebreathing or suffocation if the infant is placed in or rolls over to the prone (face down) position. Also, a solid mattress base provides the resistance necessary for developing and strengthening muscles. 
  • Keep soft objects and loose bedding away from baby’s sleep area. Do not use bumpers, comforters, pillows, blankets and toys in the crib to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation. 

 

Your newborn baby will spend most of its time at home and in your car, and you’d be surprised at how easy it is for a baby to get into trouble. The first step in baby safety is making sure both of these places are completely safe for your newborn!

5 Calming Nursery Colors That Soothe Baby

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What color should I put in the nursery? Will it be too bright or bold? When preparing your new baby’s nursery, one of the big decisions to make is the paint color. Instead of picking traditional pink or blue, more parents are looking for colors that add a splash of style and serenity to baby’s room.

With a little color insight and a can of paint, you can easily transform a bland nursery into a soothing sleep sanctuary. Try one of these five calming nursery colors and let a state of Zen wash over you and your baby.

Soft Greens

Green provides us with an instinctual sense of security that baby will grow and thrive in its presence. Associated with health, healing and well-being, green reduces anxiety. Bonus: Research shows that exposure to the color green may increase concentration and reading ability!

Surround your baby with the nurturing power of mother nature by choosing a light or medium green color such as sage or moss. Blue greens, like mint or seafoam, are also an excellent choice and promote peace and health.

Pale Purples

Associated with wisdom and spirituality, purple combines the calming properties of blue with the nurturing femininity of pink. Lighter shades like lavender and lilac provide the soothing strength of purple without the visual overstimulation that can come from richer options.

Since purple often appears darker than expected, interior painting experts suggest going one shade lighter than the one you’ve got your eye on. Here are 10 purple nursery shades to consider.

Earthy Neutrals

Neutral shades can be great for creating a warm, grounding atmosphere. Gentle, earthy neutrals like light beige, light tan and taupe will ensure your little one feels safe and cozy. Neutrals are easy on baby’s developing eyes, so these shades also help your little dreamer to wind down and sleep.

Complete the earthy theme with nature-inspired nursery essentials. A neutral tone works especially well if you are planning to have more children.

Creamy Whites

To create a soothing, white haven that will instil feelings of serenity and peace, avoid blue whites. Instead, choose creamier shades like soft ivory, vanilla and antique white. Think shabby chic! Add warmth and variation by incorporating rustic, earthy textures like wicker and wood.

Light Grays

As a reflective, calming hue, gray is an excellent backdrop that promotes thought and emotion. It’s a calming color, but be sure to keep things looking cheery by avoiding dark and stormy grays and instead select a light, blue-gray. To add softness, pair with crisp white trim and pretty pastel accents.

A Few More Tips!

Many people choose a paint color based on the colors that are prevalent in the bedding or accessories they have chosen. Whether you select a paint color based on a themed room or decide to keep it simple, select colors that you like too. You will be spending a lot of time here!

Having a hard time deciding on a color? ProjectNursery.com suggests that you visit online paint and hardware stores that offer interactive programs allowing you to upload a photo of your nursery to select different paint colors on the virtual walls.

Choosing the perfect color scheme for a soothing room can be an exciting experience! Relax and enjoy this time in your life and most importantly, have some fun with it.

Some Good Things That DID Happen in 2020

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Needless to say, this year wasn’t what we expected, but it allowed our team to connect with more families than ever. In 2020, Colgate Mattress® celebrated our 65th anniversary as the most trusted crib mattress name for new parents. 

Since 1955, we’ve set out to provide new parents with the very best quality and safest crib mattresses made in the U.S. In celebration of our recent achievements and anniversary milestone, we’re sharing our favorite moments to come out of the pandemic that will remind you how we got through it together.  

 

We Shifted Gears To Make Masks During COVID-19 Pandemic

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we shifted the focus of a portion of our factory employees from handcrafting crib mattresses to creating masks that were donated to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. These masks were a collaborative effort across the company, from hospital outreach to mask design to sewing and manufacturing. Together, the Colgate family donated around 3,000 masks to local healthcare workers and patient families.

“When COVID-19 began impacting our community, we knew we had to help,” said Colgate Mattress Vice President Richard Wolkin. “Through our mask-making efforts, we’re honored to give back to the community that has given us so much in a small way.”

 

Colgate Was The First Crib Mattress Participant Ever Welcomed Into The JPMA Certification Program 

The Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA) Certification Seal signifies a product meets the strictest safety standards in today’s marketplace. To become certified, each product is rigorously tested at an independent laboratory. 

The main purpose of JPMA Certification for consumers is to remove the safety-related guess work from the buying decision and to encourage parents to look for the JPMA Certification Seal as a symbol of quality, safety, performance and functionality.

 

We Talked To Moms About COVID-19 Mental Wellness

It’s not just you – the pandemic raised stress for all parents and anxiety was at an all-time high this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for child support from family and friends probably changed or may have been cancelled altogether. Losing your support system only added to the mental overload. 

Whether you’re a professional mom, a seasoned mom of multiples or expecting your first baby, prioritizing your emotional care isn’t easy. We rounded up a list of mama lifelines to help you survive when all the odds are against you. 

 

Colgate Became a JPMA Baby Safety Month Ambassador

During September, JPMA focused on educating parents and caregivers on the safe selection and use of juvenile products, while encouraging baby and children’s industry leaders to become safety ambassadors through public engagement. 

As a Baby Safety Month Ambassador, Colgate Mattress is committed to helping parents understand safe sleep practices to ensure your baby’s first years are safe, sound and happy. It’s always a great time to reassess your routine to ensure you’re using healthy habits, best practices and safety precautions to keep your baby as safe as possible. 

 


2020 Awards & Recognition

For 65 years Colgate Mattress has worked tirelessly to earn the trust of parents and along the way we’ve been recognized by industry groups and consumer product organizations for producing some of the highest quality crib mattresses anywhere. While the health and safety of your baby is our primary focus, we are honored by all the recognition.

 

2020 Cribsie Awards

Colgate Mattress’ Goodnight Owl Crib Mattress won an Academy Star in the 2019-2020 Cribsie Awards for New Arrivals. We scored amongst the highest ratings in the categories of Innovation, Design and Utility!

Twiniversity 2020 Best Crib Mattress

Our Eco Classica III was named 2020 Best Crib Mattress for twins by Twiniversity. This is the second consecutive year Colgate was named to the Twinnie Award List, which includes everything a twin parent could need!

Baby Maternity 2020 Top Choice Award

Colgate’s Regal Robin Crib Mattress won a 2020 Top Choice of the Year Award in the Crib Mattress category! This awards program is unique in that all products submitted are reviewed by expectant mothers, new moms, and baby caregivers.

Baby’s Changing Table: The Complete Buying Guide For Parents

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One of your first orders of business when becoming a parent is setting up your little one’s nursery and all new parents can count on changing a lot of diapers. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it! The good news is that clean up can be quick and easy if you have a safe changing table stocked with supplies within reach. 

Why You Need A Changing Table

A changing table provides a designated safe place for you to change your baby’s diaper. Whether you opt for a traditional changing table or a dresser with a changing pad on top, you’ll be happy to have a go-to spot for diaper changes. It’s easy and convenient to have all the necessary diaper changing gear – wipes, diapers and diaper rash cream – organized and handy in one area. 

Changing tables are especially helpful for moms who are recovering from C-sections, because bending over at the waist can be painful and uncomfortable, so if you know ahead of time you might get one, this is sure to be a smart investment.

Dresser And Changing Table Combo

If you’d like a changing area, buy a changing pad and secure it onto a low dresser, which you can use even when your child is no longer wearing diapers. Store diapers, wipes and creams in a top drawer for quick access. Conveniently store away all of your other baby’s items – such as swaddles, burp cloths and onesies – in the dresser.

Things To Consider When Creating A Changing Table Area

  • Safety. Furniture needs to be secured to the wall so that it doesn’t topple over on your baby. If your piece of furniture doesn’t have anchors and tethers to brace it in place, your local hardware store will have the pieces you need. 
  • Changing Pad. Buy a firm, ridged changing pad and secure it onto the dresser, which you can use even when your child is out of diapers. Colgate’s contour changing pad turns any flat surface into a baby changing station. Firm foam ridges on the sides provide a secure cocoon for baby while being changed. The changing pad’s cover cleans easily with a damp cloth and mild soap. Extra safety features include a rigid fiber support board, a safety strap and screws to attach the changing pad. 
  • Safety Strap. While they’re a helpful feature for first-time parents, you should never leave baby unattended, even if it’s to grab a toy or a pair of pajamas in the same room. According to HealthyChildren.org, always keep one hand on baby.
  • Non-Toxic Paint. When using a hand-me-down changing table, make sure the paint finish is safe. Even freshly painted vintage finds can be hiding lead paint, which can be extremely dangerous for developing babies. Here’s how to identify lead paint.
  • Diaper Bin. Be sure to include a diaper pail closeby for easy diaper disposal. As your little one grows and the diapers pile up, you’ll quickly realize that this may be one of your most used – and most appreciated – nursery items. 
  • Big Baby. It’s harder than you think to diaper a growing, active baby. When your baby reaches 30 pounds, usually around a year old, it’s safer to change him on a pad or towel on the floor. By then, you’ll be an expert!

Colgate Supports Helping Babies Sleep Safely

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Every year 3,600 infants die due to sleep-related deaths

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. Of those, about 90 percent of SIDS cases occur before baby hits the 6-month mark.

SIDS is sometimes known as crib death because the infants often die in their cribs. In 79 percent of these cases, babies were either sleeping in an adult bed or in their crib/bassinet with pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, fluffy bumpers or loose clothing. 

These deaths can be prevented by following the Safe Sleep Guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2016.

What does a safe crib environment look like?

Did you receive the most beautiful handmade blanket or precious stuffed animal from a friend or family member? We know you may feel the desire to let your baby sleep with their cute gift, but keep it clean and simple when setting up your crib. 

Here are five tips to creating the safest sleep environment for your baby:

  1. Always lay your baby on his or her back in the crib. Babies should always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  2. Use a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved crib. A firm surface maintains its shape and will not indent or conform to the shape of the infant’s head when placed on the surface. Soft mattresses can create a pocket (or indentation) and increase the chance of rebreathing or suffocation if the infant is placed in or rolls over to the prone (face down) position. Also, the crib should not have bumper pads.
  3. Share your room with baby and keep baby close to your bed, but in their own crib or bassinet. Room sharing reduces the risk of SIDS. Baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair alone, with you or with anyone else. Having a separate safe sleep surface for the baby reduces the risk of SIDS and the chance of suffocation, strangulation and entrapment.
  4. Keep baby’s sleeping area free of soft and loose bedding, such as bumpers, stuffed animals and blankets. Soft objects, such as pillows and pillow-like toys, quilts, and loose bedding such non-fitted sheets, can obstruct an infant’s nose and mouth. An obstructed airway can pose a risk of suffocation, entrapment, or SIDS.
  5. If the crib is near a window, remove pull cords or use cord shorteners on window dressings. Those curious little arms like to reach out and cords can so easily get wrapped around your precious little one.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help reduce your infants’ risk of SIDS.

How can you help spread awareness?

We’re asking moms, dads and parent influencers to help model a safe sleep environment to generate visibility for unaware parents, grandparents and other caregivers and help them understand the vital importance of safe sleep practices.

By committing only to post images of babies in safe sleep situations you can become one of First Candle’s Safe Sleep Guardians. First Candle is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to reducing the rates of SIDS and educating new and expectant parents on the importance of providing a safe sleep environment for their baby. And for those families who have tragically lost a baby, they offer bereavement support and counsel.

Colgate Mattress has a longstanding relationship with First Candle and is honored to be a Safe Sleep Guardian. We encourage you to also show that you support First Candle and are committed to helping us save babies’ lives.