Traveling with Babies & Children During COVID-19 

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There was a point, soon after the coronavirus pandemic first hit America, when we all probably wondered if we’d ever travel again. As the months went by, the desire to get out and explore has only grown and many people are reconsidering what’s possible in terms of safely traveling and vacationing this year. While safety is still paramount, parents also have to consider their own sanity and what memories they can still make during this unprecedented time.

Parents across the country want to travel, connect with friends and family and have adventures; however, they are questioning whether travel can be safely done with kids right now. Making travel plans seems even more complicated than ever.  Flying with babies and children is  already a stressful experience, and the additional COVID-19 safety precautions now give travelers even more to think about.

To help, we’ve gathered answers to some general FAQs so you can decide whether you should be making or canceling flights for your family. 

  • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to advise against nonessential travel, noting that “travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.” Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.
  • On January 12, 2021 the CDC issued an order for all international travelers – as well as Americans traveling abroad – to test negative for COVID-19 before entering the U.S. The new rule went into effect on January 26, 2021. 
  • Additionally, President Joe Biden signed an executive order mandating masks in airports and on planes, trains, ships and intercity buses.
  • There are more ways to prevent transmission when traveling by plane. Use alcohol-based sanitizer or disinfectant wipes on items other people have touched, such as tray tables and armrests.
  • The CDC also recommends people age 2 and older should wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in their household. If your little one is under 2 years old, the CDC says he or she should not wear a face mask because it could be a choking hazard.
  • Some states continue to impose quarantine or testing restrictions for travelers, especially travelers from states that are currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
  • However, one of the most important things remains maintaining proper hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water – especially before eating and touching your face. Make sure children scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse with water and thoroughly dry with a clean paper towel.

 

Public health experts agree that while there’s no such thing as a “risk-free trip” during the pandemic, these are ways to significantly reduce your family’s risk of getting sick.

The Bottom Line

 

The good news is that you don’t have to cancel your plans. You can make travel with kids a reality during the pandemic. However, social distancing is still highly recommended to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Every parent knows that might be a little tricky on an airplane or in an airport. At the end of the day, you have to do what’s best for you and your family. Experts recommend staying home right now whenever possible but if you do travel, we hope these safety suggestions help you and your family stay safer and travel smarter.

 

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.