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.

How to Throw A Beautiful Virtual Baby Shower

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virtual baby shower

When you are coming up with ideas for your favorite mom-to-be’s baby shower, a global pandemic (and the social distancing that comes with it) may need to be part of your plan. Fortunately, celebrating a mom-to-be doesn’t require in-person interaction – there’s plenty of celebrating that can be done behind a computer or smartphone screen with a virtual baby shower! 

Though there’s a real need for them now, long-distance or virtual baby showers have been around for a while. Typically, they are planned for friends and family who live in other states or countries. Military families who move around a lot often use them to bring their far-flung friends together. With a little bit of planning, you can easily adapt your baby shower plans into a virtual party without missing a beat.  

Here’s your step-by-step guide to throwing a beautiful virtual baby shower.

Create a virtual baby shower “venue”

You can host the event with the mom-to-be’s closest friends and family by inviting them to join the shower remotely, thanks to Facebook Live, IGTV, Zoom or Google Hangouts.

Everyone will probably be tuning in from their living room, but the backdrop behind them doesn’t have to be. If you’ll be using Zoom for the baby shower, you can create a custom background or have guests select a background that suits the theme using a high resolution image. 

Check out this easy guide to adding your own virtual background.

Select a special virtual baby shower theme

Just because you can’t be there in person, it doesn’t mean you should give up the fun little touches that turn a virtual baby shower into an event to remember. Guests can take part in the “decor” by dressing up in the mom-to-be’s favorite color. Another idea is to create a rainbow on-screen by assigning guests to dress a specific color. You can also embrace the casual feel of a virtual baby shower by having guests “show up” in their favorite pajamas. 

For a more involved theme, organize a virtual tea party. Ask guests to brew up their favorite tea and have their favorite mug ready to show. 

Make your invites memorable

Now, you’re ready to fill out the invites. Digital invitations are popular and streamlined, which means the only hard part is choosing which beautiful design to go with (and there are thousands).

Websites like Paperless Post, Evite and Greenvelope have tons of virtual invite options, many of which include cool extras like music, gifs and active links to your registry and event page – not to mention they’re totally paperless, which is a bonus if you’re going green. 

Of course, you can still send physical invites if that’s what you’d prefer, and there’s definitely something special about receiving an invitation in the mail.

Add mama essentials to their baby registry

A baby registry has always been a great way to help parents start this exciting new chapter, but it takes on extra importance during this time of uncertainty. While the mom-to-be likely has her registry filled already with items for the nursery, like the crib mattress, consider starting a secondary registry with comfort items for both parents to show them love during this time of uncertainty. Consider adding essentials like a meal delivery services, gift cards to laundry services and extra cleaning supplies. We also recommend adding comfy loungewear and relaxing bath and body items to the list. 

As for timing your gifts, it all depends on whether or not you’d like the parents to open gifts on screen. Ask what their comfort level is, and plan accordingly. If they do want to open gifts on screen, ask guests to time their purchase at least two weeks before the party to allow for any possible shipping delays. 

Make it social with virtual game ideas

The best part about a virtual baby shower is just how many special moments from a traditional baby shower can still be part of the day, like party games. You can’t play classics like “Guess the candy bar in the diaper; however, here are some other fun virtual baby shower game ideas:

  • Name That Baby Song. The host plays different nursery rhymes or popular baby songs and guests try to guess the name as quickly as they can.
  • Who’s That Baby? Before the call starts, ask guests to email photos of themselves as babies to the host. The host shares them with the group and everyone tries to guess who is who.
  • How Well Do You Know Mom? Use the downloadable template below to quiz guests on how well they know the mom-to-be.

Looking for an interactive alternative to games and coordinating virtual baby shower prizes? Ask the mom-to-be ahead of time if she’d like to give a nursery tour. Or have guests give their input on what she can pack in her hospital “go” bag. 

Send moments to remember

Taking photos of the event is as easy as taking a screenshot. However, you might miss a moment. The solution? Record your party as it unfolds so you can pause and capture the perfect reaction. 

The process will depend on which platform you’re using, but for Zoom, simply click “Settings,” then “Recording,” and turn the “Local Recording” option on. 

You can share virtual baby shower photos via Facebook, or email them to guests after the party with a virtual thank you card.

baby on back in crib

5 Tips For New Parents During Baby Safety Month

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September is Baby Safety Month
September is Baby Safety Month, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This year, JPMA is helping educate 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. This is 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. 

You’re going to be a great parent, and we’ll be right here with you so you’re not alone. Below are 5 must-have safety tips that every parent should check off their list.

 

  1. Check to make sure your car seat is installed correctly. Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and injury for American children and correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent. Unfortunately, almost 60 percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly. Safe Kids Worldwide offers virtual resources to check your car seat today.
  2. Before putting your baby down for a nap or for the night, remember that a firm mattress and fitted sheet are all you need for your baby’s crib. The threat of losing a baby unexpectedly is a harsh reality that can keep every parent awake at night. And unfortunately, more than 2,000 babies in the US die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) each year. Remove blankets, pillows and toys from the crib and use a sleep sack on colder nights. Learn more about sleep safety from our friends at First Candle.
  3. Place your baby’s crib and other furniture away from windows to avoid serious falls or strangulation. Children can get caught in cords from hanging window blinds or draperies. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends using cordless window coverings if possible.
  4. Remember to set your water heater to 120° F to avoid scalds. This will make sure that the water never gets to a point that could injure your baby. Learn more about burn prevention from the Mayo Clinic.
  5. Install working smoke alarm AND a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home, and in all sleeping areas. This is an important tip for not just baby safety, but family safety as well. And please test the alarms regularly to make sure they work.

 

Colgate Mattress understands that being a parent is the biggest responsibility you will ever have in your life. After all, as a third-generation, family-owned business – we’ve been there too! That’s why the safety of your baby is our top priority.

In 2020, Colgate Mattress was the first participant ever welcomed into the JPMA Certification Program in the Full-Size Crib Mattress program. For over 40 years, JPMA has helped parents feel confident in choosing safe products for their baby. The JPMA Certification Seal signifies a product meets the strictest safety standards in today’s marketplace. 

For more safety tips, please visit the JPMA’s Baby Safety Month Center.

 

stressed out mom with young kids

Calling All Moms – Are You Okay?

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stressed out mom with young kids

 

It’s not just you – the pandemic has raised stress for all parents and anxiety is at an all-time high. Varying levels of social distancing orders are still in place, which has resulted in closed daycares, new back to school challenges and virtual workplaces. 

Parents now have to find ways to keep their kids entertained, manage a new reality of distance learning and try to find balance when kids are always around – a.k.a. no break! Throw in COVID-19 and the family all together under the same roof 24/7, and you have a recipe for a perfect storm. 

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. 

Set Boundaries To Protect Your Mental Health 

Now is the time to lower the bar and give yourself grace when you simply cannot make one more meal, get through your child’s schoolwork or attend another Zoom meeting. For some moms, this may be uncharted territory. 

However, the pressure to be the perfect mom at this unprecedented stressful time could absolutely break you. Instead, pick a few important tasks to complete each day, and let the rest go! Also, here are ways to engage your child so you can catch some “alone” time:

  • Lovevery provides stage-based early learning and play essentials, up to age 3.
  • Raddish Kids is a fun cooking club for kids.
  • Flexable offers interactive, virtual childcare.

Join Forces With Other Moms 

Stay at home moms have historically been pitted against working moms. Today, parents are also at odds with teachers, who are overwhelmingly women, struggling with the very same issues, while we debate how and if school should open. 

Don’t miss the bigger picture. Moms should be sharing resources and working together to fight for expanded sick leave, fund the childcare industry and protect working parents’ livelihood. If you’re looking for communities of moms who get it, check these out: 

  • MotherNation creates spaces for Mothers to care for themselves and each other by gathering circles based on location, age of children and shared experience.
  • Mother Honestly is an online community, with resources and support for working mothers.
  • Chairman Mom is a private network of badass working women.

Ask Daddy To Step It Up

Not all households have a mom and dad, but when they do, responsibilities still fall unevenly on moms in 2020. Today, childcare and home duties have only increased, moms are picking up the slack and it’s stealing your Zen. However, couples can divvy up the work more fairly with these tools:

  • Modern Village builds the “Family Operating System” as a central place that isn’t mom’s brain to be the single source of all things family.
  • Fair Play helps couples divide up household tasks fairly, based on their needs.
  • Persistiny allows parents to track, value, and share the unpaid work to care for their families.

If you’re reading this daddy, here are some things you can do proactively to show mama how much you value her: 

  • Take on more housework. Even if it feels like you are doing your fair share, pick up one or two more tasks a day.
  • Ask her how she feels. Is she drowning? To avoid adding to her already overflowing mental load, come to the conversation with two ideas for how you could help.
  • Take the kids out of the house to give her some time to just reset.
  • Here’s a big one – say thank you! Say thank you for the things you see her doing and even the things you don’t … the empty sink, the clean laundry and the uninterrupted business call. Make it your goal to show continual gratitude.

We know this just scratches the surface. There is no silver bullet solution to such a complex situation. But, when everyone pitches in to help, moms will make it through this stronger, and our children will reap the benefits.

girl virtual learning

2020 Back to School: New Challenges for Parents

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girl virtual learning

While summer is still coming to a close in some parts of the country, many states are already gearing up for a new school year. Back to school can be stressful at the best of times, but after a spring of remote learning amid the Covid-19 spread, sending our little ones back to the classroom – online, in-person or a hybrid of the two – is daunting. 

The CDC has released recommendations for schools to reopen with guidelines on social distancing, wearing masks, temperature checks and alternate schedules to reduce classroom sizes. However, balancing safety with continued academic growth can feel like walking a tightrope with so many restrictions. Below are three ways to tackle the new challenges.

Make safety rules fun

You’ve probably spent the entire summer reminding your child about the everyday precautions he or she needs to take to prevent getting sick. As they go back to school, here are some fun ways to reinforce COVID-19 safety rules: 

  • Find your child a comfortable mask and reward them for the time they wear it by doing fun things, such as playing games, coloring, reading books or dancing, while they have it on. Don’t forget to use positive reinforcement when they wear a mask. 
  • You can also make the mask itself fun by having your child decorate it to make it their own. If it’s a paper mask, they can use stickers. If it’s fabric, they can use fabric paint on the outside. Find fabrics that reflect their personality, like their favorite superhero. 
  • Washing hands thoroughly is more important than ever. Tell your child to sing a song, like the ABC’s, when they wash their hands. They can sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or “Happy Birthday” or another favorite – the main thing is it should be a 20 second long song to get all of the germs off. 

Listen to your child’s concerns

The question all parents are asking is how will COVID-19 impact my child’s mental health? It’s important to keep an eye out for anxiety in your child that could be a result of new protocols, including changes in sleep patterns, continually seeking reassurance despite already receiving an answer and acting out. 

Parents also have a new set of challenges with managing their own stress around the pandemic and trying to remain calm while listening to children’s concerns. In order to help support your child’s mental health about the changes at school as a result of COVID-19, parents can:

  • Encourage conversations about the new school safety rules
  • Practice the new safety rules at home to reinforce success in the classroom
  • Acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings if they are scared or anxious
  • Reassure your child that a lot of adults are working hard to keep everyone safe
  • Maintain sleeping, eating, and general family household routines
  • Facilitate age-appropriate opportunities for children to make choices, giving them a sense of safety and control

Whether your child is concerned about having to wear a mask all day or what might happen if there’s a confirmed case at school, make sure you’re listening intently, empathizing often and helping your child cope with his or her feelings in a reassuring manner.

Let your parental instincts guide you

In a time when almost any activity outside your home comes with a risk, don’t be afraid to lean into your parental instinct. With many schools offering the option of online learning, you may be keeping your kids in 100% online classes this school year or semester. Knowing how important classroom learning and socialization are for your child, you may have decided that you’ve done your homework when it comes to safely sending your child back to school.

No matter what you’ve chosen, trust your own instincts and feel confident that you’ve made the right decision for your child and your family. Try to stay positive, remember that it takes time to acclimate to change and set realistic expectations. Your example is one they are exposed to more than any classroom or teacher. If your child hears you speaking optimistically about the school year, they will adopt that attitude.

Becoming a Parent During COVID-19

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We are surrounded by images of blissful motherhood on social media, TV and in magazines. But many new mothers experience some distressing feelings after giving birth. That’s normal because the responsibilities of being a new parent are both tough … and exhausting. Fathers are also at risk of depression after the birth of a baby, and the risk goes up significantly when the mother experiences depression too. 

New parents need plenty of support during the best of times, but when faced with hospitals overwhelmed with coronavirus patients, new visitation rules for delivery rooms and the general uncertainty about how coronavirus affects our lives, the stakes can feel especially high.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, your plans for support after childbirth from family and friends have probably been changed or may have even been cancelled. Losing your support system can make it harder to figure out a smooth transition to parenting. 

Fortunately, help is available – from family, peers and providers. However, support looks a little different now. Most providers are using telehealth visits for most of their visits, and support groups have moved online. 

Below are resources for providers, support groups and ways that we all can support parents and families during this uncertain time.

These groups and resources can offer the chance to communicate with people who get it. We hope these make the day-to-day challenges, fear and overwhelm a little easier to take.

reading with kids

How to Talk with Kids About Traumatic Events

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reading with kids

We understand parents are worried about the mental wellbeing of their family. In these trying times, it’s especially important for children to feel seen, supported and heard. 

As our kids grapple with feelings of confusion and big questions, they need us now more than ever. To help you have difficult conversations, we’re sharing tips from youth development professionals at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

  1. Process your own emotions. Label your own emotions and use self-care strategies – kids will look to you as role models for how to cope with their emotions.
  2. Listen to your child(ren). Allow them to speak freely about their feelings without interruptions or interjections. This creates trust for healthy dialog.
  3. Set up options and provide clear directions for managing overwhelming emotional responses. These options could include permission to leave the room or just having a period of silence for processing or support.
  4. Validate and de-escalate emotions when possible, but also realize that some children, especially those who have experienced complex trauma, often have difficulty identifying, expressing, and managing emotions.
  5. Check in with your child periodically throughout the day, to ensure that they are managing emotional experiences in a healthy manner and that they continue to feel safe.
  6. As a parent or caregiver, remember you don’t have all the answers. That’s okay. Learn to say “I don’t know” or invite others to share their own answers instead.
  7. Be authentic and respectful. It is natural to worry whether you are saying “the right thing.” However, respectful authenticity is often more important because the chief contributor to a psychologically safe environment/ home is learning to have honest conversations in healthy and constructive ways.
  8. Seek help if you still don’t feel comfortable with having the discussion with your child. Ask for help from another family member, friend, or professional to provide emotional support & guidance.
  9. Offer a variety of ways for your child(ren) to deal with their emotions in productive, constructive, and meaningful ways. Consider devoting time to physical activities, art, music, and/or quiet time following your discussions.
  10. Look for solutions. Kids are action-oriented – ask, “What can we do to create positive change in our community?” and support them in starting a meaningful project or campaign

Thank you to the Boys and Girls Club for sharing these important tips! We encourage you to share these best practices with your friends and loved ones. Together, as a community and a nation, we can find a path forward where children have a voice in creating the positive change every person deserves.

For more parent resources from the Boys and Girls Club, visit https://www.bgca.org/news-stories/. 

hiking with baby

Summer 2020: How To Make The Most Of It

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hiking with baby

 

Your calendar is probably peppered with canceled vacations, shuttered pools and closed playgrounds. However, summer is not completely canceled! This time of year is meant to be spent with friends and loved ones, both relaxing and having fun. We’ve rounded up the best ways to make the most of it to help combat boredom and keep your spirits lifted. 

 

Find the most beautiful place within 100 miles and go there. Each state has a wealth of natural beauty to explore just a short car ride away. To find a state or national park near you, visit The US National Park Service’s website.  

 

Send kids to virtual camp. Summer camp canceled? Many traditional camps have shifted online, which allows kids to stay engaged and busy – especially helpful for working parents. Parade magazine recently rounded up over 45 options for your consideration. 

 

Camp out in your own backyard. Just because travel is limited this summer, that doesn’t mean you can’t imitate experiences at home. Pitch a tent in the backyard for a few nights, and build a campfire if your city allows it.

 

Make it a s’mores night! Chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows are a perfect combination for delicious summertime fun, and you don’t even need a fire pit.

 

Play flashlight tag. Play a few rounds of nighttime tag with your family or “quaranteam” in the backyard or in the neighborhood. If the other side’s flashlight “tags” you, you’re out. The darkness makes it all the more thrilling.

 

Go to the drive-in. If you have a drive-in in your town, head there with your own buttered popcorn and Raisinets. What’s old is cool again, as it seems that outdoor movie theatres are making a comeback during COVID-19.

 

Broaden your worldview. Read your kids age-appropriate books about cultures different from your family’s culture. Since people are isolating more, educators are encouraging us to read books that help keep our minds open and spur mental exploration. Visit Jambo Books for some family-friendly ideas.

 

Family reading time. Grab a cup of cocoa, a snuggly blanket and read one chapter from a classic book out loud every night together. Some books and poetry were meant to be not only read, but heard. Think Shakespeare’s monologues or Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches.

 

Plan a photo shoot. Choose a theme, select a location and get creative with props, costumes or a theme. Use a Polaroid camera to capture meaningful moments that will last for years to come.

 

Create a paint party. Arrange a family painting session with supplies, snacks and your favorite music playlist. Choose a painting to replicate, and learn about one another’s artistic styles.

 

Create a chalk obstacle course. There have been many fun movements for communities to come together in a safe, socially distanced way. Creating a chalk obstacle course on your sidewalk or driveway is a simple way to spread some joy in your corner of the world. 

 

Put on a concert together. Since hearing your favorite performer live in a large arena is risky at the moment, why not create a sing along with your pack. The Sing King channel on YouTube has karaoke song options for everyone!

 

Plan household gatherings. Hold weekly family meetings to see how everyone’s doing right now. Make it a safe space so people can share their thoughts and concerns without judgment. Use this as a time to practice healthy communication.

 

 

happy baby winnerPhoto Credit: Marla Cyree at Simply Splendid

Colgate Mattress Wins Big in 65th Anniversary Year

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happy baby winner

Photo Credit: Marla Cyree at Simply Splendid

In 2020, Colgate Mattress ™️ is celebrating its 65th Anniversary as a third-generation, family owned and operated company. We proudly handcraft the highest quality crib mattresses that our own kids, grandkids and great-grandkids have slept on. During this milestone year, we’re thrilled to have already received three major industry awards. 

2020 Cribsie Awards

Colgate Mattress’ Goodnight Owl Crib Mattress won an Academy Star in the 2020 Cribsie Awards for New Arrivals. Under the cute print of Colgate’s Goodnight Owl Crib Mattress is dual-firmness, breathable, eco-friendly comfort that both parent and baby will love. Soft fabric next to the baby’s skin is lined with a waterproof backing that lets nothing get inside. We scored amongst the highest ratings in the categories of Innovation, Design and Utility!

Founded in 2010, the Cribsie Awards recognize the best products, services, and websites for babies and tots. The Cribsies offer a secure voting platform that limits users to one unique vote per email address, meaning the Cribsies are a true, untainted measure of the public’s opinion on the top parenting brands. With hundreds of thousands of votes cast and a reach in the millions, the Cribsies have become the definitive awards for parents.

 

2020 “Twinnie” Award Winner

Colgate Mattress also received the 2020 Twinnie Award from Twiniversity! In the second annual awards, twin parents nominated their favorite baby, kid and personal products they have used and loved, with the products receiving the most mentions taking home the top prize. The 2020 Twinnie Award winners list includes everything a twin parent could need for babies, growing toddlers, and for mom and dad too. 

Twinnie Best Crib Mattress Winner: The Colgate Eco Classica III is an expertly engineered dual-firmness crib mattress, packed with 6” of Colgate’s proprietary EcoFoam™️ an eco-friendlier foam made with plant-based oils. The extra firm side is engineered to provide the firmness infants need for proper support and development, while the less firm side provides – when the time comes — the comfort toddlers prefer. This is all wrapped snugly inside an ultra-soft certified organic cotton cover, which is waterproof-backed to ensure the mattress stays dry while the baby’s skin remains closest to organic cotton. The Eco Classica III is designed to last throughout the infant and toddler years.

2020 Baby & Childrens Product News Readers Favorite

Colgate Mattress also received the 2020 Baby & Children’s Product News Readers Favorite Award! For over 17 years, Baby & Children’s Product News has been the #1 juvenile product industry’s trade publication, connecting store buyers with product manufacturers. Each year, magazine readers are asked to name their favorite sources for a variety of baby products ranging from apparel to cribs and from baby baths to mattresses. They select their favorites based on their own experience and knowledge, instead of from a provided list. This award is especially humbling because the vote of confidence came from our amazing retail partners who know crib mattresses inside and out! 

From Our Family To Yours for 65 Years

We care deeply about the safety of your baby and stand behind every product we make. That’s just how we do business. Thank you for continuing to support our mission! We look forward to serving our parent community for years to come. Click here to view our full list of past awards and recognitions. 

 

 

 

gender reveal

10 Creative Ways to Do a Gender Reveal During COVID-19

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From the moment you start sharing your pregnancy news, the first question you probably get from everyone is “Are you having a boy or a girl?” In recent years, a popular way for expecting parents to reveal the gender of their new addition has been by hosting a gender reveal party with family and friends.

However, with social distancing practices still in effect due to the coronavirus pandemic, parents-to-be are having to get creative with how they share the news. But luckily, you can still have an exciting gender reveal party with your closest friends and family by inviting them to join the reveal remotely, thanks to Facebook Live, IGTV, Zoom or Google Hangouts.

If you find yourself stuck on how to reveal your baby’s gender to friends and family, then keep reading for creative gender reveal ideas for all types.

Bath Bomb Reveal

Either make your own gender reveal bath bomb or buy one online. When the time comes, fill a plastic container or your tub with water, and drop the bath bomb in, letting it reveal if it’s a boy or a girl. Guests can watch live as the bath bomb fizzles!

Water Balloon Fight

Host a virtual gender reveal party where you and your partner have a water balloon fight while the rest of your family and friends get to watch! Lay 10 water balloons out in a row and let your guests vote on which one to throw next. Have one filled with either pink or blue colored water so that, when it breaks, the gender is revealed!

Sing It, Baby!

Make a specific playlist filled with songs with titles like “Let’s Hear it For the Boy” or “I’m Just A Girl”. Send it out to family and friends as a musical way to share the news.

Blowing Bubbles

Each expectant parent blows a bubble with either pink or blue bubblegum. Then, the parent with the incorrect gum color has their bubble popped during a virtual session!

Sibling Love

Make a custom shirt for your baby’s older sibling in either blue or pink and snap a family picture to post on social media. Cute messages like “I’m the Oldest!” are always a winner.

Booties Reveal

Another good way to tell your loved ones is to buy or make a set of crocheted booties in blue or pink. Then, ship them out and wait for the delighted phone calls!

Cake Pop Reveal

Make cake pops with white cake inside, colored blue or pink depending on your baby’s gender. Get your video camera going as you feed one another a cake pop and reveal the color inside to everyone watching! We also love the cakes that explode with a colorful candy treat. 

Gumball Guessing Game

Mail your tribe a bag of gumballs filled with an equal number of blue and pink gumballs. Add one extra gumball to the bag that’s either pink or blue, depending on your baby’s gender. Have everyone look at the bags and try to guess the gender before they dump them out and quickly count the gumballs during your virtual party for the big reveal.

Dress Up the Pup

If you’re already a parent to a fur baby, feature your pet in the big reveal video by dressing them up in a special t-shirt, collar or accessory and then calling them into the room with you while you’re streaming with family and friends!

Blacklight Reveal

Write the gender in blacklight markers on a white poster board. When everyone has joined your virtual gender reveal party, flip off the lights and turn on your blacklight flashlight for the grand reveal.