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You can try all you want to prevent it, but nothing can stop your baby from staining her clothes. Life happens, and right along with it come spills and leaks. But that doesn’t mean you are forced to dress your baby in stained garments or even throw those clothes away. A little knowledge about stains … How to Expertly Remove Stains from Baby Clothes Read More...

You can try all you want to prevent it, but nothing can stop your baby from staining her clothes. Life happens, and right along with it come spills and leaks. But that doesn’t mean you are forced to dress your baby in stained garments or even throw those clothes away. A little knowledge about stains can help you do a spot-on job when you need a spot off.

Different types of stains need different treatments. So keep these tips in mind and you’ll be expertly removing stains from baby clothes in no time!

Remove Protein Stains with Enzyme Cleaners

These kinds of stains are made by most foods, breastmilk, formula, and bodily fluids (like the all-too-unpleasant poop and spit-up). To get them out of your baby’s clothes, you just need to use a little science.

An enzyme cleaner with protease or amylase will work wonders because enzymes dissolve proteins. Some detergents have enzyme cleaners in them, like Wisk or Era Plus. Just use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain away.

Shout Stain Remover & Wipes

If it persists, give it a dose of an all-purpose stain remover, like Shout and then wash on regular cycle with a normal load of laundry.

Shout stain wipes are perfect for messy toddlers on the go. They won’t leave a residue behind like paper towels or tissues.

You can instantly deal with stains when travelling and make stain removal a lot easier. This makes them well worth the space in my diaper bag. The other great thing about Shout Wipes is they can deal with oil stains on white wool. Hooray for science!

Oil & Grease Stain Removal

The only downside of your wee one eating and drinking his fruits and vegetables are the stains that will soon decorate his clothing. Don’t despair. Just make a vinegar solution using 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water. Apply it with an eye dropper, if possible, or use a teaspoon and drip it directly onto the spot. Let it sit for 10 minutes before applying a combination solvent. Then it’s good to go in for a wash.

You’ll wind up with stains like these thanks to baby oils and creams. A fresh oil stain can be battled with cornstarch or talcum powder. Sprinkle it on and let it absorb the oil. Scrape it off after about 20 minutes, and then apply a pre-treater before tossing it in with your family’s next load.

Remove Old Stains with Oxiclean Baby Stain Remover

You know these kinds of stains, don’t you? They pop up mysteriously after you’ve stored away clean baby clothes your child has outgrown, surprising you as you get them ready for your next baby, or to give to a friend or family member. How did they get there?

Well, we could talk about that, or we could get busy getting those gross stains out!

For this chore, you’ll need OxiClean. Put 2 scoops of it and a small amount of your usual laundry detergent in hot water and soak the stained items overnight. When you go to run the wash, add white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment.

Removing Stains with White Vinegar

Pouring white vinegar into one of those fabric softener balls can also help with stubborn stains. It’ll be released automatically during the rinse cycle, leaving you with one less thing to remember. That should take care of things, but in the event it doesn’t, treat any remaining spots with spot remover and rewash. If you can, hang it outside and let the sun’s powerful rays take care of the rest.

What to do with Stained Onesies

If the onesie is soiled all over and you see no point in even attempting to wash it, you may want to just toss it. However, if the mess isn’t too bad, here’s what you can do:

1. Unroll the onesie where the stain is (if you followed the steps above), and wash as much of it off as you can with cold running water and ivory soap. Squeeze out the excess water.
2. Lay the onesie down and apply some type of stain stick to the soiled area. If you just don’t have time to wash it or found it after the stained part has dried, try simply applying the stain stick and washing it—usually that does the trick for me without having to pre-wash.
3. Personally, the stain stick brand “Spray N’ Wash” has worked very well for me. Because it’s not a gel-type, it’s also less messy. It has worked for my kids’ stains almost every time.

To save yourself some money and trouble, buy solid white onesies. That way, if they become stained, you can always just bleach the heck out of them and they’ll be as good as new.

Now that you’ve got a handle on handling stains, you can go enjoy some precious time with your special stain-maker…until laundry day rolls around again!

Having a child abducted by a stranger is many parents biggest fears. In surveys, a third-of-parents worry about it more than car accidents, sports injuries and drug addiction. In this article, we will share the top 5 tricks child abductors actually use.  We’ll also give you ways you and your child can beat them! Child Abductions … The Top 5 Tricks Child Abductors Use & How You Can Beat Them! Read More...

Having a child abducted by a stranger is many parents biggest fears. In surveys, a third-of-parents worry about it more than car accidents, sports injuries and drug addiction.

In this article, we will share the top 5 tricks child abductors actually use.  We’ll also give you ways you and your child can beat them!

Child Abductions – The Facts

Fortunately,the statistics show that the likelihood of our kids being abducted is extremely rare. There are approximately 100 children abducted and killed every year.

That’s about one for every 10,000 missing report filed. Almost half of these are committed by family members.

To put that into perspective, they are around 15 times more likely to die in an automobile accident. As abductions are covered a lot on TV, in newspapers and made into movies; we tend to remember and fear them more.

The bad news is a high percentage of successful abductions result in the child being murdered or sexually assaulted. Especially if the child is missing for more than three hours.

Most abductors will also look to conceal and hide the body. This a child’s fate could go unknown for many years – as shown recently in the tragic case of Jacob Wetterling.

The Top 5 Child Predator Lures

The NCEC logged child predators using over 100 of these tricks – which they’ll often combine. Here are the top 5 lures they use:

• 29% offered a ride.
• 12% offered candy or sweets.
• 16% Engaged the child with questions
• 8% Offered money
• 7% Used an animal (such as a dog)
  

  ---

  Lessons From 10,000 Abduction Cases

  The National Center for Exploited Children (NCEC) analyzed almost 10,000 cases of attempted stranger abductions from 2005 – 2014. When attempting to abduct child of school-age perpetrators will use a number of tricks and ruses rather than physical force.

  But wait…first you might be thinking your son or daughter is already well versed in “Stranger Danger” and it couldn’t possibly happen to them, right?

  Well, watch this “Social Experiment” video where Number 5 on the list- “The Animal Trick” is shown to be brutally effective.

  Keep this video in mind when reading on. It should help you think about role-playing exercises you could use (with the help of somebody your kids don’t know) to increase your child’s safety.

  ---

  Let’s now look at each lure in slightly more detail. Remember, these are taken from over 10,000 cases so are backed up by real-world evidence.

  Lure 1 – Your Child Is Offered A Ride

  

  This by far the biggest lure that child abductors use. Almost 1-in-3 will try to get a child into their vehicle by offering a ride.

  Many abductions happen when walking home from school. In 71% of attempted abductions, the predator had a vehicle. (Source)

  How To Beat It – YELL, Run, Tell !!!!

  Many parents already teach children not to get into stranger’s cars. They also need to go one step further.

  Children should never approach any car they have not seen before. If someone follows in a car they should stay away. If somebody tries to grab them they should scream “This is not my Dad / Mom!” as loud as they can.

  Follow the rule – “Yell, Run, Tell”! Teach your children they should immediately tell you if anybody has made them feel threatened or uncomfortable.

  It’s vitally important to teach our children that it’s better to be safe than polite.

  ---

  Lure 2 – Your Child Is Offered Candy

  This is another well-know trick that even our own parents warned us about. Sadly, the reason that it’s been around for ages is that it’s so successful.

  This ruse is used to gain a child’s trust before taking them to a secondary location.Here’s another “Social Experiment” video that shows how kids fall for it and how you can role-play it.

  How To Beat It – Identify Strangers By Actions Not Looks!

  Ideally, your child should shout “No!” and run away. The problem is that younger kids are innocent and trusting. Unless they are taught different, they may see strangers as people who wear masks or look like monsters from the latest marvel movie.

  

  

  Kids need to also identify “strangers” by their actions and not their appearance. You can teach your kids not to accept anything without your agreement. You can practice this when friends or relatives offer gifts, too.

  Books like “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers” and “Once Upon a Dragon” are particularly helpful for younger children.

  Having kids draw what a stranger looks like is a good idea. You can guide to understand strangers look no different from anybody else.

  ---

  Lure 3 – Your Child Is Asked Questions

  Your child could be asked questions like helping look for another missing child or animal, to take a picture (or have a picture taken), directions, etc, etc.

  How To Beat It – Ignore, Scream, Use A Cell Phone

  When “hands off” abduction attempts were analyzed, children were most likely to get away by ignoring the predator, using a cell phone as a threat and adult intervention. (source)

  Depending on the age of your child they could:

  • Scream to attract adult intervention
  • Say “I can’t help you!” and maintain a safe-distance
  • Take out their cell-phone and say “Let’s call my parents first”

  Kids should also be made aware that adults don’t ask for help from kids. They ask for help from other adults.

  ---

  Lure 4 – Your Child Is Offered Money

  

  This trick is another “offer trick” and is a variation on a child being offered something desirable like candy or ice cream.

  How To Beat It – Use Teachable Moments

  Just like the candy example, you can train your children to not accept any gift without your consent or knowledge.

  Plenty of teachable moments should present themselves – particularly during the holiday season.

  ---

  Lure 5 – A Cute Pet Is Used

  

  As you can see in the video we linked above, using a puppy is an extremely effective method for gaining a kids trust.

  Would-be abductors could also use other kid-friendly pets like kittens or a baby rabbit.

   

  How To Beat It – Teach Kids To Stay Away!

  Most dog owners are wary of having their dog around kids they don’t know. If a dog was to bite a kid or even show aggression it creates an a really bad situation for them. They could have there dog taken away and face legal problems.

  Teaching kids that dogs don’t want to be petted and it’s safer for the both of them if they don’t is a great way to beat this lure.

  Unfortunately, kids often have a blind-spot for cute dogs. Some will rush towards them with no thought for their own safety (from the dog or stranger).

  They can be taught not to touch or go near any dog they don’t know – which when you think about it makes great parenting sense anyway!

  ---

  Additional Lure – Family Emergency

  

  It’s not in the top 5, but another common lure worth mentioning is using a family emergency.

  A stranger may approach your child and tell them there’s been an emergency / accident and they need to come with them quickly.

  How To Beat It – Have A Code

  The FBI encourages parents to teach children a “Code Word”. If child predator says they are a friend of the parents or there’s been an accident.

  Make sure your child knows the code and regularly practice it with them in a form of a game.

  Also, drill into your child that they should never go with anybody off school grounds, out of the house or with someone without telling another adult first.

  Get them to practice saying “I need to check with my teacher / Mom/ Dad first” and walk away

  ---

  For further resources, check out Gavin de Becker’s great book “Protecting The Gift” and also see our tips for  a safer neighborhood.

Searching for a comfortable and safe way of keeping your newborn as close as possible whilst you sleep? Well, the Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper could just be what you’re looking for! Some mothers like the idea of co-sleeping, but are naturally concerned about the risks of SSID. The Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper is actually recommended by the … Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Review Read More...

Searching for a comfortable and safe way of keeping your newborn as close as possible whilst you sleep? Well, the Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper could just be what you’re looking for!

Some mothers like the idea of co-sleeping, but are naturally concerned about the risks of SSID. The Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper is actually recommended by the CJ Foundation for SIDS as a safe alternative to cosleeping. It has also received rave reviews from parents across America. It is really that much better than a run-of-the-mill bassinet though?

Halo Specs

Models

The Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper comes in 4 models:

1. Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper Essential
2. Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper Premier
3. Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper Luxe
4. Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper Luxe Plus

Details on each of the models can be found below.

Age and Weight Limit

There really isn’t a recommendation on age, but there is a hard weight limit.

• Age: Discontinue use when baby shows signs of rolling over or pushing up on hands and knees.
• Weight: 20 lbs

Dimensions

• Base: 45″ x 45″
• Legs: 21″ each (43″ total)
• Overall height: 36″ (at lowest point)
• Bed: 33.5″ x 22″
• Weight: 28 lbs

Care and Cleaning

• The sides of Bassinest Swivel Sleeper are made from 100% polyester material that easily wipes clean with a damp cloth
• The removable, coordinating fitted sheet is machine washable
• Do not use bleach
• Do not machine wash mattress
• Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners

Warranty

The Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleepers come with a 1 year warranty. Details on the warranty can be found here.

Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper ESSENTIAL Review

What makes this bassinet different from a run of the mill bassinet? What does it have that makes it special? Let’s take a look:

360 Degree Swivel Function

The Halo bassinet is the only one on the market with a “360 Swivel”. This makes it easy to be physically close to your little one. It’s also easier to hear your baby breathe and see their chest rise and fall. The “Double Swivel” is really great as it means you can both pull your baby closer and push them back to the original position. You can also use the swivel to rock your newborn to sleep.

Getting out of bed is also so much easier as you don’t need to leapfrog a bassinet!

A Side Wall that Automatically Lowers & Locks

To further help recovering mothers with limited mobility, the Halo bassinet has a wall that lowers easily when you apply pressure with your hand. This provides easy access for feeding and diaper changes in the middle-of-the-night. This also puts less strain on your back and also means you don’t even need to get out of bed, either.

The side wall locks in the upright position to ensure your baby won’t roll out the bassinet (my main fear assuaged right there!).

Safe & Sturdy

Let’s face it, a parent’s biggest fear is knocking something like this over and hurtling our little darling in the process. With a crib, you don’t have this problem as it’s a lot bulkier. However, Halo has designed their swivel sleeper to have a sturdy, wide base. It weighs around 40lbs so it’s pretty sturdy. A 4-year-old toddler or a big, wayward dog would have a hard time knocking it over.

The Halo Bassinet is certified safe by the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association).

Adjustable Height Fits Most Beds

A lot of bassinets are not adjustable so they usually end up being too low for your bed. The Halo Bassinet has an adjustable base and legs so it can accommodate most beds; from 22” to 32” high. It’s worth noting that the length or width of the bed doesn’t matter, just the height. So beds like a Calfornia King Size are no problem with the Halo Swivel Sleeper.

Breathable, Mesh Sides

Mother’s (and father’s too!) like to be able to see their baby at all times. Unlike many bassinets, the Halo Swivel has transparent mesh sides. This lets you always see your sweetheart, even when lying down. The meshing is also better for air circulation and helps reduce the risk of SIDS.

Space Saving & Perfect for Smaller Rooms

The Halo Swivel’s base can neatly tuck under your bed, so it’s perfect for smaller rooms. You just need 32” clearance (81 cms) from the side of the bed to the wall.

Disadvantages of the Halo Swivel Bassinet Sleeper

Can Only be Used for 5 Months / Up to 30lbs

Let’s face it, the biggest disadvantage with the Halo Bassinest is it will only be of use for a maximum of 5 months. However, after my assisted delivery and my newborn, I was just happy to make it through the week. I can only imagine the discomfort a c-section mother faces, and this bassinet really helps spare you a lot of pain.

The first 5 months are also probably the most important as you get used to having a new member of your family. Hopefully, within this time you can settle them into a regular sleeping pattern and “Sleep Maturity”. Let me tell you, the cost of this is immeasurable!

It’s Hard to Move

The Bassinet’s weight makes it hard to move across the room. Which when you think about it, is actually a plus as it’s hard to tip over.

There’s No Incline

Some parents would prefer that their baby sleeps on an incline, and this is not possible with the Halo Bassinest.

The Price

The Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper isn’t cheap, but in our opinion it is the best bassinet money can buy. The cheapest price I found online for the Halo Bassinest was at Amazon.

Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper PREMIER Review

The Premier model is one step up from the standard Swivel Sleeper. There are two major differences:

1. The Premier adds the Halo Soothing Center
2. The Premier model also comes in a much more modern white and stainless steel combination
3. 2 Storage Pockets

Halo Soothing Center

The Soothing Center has a serveral nice features for not alot more money. They are:

• Nightlight
• 3 soothing sounds
• 3 lullabies
• A back to bed reminder
• vibration

They all also have a timer function with 30-minute auto shutoff. Which makes it super convenient when you’re dead tired to set one of these and let it run for 30 minutes all by itself.

Premier Storage Pockets

The Premier adds 1 more pocket to the bassinet over the standard model.

OK, it’s not that big of a deal, but having 1 more pocket than the standard model is actually really useful.

You can find it at Amazon as well.

Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper LUXE Review

The third step up from the Standard model is the Luxe model. It has everything the Premier model has with the addition of:

• Floor light to help you see in the dark without disturbing baby or your partner
• Generous storage caddy to keep all of baby’s essentials at your fingertips

For a slight price increase over the Premier, the floor light is probably much more useful than the storage caddy. But for us, we’d probably stick with the Premier.

You can find the latest price at Amazon.

Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper LUXE PLUS Review

The Luxe Plus, as far as we can tell, only has one feature different from the one step down Luxe model.

• Different fabric choice

Yeah, that seems to be about it. For our money, we’d stick with the Premier model. But if you really love the pattern of the fabric, then that might make this model worth it.

You can find the latest price at Amazon.

We’ve all been there, you wind your child and yet she continues to be gassy, causing pain, discomfort, and crying. It’s heart-wrenching to experience and to know what to do for the best. Yet there are steps you can take to minimize gas and reflux during and after feeding. There are formulas specially designed to reduce … The Best Formula for a Gassy Baby in 2020 Read More...

We’ve all been there, you wind your child and yet she continues to be gassy, causing pain, discomfort, and crying. It’s heart-wrenching to experience and to know what to do for the best.

Yet there are steps you can take to minimize gas and reflux during and after feeding. There are formulas specially designed to reduce both gas and constipation, too.

Of course, you may be hesitant to make the switch from breastfeeding to formula. However, if your child is suffering, the benefits of breast milk could be completely outweighed by the gas issues.

We got together with a few other mothers in the same situation and put together this list. We hope it will help you find the best baby formula for your little one.

Best Formula For Gassy Babies

What Is the Best Formula For A Gassy Baby?

Quite often, sensitive tummies are a completely normal part of your babies development. Children at certain stages of their development might suffer from allergies, gas, reflux or find some formulas unpalatable.

Some babies also suffer from acid reflux due to the type of formula used. You might have to use a bit of trial and error to find the best formula for your baby.

So the best formula for a gassy baby will really depend on your little one! We hope our suggestions will help!

Similac Sensitive Infant Formula Review

Similac is a very popular infant formula for a gassy baby and those with sensitive stomachs. Many parents say Similac was the only infant formula that their child was able to drink without issue. Millions of babies all over the world have been brought up with Similac.

This sensitive infant formula has been specially designed to be gentle. It’s great for reducing the acid and gas that newborns experience. Infused with Vitamin 5, DHA and Lutein, it has all the important parts of a infants diet. It also offers Omega 3, Omega 6 and ARA for healthy brain development.

We found Similac to be very gentle and it helped reduce gas. A standard amount of winding was all that was needed to keep the baby happy. It also reduced pain and discomfort, making our home very quiet!

Similac Sensitive is quite expensive, yet it’s hard to place a value on quiet nights and a happy baby.  The good news is Amazon sometimes has money-off coupons and you can check their latest price here.

Enfamil Gentlease Review

Enfamil promises your baby’s gas will reduce within 24 hours of using this product. It’s an impressive claim, and we’ve found many reviews that appear to back it up.

Just like Similac, it includes nutrients like DHA, Calcium and Omega acids to help your baby develop and grow properly.  It’s also been formulated to reduce reflux and gas.

We found Enfamil worked on gas perfectly, reducing symptoms within a few days. However, we’ve seen reports that Enfamil is useless for children that are suffering from full acid reflux. This is something we couldn’t test ourselves. If that’s the issue you’re dealing with, it’s something to be mindful of.

One thing we’re really impressed with is the price. It’s slightly cheaper than Similac and could be a money-saving alternative.

Vital® AF 1.2 Cal Ready to Drink Vanilla Institutional 237mL Can -24 ct.

• Oral Supplement Vital AF 1
• 2 Cal Vanilla 8 oz
• Recloseable Tetra Carton Ready to Use

View on Amazon

Gerber “Ready To Feed” Review

Gerber say that this formula is perfect for a gassy baby and those with sensitive tummies. They have added “Content Proteins” to help your baby drink it more easily.

This formula is also said to soften stools if your child is frequently constipated. It offers all the vitamins and nutrients you would expect.

We found the Gerber formula was easy to drink for our baby.  It could also be a great way to transition your child from breast milk. It does also come in pre-mixed bottles too which is especially useful if you’re feeding your child on the go.

When using Gerber “Ready to feed”  our baby’s gas was reduced. Whilst we couldn’t test against acid reflux issues, online reviews appear positive.

Many other parents report success in reducing acid reflux in babies. We also like the idea that corn syrup is not an ingredient used in Gerber Read-to-Feed.

Enfamil ProSobee Review

Another Enfamil product, “Prosobee” is a formula based on soy, rather than lactose. If your child’s gas or reflux issues are caused by lactose intolerance then this is a great formula.

This formula is basically the same as Gentlease, helping to reduce gas and/or reflux in all babies. Of course, your little one’s gas might be completely down to lactose, which should make this product an instant winner!

We were able to test this formula on a child that was known to have milk allergy issues. ProSobee has been a complete winner for this child.  He didn’t have any of the gassy issues that he had when drinking traditional milk formulas.

If you’re struggling to cure your child’s gas and discomfort, you should consider a milk allergy. Give Enfamil ProSobee a try and it could just save the day!

Nutramigen With Enflora LGG Review

Nutramigen with Enflora LGG is specifically designed to target the causes of colic due to cows milk.  It’s a Hydrolized Protein formula, and some doctors recommend these as a good formula for acid reflux and food allergies in particular.

Nutramifen with Enflora has been specifically created to increase your babies ability to tolerate milk over a period of time. We couldn’t test Nutramigen personally, as it’s such a specific problem designed to deal with particular medical issues. However, plenty of online reviews praise Nutramigen for helping improve colic, gas and reflux in their infant.

It’s been made with the probiotic LLG infused into the recipe. This allows your child to digest cows milk far easier. The most important thing to realize about Nutramigen is that it’s not suitable for all babies.

If your infant has been diagnosed with a milk allergy, (and please visit your Physician to check this!) Nutramigen could well be the best baby formula for this. You can check the price online here.

A good crib mattress is just as important as a good crib for your new arrival. Unfortunately, the ones that come free with cribs often leave a lot to be desired. We take a look at what it takes to be the best crib mattress. You can also find reviews for 5 great mattresses that are … How To Choose The Best Crib Mattress for 2020 Read More...

A good crib mattress is just as important as a good crib for your new arrival. Unfortunately, the ones that come free with cribs often leave a lot to be desired.

We take a look at what it takes to be the best crib mattress. You can also find reviews for 5 great mattresses that are safe, comfortable and great value for money in 2020.[/toc]

How To Choose The Best Crib Mattress

There are few times when you physically leave your newborn out of sight. For this reason alone, choosing a crib mattress that’s safe, comfortable and healthy is quite possibly the most important thing you’ll do as a new parent.

There are many different types available on the market. From foam interiors, fully sprung mattresses and an increasing trend for organic mattresses.

The Best Crib Mattresses

Crib Mattress Dimensions

If you’re buying a crib mattress, you need to make sure it’s the right size! To do this, you need to know the size of your crib.

Standard Sizes

Fortunately, most baby cribs are “Standard Size”, and this is 51 5/8″ by 27 1/4″ by 6″ (max). The federal government regulates mattress sizes for a full-size crib. Usually, I’m against government control, but it’s reassuring as the standards are there for our little one’s safety.

Convertible Cribs

The good news is that most convertible cribs (“4 in 1” / “7 in 1” etc, etc) also use the standard size – 51 5/8″ by 27 1/4″ by 6″.

The bad news is that many convertibles don’t come with an included mattress. Some do and you should watch out for the “Dual Core” mattresses as they’ll last longer (see below).

Mini Cribs

Mini cribs are a popular choice with many parents to save space (and they’re cheaper!). Usually, they are 38″ long by 24″ wide.

There are exceptions and it’s always worth reading the reviews around the mattress before buying a mini crib. You might find that the free mattress is not that good and then be stuck trying to find a substitute.

Hypoallergenic & Dual Cores

Hypoallergenic mattresses have become increasingly popular. Parents love how they help prevent allergies and are safer for  baby’s developing immune system .

If you’re thinking towards keeping your mattress for the longer term, the new “Dual Core” designs are great. These kinds have one firmer side for an infant and another slightly softer side for a toddler.

They are designed to meet the needs of a growing child, and are perfect for cribs that convert into toddler beds. It’s also nice to know if you’re paying out several hundred dollars that you can use it well into the future.

Built to Last

All of the mattresses we reviewed also displayed amazing quality construction. This is really vital if you’re considering handing down a crib to your second or third child.

As with many important purchases, all mattresses have a trade-off in terms of price, quality, materials or features. However, the market is quite large.  There’s more than enough choice to discover the best crib mattress that fits your particular wants and needs.

We also tried to select products that can also be used in convertible cribs / toddler beds for even more use.

Crib Safety Standards

We specifically mention when a mattress has gained certification under both the CentiPUR or Greenguard standards. As parents ourselves, we understand how important keeping your child safe from harmful gases and toxic materials is. We all want to find the safest crib mattress possible for our new arrival.

Crib Matress Reviews

We have selected 5 of the best crib mattresses for review in 2020.

Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Mattress Review

This crib mattress is quite a modern addition to the baby crib niche. Moonlight Slumber are a relatively new company, having started back in 2004, yet they have created quite the following among parents by offering really top quality products.

The Little Dreamer comes in slightly cheaper than their other ranges, yet still offers the same levels of safety, comfort, and durability that parents have come to expect. Perhaps one of the best things about it is it’s designed and made right here in the U.S.A!

It is certified by CentiPUR-US, meaning it’s been manufactured without any harmful chemicals, toxic flame retardants or other nasties that can commonly be found in modern day furniture.

You need to be aware it’s “Hard Foam”, but don’t let that put you off as it’s medical grade foam. It’s also “Dual Core” meaning the extra firm side is for infants and the firm side is for toddlers.

The Little Dreamer is also side-stitched which is a neat little feature. This means if you drop or spill anything on the waterproof cover there’s no annoying little gaps or crevices like on mattresses with “standard stitching”.

Who’s this for? Parents who are on a budget but feel reassured with a crib mattress made in the U.S.A.

Newton Crib Mattress Review

If you’re on the hunt for a baby crib mattress that’s good quality, safe and is also 100% hypoallergenic, then the Newton Crib Mattress is for you.

This product has been designed using 100% recycled and fully breathable materials, keeping your baby comfortable and regulating temperature during the night. It’s so good in-fact that they recommend parents don’t use an additional top sheet. Newton Rest believes this will dampen the breathable characteristics of the mattress.Instead, they have made the cover sheet washable.

Sounds odd, but it must work, because hundreds of parents report their children sleeping through the night on this mattress. The first thing many report doing (and to be honest I’d be the same) is to smother themselves with the mattress and discover you can breathe right through it! (The same concept used in high-end baby pillows).

So, if you’re looking for a mattress that’s breathable, made from recycled materials or that doesn’t feature any foam, latex or chemical glue, then the Newton crib mattress is for you.

Who’s This For? Parents looking for a 100 % breathable, hypoallergenic mattress.

Safety 1st Transitions Baby & Toddler Mattress Review

If you’re feeling the pinch, (And we have a toddler and a newborn so I sympathize!) then the Safety 1st Transitions mattress is a great choice.

Costing several times less than the “Little Dreamer” or “Newton” mattresses, it still  offers great levels of support for your child. It’s another one that is “Dual Core”, so it’s extra-firm for a newborn and still able to be used during the toddler years.

The Safety 1st Transitions is lightweight, well-cushioned and has been awarded the Greenguard Gold Certification. This means it’s been tested and the materials used shown to be safe for your child.

Another great point about the Safety 1st product is the cover is non-absorbent. This is perfect in case you spill any milk or your toddler has a “little accident”!

Who’s This For? Parents who might not have $100 – $200 for a crib mattress but still looking for a high-standard.

Sealy Soybean Foam Core Mattress Review

Here’s a crib mattress that has quite a unique feature. As the name implies “Sealy Soybean” uses a cushion made from soy bean oils that have been harvested by American farmers.

Sealy says this produces a natural, comfortable product that will not sag. They have been in  the mattress business for over 160 years.  So although it sounds a novel approach, it’s backed by many generations of experience.

Another great feature of the Sealy Soybean is the cover and binding are both waterproof. I especially like how you can wipe it down with just a babywipe (is there anything they can’t do?!).

Once again, the Sealy is certified as Gold by Greenguard, ensuring the construction is safe for your child to use. It’s also been the proud winner of the “Best for Baby choice” at the 2013 and 2014 Woman’s Choice Award.

If it’s good enough for thousands of mothers to vote for it, then we believe it’s a great choice for your and your newborn.

Who’s This For? Green consumers will love Sealy’s environmentally-friendly mattress and your baby should too!

Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Mattress Review

We wanted to include this one in our round-up because for the price, we couldn’t find anything that offers a true hypoallergenic core to keep your baby safe!

Not only that, but we found the core to be very supportive. Not surprising, considering that it’s been made of foams that have been thermo-bonded for strength.

We’ve seen hundreds of parent reports, all saying their Heavenly dreams mattress has stood the test of time, being handed down to more than one child in the family. For the price, we believe this is pretty amazing.

The only concerns we have with this product is it’s not as “Green” as others on the list. It doesn’t tick all the natural, recycled boxes that for some parents might be high on their list of priorities.

However, if you’re on a budget and need a hypoallergenic mattress right now, this is one of the leading ones on the market.

Who’s This For? Parents on a tight budget and need a well-made mattress that will go the distance.

When you first come home with your newborn, it is normal for things to be a little hectic and overwhelming at times. If it’s your first baby, it’s only natural to experience a lot of nerves! Thankfully, there are a few things that can really help the transition from hospital to home go as smoothly as … 12 tips to help prepare for a newborn Read More...

When you first come home with your newborn, it is normal for things to be a little hectic and overwhelming at times. If it’s your first baby, it’s only natural to experience a lot of nerves! Thankfully, there are a few things that can really help the transition from hospital to home go as smoothly as possible. Here are 12 tips to help prepare for a newborn baby.

1. Choose a hospital & pick your pediatrician

Call your local hospitals to see if they offer any maternity tours or prenatal classes. It’s also a good idea to research and interview possible candidates for your baby’s pediatrician before your newborn comes. Some hospitals will automatically choose a pediatrician for your newborn if you have not selected one in advance. Of course, recommendations from friends and relatives really help with this.

2. Check your insurance coverage

Before deciding on the hospital, call your insurance carrier to make sure that the hospital of your choice is covered. (To be extra cautious, call your insurance carrier near your due date just to reconfirm that the hospital and/or doctor of your choice are still covered. Sometimes last minute coverage/policy changes can occur and you don’t want to be stuck footing the entire bill). Be sure to pre-register with the hospital according to your due date so that they can anticipate your stay. It’s not fun to fill out paperwork and answer lots of questions while you’re in pain from your contractions!

Also, check with your insurance carrier regarding your policy coverage for pediatric-related medical costs such as doctor visits, urgent care visits, etc. You may want to make sure that the doctor who is delivering your baby and the pediatrician of your choice are covered by your insurance carrier. Also, keep in mind that most insurance companies require you to report a new addition to your family/insurance within a given amount of time. You don’t want to miss this deadline since you may not be able to enroll your baby until the next enrollment period. Newborns require lots of doctor visits; you want to make this call to the insurance company a priority.

3. Install the car seat in advance

Buy and install the infant car seat ahead of time in the car you’ll be taking to the hospital. Make sure it’s properly installed. Have this done a month or two before your due date—you just never know when the baby’s going to come.

To be sure that your car seat is installed correctly, check with your state’s highway patrol stations to see if they provide such a service or can refer you to other organizations. There should be events in your local area where parents are provided information on proper car seat installation, car safety and/or free inspections. Check with your state’s highway patrol unit, your local hospital or baby stores.

4. Buy the right crib

We brought our crib because it looked cute, rocked and played songs. Turns out I was in so much pain from the CS that I couldn’t lift my little one out of it. My advice is to research cribs that have a “low profile” so things will be much more comfortable and convenient.

5. Prepare the nursery

This one may take some time so you want to get started early.

6. Childproof your home

Even though your newborn won’t be able to turn on the faucet or open cabinets just yet, there are still many things in a home that can be a potential danger to a newborn that you may not be aware of. It’s also good to take care of this now because they just grow up so darn fast and before you know it, they will be crawling everywhere or running around the house. I recommend the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s article on child-proofing your home.

7. Don’t rely on an epidural

Watch a Lamaze DVD or read through some materials on giving birth naturally. You never know—your labor can move fast and you may not have enough time to get the epidural you were counting on. It’s good to know anything that might help you in case you give birth drug-free. If you are planning to give birth without an epidural, it may be worthwhile to take a Lamaze class or read up on other methods of pain management for your labor and delivery. Talk to other women who have gone through it to get a sense of what you to expect.

8. Pack your hospital bag

It’s always good to be prepared. Having a well-sorted hospital bag will help make your time at the hospital more comfortable and less stressful. All it takes is a few minutes.

9. Prepare your baby birth announcement in advance.

Stamping and addressing the envelopes ahead of time can save you a lot of time and trouble. It’ll be one less thing to worry about.

10. Plan ahead

If your due date happens to fall around April or Christmas, be sure to do your taxes or Christmas shopping ahead of time. Don’t bank on having enough time to take care of these things once the baby’s here. A run to cost-co to stock up on thins like toilet paper, kleenex and baby wipes (you can never have enough…) is a good idea, too.

11. Lessen your workload

If you don’t have much help and can’t stand a messy house, you may want to arrange for a cleaner to help when the baby comes. And if you can’t stand the sight of dirty dishes piling up in your sink and don’t use a dishwasher, you can buy some disposable utensils, plates, and cups for the first few weeks. It may save your sanity.

12. Prepare your meals

Buy or make and freeze some food such as lasagna, frozen green beans, meatballs, etc. In the first few days home, even running out to get take-out can be a real hassle. If this option doesn’t sound appetizing, you can even collect to-go menus from your favorite local eateries so that you will have easy access to all your ordering options along with phone numbers.

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