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Going Healthy, Going Reviews, Naturepedic

Naturepedic Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress Review

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Comfort is an important feature to look for when shopping for a new mattress, but there are many other elements to consider, especially when it’s a crib mattress for our babies. Whether they’re sleeping, reading, playing (this includes jump-reading), babies and toddlers spend 10-14 hours a day on their bed. This makes a mattress one of the most important objects in a child’s environment as their brain and bodies constantly grow.

naturepedic organic crib mattress

Conventional mattresses are made with chemicals and materials like vinyl/PVC, flame retardants, polyurethane foam, phthalates, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and formaldehyde. These things emit toxic gases called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are linked to causing short- and long-term adverse health effects. After learning about everything in conventional mattresses, it wasn’t long before we welcomed Naturepedic into our home. 

Fast forward several months and our growing girl was ready to transition from her crib to a big kid bed. There was no question we wanted her sleeping on a Naturepedic mattress so she could enjoy a #SafeHealthySleep like Mommy and Daddy. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to review one of their kids mattresses, the 2 in 1 Organic Cotton Ultra/Quilted Mattress.

crib mattress

After we found out we were having baby number two, there was no doubt that we wanted him sleeping on a Naturepedic organic crib mattress. In exchange for my honest review, Naturepedic kindly sent us their Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress.

Since it arrived before Wes was born, big sis, being an experienced Naturepedic user (sleeper-on-er?), tested it out for her baby brother. 

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Just looking at the mattress, it’s easy to see the care and attention  put into each one. Made right here in the U.S.A by skilled Amish craftsmen, each mattress is built with pride and durability.

 

naturepedic organic crib mattress

The mattress is firm, flat and seamless with a breathable mattress pad making it super safe for babies. The pad helps keep baby cool which reduces overheating while sleeping. It’s built with square corners, to ensure a snug crib fit. organic crib mattressThe mattress is completely waterproof and comes with a built-in dust mite/bed bug barrier. When combined, the mattress and breathable pad provides a comfortable, luxurious sleep environment free of flame retardants and other chemicals.

We all know our babies grow up too fast, but the Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress will stay with them into the toddler years. One side is firmer for infants, and  for toddlers the other side is a little less firm. As a “big girl”, Avery made sure to point out that her baby brother will need the Infant Side at first. 

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We were a bit nervous when the time came to get Wes to sleep on his Naturepedic mattress.

Will he be too hot?

Maybe he’ll be too cold?

Would it be a good sleep?

Will he even sleep at all?!

Sleep aside, we knew we were laying him on a certified organic mattress that does not contaminate the nursery air with toxic chemicals like other mattresses made with polyurethane foam and/or vinyl. 

So, how does he like it? Here’s a hint…. 

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Yeah, he likes loves his crib. And obviously his bunny too.

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It’s hard to believe this dark-haired boy is the same, but that smile confirms it is. 

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From the start, our little boy has been enjoying a #safehealthysleep on his Naturepedic mattress. Going Mom and I both feel confident that he’s getting quality sleep and is in a completely safe environment when sleeping…… or not… 

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Keep up to date with all specials, news, and products from Naturepedic by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+.

Disclaimer: I received the Naturepedic Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress free of charge in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. All opinions are strictly my own and I was not compensated any other way.

Going Reviews, Guest Post, Parenting

Single Dad Powers Through with an Amber Teething Necklace

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I never imagined I would be a single dad. My beloved wife passed away during childbirth, and it’s been just me since that moment.  

Of course, there’s been many challenges since my beautiful baby girl was born. The sleepless nights, crying, and wondering if I’d be able to do this with Hillary. I’ve made it through all those challenges so far, and well, I’ve been highly rewarded by all the smiles, laughter, and play times I’ve been able to have with Darla.  

Last year, Darla turned one and she started teething. She didn’t too well with it – fever, swollen gums, general fussiness, and again, sleepless nights. I was worried about her, so I took her in to see the pediatrician. She’s been great from the very beginning and ensured me she would be okay, but I may want to give her some Tylenol and Motrin to get her by until her tooth comes through.  

So, I did it. I ended up swapping the Tylenol and Motrin every 4 and 6 hours. I didn’t feel good about it, but I did it because that’s what the pediatrician said.  

And then, another tooth started coming through…. I didn’t feel too good about giving Darla the Tylenol and Motrin the first time, and I really didn’t want to do it again. I had to find another solution because the teething rings weren’t helping.  

After a quick Google search, I discovered amber beads for baby teething. I read that many parents have been using it to reduce fever, inflammation, and pain. I also found that Europeans and Middle Easterners have been using them for centuries to treat everything from arthritis to the flu.  

All you have to do is keep the amber on the skin for most of the day, so that the warmth of the body can warm the beads. This releases the Succinic Acid that then seeps into the skin and into the bloodstream. What’s great is that it’s completely natural – Succinic Acid is found in foods like bread, cheese and milk. It can support the metabolism and immune system. All these benefits really made me want to try it.  

My Experience with Amber Teething Necklaces 

While I was searching for amber teething necklaces, I realized there were two types – Baltic amber and regular amber. I decided to investigate the Baltic ones and found that they are more potent with Succinic Acid (the treatment oil) than the regular ones. I wanted the necklace to be effective, so I decided on Baltic Wonder for the necklace since they source their beads from Lithuania – the best place for Baltic amber.  

It only took about three days for me to see a difference in Darla. She was happier, and her fever was gone. I decided to keep the necklace on her (removing it only at night) and she’s never had another teething symptom. She’s been cutting teeth like crazy too, so it’s been great.  

I really feel that the Baltic amber teething necklace helped us power through teething. Hopefully, my experience will help you if you’re going through something similar with your baby, and you don’t want to give him/her pain relievers.

Giveaway, Going Reviews

Win Healthy Sleep Habits with the Cuddle Cub Giveaway

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Hello and welcome to the Cuddle Cub Giveaway!
cuddle cub giveaway, sleep tracking, routine, baby, babies, toddlers
So I know I haven’t posted a lot lately, but I have good reason….more time with family! With a little boy on the way and a 3 (almost 4) year old constantly increasing her craziness level, I’ve been keeping plenty busy.
While I may not have much to give in terms of what’s happening, unless you follow me on Facebook, I do have an awesome giveaway sponsored by Bluem Inc. to share.
Prizes that can be won are:
  1. Your own Cuddle Cub valued at $97!
  2. Bedtime Care Package + Grand Prize (Disneyland Tickets) Raffle Entry
  3. Cuddle Cub Bedtime T-Shirt
  4. 3D Toy

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

About Cuddle Cub
Cuddle Cub is the ultimate smart-bear for your children! This cuddly bear is designed to encourage your little ones to develop healthy bedtime routines, simplify those hectic nights, and help foster their growth and development. It lights up to remind your little ones when it’s time for bed and when it’s time to get up. In addition to its lighting features, Cuddle Cub also plays music to help your children fall asleep and wake up. Cuddle Cub aims to aid parents in helping their children develop a consistent bed-time routine.
cuddle cub giveaway, sleep tracking, routine, baby, babies, toddlers
Below are testimonials on Cuddle Cub from fellow parents:
Daniel:“I like the overall concept, especially the idea of the bear lighting a certain color until a certain time in the morning. I liked the product because it would be able to tell me if my child had a good nap.”
Charvel:“It looks really cozy. Some of these noise making plush toys are not at all soft. This one looks much more squeezable. I like the idea of the light to alert a child to bedtime, and for when it is ok to wake up. This is especially important for kids who can get out of bed on their own. Being able to set their wake time is really important.”
Mariam: “I think in concept, this would be a great tool for young children. If you start it early enough, it will become a habit for the child and it will build the nighttime/morning routine.”

Don’t forget to check out the website www.cuddle-cub.com for exclusive updates and offers.