Tag Archives: going review

Naturepedic Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress Review

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.

How the DIYZ Mobile App Makes Toilet Repair with a Toddler Fun

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the DIYZ app®. All opinions of apps and companies that help me complete DIY projects are my own. #DIYZ #GetWise

DIYZ, mobile app, diy, home improvement, #DIYZ, #GetWise

Do you enjoy taking on DIY projects around the home, or does the thought make you cringe? I’m somewhere in between. I’ll get excited at the thought of tackling a project, but when it comes time to get the ball rolling, I’m never confident about what all I need. Even if that project is getting the ball to roll! Luckily, I was introduced to the DIYZ app that features an extensive library of DIY projects that users of all skill levels can take on with confidence.

DIYZ, mobile app, diy, home improvement, #DIYZ, #GetWise

I’ll admit, Going Mom is handier with projects around the home than I am, but scrolling through the plethora of DIY projects on the DIYZ app had me ready to prove myself as a handyman. The app provides step-by-step guides with segmented how-to videos, a list of recommended tools and materials needed and even the option to speak with a Pro Advisor via video chat or over the phone. Oh, and it’s free to download for iPhone in the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android. For a limited time, even the video-chat is FREE!

I already found a number of projects saved that I wanted to start right away, but there was one looming repair beckoning for my upmost attention. And that, of course, was the toilet flush valve.

DIYZ, mobile app, diy, home improvement, #DIYZ, #GetWise

For months, our toilet would constantly run throughout the day as it never completely filled to the level inside the tank. The noise was subtle at first, but, it eventually progressed to the equivalent of fingernails slowly running down a chalkboard. Avery refused to use it since it screeched out in protest when she lifted the lid. We told her he was just a grumpy potty feeling down in the dumps and it was our “duty” to fix him. She’s still too young to laugh at my dad jokes and just looked at me like I was full of crap. Kind of how I felt about this guy….

DIYZ, mobile app, diy, home improvement, #DIYZ, #GetWise

As annoying as it was, not to mention a waste of water, I just never took the time to figure out where to begin with fixing the thing. No worries, the DIYZ app clearly lists the recommended tools and supplies needed to complete this project and I could purchase everything right on the app via Amazon.

DIYZ, mobile app, diy, home improvement, #DIYZ, #GetWise

My wife and I try to teach Avery to face her fears, and judging by her willingness to help daddy fix the “flapper” in the potty, I’d say we’re doing a good job.

DIYZ, mobile app, diy, home improvement, #DIYZ, #GetWise

With easy to follow instructions on the app, my little plumber and I went about replacing the noisy toilet flush valve with a brand new one. It’s a tight squeeze to turn off the water supply line if you’re a grown adult, but it was a non-issue for Avery.

DIYZ, mobile app, diy, home improvement, #DIYZ, #GetWise

Her willingness to turn off the water supply and hold the lines inside the tank honestly helped me with our daddy-daughter project. It’s great that she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, but whether she actually liked it or not is a different story.

Despite the “helping” hands of a squirmy toddler the project was complete in the same amount of time as an episode of Doc McStuffins. Following the segmented videos with step-by-step instructions helped me focus on one thing at a time and not try to remember everything at once. With the confidence to complete our DIY potty repair made for a fun way to bond with my little girl and actually get something done at the same time.

My only regret is not downloading the DIYZ app sooner. There are so many projects I had issues completing in the past and ended up calling in a professional every time. But, the DIYZ app has the option to video video-chat with a licensed professional via the Pro Advisor feature. Advisors are available from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM ET Monday through Friday. On weekends, DIYZ advisors will be available to help tackle projects from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM ET. The best part? This feature is free for a limited time! FREE!

DIYZ, mobile app, diy, home improvement, #DIYZ, #GetWise

I’m thankful to be part of the #DIYZGuys team full of dads taking over the home with help from the DIYZ app. Make sure to follow DIYZ on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for helpful tips and ideas for DIY projects and repairs in and around your home.

DIYZ, mobile app, diy, home improvement, #DIYZ, #GetWise

May is National Home Improvement Month which is a perfect time to find something fun to create or fix as a family. Search the app to find a home improvement project (or five) you want to start and get to it!

Riding Without Training Wheels: The WOOM 2 Transition

Teaching your kid to ride a bike without training wheels may seem like a daunting task. But, if they’re used to riding a balance bike like the WOOM 1 from WOOM Bikes, it can be done in less than a week.

Not long after I announced we were getting a WOOM 2 Pedal Bike to transition from the WOOM 1 Balance Bike, the much anticipated two-wheeler arrived. Avery diligently “helped” Daddy open the box and get her Big Rocket ready to ride. Luckily, WOOM makes setup easy so your kiddo can hop on and ride pose for a cute pic.

woom bikes, balance bike, pedal bike, no training wheels, training wheels, riding bike, kids

For those wondering, yes, she quickly accrued 10 miles on the WOOM 1 to earn her new bike. Actually, it took less than a week to get there. Okay, okay, I admit that’s not much of a goal to earn a nice new bike like the WOOM 2, but hey, I wanted to see our girl pedaling for the first time! I imagined her hopping on and pedaling on the first try while she cried out in joy as she took off.

So much for my imagination.

After a few more attempts, it was clearly not happening on the first day. Knowing not to push her too hard which will easily ruin a kids’ experience, we called it quits for the day. Before getting on the bike that day, her enthusiasm for her new pedal bike was through the roof, but afterward, she was telling me she was all done with it and i could give it back. Ummm, sorry, dear, that’s not quite how it works.

The next day, after an encouraging talk and promises from daddy that I will be right there to hold on to her, she agreed to give it another go. Little did she know, I was going to suddenly let go as she was moving along. I wasn’t sure how it would turn, but it sounded like a good idea to this wise dad. But was it?

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YES! On the second day of riding, unsure if my “just let go” plan would prove successful, Going Mom and I had a pedaling toddler on our hands! You could see and hear the confidence radiating from our little girl.

It’s always bittersweet watching your little one learn and grow, but this definitely goes down in the super proud dad history book. Avery has been riding great all by herself since that day and can even hang with the older bike riding boys in the neighborhood. When asked if they want to ride, I’d say their actions are all that’s needed.

She kept up well on her WOOM 1 Balance Bike, but now she can really hang with the more experienced friends. She’s also learning how to share her pride and joy, “Big Rocket” (the balance bike is now “Little Rocket”, obviously), with her friends.

The WOOM 2 is parent, Avery, and friend approved!

We’ve been watching her ride for a couple weeks now and while she’s getting better, there are still areas that need work. Thanks to the freewheeling kit offered by WOOM, she’s quickly learned to use her hand brakes, but every now and then she’ll shoot her legs out to stop with her feet as if on a balance bike. Another issue is getting her kickstand up/down.

It’s a daily struggle, but I refuse to help in hopes that she’ll eventually catch on. I know she will, but until then, it’s painful to watch. As frustrating as it is, she surprisingly accepts that she should do it on her own, and knows a nice bike deserves to be properly…errr, propped and not just laid on its side. Always respect your belongings, another great lesson.

Riding straight and not wobbling all over the sidewalk is another big area to work on. We have to remind her to look where she’s going and not get distracted, but any parent that has or had toddlers knows how that goes.

I’ll share more as her transition continues, hopefully with a better braker that can ride in a straight line! No matter what, everyone is in awe that she picked up riding her pedal bike so quickly and never needing training wheels. We tell her how proud we are each and every day.

Any tips on continued training on a pedal bike?

Care to share any stories of your own?