Foam options tend to be less expensive, while innerspring mattresses typically cost more but offer higher durability.  If you choose innerspring, select a mattress that has between 135 to 150 coils with a gauge lower than 15.5.  These numbers can be found on the packaging. These guidelines are set by Consumer Reports and will guarantee the mattress you choose is firm enough for your baby. Press your hands into the mattress in several spots, including the middle and sides, to see if the mattress conforms to the shape of your hand or springs back to it’s original shape right away. If the mattress molds to your hand, it is too soft for your baby. Your new crib mattress, especially when made from foam, needs to be very firm to reduce the risk of your baby suffocating due to sinking into a soft surface. To perform a test to check the firmness of the mattress, collect 2 full 1-liter or 1-quart rectangular milk or juice cartons with a flat bottom, 12 CDs, a ruler, a marker, and plastic wrap. Use your marker to draw a line 1.5 in (40 mm) from the bottom of one of the cartons, as measured with your ruler. Measure and mark this line on each side of the carton so there is a ring around the bottom. Stack your CDs (without the cases) neatly on top of one another and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. There should be a clear gap between the bottom ringed part of the carton and the mattress. If there is no gap, you’ll need to choose a firmer mattress for your baby’s safety.

Summary: Decide whether you prefer a foam or an innerspring mattress. Press on different parts of the mattress with your hands. Gather your supplies to test the firmness of the mattress. Mark one of the beverage containers. Wrap 12 CDs in plastic wrap. Look at the overhanging portion of the cartons.


This is especially important if you notice a stain right after you create it. Dab the cloth or napkin, rather than rubbing it, to prevent the stain from penetrating deeper into your suede. You want to  use quite a bit to create a little mound that completely covers your stain.  The cornstarch or baking soda will draw the oil up out of your suede item. Let this sit for at least 10 minutes. To do this, you can use either a cleaning brush or a cloth. Remove all the powder so you can assess the stain beneath.  If it was a minor stain, it could be completely gone already. If you notice a lot of residual oil or grease, repeat the process with the cornstarch or baking soda. If you repeat the powder removal process a few times and a bit of oil remains on your suede, you can use vinegar to remove it.  Simply dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar and gently wipe it over the suede. Once the stain has been removed, allow the suede to dry completely. You can find these types of cleaners at leather stores or shoe stores. These types of cleaners are formulated to lifting excess oil out of the pores in suede, and bring it to the surface to be blotted away. For extremely set in or old stains, you will probably need to use a suede cleaner.

Summary: Use a cloth or napkin to remove what you can. Cover the stain with cornstarch or baking soda. Brush off the cornstarch or vinegar. Use vinegar. Use a degreaser specifically for suede.


Sometimes a towel is all you need to give you the extra grip to twist off a stubborn lid. Hold the jar in your non-dominant hand and place the towel over the lid, then twist it counterclockwise. It’s a good idea to try opening difficult jars over the sink or a counter. This way, it will be easy to clean up anything that spills out if the lid suddenly comes off quickly. Put on a dry pair of kitchen gloves that you would normally use to wash dishes or clean. Try to twist off the lid of the jar as normal. You can use a single glove if you feel like you have better grip on the body of the jar with your naked hand. Tear off enough plastic wrap from a roll to cover the lid of the jar. Place it over the top and press it down around the rim until it clings to the lid, then twist the lid off. Note that the more clingy the plastic wrap, the more likely this method is to work. Get a rubber band that can fit tightly around the lid of the jar and stretch it around the rim. Use your dominant hand to grip the rubber band and try to twist the lid off. A dryer sheet is another option to create traction for your hands. Place a dryer sheet over the lid and twist the lid off. You could try combining this method with the rubber band method by placing a rubber band over the dryer sheet to hold it more securely in place.

Summary: Try twisting off the lid with a dry dish towel. Put on a pair of rubber kitchen gloves to give your hands more traction. Place plastic wrap over the lid to get a better grip. Stretch a rubber band around the lid to add grip as an alternative to plastic wrap. Try using a dryer sheet for extra grip if you have one handy.


Hold your decal up against the surface you want it on. Move it around to see which positioning you like best. If you want the decal to be centered, measure the surface from top to bottom and side to side with a tape measure and mark the center. Use a level to make sure the decal is straight. Lightly draw a line along the surface to mark where the top edge of your decal will go. If you're working on a window or the outside of a vehicle, use a strip of tape to mark the surface instead. The top edge is the edge at the top of your decal. Don’t remove the top lining or the backing on the decal yet. Line the decal up with the marks you made and apply the tape to the top edge of the decal. Use a long, continuous piece of tape to cover the entire top edge. If you’re putting up your decal alone, tear off a piece of masking tape before you hold the decal against the surface so you’re not struggling to do it with one hand.
Summary: Choose where your decal will go on the surface. Mark where your decal will go with a pencil. Tape the top edge of your decal to the surface with masking tape.