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Must-Haves for the Modern Parent

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We know it can be overwhelming to figure out what baby products you need, which is why we’re such a huge fan of these brands and their must-have baby products designed specifically with the modern parent in mind. Read on below to see why we always recommend Diaper Dékor Diaper Pails, Love to Dream Swaddle UP, Lascal m1 Baby Carrier, and Nomi High Chair. 

Diaper Dekor

The Diaper Dékor is a must-have for any nursery! Unlike other traditional diaper disposal systems where you have to bend over, operate a lid, or even shove a soiled diaper inside the diaper pail, Dékor diaper pails are 100% hands-free. Dékor considered what real life with a baby or toddler really looks like, and designed the Dékor diaper pail to make your life easier. After a diaper change, modern parents are likely to have the baby in one arm and the soiled diaper in the other. Shockingly, no one has a third hand to operate the diaper pail, so what do you do? Well, when it comes to the Dékor diaper pail, simply just STEP on the foot pedal, DROP the soiled diaper through the trap door, and you’re DONE! Coming in a variety of colors, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your baby’s nursery. Plus, they come in different sizes, so you can have them all over the house – and they have a Cloth Diaper Liner as well, which works perfectly in their Plus-sized diaper pail!

Love to Dream SwaddleUP

Sleep is imperative as a new parent, but can be hard to come by! As a modern mama, you take any chance you can to catch some winks, and Love to Dream’s Swaddle Up is here to help. Love to Dream realized that traditional swaddling is often difficult for new parents to master, and often the swaddle unravels throughout the night, which leads to baby “escaping” and waking up! Babies sleep better and longer with their arms up in the natural position. Love To Dream has revolutionized swaddling so that everyone can swaddle correctly, every time, so babies will have a safer, more comfortable sleep. Love To Dream’s Swaddle UP is the only zip-up swaddle that allows the baby to sleep in a more natural position with arms UP.

Love to Dream also considered families while creating the Swaddle UP and wanted to make the sleep time experience as stress-free as possible. The Swaddle UP helps parents swaddle their baby quickly and safely every time and eliminates excess loose fabric in the crib. Plus, the genius two-way zipper for easy diaper changes and hip-healthy design allows hips and legs to flex naturally. Coming in a variety of colors, the Love to Dream Swaddle UP is a sleep-time must-have for babies!

Lascal Carrier

Any working mom knows how important it is to get as much done as you can in your free time, which is why it’s so important to be able to comfortably wear baby, so you can have two hands! We’re loving the Lascal m1 Baby Carrier for so many reasons. Parents love the Lascal m1 Baby Carrier because it is extremely comfortable and easy-to-use. Whether you’re running errands, traveling, or simply bopping around the house, the Lascal m1 Baby Carrier has everything you need. Keep baby snuggled in close to you, safe and shielded from germs. Offering 3 unique carrying positions within an ergonomic design, this supportive accessory carries your child in optimal comfort. The Lascal m1 Baby Carrier is ideal for infants because the Infant M-Seat allows babies weighing 8-12 lbs. to always sit in the most ergonomic hip-friendly “M-Position” with knees higher than the hip. In fact, parents can rest easy knowing that the m1 Carrier is acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) as hip-healthy by giving correct support for your baby’s legs, hips, and spine.

The adjustable lumbar support provides lower back comfort and a wide padded waist belt and shoulder straps relieve stress on the wearer’s shoulders and neck. The m1 fits all shapes and sizes with just a few quick adjustments using the intuitive and easy-to-use buckles, making it a breeze to put on and take off. Plus, their Strap-Tidies keep all loose straps neatly folded for a clean and nice look.

Nomi High Chair

When it comes to high chairs, we’re pretty much obsessed with the sleek and modern design from Nomi. There are just so many reasons to be in love with the Nomi High Chair! Nomi is the next generation high chair that seamlessly adjusts without tools, and evolves with children’s changing needs from birth all the way through the teenage years! The Nomi can be used before baby can even sit on his/her own. You can actually start using this amazing high chair right away from birth with the addition of the Nomi Baby raised bouncer attachment (sold separately). Having baby at the same height of the table from birth means you can enjoy your special meal time moments with every member of the family. This means less standing up and sitting down for you, and more time to eat! Plus, the Nomi is modern and chic, and doesn’t take up a ton of space, so it’s ideal for small space living.

Thank you to Dékor, Love to Dream, Lascal, and Nomi for making this sponsored post possible!  

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Babywearing, Bath & Diapering, Car Seats, Diapering, Essentials, Gear

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13 Halloween Books for Your Little Ghosts and Ghouls

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INTERACTIVE BOARD BOOKS

Peek-a-Flap Boo: Written by Rosa Von Feder and Illustrated by Gaby Zermeno
This book introduces kids to some of our most beloved Halloween traditions like visiting pumpkin patches, costume parades, and trick-or-treating. Kids love the pull down flaps and talking about what their families do to celebrate Halloween. BUY NOW

Don’t Push the Button! A Halloween Treat: Written and Illustrated by Bill Cotter
Help Larry the monster trick-or-treat at the scary house in the neighborhood. This book is fun to read aloud and gets kids into the spooky season through interactive reading. BUY NOW

SILLY FAVORITES

Spooky Pookie: Written and Illustrated by Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boynton is a favorite in our house! In this Halloween book, little Pookie needs to find a costume, but none of them seem to work. The rhymes and illustrations are delightful to kids and adults alike. BUY NOW

Room on the Broom: Written by Julia Donaldson and Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Donaldson is another must have in our home. Although not strictly a Halloween book, the antics of a witch and her animal companions are delightful and heart-warming and Donaldson’s rhymes are beautifully lyrical. BUY NOW

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat!: Written by Lucille Colandro and Illustrated by Jared Lee
This is a ridiculous book and my kids love it. Written for kids in pre-K to early grade school, this book is about an old lady with an appetite for all things Halloween. BUY NOW

HALLOWEEN BOOKS WITH CHARACTERS YOUR KIDS WILL KNOW

Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch: Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Illustrated by Pat Schories
Kids love Biscuit the dog. In this board book, Biscuit explores a pumpkin patch. It’s a perfect book to celebrate the arrival of fall with toddlers and preschoolers. BUY NOW

Little Blue Truck’s Halloween: Written by Alice Schertle and Illustrated by Jill McElmurry
My youngest son loves the Little Blue Truck. In this book, Little Blue collects all his animal friends and takes them to a costume party. This book is also interactive: kids lift the flaps to find out which animals are under the costumes. BUY NOW

The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky: Written by Jory John and Illustrated by Pete Oswald
My eldest son gets a kick out of The Bad Seed books. In this story, Bad Seed celebrates his favorite holiday: Halloween. The book is both funny and makes kids think about the right course of action, which Bad Seed may or may not take. BUY NOW

OLD FAVORITES

Clifford’s Halloween: Written and Illustrated by Norman Bridwell
I loved the Clifford books as a child and I love reading them to my kids now. They are heart-warming and show true friendship. In this Halloween story, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth partake in all the usual Halloween activities. It’s a great book to talk about traditions with children. BUY NOW

Anancy and the Haunted House: Written by Richardo Keens-Douglas and Illustrated by Stephane Jorisch
The Anansi stories began as oral tales told by the Ashanti people of Ghana. In this version Anancy the brave spider enters a haunted house. He needs to rely on his friends if he is going to escape. We love Anancy and the Haunted House because it teaches a lesson through a spooky setting. BUY NOW

Corduroy’s Best Halloween Ever!: Written by Don Freeman and Illustrated by Lisa McCue
Corduroy is another classic children’s book character. In this book, Corduroy partakes in Halloween traditions with his friends. Like Clifford’s Halloween, it’s another great book to talk about what families do to celebrate fall and the spooky season. BUY NOW

DAY OF THE DEAD

Día de los Muertos (Celebrate the World): Written by Hannah Eliot and Illustrated by Jorge Gutierrez
This board book is wonderful for teaching young children about the traditions of Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), which originated in Mexico. Observed at the end of October, Día de los Muertos celebrates the life cycle and honors family members who have passed. BUY NOW

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost: Written and Illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago
This book is gorgeously illustrated and deals with a range of feelings and experiences from loneliness to bravery. Gustavo encapsulates what it’s like to be the shy kid. Through this book, children will recognize common human experiences while also seeing familiar Halloween images and learning about Día de los Muertos. This book is a must have! BUY NOW

About the author: Melissa D. is an avid reader. By day she works as a literature professor. By night she is an aspiring middle-grade writer. And at all hours of the day she is a mother to two grade-school sons.

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Infant Sleep Garments | Gugu Picks

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Looking for the best infant sleep garments for your baby? We’ve got you covered. Check out our favorite swaddles and sleepsacks below, ready to help you catch those extra zzz’s. These are our top picks for 2021, accourding to Gugu Guru’s Director of Education + Parent Training, Abby Ludwig. As a safe sleep reminder, remember to follow the guidelines put out by the AAP and never swaddle once your little one is rolling over.

Sleep Garments Love to Dream Swaddle Up

Best Swaddle for Self-Soothing: Love to Dream Swaddle UP

The Love to Dream Swaddle UP is often our top recommended swaddle for new parents. It is extremely easy to use, and launches Love to Dream’s 3-step approach from swaddling to independent sleep. The swaddle’s wings keep your baby’s arms up, allowing them to self-soothe more effectively from Day 1. Once your little one is ready to move on from swaddles, the Swaddle UP Transition Bag allows you to zip-off one (or both) wings, giving them the perfect transition without losing any sleep. They have organic and non-organic options, as well as a variety of patterns and colors. 

Best of Infant Sleep Garments for Eco-Friendly Families: ergoPouch

ergoPouch is our go-to recommendation for families looking for that eco-friendly swaddle option. Their Cocoon Swaddle Bags are made with GOTS certified organic cotton as well as elastane, allowing baby to move freely but still restrict the startle reflex. Plus a quick zip of the arm flap, and your swaddle bag instantly becomes a wearable blanket. ergoPouch has an entire line of safe sleepwear that will hold up to the toughest little sleepers.

Best of Infant Sleep Garments for Budget-Friendly: Swaddle Me

Swaddle Me is often the go-to for that experienced mom down the street. They work well, wash well, and most importantly, come in a ton of different styles. Swaddle Me has different swaddling options, but they all are meant to be user-friendly and will become your go-to from day one. The biggest selling feature for Swaddle Me? We love that you can get nearly all of their swaddles in a multi-pack, meaning you’ll never run out of safe-to-use swaddles for your infant. 

Infant Sleep Garments Ollie

Best of Infant Sleep Garments for Multiples: Ollie Swaddle 

The Ollie Swaddle features super soft moisture-wicking fabric that will be gentle against your baby’s skin. The custom hook and loop closure will ensure that your baby won’t break open the swaddle and wake themselves (or each other) up. The stretch fabric ensures that you can get a snug yet loose fit to ensure proper hip development. There is only one size ever needed with the Ollie Swaddle so you don’t have to worry about mixing up sizes or buying more and the flexible 2-way design allows you to safely transition baby from arms-in to arms –out. They are so beloved you must grab them when they’re in stock!

Best of Infant Sleep Garments for Longest-Lasting: Kyte BABY Sleep Bag Swaddler

Kyte BABY has often been our go-to for cozy, eco-friendly pjs and onesies, but their sleep garments have pushed us into total fandom! Their Sleep Bag Swaddler is new to the game, allowing you to safely swaddle your little one in their high-quality bamboo fabric from day 1. The adjustable swaddle gives your little one the perfect fit every time, even as they grow. The best part – once you’re done swaddling, remove the swaddle band and you’re left with a sleep bag perfect for your little one to continue using!

Best of Organic Crib Mattresses: Gugu Picks

Best of Standard Crib Mattresses: Gugu Picks

Best Swaddle Blankets to Check Out

Filed Under: Back To Sleep, Budget, Ecofriendly, Economical Picks, Gear, Gugu Picks, Multiples, Newborns, Sleep

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The Scoop: Baby Boldly Birth Bag – Fully Prepared

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Preparedness and Motherhood rarely go hand in hand, but Baby Boldly has created an all-in-one hospital bag that will do just that. As a third-time mom-to-be, I should know everything that I am going to need to bring to the hospital for labor and delivery.  However, as a third-time mom-to-be, I have two other little loves to worry about packing for as well.  On top of everyday life – school, kids’ activities, work, meal planning, laundry, cleaning, etc. – preparing for baby #3 has been a little more stressful and a lot more time-crunched than I expected. Having the Baby Boldly Birth Bag: Fully Prepared pre-packed and shipped directly to me has checked at least one thing off of my list. 

Truly Comprehensive – 

With over 30+ unique pieces, my birth bag was packed ensuring I had every essential, not just some of them. With items to help with labor, nursing, showering, and any down-time in between I am confident that I will be covered.  Additionally, 1 thing I love is that there is still room left in the main bag for me to add in any personal items I might choose to bring as well. 

Non-toxic + Practical – 

I guess you could consider me a “Scrunchy Mom” since I strive to find a balance between choosing products that are as natural as possible but also are convenient.  The toiletries and personal care items included were sourced to ensure that they are non-toxic and contain quality ingredients especially as momma’s senses are heightened during this unique time in her life.  My bag included items from brands I was already familiar with and confident in like Pharmacopia, Burt’s Bees, Schmitt’s, Tom’s, Earth Mama, Bamboobies, and Rael. 

The weekender bag itself is made from easy-to-clean nylon with vegan leather accents and features magnetic closures, a zippered top, and 10 pockets + a toiletry bag. As someone who typically packs in cubes and travel pouches galore, I am thrilled for the organizational options and the future possibilities to use it as a diaper bag, pumping bag, or duffle.

Designed by Mamas, For Mamas – 

Maybe my favorite aspect of the Birth Bag: Fully Prepared is the support and thoughtfulness that comes along with it.  Right when you open the box, there is a note from the Baby Boldly team encouraging you and letting you know that you are not alone and that sentiment follows you throughout with details like a tag stating “You Got This” on the 2 in 1 Nursing/Infant Carrier Cover and “Strong as a Mother” written on the reusable water bottle and grippy socks.  Plus, in a more subtle way the inclusion of a sentimental book (for when you want to disconnect), honey sticks (hospital approved for energy), and a massage ball (cramps can be no joke!) show that this bag is the ultimate gift to yourself or a momma-to-be you love. It completely prepares you for birth in a hospital or birth center.

Thank you to Baby Boldly for making this sponsored post possible.

Check out more resources to prepare for your hospital stay:
5 Best Hospital Bag Products for Mom
Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List
Hospital Bag Musts – The things you may forget!

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Gear, Gift Ideas, Gugu Picks, Health, Health & Wellness, Inspiration, Labor and Delivery, Mama Wellness, Mom Style Tagged With: gifts

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Best Baby Activity Cards

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After you bring baby home, often you take a seat in the glider or rocking chair and think, “now what?” The days seem endless, and chock full of diapers, naps, spit-up, and maybe a shower or two (depends on that spit-up!) for you. So, what do you do with baby all day? We’re very excited to introduce you to Curious Baby Activity Cards, designed to take the stress out of “what do you do all day” and give you peace of mind that you’re doing what’s best for your baby.

baby activity

Indoor Activities

If you’re home with baby, especially during the winter or super hot days, Curious Baby Activity Cards is here to make your life easier. They designed the activities to easily work with materials and items you already have in the house! For example, a mirror, pots and pans, pillows – everything you have already! You can skip the trip to Target and quit buying expensive toys, everything you need is in Curious Baby Activity Card Set. Plus, it’s a great way to get older siblings involved in safe play with baby on the floor. Make it a family activity!

baby activity

Safe Play

We love that you can safely play with baby using all of the activity cards, as each of the activities has been backed with research and reviewed by a medical advisory team to promote one of the five key development areas for babies. These five areas include fine motor and sensory development, gross motor/physical development, cognitive development, speech & language development, and emotional and social development. You can be confident that the activities provided have all been backed by leading childhood education research and reviewed by a medical team.

baby activity

Easy to follow

We know in your sleep deprived state, it can be difficult to commit to reading books or websites about baby activities, which is why we’re such big fans of the Curious Baby Activity Cards. The activities are organized and color-coded based on the age of your baby. Starting from weeks 0-12 and moving up every three months, you’ll be able to use these cards throughout the ENTIRE first year of your little one’s life. We especially appreciate that there are no extra materials or subscription fees. The suggested activities are appropriate to the stage of development that your baby is going through based on their age in months, so you can feel confident that you are doing the best play you can with baby! 

Shop Now >>

More activity ideas for baby:
Natural Baby Products: Start Your Toy Collection on a High Note
Active and Creative Play with Wiwiurka Toys
5 Tips for Selecting the Best Educational Toys for Your Baby

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Filed Under: Baby Registry, Gift Ideas Tagged With: gifts

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7 Best Baby Shower Menu Ideas

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Summer is a great time to host a baby shower! If you’re planning one for your bestie and her new bundle of joy we know that you have a lot to think about- location, theme, décor, games and food.

We’ve created this cool and easy menu to help you check something off your list. Because it’s hot outside, everyone wants cooler, lighter fare, and we know you don’t want to spend days working over a hot stove. We kept that in mind as we selected these great recipes that require little to no heat!

Crudite Kitchn

Veggie and Dip Cups

These portable little appetizers can be customized to your specific party. Fill the bottom with hummus or ranch (or any dip!) and add in whatever fresh veggies you’d like.

Mango Salad

Mango, Watermelon, and Tomato Salad

How’s this for a summer salad? It’s a colorful array of mango, watermelon and tomato in a tangy, but sweet dressing- sure to delight your guests!

Cheesecake Cookies

Savannah Cheesecake Cookies

These little cheesecake cookies aren’t really cookies at all, but mini bites of scrumptious cheesecake! They can be prepared one week prior to your event and only take 20 minutes to make.

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Country Cake

There’s something about strawberry shortcake that just screams summer. And the addition of the lemon and orange zest give this cake an extra dose of summer! The cake is easy to make and will be a lovely addition to your table.

Peach Tea Punch

Summer Peach Tea Punch

Summer days are hot so be sure that you serve a beverage that’s cold and refreshing. With hints of mint, peach and lemon, this sparkling iced tea will get the job done! If you’re looking for a summer cocktail, try one of these recipes from Pottery Barn. They’re wonderful for a large crowd!

Sandwiches are a popular choice at baby showers because they’re easy to prepare and easy to eat. Though we like the ever-popular chicken salad, we also love unique recipes and thought you might want to try something new at your next event. Both of these sandwiches are family favorites and we’re sure your guests will love them too!

caprese-sandwich-300x170

Caprese Sandwich

If you’d like to offer a lighter or vegetarian option to your guests, try this simple Caprese Sandwich. Start with a French baguette or ciabatta bread, layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Top with salt, pepper and balsamic glaze. Click here for a more detailed Caprese Sandwich recipe.

Roastbeef Sandwiches

Roast Beef and Arugula Sandwich

1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. Dried Onion Flakes
1 Tbsp. Spicy Mustard
1 Tbsp. Horseradish Sauce Or Straight Prepared Horseradish
2- 8oz. focaccia loaves
1 lb. thin sliced roast beef
2 oz. Fresh Arugula
1 tsp. Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. Shredded Parmesan

  • Combine the mayo, onion, mustard and horseradish to make the sandwich dressing.
  • Toss the arugula with the olive oil and parmesan.
  • Cut the focaccia bread horizontally so that you have a top and bottom piece.
  • Spread the dressing on the cut side of both pieces. On the bottom piece, layer the roast beef, top with arugula and the top piece of bread. Cut each focaccia into small sandwiches and serve. Enjoy!
    Dressing adapted from Pioneer Woman Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches

About Cheryl Seidel
Cheryl Seidel or RegistryFinder.comSeidel is a sought after etiquette expert and regular contributor for The Huffington Post and author of the popular Ask Cheryl blog. She helps advise readers with handy tips on how much to spend, when gift giving is appropriate and other would-have-loved-to-know-that-when moments in gift giving, She is also the founder and President of www.RegistryFinder.com, an intuitive search engine that helps gift givers quickly and easily find online registries for weddings, baby showers, graduations and more.

More baby shower inspo:
Baby Shower Design Inspiration by Envelopments
Baby Shower Gift Ideas: Gender Neutral
Baby Shower Gift Guide Picks

Filed Under: Baby Showers, Summer Pregnancy Tagged With: baby

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3 Real Moms Tell us Why this Pacifier is a Gamechanger

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

A pacifier can be a game-changer for parents and babies alike. When nanobébé created the Flexy Pacifier they were extremely thoughtful in their design. The nanobébé Flexy features one-piece construction, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, to reduce the risk of choking. The nipple is made of soft silicone, which is BPA and phthalate free.  For breastfeeding mothers concerned about pacifier use, the ergonomic shape discourages nipple confusion. Our Gugu Village Parents were able to test the nanobébé Flexy Pacifiers and loved the durability, shape, and one-piece design. 

nanobebe

Misty H. – Baby: Newborn
The nanobébé Flexy Pacifier is a great pacifier for both newborns as well as older babies and toddlers. It comes in two sizes: 0-3 months and 3+ months. I like the single-piece design – you never have to worry about anything getting trapped in tiny creases or crevices. It makes washing the pacifier very easy. The silicone is soft but durable at the same time. 

For newborns, the lightweight, ergonomic nipple design will help ensure that it stays put and doesn’t accidentally fall out. As a breastfeeding mom, nipple confusion is definitely something I worry about when introducing a pacifier. The shape of the Flexy Pacifier helps to minimize this while promoting healthy oral development.

It comes in a variety of colors, including several that are very neutral. Overall I’m very pleased with both the quality and construction of the nanobébé Flexy Pacifier.

Heather L. – Baby: Newborn
Before using nanobébé, my daughter would only take one other brand of pacifier. This made daycare very difficult because they do not allow the animal attachment on the pacifier for fear of suffocation. We’ve tried a couple different pacifiers to see if she would take them for daycare, but she never would. The nanobébé pacifier is the first pacifier (that’s daycare approved) that she will keep in her mouth! She seems to really like it and is starting to choose it over her first pacifier. I have more peace of mind putting her down for the night with this in her mouth, knowing that there is no risk. I would highly recommend this pacifier and plan to buy more for my baby on the way!

nanobebe twins

Abby S. – Babies: 2 month old twins
I was nervous to add a new pacifier in the mix, but my little ones (twins!) took to the nanobébé quickly! It does look smaller than the pacifiers we had been using but I appreciated both the size and the modern shape. My kiddos have sensitive skin, so any way to minimize the area the pacifier is covering, the better! Since we are probably on our way out with the pacifiers, I like that the pacifier itself is smaller. I also love that it’s all one piece and can go into the dishwasher for easy cleaning! Overall, I would definitely recommend this as an option to keep in the mix.

Shop this post: nanobebe Flexy Pacifier

Read more of our Village Reviews:
The Village Reviews: Rambler LA Mat
The Village Reviews: bloom BABY All Natural Wipes
The Village Reviews: Go Happy Kids Travel Tray

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Newborns

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5 Real Moms Tell us Why This Teether is a Gamechanger

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Is your little one drooling, looking to chew on everything in sight and extra cranky lately? He or she is probably teething! Finding the perfect teether for your little one isn’t easy, but when you do, it’s like finding the holy grail. 

The Moonjax Teether is just that! Moonjax is made from medical-grade silicone and, due to the lack of small crevices and holes, does not harbor bacteria. It is easy to clean and a favorite among babies. Our Gugu Village parents were able to test the Moonjax Teether. Here our Gugu Village product testers give us their real thoughts on the Moonjax teether.

Moonjax teether

David T. – Baby: 9 months

The Moonjax teether is a great product! Our daughter immediately grabbed for it and probably played with it, twisted and felt all the little bumps for about four minutes before chomping down on it. The teether is soft and squishy in the middle and a little bit firmer on the ends, which is a nice change for our little girl especially on days when those gums are angry! The unique design of the product allows our daughter to grab it in whichever hand and whichever way she wants and hang onto it when she’s biting down hard. The fact that we can chill the teether helps a lot and our daughter loves having the soft cold squish of the silicone to numb her gums. Overall we’re very happy with the product and I imagine it will get a lot of use while those teeth continue to push up.

Moonjax teether

Leanne P. – Baby: 3 months

My little guy has been chewing everything in sight and now has a new favorite toy, the Moonjax Teether. He was unsure at first but within a few minutes, it quickly became an appendage. It’s so easy for him to hold, he grabs it and likes to bring it with him when I carry him around. As a mama, I love the fact that it is completely solid so water and bacteria can’t get trapped. It’s so easy to wash and dry, and I love the fact that I can throw it in the dishwasher. I get some peace of mind knowing that it isn’t made with any dyes that could negatively impact my baby.

Daron O. – Baby: 4.5 months

The Moonjax Teether is fantastic! My 4.5-month-old doesn’t seem too fond of any other teething toys, rings, etc. besides our fingers and knuckles so I was immediately interested in this teether. Whenever we offer this teether he takes it right away. My fingers say THANK YOU! He likes to chew and suck on it. It seems like a great toy for motor skills and hand-eye coordination as well. He likes grabbing and holding it with both hands. I also like that it’s super easy to clean. I LOVE that I actually saw my baby’s tongue sticking out of his mouth while gumming this! He had his tongue tie revised twice but is still reluctant to use his tongue…until the Moonjax Teether!  Since his teeth aren’t quite as far along, we don’t know if it provides relief of pain, but we are very optimistic.

Katherine H. – Baby: 8 months

I’ve been looking for a good and entertaining teether for my 8 month old son.  This one certainly fits the bill!

His first encounter with the Moonjax teether lasted longer than anything else I’ve introduced for him to chew on.  He can easily grab the teether and likes munching on the different nubs. I saw he repeats using one to get to his back gums where I think the new teeth are coming in. I loved that it’s BPA free, dishwasher safe, and made in the USA. But more importantly, my son loves it! We’ve also tried it cold from the freezer and he liked that too. It maybe doesn’t hold the cold for as long as the gel ones but he doesn’t seem to mind. I would recommend this teether to friends and family!

Alyssa N. – Baby: 9 months

It seems my 9-month-old son is a long, drawn-out teether, so I was really excited when Gugu Guru and Moonjax sent us the Moonjax Baby Teether to try! His top two teeth are trying to break through for weeks and all of the teething products I used with my older daughter do not hold my son’s interest. The Moonjax teether has a really sleek design compared to a lot of the other products on the market, and I love that it’s 100% silicone, which gives me peace of mind that it’s safe for my baby and easier to clean and sterilize. My son seemed to enjoy the teether at first, but alas, it still didn’t hold his interest as much as the plastic play food from the play kitchen. Since I have a crawler, I also noticed that when he crawled with the Moonjax in hand it would pick up any little piece of lint or dust on the floor, so that was kind of a bummer. It definitely wouldn’t be great for a home with pets. We’ll probably keep it in the diaper bag to use on the go when he’s a little more contained in the stroller. I still hold out hope that the Moonjax will become a favorite teether later on when molars come through. The ‘jacks’ design seems like it would be great for reaching those back teeth and providing relief!

 

Thank you to Moonjax for providing our Gugu Village Parents with Moonjax Teethers. We appreciate our Gugu Village Parents providing us with their honest thoughts.

To purchase a Moonjax Teether, click here!

Are you looking to join an amazing community of parents and parents-to-be? Our Gugu Village is currently accepting new members!

If you have a product you would like our Gugu Village to review? Send us an email for additional information.

More to check out:
Real Mom Review: Eco-Friendly Mochi Teethers
Larktale Strollers Review by The Gugu Village
Top Baby Registry Items

Filed Under: Ecofriendly, Essentials, Gift Ideas, Health, Health & Wellness, Nutrition and Health Tagged With: review

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What’s Your Baby Gear Expertise Enneagram?

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The Baby Massage Primer

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

At the core, parenting is all about creating a soothing and healthy environment in which your newborn knows how loved they are. While touching and caressing your baby may come naturally to you, learning the art of baby massage may seem daunting at first. Yet, it’s one of the most important and natural things we can do to build a strong loving foundation and help our children develop both physically and emotionally.

In India and other Eastern countries, baby massage is considered one of the most important aspects of baby rearing with many families hiring “Ammas,” women who come to the house to perform massage, on a daily basis.

As nice as it would be to book a daily massage for baby, learning baby massage is not as complicated as many parents fear. Simple baby massage techniques will help your baby relax and will have innumerable benefits for both baby and caretaker.  

Science Backed Benefits

If you’re looking for a simple technique to introduce into your routine to help your baby calm down, relax, and sleep better— look no further than baby massage. When a baby is massaged, you are actually stimulating their central nervous system, building muscle tone, and allowing them to release serotonin that helps form vital connections with you, themselves and the world around them. 

Research conducted by Dr. Tiffany Fields, Director of Touch Research Institute, showed that infant massage can have these benefits among many others. 

  • Lower heart rate
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Increases in positive hormones
  • Improved immunity
  • Physical growth in babies 
  • Psychosocial development
  • Encourages attachment and bonding with parents
  • Growth and weight gain
  • Improves sleep

Prepping for the Massage

When it comes to baby massage, the prep is just as important as the basic strokes. 

You will want to massage your newborn at a time when they are alert but aren’t irritable or fussy. If your baby is hungry, crying, or fussy for any reason, massaging them will not actually calm them down. It may overstimulate them, causing them to be more distressed. 

In addition, make sure that you yourself are calm. If you are feeling particularly stressed or frazzled, take a deep breath and try to calm yourself prior to the massage. 

If you are both feeling calm and alert, then you can take the next steps: 

  • Remove any jewelry and wash your hands
  • Dim the lights and put on soft music
  • Place your baby on a blanket on the floor, bed, or on their changing station. 
  • Verbally engage with your newborn and ask their permission. If they are smiling and making eye contact, the answer is “Yes.” If they are scrunching their face and arching back, you may want to find another time for massage.
  • Have an edible oil on hand, such as coconut or grapeseed oil.

Basic Massage Strokes 

When it comes to massaging your newborn, be sure that you are using gentle strokes and not applying too much pressure. But don’t make the mistake of having too light of a touch as that can make baby feel ticklish. A nice medium pressure should work fine.

Arms and Leg Massage: For your newborn’s arms, stabilize your baby with one hand, and then use the opposite hand to lightly glide from shoulder to hand. Do this 3 times, and then switch arms. You will do the same steps for the legs, going from thigh to feet. Always massage in the direction away from the heart as this stroke is less stimulating for baby.

Belly Massage: Place your hand flat against the baby’s bellybutton. Rub their belly in small clockwise circles, applying gentle but firm pressure. Try to stay away from the belly button area, especially in babies under 1 month.

Back Massage: After massaging the arms, legs, and belly, you can turn your newborn around onto their bellies. This is a great opportunity for tummy time. You can gently rub their back using the same circular motion as you did for their bellies. 

Face Massage: After you have massaged their back, place your newborn gently back onto their back. You can then place both hands on your child’s forehead and trace down to their chin. Repeat several times. 

Be sure to remain calm throughout the massage and use songs and conversation to connect with your newborn. 

Baby Massage Takeaways

Now that you know the best methods for baby massage, you’ll want to practice once a day and work up to two massages per day. Even 5-10 minutes a day is a wonderful way to release tension for both you and baby and to enhance your bond. It will also help soothe and relax baby so that they improve their sleep and maintain optimal health. 

As you can see, infant massage unlocks a wonderfully loving environment for the baby and will help you to enjoy those precious moments with them while they are a newborn.

Elina Furman is a mom of two boys Julian, 12, and Dylan, 8 soon to be moving to Connecticut. As a certified infant massage instructor and baby product expert, she is excited to bring awareness to the scientific evidence-based practice of baby/child massage practiced around the world. To help spread the word about the benefits of baby/child massage, she is developing the first handheld massager for babies and children, Kahlmi. Sign up for their email at Kahlmi.com and follow along on IG @getkahlmi. Oh, and if you need some baby tips and advice, follow her on TikTok at @kahlmi.

Filed Under: Health, Health & Wellness, Nutrition and Health Tagged With: health

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