Christine Swearingen

Feeding/Bathing/Changing Finalist List: JPMA 2020

We’ve got the Feeding/Bathing/Changing finalist list for JPMA Innovation Awards. You need to check these out. We love the innovative products in this category, especially the 2020 winner for potty-training!

WINNER! The First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty: The First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty helps your potty training toddler sit in the correct position with a foot lift for the perfect squat. The adjustable foot lift raises the legs above the hips for a natural, more relaxed squatting position that can help with pushing. To help encourage your child, this toddler potty system includes “flush” buttons that make realistic flushing and cheering sounds. When your child is ready, the trainer seat removes to help your child smoothly transition from the potty to adult toilet. The realistic design also helps for an easier transition to the regular toilet. There’s a high splash guard for less mess and a lift-out pot for easy cleaning after successful attempts. Find it here >>

Feeding/Bathing/Changing Finalist: MOOV The MOOV bag combines fashion and function to make it more than just another diaper bag. Regardless of a parent’s particular style, MOOV can convert from a handbag, to a backpack, to a shoulder bag, and everything in between, to meet their needs. The innovative indicator “Xcheck” system is fully patented and unique to MOOV which transform its Smart Pockets to an organization checklist. The system is to remind you what to pack, what’s missing, and helps parents delegate the packing task to another family member easily. When it’s time to change diapers, MOOV’s unique construction also helps parents perform diaper switches on-the-go in a convenient, sanitary way. Find it here >>

Feeding/Bathing/Changing Finalist: TOWNEW Diaper Pail TOWNEW Diaper Pail is an automatic diaper disposal system that seals and changes bags itself. With its patented technology, this helpful diaper pail works to works to lock in smells, seal bags and replace a clean refill all at the touch of a button. Key features: Self-sealing bag, Self-changing refill, Oder-control, Motion Enabled Lid, Rechargeable Battery. TOWNEW Diaper Pail is a modern solution, thoughtfully designed to make diaper duty a whole of easier. Find it here >>

Feeding/Bathing/Changing Finalist: Stokke Clikk High Chair The Stokke Clikk can be assembled and break apart in less than one minute. It can be used from 6 months all the way up to 3 years. It is ergonomic with an adjustable footrest for comfort at each age. It features an easy to wipe clean, dishwasher safe tray and is travel friendly: light, easy to put together & take apart. Find it here >>

Feeding/Bathing/Changing Finalist: Unilove FeedMe High Chair The FeedMe high chair is a new product category that hasn’t existed in the market before. FeedMe high chair is the first chair combining with dining booster, portable booster and chair. The product comes with two parts. The FeedMe booster and an adult seat. If you are traveling around, you can carry the FeedMe booster. However, if you are dining at your own place, you can install the FeedMe booster into the FeedMe high chair. From 6 month to adult, the product can be used for a long time. Find it here >>

Nursery Finalist List: JPMA 2020

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The nursery finalist list from the JPMA 2020 Innovation Awards is here! JPMA featured some fabulous products for the nursery. We are highlighting them below, starting with the winner for 2020!

WINNER! Fisher-Price Lumalou Bedtime Routine System: The Fisher-Price Lumalou Bedtime Routine System is a revolutionary, all-in-one solution that makes bedtime better from start to finish! The Smart Connect app provides customizability and flexibility to meet the needs of every family. Lumalou guides toddlers through the steps of their unique routine, using icons to represent tasks. With each completed task, pressing the child activated remote unlocks music and light rewards which gamify the process, keeping kids motivated and on track. Once the routine is complete, Lumalou transitions to an elegant and functional soother with backlit multi-color lights and soothing music. Use the Smart Connect app to customize lights and sounds based on the child’s preferences. Lumalou’s customizable OK to Wake feature helps toddlers understand when to stay in bed and when it’s OK to get up. The sleek, on-trend design makes the wall-mounted cloud look modern and fit within any nursery décor. Keep an eye on the Fisher-Price website for the launch!

Nursery Finalist: The Tempur-Pedic® TEMPUR-Dream Crib Mattress The Tempur-Pedic® TEMPUR-Dream™ Crib Mattress is designed with the 2-stages of comfort technology to create better, higher quality sleep right from the start. The TEMPUR-Dream™ Baby Crib Mattress is made with an exclusive TEMPUR-Response® Memory Foam that delivers personalized comfort and support for growing toddlers, while a firmer foundation supports newborns and infants. The CozyFresh™ cover is a soft, breathable fabric while the underlying barrier provides waterproof protection. The CozyFresh™ cover is removable and washable. While the cover is in the wash, the inside protective encasement acts as a secondary cover so the mattress can continue to be used. The seamless edge and waterproof barrier won’t trap household allergens and passes chemicals of high concern to children regulations. GREENGUARD GOLD certified. Proudly made in the USA. Check it out! >>

Nursery Finalist: BreathableBaby Breathable™ Mesh Mini Crib The Breathable™ Mesh Crib is the first crib of its kind – combining the strength and integrity of traditional wood cribs with breathable mesh found in our liners. The breathable mesh sides provide ventilation and temperature control while also preventing arms and legs from getting stuck between the slats. It’s made from sustainable New Zealand pine and California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant composite, supporting the mission to improve air quality and make our air more breathable. The crib is finished with non-toxic paint that is free of lead, phthalates, and formaldehyde. The mini crib is ideal for smaller spaces and room sharing, while growing with baby up to 24 months or 35″ in height, due to the two-position adjustable mattress. Check it out! >>

Nursery Finalist: Lotsollc (Unilove) HugMe Plus Drawing Board HugMe Plus is a bedside sleeper that has been selling in the market for half of a year. The premium crib that has earned lots of positive feedback from customers. In order to extend this product’s life cycle, our designer came up with an option to make HugMe Plus become the first bedside sleeper that can convert to a drawing board. Check it out! >>

Parenting Wellness-entials

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Whether you’re looking for natural products for yourself or your babe, you’ll definitely want to check these Health & Wellness products out.

The Good Stuff Botanicals Gypsy Cream: As close to a miracle cream as you can get. From diaper rash to boo-boos to anti-aging, Gypsy Cream is great for all things baby AND mommy. Made with organic or wildcrafted ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced. Use Code “Gugu20” to get 20% off your entire order.

Tiny Organics: Healthy, accessible options made fresh and shipped frozen straight to your door! Tiny Organics offers 100% organic baby and toddler meals that are plant-based and free of the Big-8 allergens. Enjoy 20% OFF first order with code TINYGURU20.

Three Lollies Preggie Pops & Drops: The original morning sickness lozenges, Preggie Pops & Drops are the natural way to ease morning sickness. Developed by healthcare professionals and doctor-recommended, Preggie Pops & Drops make a great gift.

Lactation Lab: Essentially a food label for breastmilk, Lactation Lab provides a nutritional analysis of your milk and actionable advice to optimize your child’s nutrition. Use discount code ” GUGU” to receive 20% off any purchase through 6/1/20.

The Bloom Method Studio Bloom: Rooted in evidence-based methodologies, The Bloom Method’s online studio, Studio Bloom, empowers expecting and postnatal mamas with smart, safe and effective education and workouts. Mamas learn how to move from their core; strengthening the pelvic floor and deep core in every exercise. Get 50% OFF your first month of Studio Bloom with promo code FIERCE50.

GranolaMoms Mommy2Me: The drink from GranolaMoms naturally supports colic relief through breast milk to help calm and soothe your precious baby with plant-based organic ingredients. Use GUGUGURU for 15% off any order over $35.

Thank you to The Good Stuff Botanicals, Tiny Organics, Three Lollies, Lactation Lab, The Bloom Method, and GranolaMoms for making this Health & Wellness sponsored post possible – we are so appreciative!

Check out Gugu Guru’s must-have essentials for Mama Fitness and Wellness here.

Wanderlust Must-Haves

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Whether you’re a frequent flying fam or planning the very first trip with your babe, you’ll want to check out some of these travel must-haves.

WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat: Weighing in at an ultralight 8lbs, WAYB’s Pico car seat is a compact forward-facing car seat made of aerospace-grade aluminum and high-performance mesh. Suitable for children who weigh between 22-50lbs and are 30-45″ tall.

Busy Baby Mat: Finally, mealtime and flights can be peaceful. The Busy Baby Mat tether system allows you to attach almost any toys so they never hit the germ-filled ground! Enjoy 15% OFF thru 3/31 with code GUGUGURU.

Larktale Chit Chat Stroller: A jet-setter’s dream. By using a unique recyclable fiber infused nylon, the chit chat’s SpaceFrame is constructed to be incredibly lightweight allowing for easy maneuverability and fold.

Lasc al m1 Carrier: Lascal’s new m1 Carrier is really the ONLY carrier you will ever need; offering 3 unique carrying positions within an ergonomic design. Suitable for children 8-33lbs.

Thank you to WAYB, Busy Baby Mat, Larktale, and Lascal for making this travel must-haves sponsored post possible – we are so appreciative!

Check out some of our other favorite travel posts:
Eco-Friendly Toddler Must-Haves for Traveling Families
The Ultimate Travel Registry for Flying with an Infant

A Modern Online Photo Album: Tinybeans

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A modern online photo album, Tinybeans, is a must-have for new parents, especially those living long distances from family. As a military family based in Alaska, having the first grandchild on both sides of our families, we wanted a way to remain connected with family and allow them to see our baby girl growing up and capture all her big “firsts”. Enter Tinybeans! We’ve loved using Tinybeans online photo album to document and showcase her first year of life. The weekly flashbacks receive bring on the happy, proud mama tears every week!

We paid for the premium membership because we wanted to be able to upload videos longer than one minute and keep some memories private for just the three of us! It has been worth every penny!

Another feature we love of this online photo album is the ability to build and purchase a photobook through the Tinybeans website. Though we haven’t ordered it yet, we’ve started compiling and editing our book and we love the ease of doing so. We plan to purchase a photobook using the pictures we collected over the past year.

What our family members have to say about Tinybeans online photo album:

Dada: “It’s very user-friendly and is a fun and easy way to keep your loved ones updated.“

Grammy: “It’s the first thing I check when I wake up every morning. We enjoy the pictures and videos and feel connected across the miles.”

Grandpa: “It gave us an opportunity to see how much she changed from week to week. Love being able to go to one place to show off the granddaughter. I always look forward to mornings and check out Tinybeans first thing to start the day!“

Aunt: “It’s nice to be able to see my niece grow and witness some of the special moments when I couldn’t be there in person. It’s neat to be able to look back at when she was little with their flashbacks.”

Nan: “I look at old photos often. I’ll just page through month after month when I miss her. I also think Tinybeans online photo album is a good way for you to get pictures to family members that you may not normally text pictures to.”

Aunt: “It’s a nice organized way for us all to see her growing up.”

Aunt: “I enjoy being able to feel a part of her growing up even though we are so far away.“

Learn more about Tinybeans and sign up for a free or premium membership here. Use code GUGUGURU20 to get 3 months of premium for free!

P.S. have a newborn? You may want to check out the best swaddle blankets for cute photo opps.

Colic Relief Naturally: GranolaMoms’ Mommy2Me

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The following is a guest review on Mommy2Me colic relief drink from a Gugu Village member, Amandine. Amandine received a pack of Mommy2Me in exchange for an honest review of the product. All opinions are her own.

I have a 6 month old daughter who has struggled with acid reflux/colic since the very beginning. She’s breastfed (I exclusively pump) and as a result, I’ve cut nearly everything out of my diet that could possibly bother her (dairy, caffeine, anything spicy) to provide colic relief. Nada.

She is on medication for acid reflux and while it helps, it doesn’t take her reflux away fully. She had a hard time napping and sleeping at night. In the past, the remedy would have been to have her sleep slightly inclined. However, with all of the recent recalls there isn’t a way to do this safely. Our only option was mildly propping her crib mattress up with a doctor-approved crib wedge. Even then, it wasn’t approved for long-term use. I was one exhausted and drained mama.

My older daughter slept through the night from day one and I was woefully underprepared for life with a colicky baby. I was shocked to learn that 50-60% of all babies struggle with some severity of acid reflux and colic.

Granola Moms was kind enough to send me a case of Mommy2Me natural colic remedy to test and it really helped. This is a drink for adults, not for baby. Thankfully, my daughter’s acid reflux became considerably better around 4 months old. She is now sleeping mostly through the night. It’s a massive challenge to work and live with very little sleep as a mom, but I also really worried about my daughter getting enough rest to develop properly. It was heartbreaking watching her be in so much pain and struggling throughout the night to get the rest she so desperately needs.

As for the Mommy2Me colic remedy drink itself, it is tangy and tastes lime-ish. I’m not typically a huge fan of lime flavor so it was a bit strong for my liking. However, if I mixed it with a little seltzer and drank it cold, it was delightful. It does stand to be noted that it could taste like NYC hot dog water and I would have drunk it if it meant it would help my daughter and I could get some sleep, haha! The bottle was small, which I liked. I could see where it would be easy to throw into a diaper bag or a purse to take on the go. It is made with all-natural, organic, and plant-based ingredients.

Thank you GranolaMoms for creating this one-of-a-kind colic remedy beverage that naturally supports colic relief through breast milk.

Learn more about GranolaMoms Mommy2Me and order here.

Real Mom Review: Clek Foonf

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Sleek. Simple. Modern. Minimal. All that and more can be found in the Clek Foonf car seat. One of our Gugu Guru team members tried this car seat with her 16-month-old-daughter and quickly fell in love. Read what she has to say about it below.

We love the super soft material of this car seat. It’s cushioned in all the right places to hug baby and keep her comfortable. We live in Alaska and the seat material is perfect. It doesn’t get super cold when our cars sit outside like her infant car seat would. The material would be great for warm states too because it won’t get warm sitting in the sun in a hot car either.

It’s not as bulky and wide as some of the other car seats on the market and fits nicely in both of our cars, a Ford Escape and a Ford F-150 Super Crew Cab. Bonus: it was also super easy to install properly!

Two of the most important things I looked for in a car seat were a solid frame build and a nice headrest. The headrest in this seat is amazing and really supports her head when she falls asleep on car rides. Clek says the Foonf is “built like a tank” and it truly is! It’s engineered with a steel and magnesium substructure, energy-absorbing crumple technology, and a rebound bar. The safety of this seat really can’t be beaten.

I would highly recommend this car seat to any family with littles. My only regret? Not buying one sooner! She would have loved it as an infant and will be able to use this car seat for years!

Thanks to Clek for sending a Foonf for testing. The thoughts mentioned in this article are my own.

Learn more or purchase the Clek Foonf on Amazon here.

NEW 2020 Baby Products Guide

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Looking for the best of 2020 baby products? As a new or soon-to-be parent, you’re likely searching for the very best baby products. We’ve got the newest releases of 2020 from trusted brands that are changing the game when it comes to infant safety, sleeping and feeding.

Featured 2020 Baby Products

1. ergoPouch Organic Butterfly Cardi: Designed to be an aid word over your baby’s swaddle or sleeping bag to help them transition to arms-out with minimal sleep interruptions and maximum sleep comfort. Save 25% off with code ggxergopouch25.

2. Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced: Automatically makes a warm, formula bottle instantly for your baby. Customize the perfect bottle with 3 temperature settings. Save 20% off with code FPA20.

3. Baby Blue Giraffe Super Soft Hairbrush: A natural newborn baby brush made in Germany from ethically sourced beech wood and goat hair. Save 15% off with code 15GUGU2020.

4. One of the most anticipated 2020 Baby Products, the Clek Liing Infant Seat: Designed with best-in-class safety features like a metal load leg, a secure rigid-LATCH installation and 7 different recline positions, the Liing sets the new standard in safety for infant seats.

5. Baby K’tan Original Wrap Carrier: Patented double-loop design slips on like a t-shirt – no hardware! Ergonomic positioning for healthy infant development. Save 10% off with code gugu102020.

Thank you to Baby Blue Giraffe, Baby Brezza, Baby K’tan, Clek and ergoPouch for making this 2020 Baby Products sponsored post possible – we are so appreciative!

Love new products? Check out some of the previous years’ in this JPMA show recap.

Claire Holt’s Survival Guide: The Older Baby & Growing Personality

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DId you see part I of Claire Holt’s baby survival guide? We’re thrilled to share part II today, for the older baby and his/her growing personality!

Sleep

Crane Humidifier – This little humidifier will help put a stop to congestion, coughs, and dry skin while being a stylish addition to your nursery’s aesthetic.
Breathable Baby Breathable Crib Liner – Keep baby safe all night with the breathable baby crib liner as crib bumpers can pose suffocation risks.
Colgate Natural I Mattress – Constructed with all natural and eco-friendly materials, the Colgate mattress is the mattress to trust for your baby’s sleep.
Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit – This suit makes baby feel snug and cozy for a long night’s sleep when they are breaking out of the swaddle (usually around 5 months.)

Feeding

Willow Wearable Breast Pump – Finally a breast pump that’s hands-free and easy to use! This pump fits right into a bra and has spill-proof technology. Dreams do come true!
Nomi Highchair – Stylish and adaptable, this beautiful high chair grows with your baby.
Beaba Babycook Plus – This all in one baby food steamer and blender gives you the control to make your own baby food in as few as 15 minutes.

Around the Home

Fridababy Baby Basics Kit – These baby essentials are miracles! All-natural and gentle solutions for stubborn boogers, gas, dry skin and everything in between, we suggest keeping this kit close for infancy through toddlerhood.
Mochi by People – All natural and amusing, Mochi Toys are perfect for entertaining baby and safe for teething!
Toki Mats Play Mat – This all-natural and chemical-free play mat is stylish and easy to store. The loops on the sides to attach toys and the removable cotton cover makes this mat functional and easy to clean.
4moms Breeze – The breeze play yard makes set up… well, a breeze! Take this play yard is lightweight and easy to move where ever you need.
Monti Kids Toys – Monti Kids provides a subscription-based toy curriculum that will nurture your baby’s development with the use of Montessori based toys.

On the Go

Doona Car Seat Stroller – Chic, safe and practical, the Doona is the first-ever stroller car seat stroller. Who doesn’t love a multi-purpose product?
Baby K’tan Weekender Bag – The Weekender bag is elegant and modern with plenty of room for all your baby gear.
Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier – The Omni 360 carrier adapts to baby’s growing size while making carrying easy. Perfect for all types of adventures from grocery shopping to hiking.
Huxbaby – Hailing from Australia, Huxbaby is a line of cute and organic kids clothes that allow kids to be kids without sacrificing style.

You can continue to follow Claire and her motherhood journey on Instagram.

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Top Natural Baby Picks from a Fit Mama

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Looking for natural baby products? You may have seen our last post with popular fitness influencer, Dasha Anderson (founder of Kettlebell Kickboxing) and her husband Dan where they talked about their favorite products for active parents! Dasha and Dan also love all-natural products that are safe for both Mom & Baby and below are some of their top baby picks.

Natural Baby Mattress Pick: Colgate Natural I Mattress: The Colgate Natural Mattress is our go-to mattress! Baby will rest easy on this all-natural hypoallergenic mattress with a certified organic cotton cover. We love that parents can rest easy knowing this mattress is GreenGuard Gold certified for zero harmful emissions and chemicals.

Natural Baby Feeding Pick: Dr. Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic Wide-Neck Glass Bottles:

Say goodbye to colic with Dr. Brown’s bottles! This special system offers a flow that supports breastfeeding and decreases the frequency of spit-ups and gas. The amazing, soft silicone nipple will help breastfed babies latch naturally and is shown to preserve nutrients in both breastmilk and formula. Plus all of the bottle’s plastic parts are made of thermoplastic polypropylene and are BPA, PVC, Lead and Phthalate free.

Natural Baby Monitor Pick: Evoz Vision Wi-Fi Video Baby Monitor: We love the Evoz Monitor Camera for the sustainability factor! If you’re anything like us, you probably have a spare iPad or smartphone lying around your home. What’s great about the Evoz is that it can leverage your old device as a monitor so there’s no need for extra equipment. The Evoz camera connects directly to the free Evoz Baby app, allowing you to view your little one anytime with Wi-Fi, directly on your smartphone or tablet. As a special bonus, sleep help is built right into the Evoz Baby app with The Sleep Lady®!

Natural Baby Toy & Teether Pick: Mochi Toys Maraca, Teething Ring, Blocks, and Teething Plate: We love that Mochi Toys are both fun and functional! Mochi makes the most adorable toys that are not only cute but 100% safe for little ones to chew and drool all over. These teething soothers are made from rice and bring soothing textures to playtime.

Natural Baby Skincare Pick: Matrescence Rose Glow Trio: With the combination of hydrating, protecting and revitalizing, the all natural Matrescence Rose Glow Trio is a must! This three-step skincare system nurtures the skin from bump to beyond, providing a high-performance skincare routine in a simple 3-step system that is safe for Mom AND Baby.

Natural Baby Stroller Pick: BOB Gear Revolution 3.0 Jogging Stroller: The BOB Jogging Stroller is a classic favorite! The amazing design of the stroller adapts to provide the smoothest and safest ride for baby while you run, jog, or even walk, on almost any terrain. It’s lightweight and the 2-step fold system that makes it easy to transport and take your little one along on your adventures out into the world. The cherry on top is that the manufacturers of the BOB stroller do not treat the strollers with any harmful chemical flame retardants.

Natural Baby Bedding Pick: Carousel Crib Sheets: The amazing Carousel Crib sheets are 100% organic and so lovely with their incredible softness and adorable designs that can be created to match any nursery. Carousel went the extra step and add extra deep pockets, which makes it easier to change sheets but also eliminates the fear of sheets slipping off in the night. Did we mention how absolutely soft these sheets are?!

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