Baby Registry

Sleep Must Have: Weighted Blankets for Baby & Parents

Weighted blankets are proven in clinical studies to alleviate stress or anxiety and help promote a deeper, longer sleep. The reason why? Weighted blanket therapy can help increase Serotonin and Melatonin levels overnight. Sleep is the holy grail for new parents and babies alike. Parents want babies to sleep well because a good night’s sleep is imperative to baby’s health and development. Of course, we as parents want babies to sleep because parents also – sometimes desperately – need sleep. Weighted blankets can be game changers for your household slumber. We’re excited to tell you about two weighted blankets – one for parents and one wearable swaddle / blanket for baby – that will help the whole family get the sleep they need.

First up: baby and the Nested Bean Swaddle. Because of the clear benefits, Nested Bean identified that babies tend to sleep better in your embrace or with your palm on their chest. They also understand that this is obviously not always possible so Nested Bean created a one of a kind, award winning swaddle for babies – the Zen Swaddle. The Zen Swaddle simulates the pressure from your touch with lightly weighted pads on baby’s chest and sides.

There are two options for the Zen Swaddle – The Zen Swaddle Classic is one layer of fabric, which means it is perfect for warmer months. At a very affordable price, you can have many of them, so baby won’t miss one night of sleeping well! The Zen Swaddle Premier has a double layer construction, which makes it perfect for cooler months. The Classic Swaddle features traditional baby light baby colors, while the Premier has more of a modern touch. The Swaddle is longer than most swaddles, making it most cost effective, as it will last your baby well into 6 months. They are 100% cotton and machine washable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

But, the best part of the Zen Swaddle? Parents who’ve tried the Zen Swaddle report their babies fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer within 1 to 3 nights. Win win for everyone! (Head over to Nested Bean to purchase a Zen Swaddle and receive 15% off with the code GUGU15.)

Next up: parents. Super, super important note that we have to stress here first – the weighted blankets shown here are intended for adult use. Do NOT use these blankets when you have an infant in the bed with you, especially a child under 20lbs.

The Weighted Blanket from Brookstone uses the same comforting pressure as a loving hug to elicit sensations of calmness and relaxation. Evenly distributed weight provides optimal coverage and a safe, snug feeling for any individual.

Colgate Crib Mattress: The Best Investment A Parent Can Make

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-Sponsored Post-

When it comes to buying baby and nursery items, it sometimes seems as though the list is beyond overwhelming – that’s why we, at Gugu Guru, understand the importance of personalizing your registry. Not everyone is going to need all of the same products, and we understand that! However, there is one item which is universal for all babies, and we think it’s the best investment you can make – a crib mattress. When it comes to picking a crib mattress, many times parents get totally overwhelmed by all the options, but one company has risen the ranks and proven to be the best investment a parent can make in their child’s future, Colgate Mattresses. While it may seem like a mundane item to buy, either for someone else, or for your own nursery, a crib mattress is the most important purchase for your baby, your family, and your future.

We’ve featured Colgate for Back to Sleep, Innovative Sleep Products, and as a Nursery Essential for Mother’s Day, plus Meet the Makers Behind the Mattresses

In 1955, Sol Wolkin and his wife Anne took over the Colgate Mattress Factory in Atlanta. Colgate expanded several times before relocating to its present 60,000 square foot location in Georgia. Colgate was founded on the values of integrity, loyalty, and honesty; Anne and Sol passed these principles onto their three children, Alan, Joan, and Richard, their five grandchildren, and their four great-grandchildren. Sol and Anne’s memory lives on, as do their family and business values. We’re huge fans of family owned businesses, and when you’re going to buy a big ticket item, such as a mattress, we always recommend going for the company with exceptional customer service!

Colgate Mattresses are truly a fantastic investment for many reasons. Colgate was the first to create light weight mattresses, which makes lifting the mattress to change the sheets a much easier task than traditional mattresses. Colgate mattresses are cleverly designed to accommodate baby as she transitions to the toddler phase with a simple flip of the mattress. One side is firm and supportive for infants while the other is slightly softer for toddler comfort. You’re investing in time! Not only is your time precious as a new parent, and you don’t have lengthy pockets of time to heave a heavy crib mattress up and down (hello, super lightweight mattress!), but investing in a mattress which will transition from newborn life to toddlerhood is truly a smart decision.

When it comes to Colgate, you’re also investing in the health and wellness of your baby. Colgate is committed to the health and safety of babies, and introduced the use of organic materials in crib mattresses, such as coconut coir, organic cotton and other plant-based materials. Furthermore, Colgate was also the first to manufacture a foam mattress, manufacture a dual-firmness mattress, and manufacture a mattress using organic materials. A crib mattress is the place your baby will spend the majority of its early days, so it is imperative to know all about the mattress you are buying. When you invest in Colgate, you invest in safe and healthy sleep for your little one, which will keep your mind at peace – bringing health and happiness to your home. Now, we think that’s a pretty good investment!

Thank you to Colgate for making this sponsored post possible.

Lansinoh Ultimate Protection Nursing Pads

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We are so excited to talk about Lansinoh Ultimate Protection Nursing Pads. Though this post is sponsored, we stand behind our statements about these nursing pads being among the best or THE best disposable nursing pads on the market today. The Lansinoh Ultimate Protection Nursing Pads are the only disposable nursing pads that have a unique combination of features that address several of mom’s challenges when it comes to a standard nursing pad. Here’s what our founder, Monica, has to say:

When developing the Ultimate Protection Nursing Pads, Lansinoh listened to the challenges that moms faced. They heard that other pads on the market leak through, or the pads are visible through clothes, when it gets wet, it gets clumpy and after a while uncomfortably soggy – especially at night.

Thus, the combination of the features in this Lansinoh Ultimate Protection Nursing Pad, tackles all these challenges at once. How?

It is by far Lansinoh’s most absorbent pad, holding up to 20x its weight in liquid.
The high absorbency level makes it ideal for nighttime use and heavy flows. Especially when a mom experiences several let-downs through the night or for women who are heavy leakers – there is no wetness, no soaked feeling – these pads keep you (and your pj’s and bedding!) dry.
Its blue InvisiLock™ core instantly captures and disperses moisture. This helps by keeping the skin dry and eliminating that wetness feeling. It also helps the pad to not get clumpy or bulky.
For being so absorbent, it is also a thin pad that will conform to the breast and be discreet, even when wet.

You can find the Ultimate Protection Nursing Pads directly on Lansinoh.com and they’re also available at major retail and online stores such as Target, Wal-Mart and Amazon.

Learn more about Lansinoh and other nursing products we love here:

Breastfeeding: Increasing Breastmilk Supply and Storage Tips

Nursing Mama Travel Must Haves

Nursing Essentials Roundup

Plus Size Nursing Bras with Bravado

Space-Saving Products for Parents of Twins: Gugu Guru Answers

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A Gugu Guru registrant asks for help, and one of our registry consultants answers! When a mom of twins mentions on sign up, “I share a small room with my two babies and am interested in space-saving products for parents of twins” – our registry consultant, Abby, who is also a mom of twins, comes to the rescue. Here’s what she has to say:

I am so excited to send you this list of space-saving products for parents of twins that I think will *hopefully* help with some of your dilemmas. I even use some of these with my twins, so I can personally say they are ‘Twin-Mom Approved!’ I am sure you have solutions for sleeping and clothing storage so I tried to stay away from the basics.

Space-Saving Products for Parents of Twins: Diapering

Diaper Changing

The best solution for a small space diaper station is the Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station. With compartments for extra diapers, wipes, and diaper cream, this is a great go-to for floor changes.
My other recommendation is the Keekaroo Changing Pad, which makes diaper changes on top of counters/dressers/even on the floor completely possible! Bonus: the changer is slip resistant, meaning your little ones won’t be able to move it.

Shelving and Displays

Wall Shelves can be a great way to display items in a fun (and out of the way) way.

The Babyletto Spruce Tree Bookcase can be used for books/toys/pictures/etc.
These Floating Shelves can work for both your items and things for the kids.
Lastly, these acrylic book shelves take up hardly any space and can be used in many areas of your house.

For the Kitchen

The first item that popped immediately into my head is a compact highchair. Here are a few options you may like (at different price points).

Many twin moms prefer the Ikea Antilop high chair. At just $19.99 it is a steal. It is also easy to take apart for quick storage.
The Joovy Nook highchair is the one I currently use for my boys. I love that it folds completely flat for easy storage when it’s not meal time.
The Stokke Tripp Trapp is a favorite high chair of moms everywhere. It slides easily up to the table, or you can use purchase a separate tray. Also, I love this chair because it grows with your kiddos.

Kids’ Activities

The hardest part of living in a small space is the amount of stuff the twins’ need for activity and stimulation. Finding small activity tables and toys that can be easily put away is a challenge, but possible! Also, utilize underneath bed/crib storage for items that aren’t being used.

Finn + Emma has a ton of play gyms that aren’t connected to a mat, which makes them easy to set down anywhere! They are adorable and easy to store when not in use.
My last suggestion is a little bit on the larger side, but it plays multiple roles! The Ruggish Play Rugs are great and stylish on one side, but turn into a play mat for the kiddos on the back. These are actually currently on my ‘To Buy’ list as my boys get a little bit bigger.

Interested in some other helpful posts for parents of multiples? Check these out:

Abby Ludwig, Gugu Guru Registry Consultant

Abby Ludwig is a Gugu Guru Registry Consultant and a mom of two adorable twin boys.

New Nursery Style Boards With Curated Nest! (+ giveaway)

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We are so excited today to announce that not only do we have brand new nursery style boards for our registry style quizzes, but a ton of new and gorgeous nursery items added to our registry! The lovely ladies of Curated Nest have worked tirelessly to help us pack our registry full of the best nursery items you could think of. They have curated 4 new style boards: Mod, New Vintage, Traditional, and Boho!

Curated Nest is the stylish brainchild of Erin Coren and Lina Galvao, interior designers and recent first-time moms living in Brooklyn, NY. After designing nurseries for our their babies, they saw a need to change the way parents and loved ones shop for nurseries. And so Curated Nest was born.

At Curated Nest, Erin and Lina strive to curate beautiful and functional rooms with the coolest (and safest…yeah, they’re moms too) products in furniture and decor from hip sources and artists – so that you don’t have to scour the internet for that perfect piece or buy a matching set from a store. Their goal is to offer you the style of hiring an interior designer, yet the transparency and ease of an online site. If you’re trying to design your nursery and need help from the comfort of your home, Erin and Lina can provide you with everything you need via the Internet to design a safe and warm nursery. Pretty cool, eh?

Curated Nest has curated four new style boards for our registry – and not only that, but have personally added a ton (seriously, a ton) of new items to our nursery collections in our registry, making it super easy for any Gugu Guru mama to add everything she needs for the nursery to her registry. Curated Nest has rounded up some of their favorite items to share with you today – check out why they picked these items below, too! Want to see the rest of the new nursery items they curated for the registry? Create a registry today, or use our new search box in EXPLORE to search our database of products. PLUS – use code gugu10 at checkout on CuratedNest.com for 10% off your purchases of items within our registry!

Curated Nest’s Favorite Picks from the new Style Boards:

Crib: We love that not only is it a cool crib but with the accessories it can become a fort and grow with your baby into toddlerhood.
Cloud Pillows: They’re filled with a dense insert, so it’s great to use as a pillow on the floor and as a stuffed toy.
Crib Sheet: It gives you the perfect stage for insta-worthy monthly pics!
Giraffe Wall Mounted Head: A serious focal point in a nursery. It has amazing hand stitched detail and provides a whimsical design. They’re very light weight and plush so it’s safe for all ages.
Upholstered Rocker: We love how it transitions to anywhere in the house and it has a small footprint perfect for when every inch matters (urban nurseries).
Mid-Century Rocker: Same as above, but for mid-century modern.
Birch Tree: Great for hanging dress up clothes on and creates a whimsical vibe.
Macrame Wall Hanging: We love the boho texture it adds to a wall, especially when used within a art grouping of flat prints.
Woodland Wallpaper: Whimsy at its finest. The company is super clever as they make it available in removable and traditional glue application, so you can even use it in an apartment. The more you stare at it, the more details you see. Especially when you zombie out during 3am feedings.
Basket: Canvas and Pom Pom basket folds down and comes in various sizes so you can use for just about anything.
Washable Rug: The most brilliant product out there comes in a variety of patterns which can be thrown in the wash after your little one pulls an Exorcist and projectile spit ups everywhere
Leather Moroccan Pouf: Sophisticated and non “baby.” Perfect pouf for putting your feet up when rocking your babe, and as they grow up, a soft piece to learn to cruise on.

Want to win a Petite Nest Design from Curated Nest, valued at $249?
Curated Nest Giveaway

Announcing the Launch of EXPLORE

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We are so excited to announce the launch of EXPLORE! Watch this short overview video from our founder, Monica, show why this is such a big deal and then swing on over to EXPLORE our product picks for Whitney Port.

With EXPLORE, Gugu Guru has now opened up our massive database of products so that users can search, sample the goods (without creating a registry) and easily see what’s new.

A Taco Themed Baby Registry (+ giveaway)

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“Taco Tuesday sends a terrible message to our children. They need to know that tacos are always an option no matter what day it is.” – Unknown

Gugu Guru has now added tacos to its product recommendations for parents. Taco enthusiasts who plan on passing on their love of burritos and chalupas to their offspring, can now add Taco Bell gift cards to their personalized Gugu Guru registries.

We saw that our community is always engaged and excited about our #TacoTuesday content. With brand loyalists getting married at Taco Bell, it just made sense that couples might want to include similar brand experiences in the next big milestone of life – having a baby.

In addition to Taco Bell gift cards, taco enthusiasts can add a number of Mexican food-themed items to their registries such as taco maternity t-shirts, Burrito Baby Swaddles from Mirando Brand Baby and taco truck playhouses for a growing taco-loving toddler. Now everyday can be Tuesday with this taco lover’s baby registry.

We are so excited about our Taco Baby Registry that we have a giant giveaway to celebrate! One winner will receive the grand prize – ALL the items pictured above, including $25 to Taco Bell, $25 to BuyBuyBaby, $100 to Uncommon Goods, and a First Birthday Taco Smash from Little Nest Photography! Three runners up will each receive a $25 Taco Bell Gift Card and a $25 Buy Buy Baby Gift Card.

Pictured above: Taco Beaded Bracelet Stack, Hole in Her Stocking; Taco Baby Blanket, BizyBelle; Burrito Swaddle Blanket, Hat, and Doll from Mirando Brand Baby; Cilantro-Lime Candle, Baitx Made; Feed Me Tacos Baseball Top, Deloom; Taco Carseat cover/nursing cover, Solchan Covers; Whatever, I’m Getting Tacos T-shirt, Seriously Happy Tees; Newborn Taco Set, Cuddle Sleep Dream; Let’s Taco ’bout Me Onesie, Sprinkles + Jam; Rock Out With Your Guac Out Tote, Brittany Garner Designs; Sleeveless Taco Twirl Dress, LookieLooLoo; Nacho Average Baby, The Little Ham; The Original “You Better Have Tacos” doormat from Shop JosieB

Taco Baby Registry

Top 5 Must Have Essentials: Starting Solids

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-Sponsored Post-

It’s always super exciting to enter the world of starting solid food with your baby, isn’t it? However, it’s great to be prepared when you start solids and we’re here to make sure you have everything you need. We know that it can seem overwhelming to register for everything you may need for a baby; so, we’ve broken all the necessities down into your Top 5 Must Have Essentials for every category you may need. Today we’re covering the Top 5 Must Have Essentials for Starting Solids.

1. b.box baby Travel Bib: We know, it’s a little unusual to post a travel bib for starting solids, but you’re going to want to be able to go out to eat with baby, so we love that this bib can do double duty as an at-home staple, and for on the go. This cool travel bib and spoon has baby covered, literally. And there’s no need for zip lock bags – after baby has finished eating, pop the spoon inside, fold the bib into the catcher and zip closed. Then when you get home, just wash and dry it ready for your next adventure. BPA, Phthalates and PVC free. The modern designs are super cute, and we can stand behind this bib, as our team uses it for our own kiddos!

Also seen: Product Discovery, travel bib

2. Micuna OVO High Chair: When it comes to where your baby will spend their time eating, you want the high chair to be comfortable, easy to clean, and also not a total eyesore. We’re huge fans of the Micuna High Chair; we know this chair is on the higher end of prices, but it is a long-term investment into your child’s love of eating. Plus, it converts to a toddler chair! It features a round removable side tray and solid lacquered beechwood, with a seat made from rotation molded plastic. It has a white /natural fabric harness and can be pulled up to the table, so baby can join in on the fun, too.

Also seen: DIY Fringe Bibs with See Kate Sew

3. Little Foodie Club: As much as we want to say we will make all of our baby’s food from scratch, it just isn’t always realistic. Enter, Little Foodie Club! Little Foodie Club is a subscription service that delivers fresh baby food straight to your house! Their baby purees are the real deal: handmade from fresh organic ingredients and free from anything artificial, sugar or salt. The recipes are unlike anything else on the market – and there simply is no other service with a similarly diverse and unique range of flavors that takes care of a baby’s complete dietary needs.

4. Beaba Babycook: For the times when you have an afternoon free to make baby food, we’re big fans of the Beaba Babycook. The Beaba Babycook is a 4 in 1 baby food maker, which will not only make your life infinitely easier but help you save money in the long run, as well. With its patented steam heating system, you can prepare fruits, vegetables, meat or fish from raw to any stage baby and toddler food in 15 minutes. It features a large 4.7 cup bowl with graduation markings for easy measuring and mixing, so you can invent delicious and nutritious purees for your little one.

Also seen: Foodie Finds: Beaba Babycook; Baby Registry Ideas for Adoption; A Foodie Mom’s Registry

5. Real Baby Food: Easy, All-Natural Recipes for Your Baby and Toddler by Jenna Helwig: It’s always great to have a healthy and helpful cookbook ready to go in the house, which is why we are big fans of Jenna Helwig’s Real Baby Food Cookbook. Helwig, the food editor at Parents magazine, makes the art of creating baby food so simple, even for busy moms and dads. She guides you through the early days of simple foods, to adding spices, meats, flavors, and even multi-flavor blends like Salmon, Kale, and Sweet Potato Smash. With over 100 meals in the book, your little one is sure to have a head-start on their culinary palate!

Also seen: A Foodie Mom’s Registry

Thank you to Micuna and b.box baby for making this sponsored post possible

Toddler Tuesday: Lublini Custom Bedding

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When I first set eyes on the Stokke Sleepi, I knew I had to have it. It’s sleek, modern, smaller-scaled, wheeled, and convertible up to a junior bed (that’s 10 years of use!) However, if you own a Stokke Sleepi, you know that buying stylish bedding for it is not as easy as popping into your local baby super store or ordering on Amazon Prime. It takes EFFORT. Combine that with all the feelings that come with converting the crib to a toddler bed (your little one suddenly seems so…grown up) and buying new sheets can make for a not-so-easy time.

Black and White Raindrop Sheet

Enter, Lublini Custom Bedding. Like many of the other great brands that I love, I stumbled upon Lublini on Instagram. They were launching a black and white collection that caught my eye because I’ve been obsessed with black and white decor since I was in middle school. They are clearly THE oval bedding experts. Their bedding is made to order and handcrafted in Austin, TX, using only natural and organic fabrics. In addition to their custom bedding, they offer a ready to ship collection. Note: Babyletto Hula, Ubabub POD, and Nursery Works Gradient mamas, their new “Hula” collection has those oval cribs covered too!

Polka dots, bunnies, hearts, stripes, and more, their Stokke collection is clean, graphic and modern and you can mix and match the patterns and colors for your sheets, skirts, and rail guards. Plus, when it’s time to convert your Sleepi to a junior bed (welp!) they’ve got sheets for that too.

Organic Goodnight Sheet

*Black and White Art Cards by Wee Gallery.

By Shana, Gugu Guru Director of Content Marketing

6 Jogging Strollers for City Living

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

Jogging and running in an urban environment is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but when you throw a stroller into the mix, things can get hairy. Between narrow sidewalks, potholes, public transportation and people traffic, finding the perfect jogging stroller for city living can be a challenge. After chatting with many parents, and lots of research, we rounded up our top picks for urban environment jogging and running strollers.

Do you have any on this list? Are we missing any? Leave a comment and let us know!

Budget Pick:

Urbini Avi: If you are looking for a quality “budget-friendly” jogger, the team at Gugu Guru recommends the Urbini Avi. Why? It’s a reliable, good quality jogger complete with great features like a cup holder, ample storage and a compact fold – and it has a super price tag.

Best Storage Pick:

Bumbleride Indie: This is an absolutely gorgeous stroller with great features – a wide canopy, compact fold and ample storage. We also love that the stroller is manufactured with eco-friendlier textiles. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend this stroller for hard core runners, but it’s a high-quality option for your one and only day-to-day stroller and jogger.

Learn more: A real mom’s review on the Bumbleride Indie

Best versatile pick:

Bugaboo Runner: Parents who have a top of the line Bugaboo stroller already can rejoice that they only need to buy the frame – it’s compatible with other Bugaboo seats. Designed with active parents in mind, the Bugaboo Runner comes in two versions; as a complete jogging stroller and as an accessory for existing Bugaboo owners, offering an easy, click-and-go jogging extension. The large under seat basket will hold your essentials and most accessories are compatible with the stroller. In characteristic Bugaboo fashion, you can choose to have the seat facing you, or facing the world. What are you waiting for? Run free!

Best for everyday use:

Baby Jogger 2016 Summit X3 Single Jogging Stroller: With its patented quick fold technology, you can fold your stroller with one hand, which means if you’re hopping on and off the subway and there’s a possibility you’re going to have to fold up the stroller, this is the one for you. This 3 Wheel Stroller has 16″ rear and 12″ front air filled tires with front wheel lock mounted on the handlebar for easy conversions between jogger and stroller mode, meaning you can use for jogging and everyday use. All wheel suspension system soaks up road bumps making it the perfect all terrain stroller, especially for going over cobblestone streets or cracked sidewalks. Plus, the hand operated rear brakes make for more control on hilly or uneven terrain. And, it features a large adjustable sun canopy with peek a boo windows and side vents.

Best lifespan:

Mountain Buggy Terrain Premium Jogging Stroller: If you’re looking for a space-saving stroller, the Mountain Buggy Terrain Premium Jogging Stroller is your pick, as it is not only can double as an every day stroller, but is able to be used from newborn to 70 pounds. The newborn perfect reclinable seat, compatible with the Mountain Buggy Carry Cot+ in matching fabric (sold separately) and infant car seats from most major brands (sold separately) allow you to use the Terrain from birth. Plus, the Terrain offers a new, extremely easy one hand fold offers ease and convenience. Now a full size jogging stroller fits everywhere a standard stroller will.

Best for Avid Runners:

Thule Urban Glide Jogging Stroller: We know how hard it can be to find time to work out, so when running is your only option, you’re going to want your stroller to keep up! At 22 pounds, the Thule Urban Glide is super lightweight and aerodynamic; this is perfect for winding through crowded sidewalks and around tight corners. The front wheel swivels for easy maneuverability, and locks into place for jogging. As an added feature, the padded ergonomic handlebar has a range of heights for parent’s comfort, so you can run comfortably. Plus, the seat reclines almost all the way, so baby can nap while you get your groove on.

Also seen: An Avid Runner’s 6 Baby Registry Picks

Still not sure which jogging stroller is right for you? Don’t worry, we have a quiz for that! What are your top features in a jogging stroller? Head to this post to find out what won the vote. Looking for some tips? We have top ten tips for running while pregnant!

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