Baby Registry

Nursery Inspiration: Red, White, and Blue

With Fourth of July coming up, we wanted to share some design inspiration for Red, White, and Blue nurseries. Red, white, and blue nurseries often tend to lean towards Americana, nautical, stars & stripes, even a farm theme. We rounded up basic nursery essentials which fit the red, white, and blue theme – and a few special accessories, too!

Want to see more nursery inspo posts? Check out Gray Nursery Ideas, Gender Neutral Nursery, Botanical Nursery; Buffalo Plaid Nursery Inspiration; Princess Bride Inspired Nursery

Brooklyn Born Sheets, Shibori, Navy/White: Brooklyn Born Sheets are 100% GOTS certified organic cotton sateen and have 300 thread-count, making it a super soft sleep surface for baby. We love these blue sheets with some detail!

Ubbi Diaper Pail, red: An Ubbi Diaper Pail is a must have for any nursery; with a modern look, you can add efficiency with an essential nursery item to your nursery decor and not break from the theme of the nursery’s style. The Ubbi Diaper Pail holds up to 55 diapers, and with its powder-coated steel interior, it keeps smells far, far away – plus, it comes in 13 colors and has a child lock – perfect! This bright red pail is sure to add pizzaz to any nursery.

Also seen: Gray Nursery Inspiration; Top 5 Must Have Essentials: Baby’s Nursery; Mama Wellness Nursery; Spring Cleaning Must Haves; Gift Ideas, a Touch of Gray; Gender Neutral Nursery Inspiration

Crane Humidifer, white: We have posted many times about why Crane Humidifiers are a nursery essential, so we had to include a white Crane Drop Humidifier for a red, white, and blue nursery. Humidifiers are especially important for Newborns because they are Obligate Nasal Breathers, breathing only through their tiny noses for their first 4 – 6 months. Any congestion can make breathing, feeding, and sleeping incredibly difficult for your little one. Why not grab this nursery essential in white to match your nursery?

Also seen: Gray Nursery Inspiration; Top 5 Must Have Essentials: Baby’s Nursery; Mama Wellness Nursery; Nursery Essentials, Penguin Humidifier; Well Home: Crane Humidifiers; New Mom Series, Preventing Congestion; Minimalist Baby Registry; Budget Baby Registry

Lorena Canals American Flag Rug: We can’t do a red, white, and blue nursery roundup and not include this gorgeous (and machine washable!) Lorena Canals American Flag Rug. If you’re going for more of a stars theme, check out their navy and white star rug, too.

Also seen: Cause-driven Baby Registry; Spring Cleaning Must Haves; Nursery Style, Botanical Theme; Endless Summer Registry Picks; Gender Neutral Nursery Style

Oliver + Kit Reversible Cuddle Blanket: Oliver + Kit crib reversible bamboo cuddle blankets are made from the highest quality bamboo blend of 70% bamboo rayon and 30% cotton blend for the durability of cotton and the luxurious softness of bamboo. Our cuddle blankets are the perfect way to wrap your little one in cozy comfort. Our plushest blanket has eight comfy layers that are ultra breathable while giving babies, and toddlers soothing extra weight for added security. Our generously sized quilts are 47″ x 47″, big enough to grow with your child.

Lorena Canals Star Pillows: We are huge fans of Lorena Canals’ pillows because they are easily washable at home, in your regular washing machine – you don’t even need to take out the filler! Plus, they are handmade by artisans from non-toxic dyes and 100% natural cotton. Grab a red, white, and blue star for your Americana nursery.

Shop Sugar Babies, Navy Pinstripe Pouf: Great for kicking your feet up while feeding your baby in the nursery and converts into an extra seat in the nursery, too. Measures 15″ x 20″ x 19″ and weighs approx. 5 lbs. 100% cotton canvas cover with zipper bottom for removal and wash.

Carousel Designs Red Chevron Changing Pad Cover: Carousel Designs changing pad covers are made with 100% certified organic cotton fibers, which are printed in the USA with certified organic inks. Both the cotton and the inks are third party GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified. Each changing pad cover is a woven 200 thread count fabric that is perfect for your baby girl or baby boy. We love this red chevron changing pad cover, because the red fits the nursery theme, and is still modern with the chevron pattern!

Other fun nursery accessories for your red, white, and blue nursery:

Header photo courtesy of Project Nursery

Gugu Concierge: FAQs

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Curious about Gugu Concierge and want to know more? We’re here to help! Imagine…your very own affordable baby industry expert to plan and create your registry, and even do an in-store walk-through with you. That’s Gugu Concierge!

FAQs

What is Gugu Concierge?
Your very own affordable baby industry expert to plan and create your personalized registry, and even do an in-store walk-through with you.

How much does it cost?
We offer three different packages to fit your budget.

How does Gugu Concierge work?
Choose your package, take the Gugu Guru Questionnaire, then receive your registry consult.

Who are your Baby Planners?
Our team of experienced, expert baby planners is located across the US and expanding every day. They are knowledgeable and personable, and above all, excited to help you plan for your new arrival and beyond!

Why should I use Gugu Concierge?
You would hire a wedding planner, so why not hire a baby planner for the next big milestone in your life? Cut through the noise and get the right things for your family the first time.

Watch this short video to learn even more:

How To: Pick Baby Bedding For Your Registry

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When it comes to designing a nursery for your little one, the bedding you choose is very important – for safety, for design, and for comfort. Today we have the designers from Caden Lane, a gorgeous baby bedding company here to help you pick baby bedding for your registry. You can find Caden Lane on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Baby Bedding is a must have for the nursery, but is it something you put on your gift registry? Definitely! Or at least we think so. Who doesn’t need crib bedding when they’re expecting a baby? Not many. So that makes it a perfect item to add to your baby registry!

We like to say here at Caden Lane that the bedding can help set the tone for the rest of the nursery, or maybe we just think that way because we design all of our nurseries with the bedding in mind. No matter how you start envisioning your dream nursery though, there is going to be bedding on the crib. And what’s better than your friends and family helping to create the perfect space for your baby to grow up in? If you’re still hesitant don’t worry. We’re here to help answer the top 3 questions about adding bedding to your registry.

What Crib Bedding Items Should I Include on a Registry?

Well, like many questions with your child the answer is – it depends. What you should add is going vary based on how you envision the look and feel of the room as well as your personal preference. If you want to go with a sleek modern look it might only include a crib sheet – or five, if we’re being real here. Or if you imagine a more refined and elegant space, it could include everything from the crib skirt, sheet, bumpers and/or crib rail cover, crib bows and a matching blanket. It’s completely up to you and your preference, Mama!

We’re all for adding everything you want to your registry and then being okay with it if not everything was purchased. There’s definitely no reason to not include something that you want for your baby on the registry! Even if you’re not sure that you really need it. Unsure if you’ll use the changing pad cover that matches the crib sheet? Add it. With a baby, especially if it’s your first, it’s best to be over prepared. You never know what might become a savior or what might not work for you until you try it.

How Many Do I Need?

Everyone always wants to know how many they’ll need of something. And it’s a big question for good reason – every baby is different. Your baby might spit up or have diaper explosions every other night – or you could go a week without needing to change a crib sheet. You live and you learn what works for you, but to start out these are our general recommendations

Crib Sheets – we recommend registering for at least 3 crib sheets – you are going to have to change one in the middle of the night and will need a backup. And if you end up needing more you can purchase it when the need arises.

Crib Skirts – just one, if you are using one on your crib. They are great for hiding storage under the crib!

Crib Rail Covers – this depends on your crib. You may just need one for the front of your crib, especially if it has a high back or sides, or you might want 2 if the long sides of the crib are the same, depending on the position of the crib in the room. If both sides are open you may want two, but if one long side is up against the wall there’s less of a chance for baby to start chewing on it.

Bumpers – one set should definitely suffice

What About the Price?

If you are adding the whole shebang to your registry, it’s nice to add the items individually or turn on group gifting, if possible, to avoid a higher than necessary price point for a gift. It helps everyone pick and choose what they want to give and gives you a better chance of receiving all the items you’re hoping for.

If you have a crib in the nursery, it might be difficult to wait and not just purchase this yourself to get the room looking more polished, but if you can wait a while it might just be worth it! So keep that vision of your dream nursery in your head and pick out your favorite bedding that makes the room perfect – and then put it on your registry. The absolute worst thing that will happen is that no one purchases it for you and then you buy it yourself anyways, but might as well give them the chance, right? Right.

Nursery Essentials: Crane Penguin Adorable Humidifier

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-Sponsored Post-

It’s no secret that we think Crane USA Humidifiers are a must-have for any nursery, especially when it comes to a healthy nursery for baby and preventing congestion for tiny noses. Today we’re excited to introduce you to the Crane Penguin Adorable Humidifier, which is a must-have essential for any nursery or child’s room. Featuring award winning, child-friendly animal designs and top rated performance, Crane’s Adorable Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifiers provide up to 24 hours of soothing moisture to help relieve the effects of dryness and congestion, helping you and your Family to breathe easy and sleep through the night peacefully.

Puffington the Penguin is an adorable way to add humidity and wellness to your baby’s room. Did you know that humidifiers are a recommended non-medicated alternative to over the counter cough and cold medicine? The Crane Penguin Adorable Humidifier is the perfect size for any nursery and the removable 1 gallon tank easily fits under most bathroom sinks. Plus, it runs whisper quiet up to 24 hours, so it won’t wake even the fussiest of sleepers. The ultrasonic cool mist increases moisture in the air for easier breathing and a good night’s sleep.

Humidifiers are especially important for Newborns because they are Obligate Nasal Breathers, breathing only through their tiny noses for their first 4 – 6 months. Any congestion can make breathing, feeding, and sleeping incredibly difficult for your little one. Not only that, but many pediatricians recommend the use of a humidifier as a safe, non medicated, all natural alternative to help relieve congestion from the common cold and flu instead of potentially harmful over-the-counter cough and cold medicine. Did you know humidifiers are an ideal choice for relieving the discomforts of nasal congestion, dry itchy skin and hair, chapped lips, nose bleeds, and dry throats?

Crane’s cheerful designs complement any children’s bedroom decor. Not only are Crane humidifiers adorable, but they are easy to use, whisper quiet, and feature Antimicrobial Material in the Base to help reduce mold and bacteria growth by up to 99.96%*. This compact, BPA Free unit uses ultrasonic technology to add humidity to the air, is more efficient than a household light bulb, and includes a built-in auto-shut-off feature that engages when the water tank is empty to ensure safety.

You can find Crane USA on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Thank you to Crane for making this sponsored post possible.

New Mom Review: 4moms moxi + car seat

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Theresa – Gugu Guru’s head of design and new mommy to adorable Robbie – was so excited to be able to try out the moxi stroller and self-installing car seat from 4moms. If you don’t know 4moms, we think of them as Apple computer-like innovators for parents. 4moms’ gear is thoughtfully designed with some of the coolest tech around. Read what Theresa calls out as the pros and cons for the stroller and car seat below (and although Theresa received these products for review from 4moms, all opinions are her own.)

moxi stroller ($699.99)

Pro: Just Downright Cool Technology
This carriage has a cell phone charger port – totally handy! It will also tell you how fast you are going, distance, etc. I really love that the stroller features lights if you are out walking at dusk (trying to get baby to snooze) – super neat!

Pro: Self Charging! (most of the time)
The carriage has a generator in it so it does not require batteries for any of its awesome features! (Caveat: the generator will only last if the carriage is used frequently, if not, you have to plug it in and charge it to use all its cool technology.)

Pro: Easy to Open and Close
It was so easy to open and close the carriage for travel.

Con: Little Pouch for Belongings
The little pouch for your belongings is open. I didn’t totally love this because if my phone or wallet is in it I felt uncomfortable walking away from the carriage, even a little, while out in public. Editor’s note: 4moms really designed this to make your phone easily accessible, hence no zipper.

Con: Converting The Seat To Accommodate An Older Child
The infant carrier and the regular seat for older baby are two separate pieces (separate from the carriage base itself). Even though the regular seat is not hard to attach, it has to be completely converted to work. So if you have two kids, one older one infant, you can only use the carriage exclusively for one or the other in a single outing. Editors note: We spoke to 4moms about this and they said that their test parents have found this process to be very easy – clicking/unclicking two belts on the backside of the seat and turning the seat around. The three configurations are meant to grow with the child – so normally, you wouldn’t be switching back and forth regularly for two different children – although you certainly could.

Self-Installing Car Seat ($499.99)

Pro: Extra AWESOME Technology
The 4moms app will not only self-install the car seat as promised, it will also adjust positioning and tension as your baby grows. It will let you know if carrier is in correctly and it will also alert you if you leave the carrier (and baby) in the car. Pretty cool! Plus the software that runs the car seat base can regularly be updated with new features and functionality right through your smartphone.

Pro: Infant Fit
The car seat comes with an additional infant insert to be used for 4-11 pounds and really helps baby sit comfortably and securely – especially when baby is on the smaller side. Also, the bottom buckle is more rigid, verses just a fabric piece, so it makes it very easy to get baby in the seat (without them sitting on it.)

Con: Requires Eight (8) D Batteries
All the the extra technology that you get with the 4moms app will only work with the addition of the batteries in the base. When baby was only 6 weeks, the batteries died. (Who has time to run outside and change batteries in the carseat once a month?!) Editor’s Note: According to 4moms, this may have been an issue in some of the first units, but today, that issue has been resolved. By downloading the new update (version 4.16), the battery life will be significantly extended. The battery life should last the life cycle of one baby in the car seat. New baby, new batteries.

Con: A Couple Technology Fails
A couple of times the base alerted that the car seat carrier was not in correctly when it was. One of the times we were an hour from home and listened to it ding and false alarm the whole way home. We couldn’t fix this until we could take it out and reinstall which we couldn’t do being an hour away – a little annoying. Editor’s Note: We spoke to 4moms and they said if the carrier is not detected, as described, the issue can often be resolved just by lifting the carrier out, and placing it back in the base. Typically, a re-installation of the base is not needed. 4moms is launching another software update that will further improve the user experience and reduce the occurrence of false alarms, such as this one.

The Ultimate Travel Registry for Flying With an Infant

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Hey there, I’m Stephanie, blogger, wife and mama to a wild toddler boy and a little girl babe on the way. Our family loves to travel, whether it be for a new adventure or to visit family and friends, so we managed to rack up quite a few frequent flyer miles for our first born well before his first trip around the sun was complete. Considering his passport was stamped for the very first time at just 4 months old, I’ve managed to learn quite a few lessons about flying with an infant (and sadly, many of them were learned the hard way) and I can’t wait to share them with you. All of the recs and tidbits below are tried and tested by yours truly, so buckle up! You can follow our current adventures on my blog, Olive and Tate, and on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Gear

Ergo 360

I always, always recommend that mamas plan to wear their babies on travel days. The benefits are endless: you can wear baby through security, your hands are free and baby is soothed by being snuggled up to mama. I’ve tried managing travel days in wraps and a classic Ergo but, without a doubt, the Ergo 360 is the way to go. It’s provides back support in a way that most other carriers don’t and I learned after a 3 hour flight spent in the aisle rocking a heavy baby that back support is key.

Car Seat Gate Check Bag

I’m a little embarrassed to admit how long it took me to realize that we needed to protect our car seat when flying. We always gate check our car seat (with the exception of one single time and our car seat was lost -as a heads up, if the airline loses your car seat, they lend you one they keep on hand…trust me, you want to gate check your car seat). Anyway, when you gate check your car seat it will be subjected to the elements, the extremely dirty luggage hold and a luggage convener belt known to rip fabric. If you travel infrequently, I highly suggest the $13 dollar bag but if you are a family that flies regularly, I would invest in this Car Seat Padded Bag.

Baby Jogger City Tour Stroller

A stroller with one hand fold, backpack straps and a weight of just 14lbs? This stroller was designed for travel and after a trip or two with another brand, I will never travel with any other stroller brand than Baby Jogger. This little baby will fit through the security x-ray when folded and will be easy enough for a parent traveling alone to fold at the gate for gate checking.

Dockatot and Dockatot Travel Bag

Not only will the Dockatot give your baby a cozy spot to snuggle on planes and trains– once you reach your destination the Dockatot is a safe place for your babe to snuggle, lounge and get in some tummy time.

For Mama

Chewbeads

First, let me say that the list of must haves for mama is small – make sure your phone is charged, your chargers are packed and you aren’t wearing anything that will set off the security alarms. Chewbeads are great option as they are plastic and baby can play and gnaw on them during the flight.

Diaper Bag

An absolute must for a travel day with a baby on board is a diaper bag with both a cross body and backpack strap option (if you prefer canvas, this is a great option). The last thing you need is to be wrangling a purse on your shoulder all day so throw a well made bag full of pockets on your back and keep your hands free.

Car seat cover

A soft fabric car seat cover that can double as a nursing cover, scarf of blanket will serve you oh so well. Use it to nurse on the plane, shield a sleeping babe’s eyes from the sun or as a blanket for you and baby.

Paci/Bottle Wipes

There cannot be a more disgusting place than an airport or airplane so plan to pack paci wipes. If your babe has an arm like mine did, you’ll be fishing pacis from underneath seats no matter how many extra you have on hand.

For Baby

Baby Shusher

White noise is a baby win, no matter where you are, so keep it on hand to drown out flight attendant announcements and chatty seat mates.

Wubbanub

I prefer Wubbanubs for travel days simply because they are easy to find in my diaper bag! When digging around blind in the bottom of my bag, snagging that stuffed animal is like hitting the jackpot.

Light weight blankets

Thin, light weight blankets like those from aden + anais that can be folded or rolled in your diaper bag will serve oh so many purposes on travel day – wiping spit up, creating a place to play on a layover and fending off cold air vents. I usually pack two – one that is only used once in the airport for playtime on a layover and one that is saved for emergencies.

Toys

Teething babes will love having a Sophie to slobber on and the squeeky sound will be drowned out by the plan so you won’t have to worry about your seat mates. I always suggest bringing along toys that can be machine washed and that you and baby are not attached to, just in case it gets lost in the shuffle of travel day. Plus, a new toy captivates even the littlest traveler’s interest.

Disposable Changing Pads

This is a no brainer for me – I really don’t love using my changing pad on an airport bathroom changing table and then rolling it back up and sticking it in my bag. Disposable is the way to go – just stick a few in your bag (they are super flat and light) and be glad you aren’t carrying around a dirty changing pad.

Extra Onesies

Altitude can affect baby’s tummy so be prepared with a back up outfit or two.

Mixie Bottles

If you’re a formula mom like me, Mixie bottles will save your sanity. I keep them in my bag, locked and loaded with formula and water (added after security), ready to help with baby’s ears or for a meal mid-flight where I don’t have room to whip up a bottle.

You can read more of my infant travel advice, including my step by step guide on a solo travel day, on my blog!

Gugu Concierge

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Check out this short video from Gugu Guru’s Founder, Monica:

Gugu Concierge: Top Self-Care Picks

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Practicing self-care isn’t always easy – especially for first time moms – but it’s absolutely essential. We asked our team of Gugu Concierge Baby Planners and Maternity Consultants to share their Top Self-Care Picks.

Valerie Trumbower, Nurturing Doula, Bucks County, PA
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Island Wrap: It’s super comfy to cuddle your new baby but nice enough to wear out and about in the world. It looks great over yoga pants or jeans. . . and it’s machine washable! You can dress it up or wear it everyday like a bathrobe.

Julie McCaffrey, BabyNav Baby Planners, NY, NY
“Mama, You Got This” Journal: Every mom should have a beautiful journal to chronicle her journey.

Kimmie Johnson, Chicago, IL
Amber Michels, Greenville, SC
Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Hand Balm and Lavender Aromatherapy Candle Really all things natural lavender are our favorites, but we love these two. We also love the HB Botanicals Candles!

Tina Morton, Cloud Nine Birth Services, Chicago, IL
Pure Grace Perfume by Philosophy: This line is top-notch quality, with a soft and clean scent that I just never get tired of. It makes me feel a little pampered every time I use it! Make sure to check out their other body products, too!

Victoria Zimmerman, Dallas, TX
Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil: It’s luxurious and our absolute favorite self-care pick for new mamas. It’s a bit of a splurge, but we promise it’s worth every penny! We also love this Hair Tie Bracelet. It makes you feel beautiful even when you’re pulling your spit-up laden hair up after three days without a shower…and it keeps that hair tie close by without cutting off your circulation! 😉

Jessica Zablan, Boise, ID sums it up:
“You can’t pour from an empty cup! So take time for self care. My favorite self-care for moms is taking a hour to do nothing. If could be going to the spa, sitting at a coffee shop or even sitting in their car alone on their phone. I always feel like I am a better mom when I can shut my brain off and do something mindless for an hour.”

Gugu Concierge: Baby Planner Spotlight

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Latina Baxter
Marley & Moo Maternity
Houston, TX
Service Area: Houston Metropolitan Area

How did you get into maternity consulting/baby planning?
I have always had an interest in women and the birth process. In high school I actually wanted to be an OB/GYN, but I knew from a young age that family and being with my family was more important than any job. After I had Marley, I became intrigued by the birth process and wondered why more women did not choose to take a more natural, friendly method to birthing. Thus, Marley and Moo was born with the mission to educate and prepare the mothers of Houston to rock their pregnancy, labor and motherhood “like a boss”.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
Knowing that my team plays a role in positively impacting a mother’s experience with birth and motherhood is the most gratifying thing in the world. All women deserve to look back and feel confident and empowered by their experience. If we can help just one woman experience that feeling, then our mission has been fulfilled.

Are there any local businesses or individuals who offer services for new parents that you’d like to give a shout-out to?
Innate Potential Chiropractic and MommaStrong.

What is one essential product that you find yourself recommending to almost all parents for their baby registries? Why do you love it?
The 4moms Infant Tub because no baby likes to bathe in nasty water!

Top Product Picks
1. 4Moms Infant Tub
2. Dr. Brown’s Glass Bottles
3. Boon Drying Rack and Feeding Essentials
4. Peg Perego Stroller
5. 4Moms mamaRoo

Need help planning your baby registry? Learn more about Gugu Concierge: click here.

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Gugu Guru In The Press

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What have we been up to at Gugu Guru lately? Well, a lot. We’re excited to share some of the things that we’ve been working on and that you may have seen on the pages of People or E! News! So what’s the latest? Check it out…

Most recently we had a blast when our Gugu Concierge team helped Married at First Sight alums Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner with their baby registry. The Gugu Concierge service curates everything essential for your baby registry based on your lifestyle and personal style from all around the web, then one of our experts meets you at a local retail store to walk you through your options and explains why each item was selected for just for your family. Learn more about how Gugu Concierge made the process of registering not overwhelming and actually really fun for Jamie and Doug here.

We are currently collaborating with fashion icon and mama-to-be, Whitney Port, on a series that covers her stylish minimalist baby registry. Our first post of the series on – what else than – Pregnancy Fashion goes live on May 1. Be sure to check it out!

We have been working with the lovely Kayla Rae Reid, fiancee of US Olympic swimmer, Ryan Lochte on her baby registry. Stay tuned for the Baby Registry for Active Parents that the team at Gugu Guru curated for these parents to be. In the meantime, check out her amazing baby shower that we co-sponsored with one of the ultimate brands for on-the-go parents, BABYBJÖRN. The shower was featured in People Magazine and also on E! News Online.

Gugu Guru was SO thrilled to work with Christine Lakin of Hollywood Darlings on a first birthday registry for her adorable daughter Georgia. This sweet birthday bash was featured exclusively on People.com Babies.

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