Cause Driven

Any Baby: THE Smartest Playsuit for Babies

When it comes to baby clothing, the options are endless, but…what does your baby actually need? We came across the Any Baby Smartsie Playsuit and thought it was genius! As they say, Any Baby is “the world’s smartest playsuit for squirmy, squishy, stinky little humans.” Babies are indeed that, so read on to see why we highly recommend the Any Baby Smartsie Playsuit for all of the little ones in your life.

There are just so many reasons that the Any Baby Smartsie Playsuit is totally unique. It’s the only playsuit designed with adventurous tots and active parents in mind. First off, it’s crafted from a super soft peppermint fabric which also adds permanent anti-odor protection. They chose the amazing and abundant peppermint plant because of its naturally cooling, refreshing and sustainable properties. They literally spun the peppermint fiber into the yarn of the Smartsie, with all the great benefits of the plant itself. Secondly, the Smartsie also features innovative 3D Air Mesh pads in the knees and elbows for all those inevitable oops moments. And, we are loving the quick-zip and stay-in-place diaper gusset, because you never know where you’ll be changing a diaper or two!”

Any Baby was specifically designed for families who love to be on-the-go. The material is UPF 50+ sun safe, so your little one can wear year round. And, when it comes to your baby’s milestones, the Any Baby Smartsie Playsuit is here to make sure they’re ready for whatever comes! The ouch-resistant cushioned knees and elbows will help baby transition from crawling to walking, and the comfy and breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is ideal for all the twisting, turning, wiggling, crawling, and dancing your little one loves to do. Once baby starts to walk, the grippy feet will help them feel stable as they find their little feet!

With a belief in slow fashion and quality products, Any Baby is changing the fast-fashion baby-clothes landscape one Smartsie at a time, by creating an expertly-crafted product to give your baby extra support through those formative crawl-and-tumble months. The gender neutral design means it can be used from baby-to-baby – like they said, Any Baby! We’re also happy to add that Any Baby is environmentally conscious and have partnered with One Tree Planted (a nonprofit dedicated to global reforestation) to plant a tree for every order placed. They also use earth-friendly tissue paper and stickers, and their shipping mailers are compostable!

Any Baby just launched this adorable gift bundle for the holidays: Gift Pack 2 Smartsies + 1 Tote (save $10). If you’re looking for the ultimate baby gift or ultimate baby outfit for your little one, or the perfect gift for a new baby, Any Baby is the must-have clothing item to make everyone’s lives a little easier and a whole lot cuter. Use code GUGUGURU at checkout for an exclusive 20% discount!

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

What’s New on Gugu: January 29, 2020

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

This week we are highlighting a number of multifunctional products for parents and babes alike! Some are great options for the nursery, while others will make feeding and playtime easier. All of these are great gifts for expectant parents and products that we expect to make a huge splash in the baby industry. Check them out today!

For a number of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page!

Giving Cradle: We love to highlight companies that give back. Giving Cradle’s biggest goal is that all mothers and newborns “have equal access to a healthy start.” They have launched a variety of products and donation opportunities, which help moms in South Asia with access to medical and care items for their newborns. Plus, they are about to launch their beautiful cradle, a safe cradle made of bamboo, breathable mesh, and removable washable fabric. Proceeds from every cradle purchase will benefit these moms and babies.

Unilove 3 in 1 Feed Me Booster: A line of high quality products, we are super excited about Unilove’s Feed Me Booster. This multifunctional 3-in-1 booster can be used on a chair, the floor, or as an armchair. It can also be used with or without the tray! The tray swivels and the seat folds flat for easy storage/travel. Also, the height is adjustable to help reach any table. Check them out today!

Regalo MyPlayMat: The MyPlayMat from Regalo will be your new lightweight and foldable best friend! Great for both indoors and outdoors, this playmat will give your little one ample space to move around for tummy time, early crawling, and beyond! While especially great for small spaces, this mat will find a place in any home. It is also super easy to clean and comes with two different patterns.

The Baby Dream Machine: The Baby Dream Machine is an amazing 5 in 1 product, which serves as a night light, sound machine, cool-mist humidifier, aromatherapy, and red light therapy. All of these modes are designed to help your little one get full nights of peaceful sleep (which means you get peaceful nights of sleep, too!). Plus it is a super cute design and will fit into any nursery!

Novogratz Kids Collection: Late last year Novogratz launched their own Kids + Baby furniture line, perfect for high style budget-friendly parents! Their crib options are simplistic and beautiful. We are also going gaga over their bookcases, which add a huge design pop while adding storage for under $100!

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Like what you see? Check out some other What’s New on Gugu posts:

What’s New on Gugu: December 4, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: December 11. 2019

What’s New on Gugu: January 15, 2020

What’s New on Gugu: January 22, 2020

Kindness Counts: Amazing Mama Brands with Huge Hearts

by Mel Blume Leave a Comment

A mama’s to-do list scrolls. And scrolls. And scrolls. Sometimes, it’s seemingly impossible to take on one more thing.

We’ve been there, but we know just how amazing it feels when we open up our hearts and give back. To make it as easy as possible for you, we scoped out the mama-brand-scene and found our favorite companies with huge hearts. We’re excited to share philanthropic brands that contribute to our local communities, mamas and more.

If you haven’t heard of KIDBOX yet, its heart and generous hand can be felt across the globe. A subscription-with-styling-service clothing box (think Stitch Fix, but for kids), KIDBOX donates new clothing to the charity of your choice when you keep your box. This cutting-edge company donated over $12.5 million in new clothing to date, and seems to want to do more. Their passionate community is ever-growing, and their pioneering, change-making strategy is one that deserves the spotlight.

Plus, just when you think it can’t get any better, you shop the site! KIDBOX partners with major global brands you’d want to shop anyway: Adidas, Splendid, 7 for all Mankind, Disney, Sketchers and many more. Doing good is rarely this much fun.

While you’re clicking and tapping away, you might want to check out these other brands too: Abby & Finn is an affordable, eco-friendly diaper-and-wipe subscription service. As seen in PopSugar and Red Tricycle, Abby & Finn donates 30 diapers to families in need for each monthly box purchased.

For an ultra-stylish and versatile diaper bag that donates to an amazing cause, visit Momkindness. For each bag purchased, Momkindness donates a portion of the proceeds to Every Mother Counts, an organization that helps “bring safe and respectful maternity care to mothers everywhere.”

Another company to note: Mommy Matters. Their innovative, portable pillow features a hot/cold insert to heal aches and pains. Named one of the top 10 pregnancy pillows in 2019 by Verywell Family, Mommy Matters donates proceeds to Saving Mothers, “a global non-profit working to reduce maternal mortality and help mothers thrive around the world.”

Lastly, if you’re in search of a chic, office-friendly breast pump bag, check out JL Childress. For every Jay Elle Pump Bag sold, $1 is donated to a non-profit organization to support breastfeeding.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to give back during this beautiful time (when you also have no time). Wishing you fun and fulfilling shopping moments, Mama.

Baby Safety Month Tips

by Abby Ludwig 8 Comments

Baby Safety Month is here! As parents, safety is our number one priority, especially as it relates to the world of baby products and gear. We are always looking to find products that will help enrich our children’s lives while making things just a little bit easier! In honor of Baby Safety Month, we have partnered with MAM as well as other brands that join us in keeping our babes and tots safe! These brands all keep safety at the top of their priority list, even as they create and update their product lines. Take a look at some of their favorite safety tips here:

Tip 1: Safe Sleep ABC’s

2016 was the last time the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their safe sleep recommendations. Many parents are unknowingly putting their little one’s down without following the safe sleep ABC’s: Alone. Back. Crib (or bassinet). We recommend an easy to use swaddle, like Love To Dream’s Swaddle UP^TM from birth so you don’t have to worry about baby breaking out of a swaddle blanket. Choose size according to baby’s weight, not age. Stop swaddling as soon as baby shows signs of rolling and transition to arms-free sleep, like the Swaddle UP^TM 50/50 Transition Bag. Check out our favorite swaddle, Love to Dream’s safe sleep page, for more safe sleep tips!

For more of Love to Dream’s products, take a look here!

Tip 2: Crib Safety

Piggy-backing off of the Safe Sleep ABC’s, your crib set up is also extremely important in creating a safe sleep space. Keep it clean and simple. Remove any stuffed animals, blankets, or anyting with soft surfaces that could possibly block baby’s airway during sleep. Provide a firm mattress – like those from our friends at Colgate – with a fitted sheet. Do not put a blanket on the baby or in the crib and again, be sure to lay your baby on his/her back.

Tip 3: Pacifier Safety

Consider pacifier usage when placing baby down for sleep and remember that the pacifier may not be reinserted once baby falls asleep. Pacifier use is shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. MAM supports the AAP published guidelines for pacifier usage. Check them out here: https://bit.ly/AAPInfantSleepSafety

For more information about pacifiers and how they reduce the risk of SIDS, visit https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/5/1245

Tip 4: Wifi/Monitor Usage

Many parents use a monitor, which gives them peace of mind as their little one adjusts to his/her new surroundings. When setting up your monitor, be mindful of all cords! Keep them more than 3ft away from your child. As wifi monitors/nursery products become more popular, it is also important to keep the wifi products in your nursery secure from web intruders. Do NOT use wifi products that have default credentials or that run extra programs, otherwise known as “backdoors.” And only use wifi products with secure encryption. For more information on wifi monitor safety, check out the features on the Nanit Pro!

Tip 5: Helping Baby Sleep

The dreaded first cold often pops up at some point in the first year. Unfortunately, there aren’t so many ways you can help your little one feel better. However, cool-mist humidifiers are a safe and natural way to thin baby’s mucus when congested. They also alleviate symptoms that may be preventing your little one from getting a good night’s rest such as dry skin, bloody noses, sore throat and dry cough.

For some great humidifier and air purifier options, check out our friends at Crane-USA!

Tip 6: Out and About with your Carrier

Carriers are extremely helpful for new (and/or experienced) parents. They provide you with the option to be close to baby but still have your hands-free. This is especially helpful when you have an older child –i.e. toddler—running around the house. To ensure that you are using your carrier safely, keep baby visible and kissable! By keeping your little one’s head at a kissable height when in the carrier, you can easily monitor baby’s airway. Plus, the snuggles are LIFE!

Check out carriers by Baby K’tan here.

Tip 7: Toy Safety

When your little one is up and ready to play, it’s important to keep a close eye on his/her activities. Watch out for small parts as little ones tend to explore first with their mouths. Always double check the seams of soft toys to make sure no stitches have popped loose. Stuffing is a choking hazard. Opt for high-quality, well-made toys that will hold up to hours of daily use.

We love the toy selections from our friends at Mouse Loves Pig.

Tip 8: Car Seat Safety

While all car seats have to pass certain safety tests and standards, there are two main components to car seat safety: fitting the seat into your vehicle and fitting your child into the seat. A correctly installed car seat should not move more than 1” in any direction when testing tightness at the belt path. Always make sure you have the right seat for your child’s age and measurements, and ensure the harness is snugly tightened so that you cannot pinch the material over the child’s shoulders. For more information on car seat safety and for help with car seat installation, visit our friends at Tot Squad!

General Baby Safety

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) sponsors Baby Safety Month to help educate parents and caregivers as they go through product selection for their children. Always remember to read product labels and warnings before using any product. Continue to inspect your children’s items as they experience wear and tear over time and look out for any product recalls. Visit JPMA’s Baby Safety Month Page for even more tips and tricks!

The Village Reviews: Gabri Isle

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Looking for clothing as special and unique as your little one? Look no further! Gabri Isle has curated adorable European clothing from female-driven brands. Our Gugu Village Parents were able to try the Gabri Isle clothing and loved the quality, details and designs. You can learn more about Gabri Isle here and here, too!

Crystal B.
I received the brown wool romper and linen Peter Pan collared shirt by Mimiikids from Gabri Isle. Upon opening the packaging, there was great information included an overview of the brand MimiiKids and a description of what Gabri Isle is about as a company, including what they offer, how they chose their partnerships, and how it focuses on female empowerment. I also enjoyed the note from the founder Severina. That was a thoughtful touch!

The outfit that I received was made from 100% cotton and 100% linen. The shirt had a rounded collar and I loved that it opened from the back which allows me to do my daughter’s hair and put on her shirt without messing it up. It definitely feels like real linen and a quality piece. It’s not connected to the romper so I can mix it with other pieces. The romper was a nice brown color with oatmeal specs with a bib front. It was very light. The straps are adjustable which allows room for growth. I also liked that the cross straps were stitched already because no one has time to figure that out with a constantly moving toddler! The elastic legs gave it a nice touch. One of the best things about the outfit is that it seems to be unisex. I’m a sucker for androgynous clothing! I have to say, I’m quite impressed and my daughter was too! She even wore it to take a spin around the neighborhood, lol!

Thanks again, Gabri Isle! Looking forward to seeing other female entrepreneurs’ creations!

Elena M.
When I received the ice cream romper I thought, “wow, what a nice bag it came in and a personal note was so sweet!” The outfit feels well made and the design is adorable. We wore it to a family gathering and everyone complimented it. And the zipper! Amazing! All baby outfits should have that. So easy to change a diaper. I’ll be purchasing more clothes from Gabri Isle.

This headband is a great finishing touch to any outfit. It’s very stylish. I haven’t seen another one like it. It goes great with the ice cream romper. It also stands up well in the wash.

Denalee M.
Gabri Isle is great. They were so accommodating finding my son’s sizes and the packaging was so personal and cute. I loved the bag the clothes came in! I love the concept of the store too. It’s important to me to support female business owners so I’m so excited I can do that with these clothes!

Penguin shirt: it is so comfy! The fabric was really soft and it washed well. You can tell it’s good quality. Sizing wise, the shirt was a little long and my son is pretty tall for his age but otherwise, it was great.

The pants: I don’t think we’ve ever had so many compliments on a pair of pants! Even random high school students who walked by us on the street complimented Mikey on his cool pants. Mikey also thought it was funny to see the gorilla eating bananas on his pants. My son will wear these all summer. They are a nice light and breathable fabric. The downside is that they’re not as soft as the shirt or other pants he owns but that didn’t bother my son. They were comfy enough to climb all over the playground!

Check out more reviews from the Gugu Village moms:

The Village Reviews: Gunapod Bamboo Duvet Sack

The Village Reviews: Rambler LA Mat

Diaper Brand to Check Out: ABBY & FINN

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

First and foremost, this post is not sponsored. (Honestly, we are not even sure that ABBY & FINN knows about Gugu Guru – haha!)

So, we admit it: sometimes when a new brand comes out, we’re a little jaded. For example, there are so many diaper brands to choose from out there that when a new diaper brand hits the shelves, the Gugu Guru team says, “These guys better be doing something really different if they’re going to stand out in this category.” You see, there are a lot of fish in the sea when it comes to baby products – whether it’s disposable diapers, strollers or bottles. So you really need to bring your A game if you’re going to introduce a product in a sea of similar baby products. That’s why we are loving ABBY & FINN – they’re standing out from the crowd and, quite simply, doing a lot of things right in our opinion.

Let’s start first with what ABBY & FINN is and what it has to offer: it’s a diapers and wipes subscription service. Here are six things we like about ABBY & FINN and what makes it stand out from other similar disposable diaper brands and subscription services out there:

The products are high quality, super soft with high absorbency but also really, really affordable (if you’re currently using or planning on using disposable diapers, affordability is key because you’ll go through a lot of them.) In fact, the ABBY&FINN brand was founded on the principle that the world needs to be rid of “overpriced diapers.” Can we get an amen, parents?
The line is natural – using no harmful chemicals or substances.
You don’t have to worry about any kind of commitment or your credit card being charged even though you thought you canceled on time. Nope – none of that hassle. With ABBY & FINN, you can pause, cancel or edit at any time.
The designs are crowd-sourced, which is just cool because, well, community rocks.
Probably our favorite aspect of this service is just how customizable it is. You can choose multiple sizes in a single box because, as many seasoned parents can attest, babies grow and sometimes they grow so dang fast that the diaper that fit yesterday doesn’t tomorrow.
Last but certainly not least, this is a company with an amazing mission. ABBY & FINN’s goal is to provide 1,000,000 diapers to families in need. With every subscription, they donate to these families and they’re at a little over one-quarter of their goal at the time this post was published.

Great Causes: Satao’s Keeper

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

One of Gugu Guru’s most popular baby registries is our Cause-Driven Baby Registry, and today we’re introducing you to a this wonderful Mother’s Day gift idea or product to add to your own cause-driven baby registry. Satao’s Keeper is a retail company fighting to keep the worlds biggest creatures safe from poachers. With every purchase of a gorgeous cape, they donate 10% towards helping endangered elephants and rhinos. Satao’s Keeper is named for Satao, one of Kenya’s largest elephants. He was known as a tusker, due to his large tusks that almost touched the ground. Sadly, Satao was poached for his ivory in May 2014. Satao, protected his heard until the day his life was taken. Even though he is gone, Satao’s Keeper seeks to carry on and protect his legacy.

Satao’s Keeper is all about fashion with a cause, and we happen to think Capes are a must-have essential for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Capes are an essential closet staple for any mama, as they can cover a pregnant belly and keep her warm, transition you to postpartum life (hides all the bumps and lumps), and they make a fantastic breastfeeding cover!

All Capes are handmade in the USA by artisans from around the world. They would make a perfect gift for a new mom, or even your own mother or mother-in-law (as a nice thank you for letting you sleep!).

You can find Satao’s Keeper on their website and Instagram.

Gugu Guest Post: Wine Pairings for Children’s TV Shows

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

In honor of Giving Tuesday, Gugu Guru has teamed up with First Candle to raise awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), including spearheading research, education for parents, and bringing comfort to grieving families. First Candle is committed to the elimination of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and preventable Stillbirths through education and research while providing support for grieving families who have suffered a loss. First Candle is hosting a series of events this Giving Tuesday on pregnancy, parenting, and more – we are thrilled to be partnering with them for this event – check us out at 10AM EST discussing self-care and baby registries – as well as blog posts on our blog today, too!

This Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to learn more about First Candle and support their research and support for families in need. You can learn more about First Candle on their website – and donate to their cause as well.

Also check out our other Guest Post for Giving Tuesday: Baby Photos 101

Our resident urban mama, and sommelier, Megan is back today with a fun post: wine pairings for watching TV with your children! You can find Megan on her website and Instagram. Check out more posts from Megan: Must Have NYC Mom Essentials, Babywearing in an Urban Environment, and Must Haves for Breastfeeding On-the-Go!

My favorite part about Nick Jr is the blurb in the very beginning of the episode. I love that they tell me how this TV program is good for my kid. You know, “watching this episode will teach social skills, teamwork and problem solving.” It’s the little bit of cold comfort I need to not feel guilty for letting my kids watch TV so I can do normal human things like shower, cook dinner, write this article or maybe even vacuum the curtains. (okay, maybe I need better hobbies). As much as I love these “healthy” viewing options for my children, sometimes I end up joining them for all the drama and poorly developed character’s escapades. It’s important to share something with them they enjoy while simultaneously making sure these programs live up to their lofty billing. Now that I’ve solidified my rational for watching cartoons as an adult, I’d like to advocate you enhance your tolerance for the insipid with a glass of wine or two.

Below I’ve laid out a somewhat fanciful pairing guide for the shows I’ve come to not hate:

1. Peppa Pig – Sparkling Rosé: I think Sparkling Rose is the perfect choice here. It’s pink and prissy just like the impetuous title character. If I thought it wouldn’t scar my kids for life, I’d make a suckling pig for Christmas and call her Peppa. If it wasn’t for the cute British accent she’d be along the lines of Calliou. She’s whiney, she’s bossy, and she constantly fat shames Daddy Pig. Poor Daddy Pig, I swear he’s going to snap one day. Thanks to Peppa my kid hasn’t missed a muddy puddle in his short three years of life “but mummy I’m wearing my boots” go on then child. So drink some Rose while your kids watch Peppa be a brat and you look up baked ham recipes.

2. Calliou – Petite Sirah California: Petite Sirah is known for having some of the highest Alcohol by Volume and trust me you’re going to need it with this show. This kid is awful. I blame his parents. I’m not normally a mom shamer but seriously who names their kid that and doesn’t expect them to be a brat? I’ve watched this show once and banned it from our house. If this is your kids favorite show, I’m so sorry but I did find you a wine that’s known for being full bodied to help numb the pain and your ear lobes.

3. Paw Patrol – Pinot Grigio: Truth be told, I like Paw Patrol. A few more female pups wouldn’t hurt but the show isn’t terrible. Consider Mayor Goodway for a minute. She is a total hot mess. She must be a lush right? Do you know any sober person who keeps a “purse chicken”? If I had to guess, I’d say she chugs Pinot Grigio like water when the pups aren’t watching. Join her and laugh along with the absurdity that she must be doing something right to secure the funding for multiple doggie jetpacks and flying and floating vehicles galore.

4. Daniel Tiger – Chardonnay: Every time Daniel talks about his feelings take a sip of Chardonnay. I’m just kidding don’t do this, you’ll die; but Chardonnay of any kind is a great way to hide your emotions. Nothing too sweet the show is saccharin enough already. Do however drink enough so those damn catchy tunes won’t stick in your head for years to come. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to the bathroom in the last two years and I’ve sang “If you have to go potty, stop and go right away. Flush and Wash and be on your way.” Then there is my husband, when I ask him for any sort of help that I can do anyway he belts out “try to solve the problem yourself and you’ll feel proud.” Good advice for your children but poor communication in the marriage. Just sip enough so your brain won’t commit those catchy tunes to long term memory.

5. Mickey Mouse Club House –Lambrusco: I can’t be the only mom who wants a hot dog every time this show is on? How exactly did Mickey start singing about hot dogs in the first place? Pair your non-fancy dinner with this unique libation. A classic oddity of the wine world, this rich Italian red with bubbles exemplifies an absurdity perfectly matched by Goofy’s antics. Both are pleasant reminders of the joy derived from little quirks in life.

Gugu Guest Post: Baby Photos 101

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Our friend Alex Mooney of Pics and Paws Photography is here to break down how easy it is to photograph your little one. You can find Alex on Instagram and Facebook. Check out more posts from Alex: Photographing While Babywearing, and Tips for Photographing Your Kids

A baby changes everything. This is not a new concept; however, I’d argue that as soon as that baby arrives, your momtog (or dadtog) game is infinitely stepped up. Your subject goes from selfies and/or dog photos to capturing that sweet, adorable, perfect little bundle you just welcomed into the world. Heck, I’m reminded of this every.single.day. when I look at my pre-baby timehop from five years ago and there is maybe a single photo shared from that day of my dog…and not a good photo of him either.

So once your little lady or dude (or both, cause #multiples) arrives you want to step your photo snappin’ game up because you cannot wait to share that little one allllll over social media — or at least in that 10 person group text you’ve got going on with your fam. I’ve got a few baby photos 101 tips and tricks for you to capture the best snaps you can of your little one so he or she can be forever printed and hung on you walls — or at least part of your Instagram feed. And you don’t need a fancy camera to make this happen! I mean, if you’ve got one, USE IT, but if not, the camera on your phone works just as well.

First, LIGHTING. This can make or break your snap. Try and embrace natural light if at all possible…but if your babe is look extra adorable in a dimly-lit space: use that flash. Natural light is my best friend and I get seriously depressed on dark and gloomy days because I know my snaps will not be the same as they would be with the sun shining through my window. I also like to play with the shadows and try and arrange my babe (or myself!) in a place that minimizes the shadows on baby’s face/body.

Secondly, keep snapping! Digital photography is wonderful because you can quickly delete all of the not-so-great snaps. However, if you are going in for a pic and are trying to snap that perfect ONE, you may miss a lot of other great candid ones in that waiting. Take advantage of burst mode or a fast shutter on a DSLR and snap away. Some of my favorite pics are the accidental ones I snap-crazed snapped that I did realized I was actually capturing!

Thirdly, embrace babe’s lifestyle. I do very few ‘posed’ photos when I am snappin’ newborns…which are really limited to swaddling baby and putting her in a basket. Other than that, I want to capture baby in the here and now and what their little baby life consists of: yawns, stretches, snoozin’ in their crib, crying (cause #reallife), their hands and feet and other adorable little features, and all of that other baby goodness that goes by way too fast.

Fourthly, find an editing app that you like! Editing your photos can add a little something extra to your image you captured. You can crop it to your liking, brighten it up (back to my first point if you have less than optimal lighting), add a filter or effect to it (I’m a big fan of the film and matte looks), and even black and white it for a more moody effect. My go-to mobile editing apps are VSCO, PicTapGo, and Lightroom. Nearly every photo I share on social media is tweaked first in one of these apps and then shared in its newly-edited glory for the world to see.

Lastly, GET IN THE PICTURE. Hand your camera or phone off to dad (or your 4 year old) or set a timer and have them snap YOU with baby. I don’t care how tired or haggard you look — get in that frame. You’ll regret it one day, I promise. Make sure you capture some of YOU with baby in the picture too! That baby will grow up one day (faster than you’d like, by the way) and look back and want to see pictures of HIM WITH HIS MOM. So drop the loathing of self-portraits and get in the pic for your kiddo’s sake.

My biggest advice: snap, snap, and keep snappin’ that sweet little babe and ingrain those sweet little baby memories into your mind — and camera roll — forever.

Project4: Help 4Moms Bring the mamaRoo to Every NICU

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

It’s no surprise that babies and parents alike love the 4Moms mamaRoo; it is one of the most popular registry items on Gugu Guru’s database! But, did you also know that when you buy a mamaRoo4 from 4Moms, you can help a baby in the NICU? It’s true. Through Project 4, 4% of mamaRoo4 sales (from July – December) will be donated to Project Sweet Peas, a non-profit that helps NICU babies.

Over 350 maternity wards, NICUs, and pediatric units across the U.S. use the mamaRoo to comfort newborns. Doctors and nurses have found it transformational in caring for preemies and babies with severe conditions. As Debbie Deedy-Dazzi, from the NICU at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in Connecticut says, “The mamaRoo is invaluable to our tiniest of patients. The mamaRoo snuggles our preemies as if they were being held by their own mom or dad.”

For the last three years, Project Sweet Peas has worked closely with 4moms to provide the mamaRoo to hospitals and families in need across the country. Doctors and nurses have found the mamaRoo to be transformational in caring for preemies and babies with severe conditions. Through the program, 4Moms has been able to donate mamaRoos to families who may not be able to afford one, making the transition from hospital to home easier. As a mama to twins in the NICU stated, “Very few things comforted me and my NICU baby, except for the mamaRoo; it was his happy place. There should be mamaRoo in every room in every NICU around the world.”

How can you help? It’s simple. Go to the 4Moms website, and purchase your new 4Moms mamaRoo4 before December, 2017 – 4% of your purchase will go towards Project Sweet Peas and help a NICU family get a mamaRoo for themselves.

Some more on 4Moms:

Cause Driven

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