Strollers

Real Mom Review: Thule Spring

Some of our Village moms recently reviewed the Thule Spring, a fantastic everyday stroller, with a quick and easy one-hand fold for active parents and parents looking to downsize from a larger convertible stroller.

CeCe B. A.: Great news for tall parents! After a few weeks with our Thule, we are absolutely in love. The stroller itself is light, easy to maneuver, and quite intuitive to put together/ adjust— But the very best part are the strides that my husband (6’4”) and I (5’7”) can take while walking our daughter. Different from any other stroller we have tried, we have never once stepped on the undercarriage/basket or had to hold our arms at a weird angle to push. It’s the perfect take-anywhere stroller— Zoo, park, or even for pushing your tired child around the house 😉

Krysta H.: The Thule Spring is exactly the quality you would expect from the well-known outdoor brand. The out-of-the-box setup was easy, intuitive, and straightforward. The wheels handle all different terrains – road, sidewalk, woodchips, gravel, cobblestones, etc very well especially on large bumps where other strollers with 2 front wheels get caught up. The fold and unfold are simple and take seconds. It stores very flat compared to other strollers I have tried, however, the height is tall. We love the telescoping and cushioning on the handlebar. The canopy is HUGE which my son loves to keep the sun out of his eyes, and I love for the UV protection and the vented mesh section lets us keep eyes on him. My 2.5-year-old loves how easy it is to climb into all by himself, and I love the 60lb weight limit which is higher than most comparable strollers. The only negative is that my 5-year-old might outgrow the head height before the weight!

Ann L.:

Installation – The stroller came in a very sturdy box and was easy to open and remove the contents with only one adult. Minimal pieces and easy to understand instructions made putting the wheels on a breeze and it was fairly simple to figure out how to connect the canopy of the stroller.

Ease of use and size – The stroller is very versatile and can accommodate both my 7 month old baby and also my 4 year old toddler with no issues! I was at first admittedly intimidated by the five point harness but have grown quickly to love the design as it’s easy to get the baby out without twisting arms to get them out of loops like other strollers. Once familiar it’s really handy to get the bottom prongs in place and snap in the top two to secure. I was debating getting a double stroller now with two children but seeing as my toddler sometimes will want to walk this is great to have and works for both children, I am so happy with the single seat option. The stroller is light enough that I feel comfortable collapsing and storing it in the compact position by myself. Ideal for city living.

Suspension – stroller is easy to wheel around and the handle is great for taller and shorter adults to push. I found it easy to maneuver within my apartment halls, through doors, and also outside with a single hand, if needed. I also like the location of the safety break, red and easy to see. The stroller is pretty smooth and has minimal bumps on the city sidewalks.

Canopy and seat – This is one of the largest extending canopies I have seen in a stroller which is great! My previous stroller had s smaller canopy and didn’t always cover my child’s body and I was concerned about sun exposure. With the spring, I don’t worry about this and the peek a boo vent on top lets me see my child easily and create additional air circulation. The seat recline is one of the easiest to use just pinch and pull to adjust to a sitting or lie down position and various degrees which is nice because other strollers have preset angles which may not work for all situations.

Thank you to Thule for making this sponsored post possible.

Maxi-Cosi Tayla™ XP Travel System

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Every parent needs a helping hand from time to time and the Maxi-Cosi Tayla™ XP Travel System provides exactly that. This travel system is designed primarily with versatility, innovation, and safety in mind. The innovative design allows you to carry your baby around safely in any of its four modes of carrying: Standard, Handle, Crossbody, Tayla Stroller. The Coral™ XP car seat has a lightweight, removable inner carrier with a crossbody carry flexi-strap option. Alternatively, the carrier can be clipped into the Tayla Stroller, giving your arms the freedom to do all the other things we know come with parenthood and juggling a baby.

We love that the Coral™ XP car seat innovatively integrates car seat and carrier nesting system in a way that’s built to help parents move around seamlessly. The car seat base has built-in an anti-rotation stability leg, self-retracting LATCH connectors, integrated belt lock-off for easy and secure belt installation. We hear from so many parents how stressful that first install is, wanting to make sure baby is safe and sound. Maxi-Cosi makes it easy with indicators to provide visual confirmation of accurate installation so parents can rest assured that baby is as safe as can be.

A few other key design features of the entire Maxi-Cosi Tayla™ XP Travel System with the Coral™ XP Infant Car Seat:

unique 3-part modular nesting system with car seat base, car seat and removable inner-carrier
modular stroller with parent-facing and world-facing seating options
multiple recline and leg adjustment options for optimal comfort
360° MaxShade privacy shade covers the whole seat
all-wheel suspension for smooth transitions while on the move

In terms of safety, Maxi-Cosi has been setting and exceeding global safety standards for over 35 years, and the Maxi-Cosi Tayla™ XP Travel System is no different. It’s compliant with government safety standards and it features Pure Cosi materials, that make it free from additive fire-retardant chemicals. It’s obvious why parents have grown to know and trust this brand.

Maxi-Cosi Travel System with Coral™ XP Infant Car Seat and Tayla Stroller is no ordinary travel system. The versatility, innovation, and safety it brings are completely revolutionizing how we carry our children, literally.

Thank you to Maxi-Cosi for making this sponsored post possible.

All You Need To Know About The Thule Spring Stroller

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

One of the most critical decisions that every expecting parent has to make is selecting a baby stroller for their precious little one, and this decision can be tough. This is because a baby stroller is a product that you will use often for a remarkably long time. Therefore, it needs to be durable and well-equipped to serve you and your baby for years. Thule grasped this need of parents very seriously and, came up with a multi-functional stroller, Thule Spring. Read on for more about this exceptional baby stroller.

Why should you consider the Thule Spring stroller?

Thule Spring has several aspects that are very useful for parents. Whether you are going to be a new parent or you are an experienced one, you’ll love this stroller.

Ease of use: This stroller can easily fold with only one hand. The ergonomics will do the hard work. SImply put your hand on the lever below the seat pad and lift it like a lightweight suitcase. Plus, at only 21 pounds, you can easily climb those stairs in the park with the folded Thule Spring Stroller in one hand and baby in the other.

Simple to store: The dimensions after folding, are merely 12.6 x 17.7 x 30 inches, and it only covers a 23.4-inch wide area. That’s 30% smaller than a traditional 3-wheel stroller. It even possesses self-standing capability, so you can set it down and keep your hands free.

Urban strolling: The Thule Spring Stroller is designed for urban terrain. It has large, 8.5” foam filled tires, accompanied with a compact design and smooth handling which makes it perfect for routine use, plus, the freedom to go wherever you want. The stroller’s adjustable canopy comes with UPF 50+ UV protection, high-quality fabric that gives it a fashionable, sleek look.

What makes it a perfect baby stroller?

The Thule Spring can be used from birth with the Maxi-Cosi or Chicco car seat adapter accessory. There are several different color combos to choose from to fit any parent’s style. The stroller is well-ventilated, comfortable, and durable for long-lasting use. The stroller has a 5-point harness and a step-in footrest for independent toddlers. One of our favorite features is the spacious 11L basket for all parent and baby needs. There are also several accessories available, such as a cup holder, snack tray, and glider board to customize your stroller.

Thule has designed such an impressive baby stroller that no parent can ignore. This baby stroller is a classic example of manufacturers who put their heart and soul into designing their product. The result of such hard-work, concern about customer’s needs, and dedication, is a perfect product for parents, the Thule Spring Stoller.

Thank you to Thule for making this sponsored post possible.

BOB Gear® Alterrain™ Jogging Stroller: For Moms Needing a Solution in a Global Pandemic

by Christine Swearingen 1 Comment

One of our Gugu Guru team members, Katie, recently tested out the new BOB Gear® Alterrain™ jogging stroller. Check out her thoughts below! Hint: she LOVED it!

Before I was pregnant, I ran 2 miles every day. Getting back into shape mentally and physically was a big challenge for me. My family lived too far away to come to help out and my husband works long hours. Faced with a global pandemic, I needed something that could entertain my 19-month-old while giving me a “break”.

Thankfully, the new BOB Gear® Alterrain™ Jogging Stroller lets me take some time outside, but also has the most incredible features for the whole family. When I received this stroller, I instantly noticed the ease of the one-handed opening and closing component, which is key with a little one in the other arm. When we go outside for walks/runs, my daughter Isla has a place for her snacks and drinks with the new side pockets for storage. I never have to worry about pausing to take them in and out of a diaper bag each time she is hungry or thirsty.

Another key component that I love is the ease of use for both my husband and I. He is 6’3″ and I am 5’4″. The adjustable handlebar makes it so easy for both of us to push the stroller comfortably. Finally, the air-filled tires and BOB Gear’s newest SmoothShox™ exclusive suspension system make jogging or walking on bumpy sidewalks and off-road paths so much smoother for our little passenger.

BOB Gear® really thought of it all when it comes to this jogging stroller. Heading into the winter months, this jogging stroller is my #1 to keep both Isla & I feeling happy, healthy and ready for the new year.

Your Get Outdoors Guide from Summer™

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Feeling cooped up indoors? Getting out and about with your little ones is an opportunity for learning, bonding, and creating lifelong memories. But, let’s face it: It’s not always as easy or stress-free as we’d like it to be.

While plenty of families make believe perfect, effortless trips on social media, if we’re being real, orchestrating a family gathering is tough. Luckily, these gadgets are here to make things go just a tad bit smoother.

Gadgets for On-The-Go

Forget old-fashioned car seats. The Summer™ Myria Travel System is an all-in-one solution to your growing child’s travel needs. It starts with the Affirm 335 Rear-Facing Car Seat, which ensures the best in safety and peace of mind while you’re on the go. However, this travel system is built to come with you from car to store to anywhere you choose to travel.

With the carrier conversion mode, this car seat easily turns into a stroller or infant carriage so you can bring baby with you everywhere. Meanwhile, with the one-hand fold, you’ll never have to worry when your hands are full. As they grow older, the rear-facing car seat is also convertible into a toddler seat, with reversible seating options allow them to face you or outwards.

When you’re out and about, keep your baby safe from the sun and weather with the extra-large canopy, which features the perfectly sized peekaboo window so you can check on your little one without ever disturbing them. Meanwhile, the large storage basket, adjustable recline, parent cupholder, child cupholder, and snack tray for your little one all go to show that Summer has thought of it all, once again.

Tools for When You’re Out-and-About

Looking to setup a picnic, enjoy a game, or just spend some time at the park? The The Summer™ Pop ‘N Sit® Booster gives your little one a comfy seat while helping to keep them entertained while you make memories with your spouse, friends, and older children, too!

The Summer™ Pop ‘N Sit® Booster is designed for indoor and outdoor use, accommodating children from 6 months up to 4 years. It supports up to 37 pounds and with its fast, easy, and compact fold, you’ll be inclined to take it everywhere so that your little one is never left bored.

This activity floor and booster seat all-in-one will give your kid plenty to do while keeping ease of setup (and cleanup) in mind. The removable and machine washable fabric makes cleanup a breeze when playtime is over and the removable and dishwasher-safe tray ensures your child always has a hygienic surface to enjoy their snacks where they can’t make a mess.

Additional features, including a 3-point safety harness, chair straps, a storage pocket, and a carry bag, make the Summer™ Pop ‘N Sit® Booster the perfect gadget for when you’re out-and-about or entertaining at home.

Thank you to Summer™ for making this sponsored post possible!

The Scoop: The NEW Maxi-Cosi Coral XP

by Christine Swearingen 2 Comments

When we were preparing for our baby’s arrival, we tried to keep in mind what we did on a daily basis. We live in the city, but frequently visit family in the suburbs, and wanted baby gear that could work well in both locations. The Maxi-Cosi Coral XP has been a perfect fit for our lifestyle.

The four different carrying options allow me to keep my baby close to me no matter where I’m going. When I make quick stops to pick up take out, grab a few things at the market, or run errands, I only have to take the lightweight inner carrier of the Coral XP and carry my baby using either the handles or cross-body strap. I’ve found these to be way more comfortable than the traditional handle found on other infant car seats, too.

When we visit our family, we simply attach the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP to our stroller and take long walks. At home, we have to climb a few flights of stairs to get to our apartment, so being able to wear the lightweight carrier while having another hand free to bring up our bags or groceries is super helpful. I really appreciate the super soft PureCosi fabrics the Coral XP has since I prefer not to have added flame retardant chemicals on my baby gear. In general, the fabrics are easy to clean and retain their original color and softness even after a couple post-blow out washes. The canopy is a breathable material and provides ample sun protection.

The base is easy to install: the retractable LATCH connectors hooked right onto the anchors in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. I love how you can hear the LATCH tighten as you push the base down! We’ve installed the base using the seatbelt instead, and it was simple to do. The Coral XP’s belt path feature has been especially convenient for when we use a rideshare service to get around. The color-changing safety indicators around the base make me feel confident that it’s installed properly every time. There’s plenty of room between the passenger seat and the Coral XP and we’ll be able to comfortably fit another car seat when the time comes for baby #2. The load leg is an added safety feature that we’ve used from the start: we really wanted an infant car seat that offered this!

Overall, the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP has been the perfect choice for our family and has made our day-to-day life so much easier. We absolutely love it and will definitely recommend it to our family and friends!

Thank you to Maxi-Cosi for making this sponsored post possible.

Expecting Multiples? Our Top Must-Haves

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

I was extremely shocked when I heard that I was expecting my second set of twins. My identical boys were 2 and a half years old and while I knew they would be the best big brothers, I couldn’t believe I was going through this again! As Gugu Guru’s Director of Concierge, my mind immediately went to the products and gear that I would need for our second set (this time, boy/girl twins) who were going to be born in a completely different season than their older bros. Below is my latest list of must-have products for parents of multiples.

Newborn/4^th Trimester Must-Haves

Frida Mom Products: When I had my first set of twins, I had heard so much about this Nose Frida and how wonderful it was. Quickly, I converted to their whole lineup of items and was so excited when they launched their ‘Mom’ line. I am a HUGE fan of their Upside Down Peri bottle and their Disposable Underwear were extremely comfortable, especially after my C-Section.

Belli Skincare: When you have multiples, you don’t always have time for a long skincare routine. Generally, I need to slap on some lotion, rub on sunscreen and I’m out the door! I love Belli’s tinted sunscreen as well as their Stretchmark Minimizing Cream, which helped greatly as I grew.

Simple Clothing: This sounds so silly, but it’s also so practical. Find clothing that holds up to lots of washing, is a style you like, and is easy to put on. With double the diaper changes, zippers or magnetic closures are a must! Some of my favorite brands are Magnetic Me, Little Sleepies, and Monica + Andy.

Love to Dream Swaddles: These have continued to be a favorite for our family. They are so easy to put on and great for midnight diaper changes. They wash easily (important when you’re wearing them twice as fast) and allow your little one to have his or her hands up. Now that my little ones are 3 months old, we’re slowly transitioning to their Swaddle Up Transition Bags.

Twiniversity: Twiniversity strikes again! They continue to be my favorite resource to share with twin parents. The site is full of great blog posts written by twin parents on that multiple mentality! Also, their founder, Nat has written the best book for expectant twin parents – What to Do When You’re Having Two.

Feeding Must-Haves

Easy to Use Bottles: When you have double the mouths to feed, it is important that you have bottles that you can assemble and clean as quickly as possible. I actually use a couple different types of bottles with my little ones, depending on our situation. When my babies are battling reflux, there is no better bottle than Dr. Brown’s Options Plus. They have an excellent venting system, are easy to clean, and are easy to assemble. I have also loved using the food-grade silicone bottles by Olábaby. These have minimal parts, are lightweight, and are also extremely easy to clean. Plus, they have accessories to work with your pump or turn into a sippy cup down the road.

Baby Brezza: From day 1, my twins were receiving a mix of formula and breastmilk. Feeding two babies is not easy, regardless of what you choose to feed. Both the Formula Pro-Advanced and the Formula Mixer Pitcher allowed me to quickly prepare bottles. Nothing better than efficiency when you have to listen to two screaming babes! Side note – they just launched a new diaper bag, as well, which was great for our road trip this summer!

Feeding Accessories: With two babies to take care of, the number of bottles we go through per day is truly fascinating. I have found that surrounding myself with proper accessories makes the cleaning process significantly easier. The Dr. Brown’s Dishwashing Basket, Boon Lawn Drying Rack (with fun extras), and an easy to use pump (like the Motif Luna or Elvie) have dramatically improved our daily feeding experience.

On The Go and Playtime Must-Haves

An Excellent Stroller: My #1 must-have for any parents of multiples is a good stroller! I would even argue that 2 strollers can potentially be a game changer for twins. I love keeping our Joovy Twin Roo + in the car for easy in/out access with our car seats. This is great for running errands, attending doctor’s appointments, and dropping off my older set of twins (when COVID doesn’t keep us at home) at activities.

The Bugaboo Donkey3 has also become our beloved all-terrain stroller. My babies – who are nearly 4 months old – still fit comfortably in the bassinets and my older boys love riding on the glider board to “help push” the babies. I can easily get 3 of my 4 kiddos on this stroller with no worries about lack of storage. It has a huge basket, great wheels, and an easy to fold up frame. I love that I can convert it to a single stroller when I need one (which is rare in our house!) and the side luggage basket is amazing. Plus, the bassinet frame becomes the seat frame, which gives us one less item to store. I always love multifunctional items for twins!

Infant Car Seats: When I am helping expectant parents figure out what car seat makes the most sense for their needs, I often focus on 3 things – weight, safety features/install, and price. Nuna has done an excellent job with their Pipa line creating car seats that are lightweight, have added safety features and are extremely easy to install. Their new relx car seat base is a game changer, allowing you to recline the seat within the base and having an even easier install than the intial base. One great thing to note – all Pipa seats will fit in the relx base (and the new rx seat comes with it)!

A Great Diaper Bag with Lots of Storage: I have tried out loads of diaper bags with my kiddos. I do think certain diaper bags are best for certain situations. Unfortunately, many of the ‘twin’ diaper bags fell short in my opinion, as they are just too big. I strongly believe that I will fill any diaper bag I use, no matter how big or small. To me, a diaper bag must have enough pockets (but not so many that they take up valuable inner space), great open storage, and easy to access bottle spots. If it’s a backpack, that’s just a plus! Baby K’tan recently launched their diaper bags and I am a huge fan! They are easy to wipe down, easy to fill, and have inner storage that makes sense.

A great playmat for 2 babies: As a mom of two sets of twins, I try to keep some sort of control on the amount of stuff in our house. I am not a minimalist, but I try to maintain a level of simplicity. One way I do this is by focusing on items that can function for both babies instead of one at a time. The Lovevery play mat is a large playmat that will hold both babies for play, tummy time, and when I need to get tasks done around the house. It is extremely high-quality, easy to wash, and comes with excellent accessories that grow with your little one. I also love their Play Kits as well as Toys that provide all of my kiddos with age-appropriate developmentally based manipulatives.

Easy to Store Gear: Gear that is easy to store is essential with multiple babes. I love bouncers that fold flat, swings with small footprints and loungers that help with playtime. Check out some of my top choices by Baby Björn, 4moms, and Boppy.

An easy-to-use Carrier: I love wearing my babies. With 4 kiddos to take care of, it’s nice to have a hands-free way to hold one baby while tending to one of the others. Plus, it counts as tummy time anytime that little one is off of his/her back. I have tested out a number of carriers over the years and with my very short torso, I have a hard time finding a good fit. The Baby K’tan is great for the early days. I love the kangaroo carry and this helps keep my little ones snuggled close. The Boppy ComfyFit and ComfyChic carriers are super comfy and great from 8lbs on. They are easy to put on and are extremely adjustable and are great for wearing around the house or short walks around the neighborhood. I also love the Lascal m1 Carrier. Providing excellent ergonomic support for both parent and baby, this carrier is made of high-quality, breathable fabric and is great for all activities.

Nursery Must-Haves

Great Diaper Changing Products: I am a huge fan of all fragrance-free diapers. My littles all suffer from eczema so keeping parabens, fragrance, and dyes away is incredibly important to me. Some of my favorites are Eco Pea, Coterie, and Pampers Pure. Fragrance-free wipes are also so wonderful in those early days. Look for wipes that are 99% water initially. I love Water Wipes, Noleo, and Huggies Natural Care.

Crane Humidifier: My little ones always end up with a case of the sniffles right around 3 months. With a dry bedroom, I’m always looking for ways to moisten up the air. This will instantly help my little ones breathe and sleep, which means I get more shut-eye each night! Crane has the best line of cool mist humidifiers for your nursery and beyond! I keep one in each of my twins’ bedrooms every night!

Simple Swaddles: The Ollie Swaddle was great for us in the early days! This gave my little ones that tight swaddled feeling, ensuring longer stretches of safe sleep each night. I also love the swaddle blankets by Copper Pearl. They are buttery soft, stretchy, and a great size for long-term swaddling and beyond.

Great Crib Sheets: I am a HUGE fan of having loads of crib sheets for twinnies. There will inevitably be loads of messes in those cribs and the last thing you want to do is run out of clean sheets. I always have 4-5 sets for each baby on hand and my favorite sheets are by Carousel Designs. They have loads of organic options in fun patterns and you can even personalize your own bedding!

Bath/Teething Musts: My favorite hooded bath towels must be soft, cozy, and the right size for longterm use. I love the towels by Loulou Lollipop, which come as a set with a matching washcloth. They are adorable and so soft for that precious skin!

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that Gugu Guru receives a small commission should you purchase via any of the retail links.

Strollers for Babies: Rock + Stroll with the Mockingbird

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Every baby needs a safe set of wheels, and it’s always a bonus if it’s designed for a parent’s need-a-third-hand-lifestyle. The Mockingbird stroller provides this and so much more for avid stroller users who dream about a reliable, always-there-for-you option.

Since safety comes first, the Mockingbird stroller has exceeded the state and federal requirements, and internally, underwent one of the most rigorous testing programs in the industry.

Then, of course, there are those unpredictable parenting moments. We all know that walks do not always go as planned. The unexpected is so innovatively addressed with the one-hand functions: There is a one-hand fold, one-hand child bar pivot, and a one-hand safety harness release. If you’re carrying babe in one arm, this convenient feature is seriously a game-changer.

For next-level coverage during those unpredictable moments, the premium, durable materials simplify the unknown (think milk spills, random downpours). The canopy is water, stain and weather resistant, while the easy-to-clean nylon seat welcomes messes.

And NOW Mockingbird has launched its double stroller. This brand new model stroller launched during quarantine and has already sold out SIX times! The single-to-double stroller is priced at $395 and comes with one seat. A second seat kit is sold separately for $120. If you purchase them together, they are bundled at $495, making it a full double stroller for under $500! Here are all the awesome features:

17 various configurations (works with car seats and the Mockingbird bassinet)
Customizable Designs
UPF 50+ all-weather canopy includes a see-through peekaboo window and an attachable full coverage sunshade
Go-anywhere wheels mirror the smooth ride of air tires, minus the potential to pop or go flat
A generously sized basket holds all the essentials up to 25 lbs
And, of course, a Lifetime Warranty

Since cost is usually a factor when developing a plan for our endless supply of all things kid related, the value the Mockingbird brings is substantial. Its direct-to-consumer model cuts out the markup in the middle—saving customers at least 40%. Also, due to this model, Mockingbird is able to offer an at-home trial period of 30 days, and they provide free shipping both ways. We love thoughtful customer service strategies and totally appreciate that.

Lastly, since we travel like we’re off to another country every time we leave the house, the eye-popping amount of storage space can house your on-the-go essentials including (but not limited to, of course) diaper bag, extra clothes, umbrella…you know the drill.

As you can see, the Mockingbird stroller keeps convenience for the parent, and safety and comfort for the babe at the forefront of its thoughtful design. We love it—and would love to know your thoughts. Take it out for a spin and let us know what you think in the comments below! You can learn a little more about Mockingbird here, too.

Thank you to Mockingbird for making this sponsored post possible – we are so appreciative!

Real Mom Review: Zoe XLC Single Stroller

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Our Real Mom Reviewer, Shawna, is crazy about the Zoe XLC Single Stroller! Shawna tried the Babyzen Yoyo and the Mountain Buggy Nano V2, but feels the Zoe is superior to the competition. Read her thoughts and details about the Zoe XLC below.

Shawna W.: “Not only is the Zoe sleek looking but it is the easiest umbrella stroller to use by far. With one simple movement, you can open and close it. It also folds up to be extremely compact with a strap that allows for easy carrying. I have tried two other popular brands and the Zoe has exceeded both in appearance and practicality. For a mom on the go, I would highly recommend this product!”

What you need to know about the Zoe Stroller:

The Zoe Stroller is great for travel and everyday use.
It only weighs 11 pounds, accommodates a child up to 50 pounds and features an amazing canopy.
When folded, the stroller fits in a small trunk or overhead compartment of an airplane.

Click here to add the Zoe XLC Stroller to your registry.

Claire Holt’s Motherhood Must-Haves

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

We are so excited to have teamed up with Claire Holt again to highlight her favorite products now that her little guy has turned one! In the blink of an eye, her cutie has gone from infancy to rolling over, then eating and is now on the move! Here are some of Claire’s top must-haves that have helped her throughout her first year and beyond as a new mom! Plus, we love Claire’s social media posts about motherhood, especially as she gets ready to welcome baby #2– be sure to follow her on Instagram!

Fourth Trimester Must-Haves

Baby K’tan: I really loved using this wrap when James was a newborn. He instantly calmed when I wore him and it allowed me to actually get things done! It was so easy to put on (which was very important to me as I struggled with some of the other ‘rubix cube’ wraps), and I was able to pop it in the washing machine to keep it clean. Highly recommend!

Magnetic Me Onesies: These are a MUST!!! We tried many different types of onesies and these are the clear winners. They are so easy to snap, which is crucial for middle of the night changing and bath time fussiness. I love love love love this brand.

aden + anais Swaddles/Blankets: SO beautiful, soft, and very high quality. We really love these and they make great gifts!

Diaper Dékor Plus: The best part about this pail is how easy it is to empty. You simply cut the continuous liner on the side of the pail, tie a knot, and you’re good to go. It’s handsfree and really effective at trapping odors.

Travel Must-Haves

Doona Car Seat/Stroller: This is my absolute favorite baby product. We traveled with James from a very young age and this car seat/stroller made our lives so much easier. It’s lightweight, durable, very comfortable, and switches easily between the two modes. My only wish is that it came in a bigger size, as James grew out of it by 6 months. This is a MUST HAVE if you plan on traveling or just want to save a little space in your home!

Hatch Baby Sound Machine: Awesome product for home or on-the-go. It has such a wide variety of sound options and also works as a night light. We travel with it everywhere – it really helps to keep him in a deep sleep

4moms Breeze Playard: Really great for travel – so easy to set up and pack away. The mattress is super comfortable. We use this for sleep and for playtime.

Skip Hop Pronto Portable Changer: Really great for those times when you don’t want to lug around a large diaper bag. I found it very useful when I had to change him in places with limited space (like a plane bathroom!).

Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier– I really love this carrier! It’s so easy to use and James loves facing both inward and outward. It was invaluable on my recent trip to Australia – I walked up and down the plane aisle wearing him for many hours. It saved my back and my sanity. While I love the Baby K’tan for newborns, this worked better for me once James got a little bigger.

On-The-Go Must-Haves

Nuna Pipa: We brought James home from this hospital in this car seat and I used this when we weren’t traveling until he was around 6 months old. The Nuna Pipa is a great design and James always seemed very comfortable in it. Safety is obviously the main priority and I always felt confident that he was safe and secure.

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible Car Seat– Obsessed with this seat. Now that James is bigger he is much more comfortable in this style. It’s beautifully made, very secure, and easy to clean. Huge fan.

Artipoppe Carrier: Another of my favorite carriers. This carrier is SO gorgeous. The quality is incredible, the patterns are really unique, and when I’m wearing it, strangers always ask about it!

Silver Cross Jet: LOVE this travel stroller. It’s so simple to fold, becomes incredibly compact, and most importantly is super comfortable. It also looks really stylish. James even prefers this stroller over the larger version. So glad silver cross released this model!

Sleep Must-Haves

Colgate Natural I Crib Mattress: Love that this mattress is eco-friendly and all natural. It’s hypoallergenic, very safe, and very comfortable.

Magic Merlin Sleepsuit: This suit was really helpful when we transitioned James from the swaddle. He slept really well and most importantly was safe in his crib. We didn’t use it for long but it was a very valuable tool when we needed it.

Crane Humidifer: We use this in the winter months. I like that it dispenses a cool mist making it safe for infants. The design is stylish and it’s easy to use.

Breathable Crib Liners: This liner stops James from getting his arms and legs caught in the crib bars. Love that it doesn’t restrict airflow and is a safer alternative to crib bumpers.

Playtime Must-Haves

4moms mamaRoo4: An excellent infant seat option starting right at the newborn stage. This seat has multiple movement patterns and is a great way to keep baby calm during playtime!

Monti Kids: I am a huge fan of Montessori and love that this is an age-appropriate subscription service. The wooden toys are beautifully made and specifically designed for development. The subscription provides parents/caregivers with access to the Monti Kids Learning Centre, which gives instructions and shares research. I did have an issue with the Level 1 mobile. I couldn’t collapse it and took up a large amount of space. Upon checking their website, it seems that they’ve addressed this and the new mobile is adjustable! All of the other toys are really great.

Toki Play Mat: Really great for newborns, it’s made of very soft organic material and has a machine washable cover. It’s portable and comes in lots of great prints.

People Toy Company- Mochi blocks: James is obsessed with these toys! I love that they’re free of harmful chemicals and made from rice – makes me feel better when they spend most of the time in his mouth!

DockATot: The DockATot does an amazing job at keeping the baby cozy. Great for supervised lounging and playtime. Plus it is super portable.

Feeding Must-Haves

Comotomo Bottles: These bottles are the best! We tried glass at first, but they were heavy and I was always worried about dropping them. I love that the Comotomo is made of food-grade silicone, easy to clean, and the nipple mound is quite large, which resembles a breast. By far James’ favorite type of bottle.

Boon Lawn Drying Rack: Large, easy to clean, and keeps the bottles in place as they dry. It seems very simple but I tried a number of different racks and this was the best.

Inglesina Fast Table chair: This is so great for travel! He does much better in this than a traditional restaurant high chair. Easy to clean and very comfortable.

Wabi Baby UV Sterilizer: Another of my must-have items. Great design, highly effective, and easy to use. Sterilizes and dries toys and bottles very quickly. We love it so much that despite the size, we packed it in the back of the car and brought it on vacation with us. (Side note – the Wabi Baby UV Sterilizer is currently

Beaba Babycook: We make our own organic food for James when we can (it’s a little more difficult when traveling), and this product makes it very easy. It steams AND purees the food, which means less equipment and fewer dishes! We have transitioned to more textures so don’t use the puree function as much anymore, but we still use it to steam fruits/veggies.

Clothing Must-Haves

Saint Haven Clothing: I am in love with these clothes. They are so soft yet incredibly durable. James lives in the one-pieces.

Little Crowns NYC Hats: The most adorable little hats. Super stylish and adjustable as they grow. Most importantly, he never tries to rip them off!

Thank you SO much to Claire for all of her insight and photos of her little guy and his favorite items.

« Previous Page

Strollers

Why should you consider the Thule Spring stroller?

What makes it a perfect baby stroller?

Gadgets for On-The-Go

Tools for When You’re Out-and-About

Footer

Follow Us:

COME AND GET IT!