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Health & Wellness

Bathtime: Top Tips and Christmas Gift Ideas!

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Here at Gugu Guru we are all about celebrating all types of families, so when we came across the blog Coraline and Us, we knew we wanted to have Liz, the mama behind the blog, come and share her story. Liz started her blog upon the birth of her adorable little Coraline, when it was “discovered unexpectedly within hours, that she has Down’s Syndrome and two holes in the heart.  We did not know anything about Down’s Syndrome when she was born. This blog is about our journey of growth.” Read on for more about Coraline and Liz’s bathtime tips and gift ideas!
You can find Liz on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Here’s a roundup of our bathtime favorites. Coraline used to hate the bath; she would try to climb out repeatedly as soon as she got in. You can read more about how that began to shift when she was about two and a half, with a couple of surprising discoveries in the post Bathtime.

Now, age three, she is happy to sit in the bath and play with all her toys in it. I’ll say what a mum said to me (who has an older child with Down’s syndrome): “this too shall pass”. That’s a phrase that’s come up for us a bit recently. Suddenly, things just begin to settle and click. The bath aversion doesn’t last forever. Be patient. And, as my husband Kevin said, “what are we going to do; not give her a bath?” For us, it was just a case of repetition and patience, and “this too shall pass”.

Here are our favorite bathtime things: 

1. We love the Cuddledry Handsfree Bath Towel. Friends gave us this when Coraline was born and it stands out as something we love. It’s the fact it ties around your neck with a popper so it’s easy to bring Coraline to the bath in it, to have it on whilst she’s in the bath, lift her out into it and lay her down onto it, really smoothly! That was especially great when Coraline wasn’t so fond of the bath. It’s little things like this that make a real difference. Plus it’s lovely, soft and big and, in the words of Marie Kondo, it “sparks joy”. 

2. A friend in our Antenatal group recommended this Angelcare Soft-Touch Bath Support Chair to us, and we used it until Coraline was about 18 months old, when we moved to a non-slip bath mat. It’s so light and easy to put in and out of the bath, as the water drains through. The “grippy” material also meant Coraline was safely seated when she was in it and its angle was good for washing her hair, and for her to look at us. For us, it was important to have something supportive when Coraline was sitting in the bath due to her hypotonia (low muscle tone) which is a characteristic of Down’s syndrome. She can also splash freely with her legs when she’s in it which she began to do as she got older.

3. Coraline’s therapists say the bath is a great place for learning and having fun! A friend gave Coraline these bathtime funny mix sponge animals, as her nephew had loved the fun of matching the bodies and heads. Coraline learns visually and through repetition. We see these animals on the side of the bath each bathtime and say their name and make their sound. She loves them. We just have to make sure she doesn’t chew them!

4. We have ordered Coraline the bath foam letters and numbers for Christmas 2020, to add to her bath toys, as recommended by the same mum I mentioned above! They will work well as we are working on letter sounds at the moment e.g. “p” and “b” and we are also working at familiarising her with the numbers 1-6. 

5. Basketball hoop also recommended by the same mum I previously mentioned. I ordered for Christmas. It will be great for gross motor skills and also Coraline can recognize the word “ball” so it will give more practice and repetition of that sound. And, most importantly, be fun!

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

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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. 

Bathroom Essentials Guide from Summer™

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When it comes to potty-training your little one, just about every parent could use some extra help in encouraging their children in making the transition. Luckily, these gadgets know just how to do it, helping to make potty training that much easier on both you and your child.

Lights & Songs to Reward The “Go”

One of the biggest hurdles parents face when potty training is finding the right size toilet to comfortably teach their children. Summer helps make it easy with the My Size® Potty Lights and Songs Transitions. Easing the transition from diapers to a normal toilet, this potty training toiler sits on top of your adult-sized toilet, providing your children with the ideal fit for their size.

This removable potty topper is easily placed and removed so as not to impede the other adults in your house, while ultimately helping your child make the transition from the potty topper to using the normal toilet. It also features a built-in wipe compartment to encourage good hygiene. Meanwhile, the splash guard and removable bowl ensure your bathroom stays tidy.

On top of all that, every time your child flushes, this potty topper cycles through six melodies, with lights flashing to the music’s beat to reward them for a successful “go.” The realistic and fun design is sleek, with cheerful music to make potty training fun. Meanwhile, the interactive handle makes a flush sound just like the real thing, getting your child into healthy habits.

Potty Training Tools for Boys

Teaching your boy how to use a urinal properly? This potty training gadget from Summer will make it that much easier. The Summer® My Size® Urinal is a realistic, child-sized urinal that offers flushing sounds and a target aim so that your little one can easily practice without making a mess.

This modern urinal is very realistic-looking and has a flush handle with a realistic flush sound to encourage healthy habits. Just attach this toddler-sized urinal to your bathroom’s tile wall using the included adhesive strips. The urinal can then be easily removed for emptying and cleaning and placed back when you’re ready. When you’re done potty training, the adhesive strips come off, too.

This gadget is the perfect solution for teaching your little one to use the bathroom standing up, all while providing for a realistic, yet toddler-sized experience. The target, for instance, teaches them how to aim for a mess-free bathroom break, while the easy clean design ensures you’ll never have a hard time cleaning up any accidents that do happen.

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

ChildLife Essentials: Only the Best Supplements

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It is not always easy for parents to get their babies and toddlers to eat properly. As they discover foods they enjoy, they also avoid trying certain foods, and this includes foods with the vitamins and minerals they need. Luckily, parents can help their children get their daily nutrients with ChildLife Essentials vitamin supplements.

Provides Babies and Toddlers With Nutrients

The ChildLife Essentials supplements provide babies and toddlers with the nutrients they need but are not getting because of picky eating. For example, the ChildLife Essentials Organic Vitamin D3 drops contain vitamin D for a healthy immune system and healthy bones. The Organic Vitamin K2 drops contain vitamin K2 which helps to boost bone mass and development.

Healthy Choice For Babies and Toddlers

ChildLife Essentials supplements contain the nutrients babies and toddlers need. But, it is understandable for parents to want to ensure their children’s supplements do not contain unwanted ingredients. Luckily, ChildLife Essentials supplements only use the best ingredients and do not contain any artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, plus they are non-GMO, gluten-free products.

Makes Life Easier For Parents

ChildLife Essentials vitamins are easy for parents to administer because there is no struggling with children to take them. All parents have to do is use the dropper to mix the supplements into their favorite juice, or they can allow their children to take the drops directly. The vitamins also come in a natural berry flavor that will appeal to children.

Parenting is hard enough without worrying if children who avoid certain foods are getting the nutrients they need. With the source of nutrients, appealing flavor, and convenient dropper, these supplements can make parenting a little easier, especially when balancing parenting with errands, appointments, and working.

With ChildLife Essentials supplements, parents can rest assured that their children are getting the nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong.

Use code WORKINGMOTHER2020 for 10% off ChildLife Essentials. Order only on
https://www.iherb.com/c/childlife – Expires 12/31/2020, for US & Canada residents only.

Thank you to ChildLife Essentials for making this sponsored post possible.

Crane’s 4-in-1 Humidifier Gives The Gift of Comfort and Health

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It is no secret that babies need rest to stay healthy and grow strong, especially when the cold, flu and allergies come into play. Rest is also important for parents, as they need to be at their best to care for their little one. This is why many are turning to the Crane 4-in-1 Top Fill Drop Cool Mist Humidifier with Sound Machine for gift-giving occasions, as it can lead to the following benefits.

Easier On Parents

There are several features of the new Crane 4-in-1 Humidifier that can make life easier for parents. The top-fill feature makes it easier to fill and clean the humidifier, especially when parents need to prepare it quickly for their baby’s room, while the aroma tray keeps the vapor pads in one convenient spot. With a color-changing nightlight and sound machine, parents can take comfort in knowing their baby is getting a night of restful sleep.

Comfortable For Baby

This product was also designed with babies’ health and comfort in mind. Cold and flu season, as well as allergies, can be a stressful time, but the Crane 4-in-1 Humidifier and Sound Machine can relieve their symptoms and help them to breathe better. In addition, the color-changing nightlight and three-mode sound machine create a peaceful environment for babies, allowing them to sleep throughout the night.

Great Gift Idea

With baby showers and holidays, many families want to find the perfect gift for the occasion. A product that is beneficial to parents and their baby is always a great gift idea. As babies sleep peacefully throughout the night or during naptime, parents are also able to get the rest they need.

With the holidays just around the corner, many families are going to find that the Crane 4-in-1 Top Fill Drop Cool Mist Humidifier with Sound Machine is a great choice for parents and their little ones.

Thank you to Crane for making this sponsored post possible!

Creating a Strong Immune System in Infants and Toddlers

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Today’s guest post is from ChildLife Essentials; founded by a father and doctor, ChildLife Essentials wants to ensure all kids get optimal nutrition. Check out this post by Dr. Nicole Avena on creating a strong immune system in infants and toddlers. 

All humans are born with an immune system that is able to protect the individual to some degree without previous exposure to external pathogens. This is called innate immunity. However, a major part of the immune system develops after exposure to foreign bodies and particles out in the world. Particularly during childhood does an individual develop and strengthen their immune system. This early period of development is crucial as it can impact an individual’s immune system and even brain functioning into adulthood.

With that in mind, what are some ways parents can help boost their child’s immune system?

Vitamin C

This vitamin, also known as ascorbic acid, is thought to play a role in how well white blood cells can fight off infections that enter the body. White blood cells take up and use relatively large amounts of vitamin C when defending the body against pathogens, so it is important to make a consistent supply of vitamin C readily available for the cells. Supplying the body with vitamin C through food choices and supplementation is especially important because the human body is not able to make this crucial nutrient on its own.

Here are some ways to add vitamin C to your diet:

  • Eat citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits
  • Other fruits like kiwi and strawberries are also good sources
  • Eat vegetables like broccoli, red pepper, and brussels sprouts
  • You can also take a supplement, but it’s better to obtain vitamins directly from food

Vitamin E

This is another vitamin that aids cells so they can defend the body better. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage caused by free-radicals. It also helps in the production of white blood cells in order to more effectively protect against pathogens. Interestingly enough, according to the Annals New York Academy of Sciences, vitamin E is one of the few vitamins that actually increases immune efficiency when taken in doses higher than the daily recommended amount. Of course, this ability has far more sufficient evidence in animals than human subjects, but still speaks to the powerful properties of this vitamin.

Some dietary forms of vitamin E are:

  • Wheat germ oil
  • Almonds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Peanut butter

Zinc

Zinc is a vital trace mineral that the body needs to function properly. The importance of zinc to the human body was actually only recognized about 40 years ago, but the role it plays is crucial. Zinc helps to regulate cells associated with the immune system so that they are in balance and can do their job. Zinc is also an antioxidant and helps to fight against oxidative damage to cells. Zinc is especially important for children as it aids in normal growth including the development of the immune system.

Some foods that contain zinc:

  • Red meat and seafood
  • Beans and whole grains
  • Fortified cereals (this is a good option for children that are picky eaters or who do not eat meat)

As you can see, getting the proper nutrients to boost your child’s immune system comes from eating a diverse range of whole foods. As usual, you can never go wrong with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains! Nicole Avena, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Visiting Professor of Health Psychology at Princeton University. She is the author of several books, including What to Feed Your Baby and Toddler, and What to Eat When You’re Pregnant.  The post was adapted from What to Feed Your Baby and Toddler.

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How Can You Establish Healthy Food Preferences Early In Your Baby’s Life?

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Today’s guest post is from ChildLife Essentials; founded by a father and doctor, ChildLife Essentials wants to ensure all kids get optimal nutrition. Check out this post by Dr. Nicole Avena on establishing healthy food preferences early in your baby’s life.

Feeding a baby for the first time is fun and exciting, for all parties involved. Who doesn’t love to see the video of a baby’s face after trying a new food for the first time? However, amid all the excitement, parents often make one of the biggest mistakes they can when it comes to establishing healthy food preferences in a baby’s diet and probably don’t even realize it: they are trying too many different foods too quickly.

Research has shown that regardless of whether infants are breastfed, formula fed, or both, once they transition to solid foods, acceptance of fruits and vegetables increases most when the baby is repeatedly exposed to each one. Most feeding guidelines don’t follow this advice, though. Typically, they suggest trying rice or barley for a few days and then adding a fruit or veggie. Usually, 2 to 3 days of exposure is given before a new food is suggested to be introduced. While 2 to 3 days may be sufficient to alert you to the presence of an allergic reaction, studies show you need more time to establish liking of a food. How much more time? Between 8 and 10 days. That might sound like a lifetime to you (and your baby), but that will give you the best chance of creating a strong preference for these foods (especially vegetables).

Remember, when you feed a baby, she needs to actually taste the food in order to create an experience with it. Often, this feeding is messy, as baby spits it out or fusses at new tastes. Studies show that the more days a baby is exposed to a food, the more likely her facial expressions are to change to suggest she likes it, and the more likely moms are to report that they think the baby likes it.

Young children live in a taste world that’s very different from the adult one. Our brains have been biologically programmed such that early in life our sensory systems detect and prefer calorie-and mineral- rich foods that taste sweet or salty, while rejecting the potentially toxic ones that taste bitter (like cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli). This is because in nature, sweet and salty foods tend to be safe to consume, while bitterness is often a sign that the food has gone bad (think about a fermented piece of fruit that may have fallen from a tree). So there is a biological basis to why kids like candy and don’t like most veggies! Babies naturally prefer sweeter things more than adults do.

But we can capitalize on this. Clinical research has shown that school-aged children like vegetables better if they are sweetened. So even though children have been biologically programmed to be leery of bitter foods, their preference for sweet and salt at a young age can actually trump the dislike of bitter tastes. Similar research conducted in babies showed that repeated exposure to green beans and/or peaches increased intake (as I said earlier, 8 to 10 days of exposure is best), but only the babies who ate the peaches right after green beans appeared to like the taste of the green beans more after the 8 days of exposure. It may be that the sweet taste of peaches masked some of the bitterness of the green beans, increasing their palatability and making it easier for the baby to like.

 

Infant/Parent Care Finalist List: JPMA 2020

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We have the Infant/Parent Care finalist list for JPMA Innovation Awards. These unique products will surely make parents’, and baby’s, lives easier from the start.

 

WINNER! Safety 1st Stay Clean Humidifier: The Safety 1st Stay Clean Humidifier is the only bacteria-killing and mold-preventing humidifier with LED technology in the market. The patented LED technology (powered by Vital Vio) kills +99.99% of bacteria and prevents mold growth*. Combined with a unique design this gives you a humidifier that stays clean and sterilized, and is easier than ever to clean when you want to. Unlike UV light technology, which is harmful to skin and eyes (if exposed), our patented LED technology is suitable for continuous use around people, pets and even plants. With a filter free design, 24 hours of cool mist and auto shut-off – this is the humidifier you’ve been looking for! (*99.99% of MRSA and E Coli bacterial concentrations killed within 24 hours and growth of mold (Aspergillus) prevented (in laboratory controlled studies with prolonged use)). Keep an eye on the Safety 1st website for the launch!

Infant/Parent Care Finalist: Snuggle Me Organic Snuggle Me Feeding + Support Pillow The Snuggle Me Organic Snuggle Me Feeding + Support Pillow will aid you in nursing, bottle feeding, sitting up support, tummy time, a toddler pillow and more. Narrow ends easily tuck behind your back to stabilize and create a less bulky nursing aid. Minimal, sophisticated design looks good in every home. Shop now>>

 

Infant/Parent Care Finalist: NurseMeMama Visy Bra NurseMeMama set out to create a bra that was not only comfortable but would also help with latch! Newborn babies see only in black and white. High contrast images are very stimulating and exciting for babies to look at. Latching a newborn onto your breast can be difficult and exhausting. Every Visy Bra is made with this in mind, comfort and function first. They come in a set of two, one in black and one in white. There are no clips and no wire. Shop now>>

Infant/Parent Care Finalist: Two Baby Bears and Co. Swaddle Sleeves Swaddle Sleeves: the gently weighted, arms-only swaddle transition solution that is designed to soothe baby’s startle reflex and reduce the risk of overheating. Swaddle Sleeves can be worn with only a onesie, an (arms-out) swaddle, sleep sack, or PJs that baby will graduate to for a seamless transition. Perfect swaddle alternative for babies who don’t like being traditionally swaddled but still have a strong Moro reflex. With a non-slip, chevron-patterned, nontoxic silicone backing, Swaddle Sleeves meets CPSIA safety standards and current market appeal. The gentle weight in our Hug Cushioning Factor helps to soothe the Moro/startle reflex and safely provides that snug, cozy resistance that babies desire while still leaving their arms and body free for developmentally appropriate movement. Shop now>>

Infant/Parent Care Finalist: Love To Dream™ Rainbow Swaddle UP™ A Rainbow Baby is a baby born following a miscarriage, stillbirth or tragic loss of an infant. In honor of all Rainbow Babies, Love To Dream™ will introduce this spring the popular Swaddle UP in an exclusive Rainbow print. The Rainbow swaddle was developed to help families celebrate their new arrival while remembering and honoring the baby they have lost. Regal Lager, as well as the Love To Dream™ brand, are strong supporters of the First Candle organization. For every Rainbow Swaddle UP sold, when available, Regal Lager will donate $5 to First Candle – guaranteeing a donation of a minimum of $30,000. Estimated arrival to US and Canada markets is late May/early June. Watch the Love to Dream website for the launch!

[QUIZ] What 2021 Jogging Stroller are You?

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The Ultimate Target Baby Registry

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Today we are bringing you the ultimate Target baby registry. We searched Target for our favorite baby products and collected them for you. The best part of the Target baby registry is the fabulous welcome kit full of goodies for mom and baby that you can pick up at Target Guest Services when you create a registry in-store or online. Target also has an awesome 15% completion discount on everything left on your registry (the only kicker is it’s only good until eight weeks before baby’s expected arrival).

Let’s start with the nursery. Likely a room you will be spending a lot of time in as baby grows, it’s important to make sure this is a functional, comfortable place.

Next up is feeding. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or a combination of the 3, Target has what you need.

We love to keep it simple for Health & Wellness: a bath tub, bathing essentials, a grooming kit, and simple diaper needs.

Baby Gear is a category that is worth the splurge! These items will help you manage the chaos of life with a newborn, making life simpler and easier.

Clothing is the most fun baby product category and one of our favorites! Target is full of amazing options to fit every stage of babyhood.

So many options for baby Play, it can be hard to narrow it down. We picked some of our favorites, but Target has many more great baby toys.

We can’t forget about the Parents! Target has your needs covered too!

In the baby world, there are many “nice to have” items that aren’t a necessity but can make your life easier. These are some of our favs.

Did we miss anything? What are your favorite registry items from Target? Let us know!

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