Health & Wellness

Whole30 Tips and Tricks for Moms

Gugu Guru’s editor in chief is a big fan of January Whole30’s to reset for the year; when she came across the Happy Family Organic Superfoods Cookbook for Baby and Toddler, and saw that some of the recipes were Whole30 compliant, she knew she wanted to share the book and some Whole30 tips with all of you! Read on for a description of the Whole30, as well as tips for completing a Whole30 with a baby and toddler in tow.

Doesn’t every January feel like a total mental reset? Along with organizing my bank statements and computer files, I also gravitate towards doing a Whole30 program. What is this Whole30 that seems to be popping up everywhere now? Essentially, the Whole30 is a total reset of your awareness of food; by eliminating sugar, grains, alcohol, legumes, and dairy, you can give your body a chance to reset the system and see how these foods affect you mentally and physically. Initially, I started eating paleo and doing Whole30s back before I had kids, as I found that sticking to a paleo diet helped cure my lifelong cystic acne! However, I’ve stuck with it because I’m a huge fan, and I love that I can involve my kids in eating healthy too.

When I received the Happy Family cookbook, I was in awe – it is gorgeous! My three year old even came and read it with me; the colors are bold and bright, and I love that the recipes are kid-friendly, but also super sophisticated. A bunch of their recipes are paleo, and even Whole30 compliant, but two of them stuck out to me as sounding amazing. The Coconut Milk Chicken with Broccoli and Snow Peas (just sub out the vegetable oil for coconut oil!) on page 70, introduces children to a new palette with mint and basil, as well as providing healthy fats and veggies. I couldn’t stop salivating over the recipe on page 77 for Orange-y Beef and Carrot Burgers (again, sub in another oil for the vegetable oil to make it Whole30 compliant). I love that these burgers have so many veggies and fruits high in vitamin C – perfect for a wintertime dinner! These meals, while created for children, would be wonderful for anyone, even at your most chic dinner party! Colorful, healthy, and completely full of flavor.

Doing a Whole30 with kids at home isn’t always easy; there’s lots of cooking and cleaning up, meal planning, and thinking about food. By resetting your system and not eating sugar, often times, you’ll find yourself sleeping better at night…that is, unless you’re a mother whose two kids wake up every hour (sleep, what was that again?) Luckily, you can still have your coffee in the morning; though dairy isn’t allowed on the Whole30, we have a wonderful solution: Nutpods! I have to say, when a friend told me about these genius little pods, it was a total life changer. Did you know a lot of coffee creamers have added ingredients which aren’t good for you? Nutpods are made from purified water, coconut cream, almonds, and natural flavors. They are totally Whole30 approved and delicious! They come in original, hazelnut, and french vanilla (I even cook with the original sometimes!). They surely perk up my coffee after a long night of not sleeping. It absolutely makes the Whole30 easier to have these on hand (we suggest adding them to your baby registry, as they’re great even when you’re not on the Whole30).

There are many amazing resources for staying strong during a Whole30 – especially for pregnant and breastfeeding moms! Healthy Mama happy baby is a Whole30 website dedicated to all of the women currently on the Whole30 whom are breastfeeding, pregnant or post-partum. Anyone else doing a Whole30 this month (or have you done one?) leave a comment and let us know!

All photos by Molly Leon Studios

Babywearing Exercises While Wrapping Holiday Gifts!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Adorable mama Morgan Suarez is back for another fun babywearing workout post. Today’s workout? Babywearing exercises you can do while wrapping holiday gifts!

You can follow Morgan on her blog or Instagram.

PS. We’re sort of obsessed with Morgan’s yoga mat – you can find this ban.do mat here!

It’s no secret that women in general are born multitaskers. So when the holidays come rollin’ in, it’s time to break out those skills tenfold. Sometimes there’s just not enough time in the day for it all, so here are some simple workouts to do while babywearing and wrapping presents!

The Plié Squat:

Start with your legs apart, heels in and toes out, lower down into a squat with the knees tracking straight over the toes, and then lift. Do this 10 times.

Then, lower into your plie and lift and lower in tiny pulses 10 times.

Staying low in your plie, shift your weight to the right, bending the right knee and extended the left leg, then shift to the left. 10 times each side.

Parallel Squat:

Move your feet into parallel, and squat with knees going straight over your toes, then lift 10 times.

Staying low in your squat, alternate the feet, extending them forward and then placing back onto the floor. 10 each foot.

Then, with standing leg slightly bent, bend the working leg into a 90 degree angle and lift to the back, activating your glutes, then lower 10 times.

Then lift the leg up to its highest point and pulse it up and down 10 times.

Lunge:

With toes going straight forward and knees tracking straight over the toes, lower down into a lunge then lift 10 times.

Stay low in your lunge and pulse up and down 10 times. Repeat on the other leg.

Abs:

Stand on your knees with toes touching and knees a little wider than your hips. Keeping the back completely flat, as if in a plank position, recline back then lift 10 times.

Then, twist to the right as you recline, lift, twist to the left as you recline, and lift 10 times each side.

Sit down on the floor with your feet in butterfly position, you may place a pillow behind your lower back for extra support, lean back, and then lift 10 times.

Then, recline twisting to the right, lift in center, and recline twisting to the left 10 times each side.

And that’s it! If you’re feeling extra motivated, repeat the whole process with each gift and you just killed 3 birds with one stone. Baby is asleep. The gifts are wrapped. And you got a killer workout. Way to go, mama!

Mompreneur Spotlight: Lauren Kleban from LEKfit

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

The Gugu Guru team is big into adding must-have subscription services to your baby registry; when we came across Lauren Kleban’s workout streaming service, LEKfit, we knew we wanted to introduce Lauren to our mamas; we think LEKfit is a must-have item on your baby registry, as Lauren’s workouts are easy to follow and can be done anywhere! Lauren offers a ton of videos in her subscription service, with new workouts added every month. Read on about Lauren and her company, and head over to our Facebook to check out a special video Lauren created just for Gugu Guru’s followers (seriously, this is so cool). Head to the bottom of this post to enter for a chance to win 50% off a 3-month subscription to LEKfit.

Gugu Guru: How and why did you start LEKfit?

Lauren Kleban: I was a professional dancer before my first baby and I had been in the dance fitness industry since college so it was a natural transition. I created LEKfit because I saw a need for a workout that was both beneficial and fun; in a space where women (and men) could focus on achieving their healthiest self.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

LK: Everyday is different but I really try to stay present in whatever I am doing and focus on one task at a time. Finding balance will always be a work in progress.

GG: What’s the best part of being a “Mompreneur” and running your own business?

LK: I get to work from home! I get to see my littles in between clients and they get to see me working hard at something I absolutely love.

You can check out all of Lauren’s videos on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Babywearing Exercises for Post-Thanksgiving Meal!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Adorable mama Morgan Suarez is back for another fun babywearing workout post. Today’s workout? Babywearing exercises you can do to work off that post-turkey tummy! You can follow Morgan on her blog or Instagram.

Turkey day, oh, turkey day. We wait for you all year long. You’re filled with lots of laughter, family, memories, and, of course, food galore. You may be feeling stuffed to the brim with stuffing and turkey, so here’s a quick babywearing workout you can do to help you recover.

1. Warm up

Starting in a second position (legs apart, heels in, toes out), plie down with the knees tracking straight over the toes and tailbone in a neutral position (not the same as a squat), then stretch to the right and plie stretch to the left. Repeat this sequence 5 times each side.

Then, plie and twist reaching across the center plane 5 times each side.

Then, plie and reach to your right foot and plie and reach to your left foot. 5 times each side.

Plie and lift, using the arms by crossing the arms in front then opening the arms to the side as your lift.

2. Plie lunges

Using the second position still, plie, lift, then rotate to the right into a lunge. In your lunge make sure the knees are tracking straight over the toes and there’s a 90 degree angle in both knees. Repeat to the left. 5 times each side.

Then, staying in your lunge on the right, lift to a standing position, then lower into your lunge 10 times.

In your lunge, pulse up an inch and down an inch 10 times.

Then, tuck the hips forward and back, activating the glutes and using the abs to pull the hips forward 10 times.

Repeat entire sequence to the left.

3. Cookbook arms

Grab two cookbooks (or a regular book) of about the same weight, and stand with your legs in second position. Squeeze the elbows tight into your sides with palms facing up, and extend and bend the arms, flexing the bicep. Do this 20 times.

Then, extend the arms straight out to the side, then close the arms in front 20 times.

Plie down, the straighten the legs while lifting the book, press the book above your head, then lower and repeat 20 times.

4. Modified crunches

Place your feet flat on the ground with your arms extended out in front, lower back and lift 20 times.

Do the same movement with the right leg extended straight out, foot flexed, 20 times, and repeat with the left leg.

With arms extended to the front, lower back, lift the arms and the torso, the lower back down slowly with arms opening and rounding back in front. Repeat 20 times. The purpose of this exercise is to fight gravity with a slow and controlled movement. Don’t rush through this.

5. Arabesque

Hold onto something sturdy, like a chair or the back of a couch.

With feet in parallel, extend one leg straight back, standing leg slightly bent. Then lift the leg and lower 10 times.

20 tiny pulses.

Cross the leg behind, then lift back to the starting position 10 times.

Bend and extend 10 times. Focus on keeping the thigh lifted, while the bottom half of the leg is the only thing moving, as well as flexing the hamstring.

Flex the foot and pulse the leg up 20 times.

Bring the knees together then lift and lower straight out to the side 10 times.

6. Chair squats

Using a chair or bench, with legs hip distance apart, squat, sit, then stand 15 times.

Repeat with one leg extended out. Do 10 each leg.

And that’s it! You’ll be feeling much less guilty about that 3rd slice of pie after accomplishing this workout. Although, you may need to repeat the whole process every time your reheat those leftovers.

Fun Babywearing Exercises While Trick or Treating

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We are excited to announce that adorable mama Morgan Suarez will be guest blogging all about working out while babywearing – the fun way! She will be here once a month to guide you through very simple and fun exercises which you can do while wearing your little one. Today’s workout? You can do it Trick or Treating! Cool. You can follow Morgan on her blog or Instagram.

Trick or treat!

Yes, lots of treats. It’s that time of year where the sweets are flowin’ and the calories are showin’. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. You might burn some calories walking around and trying to keep up with those sugar-hungry kiddos, but that simply will not compensate for what you’re about to consume by stealing your kids’ Halloween candy while they’re asleep (yes, we all do it). Lucky for you, there is a way to slightly combat the unwanted effects. You may get some confused looks from your neighbors, but joke’s on them because you’re about to kick those calories in the booty and feel less guilty about stealing that candy. You’re on your own for the moral dilemma, however.

Here are some easy baby-wearing workouts you can do while trick or treating.

Lunges

A thigh burner to the max, and easily executed whilst your kids are skipping from house to house.

Calf Raises

If you’re smart and go to the neighborhoods with the best candy, chances are you’re not alone, and there will be lines outside of each door for those king sized candy bars. Wait proactively by doing some calf raises.

Bicep Curls

While walking, or standing and waiting, utilize that heavy bag of candy your kid made you hold by doing some bicep curls. Squeeze your elbow into your side, extend and bend, flexing your bicep as you bend. Do this with hand out to the side and well as directly in front, but make sure to squeeze your elbow in tight.

Arm Raises

Again, while walking or standing, utilizing that heavy bag once again, keep your arm straight and raise it to the side at shoulder level then lower.

Hold your arm at shoulder level and pulse up and down a couple inches.

Keeping the arm at shoulder level, bring it in front of you, then back out to the side.

Battements

While walking, simply kick your legs, alternating each one. Keep your core tight for balance, and hips square. This should get your heart rate up while working your abs and quads.

At the end of your trick-or-treating venture, your muscles will be feeling all sorts of jello-y and you’ll be ready to pig out on some treats. And as the holidays continue, stay tuned for more baby wearing workouts to keep you in tip top shape (literally) throughout the season.

Back To Sleep Day 3: Naturepedic

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Today is all about a premium line of organic crib mattresses for your baby – Naturepedic. Naturepedic uses only U.S. grown and certified organic cotton filling in its crib mattresses. Today we shine a spotlight on the brand’s top of the line Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress.

Naturepedic’s Ultra Breathable’s intelligent organic design is free of flame retardant chemicals and other questionable materials. The combination of organic, breathable, and practical makes the Ultra Breathable 2-Stage a healthier, safer crib mattress than conventional breathable designs.

The Ultra Breathable 2-Stage starts with a firm, flat crib mattress for safety, then a breathable mattress pad is added to keep your baby cool and dry. The patented waterproof surface of the mattress protects the interior from urine, spit-up, and other messes, and it’s easy to wipe clean. Meanwhile, the breathable mattress pad maximizes airflow between the baby and mattress for a cool, comfortable sleep with less risk of overheating.

Naturepedic is proud to offer the very best organic mattresses – made right here in the U.S.A. When you buy a Naturepedic product, you can feel proud of your support for U.S. jobs and industry. You can also be assured that your bed was crafted by people who care.

Note: all sleep tips are independent to all the products featured in Back to Sleep and Kim West is not endorsing these products unless otherwise indicated.

DIY Burp Cloth Tutorial

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Let’s get crafty! See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru once again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. We’re all about nursing in this post co-sponsored by Momsense.

I’m so excited to be here sharing a burp cloth tutorial today! I’ve never really needed burp cloths before, my baby #3 is a little bit of a spitter!

We partnered with Momsense for this tutorial for Breastfeeding Awareness Month! The Momsense Smart Breastfeeding Meter is a new product that tracks how much your baby is eating! The meter has a pair of headphones equipped with a microphone that safely sticks to baby’s neck. The microphone amplifies her sucks and swallows for you to hear. It also has a little animation that goes with it and it translates the swallows to give you a good sense of how much milk your baby is getting!

My older daughter loves to listen in and it’s so fun to involve the kids and dad in the breastfeeding experience. I needed this meter about 6 years ago with my first when I was struggling with milk supply, so I’m so glad it’s on the market now!

My favorite part about the meter is how inspiring it is to a breastfeeding mama! It’s so neat to see and hear how effective your breastfeeding session is and is pushing us to get the best and longest breastfeeding experience possible. Read my full review on SeeKateSew.com to hear all about my struggle with supply and how the Momsense Smart Breastfeeding Meter has been a game changer for us!

Today we’re making burp cloths lined with absorbent towel material! I thought lemon fabric would be cute since we’re talking about eating! The back of the cloths are made from a towel. You can either use a pre-made towel or terry cloth material for the backing. The only other thing you need is the pattern (provided below) and basic sewing supplies.

Let’s get started!

Materials:
–See Kate Sew Burp Cloth Pattern
-a store-bought towel or terry cloth material
-1/4 yard cotton ( lemon fabric source)

Print out the burp cloth pattern at 100% (do not scale). Cut off the overlap and tape the 3 pages together. It will look like this:

Use the pattern piece to cut out 1 piece from cotton and 1 piece from your towel material.
Put the cotton piece on top of the towel piece with the right sides together.
Pin and sew the front and back together 3/8″ from the edges, leaving a 2-3″ opening on one side.
Turn the burp cloth right side out through the opening you left. Press. Turn the opening edges in.
Topstitch around the cloth 1/4″ from the edge. The opening will be closed as you do this.

You’re done! A little stack of these make a really cute shower gift (maybe paired with a Momsense meter!).

Klen Review

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Beauty editor and new mom, Marina Klimasiewfski, shares her experience of using the new Klen line…

In my recent Oilogic review I shared how ingredient conscious I’ve become since the birth of my son. I try to buy personal care products for him with a concise and identifiable ingredient list. In recent months this practice of label-checking has expanded from just those items concerning the baby to everything around the baby – I’m now googling ingredients in the store before buying household and personal care products. Suddenly I’m recommending natural deodorants to friends, and side-stepping my fancily packaged beauty products for a simpler regimen. Becoming a mom is a strange and powerful thing.

The founders of Klen know my struggle – they created their brand after seeing their toddlers grabbing at their lip glosses and lotions, and dousing themselves in chemicals in the process. They wanted something that was effective for moms, but safe for anyone in the family to use. The line started with lip balms and glosses, but now includes candles, bath scrubs and salts, face wash, lotions, and even bug and lice repellents.

Klen has won me over because a) their products come in simple, but not hideous packaging b) their lip balms and lotions work better than fancy counterparts, and c) they know how to make a perfect citrus scent (their pink grapefruit and vanilla orange are just the right mix of tart and sweet).

Products I love:

Klen Balm – is their basic lip balm, available in 7 flavors (pink grapefruit, champagne, vanilla orange, lemon lavender, strawberry mint, lemonade, mint). The pink grapefruit is addictive — except not. The line holds the unnecessary alcohol which is what gives most lip balms their drying/addictive property. While the scent has me reaching for more, my lips actually stay hydrated and never become excessively dry, after use. $2.99 (a steal!)

Klen Gloss – is the dressed up version of the balm, available in the same 7 scents. It manages to be high shine, while not at all sticky or drying. $6.99

Klen Gator Balm – all their products are designed to be safe if kids get their hands on them, but this is the balm meant for kids The formula contains only 4 ingredients, all of which are safe if eaten. Available in 6 childhood friendly flavors (bubble gum, cherry lemonade, strawberry, cherry, candy cane and vanilla). $2.99

Klen Ouch Away – before my son I had no idea that balms to make cuts and scrapes heal faster were “a thing”. Now that I’ve tried a few versions it’s a thing i can’t get enough of! While I’m never totally sure wounds actually heal any quicker with their use, it sometimes feels good to just be doing something about a boo-boo. This particular version has a soft, melts-into-skin, texture. $12.99

Klen Twist – is their twist-up lotion bar. It looks almost like a stick deodorant (product not pictured because I fell so in love with it that I started using it obsessively as soon as it arrived, so by the time I took the picture it had seen better days). I am not exaggerating when I say this is the best lotion I’ve ever used. It hydrates well, goes on easily, and smells amazing (I have honey orange). $9.99

This line is so good and unique it left me wanting to buy and try more, which says a lot coming from a beauty editor. My mailbox is a sea of new products to test weekly, but I’m looking forward to trying some more from Klen Shop. Available through their online store klenshop.com.

Get MORE Fit After Baby with Sara Haley

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Sara, a mother of two and pre and postnatal fitness specialist, is back with us to share some key moves to do after baby to regain core strength, increase cardio endurance and tone the areas that are most affected by pregnancy. All of the exercises mentioned below can be found in Haley’s postnatal workout program, Expecting MORE: The 4th Trimester Workout.

1. CORE: This is the area that is most affected by pregnancy and an area you need to be strong — your abs and low back will help support you in functional every day activities, from cooking and cleaning to lifting and carrying for your baby. It’s so important that you avoid crunch like moves and instead do stability exercises to strengthen your core and tighten your abs so you can maintain good posture, live pain-free, and get your abs back after baby!

Key Move: Resistance Fight (works core): Lie on your back and lift one leg up to tabletop so that your knee is in line with your hip. Take your opposite hand and push against your thigh. As you try to push your leg away with your hand, resist by pushing your leg into your hand in opposition. While all this is happening you should be focusing on pulling your navel towards your spine and closing your rib cage. You may feel your body start to shake. Begin by holding for 15 sec on each side and gradually increase to 45 sec.

2. ARMS & BACK: As a new parent, you are constantly picking up and carrying your little ones (and all of their stuff), which means your arm and back muscles are needed more than ever before. Key moves like the Towel Tighteners will help you begin to ignite your back muscles and tone the back of the arms. When you’re ready, trade out the towel for some free weights.

Key Move: Towel Tighteners (tightens your triceps and back): You will need a towel to assist you (or light hand weights when you are ready). Hold your towel behind your back, stand shoulder width apart, soften your knees, and hinge forward at the hips. Pull your navel to your spine, as you lift your hands up behind your back. Lower back down and repeat anywhere from 15-30 reps (eventually you might even be able to do more). Your goal is to work to fatigue.

3. ENDURANCE: Life moves fast once baby arrives and before you know it your little ones will be crawling, walking, and eventually running! Cardio exercise is key to helping increase your endurance so you can keep up with your little one. Interval drills like Go Time paired with active recovery help burn fat even after the workout is complete.

Key Move: Go Time! (works your heart, legs & butt): As a mom, I always feel like no matter how organized you think you are, when it’s time to get out the door all chaos hits. (Hence the title of this move). 3 options for this move (You can progress as you get stronger). Begin by doing a football run (GoTimePic1), count to four, and then walk your feet together into a squat (picture 2) and then back out wide into a squat, or scoot your feet together so that you are on your toes (picture 3) and back out into a squat, or when you are ready, jump up into the air and back into a squat (picture 4). Do this exercise for 15 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and repeat 4 more times. If you’re not exhausted after 15 seconds, add more time or more intensity to the movement.

4. RECOVERY: As a mom, your body is put through the ringer, which is why it’s so important to incorporate dynamic stretching into your workout routine to help your muscles recover and give relief to your overused muscles.

Key Move: Baby Back Relief (stretches your back): After nine months of pregnancy, potentially nursing, and carrying your baby everywhere, your back and posture suffers dramatically. I promise this exercise will help so do it as often as needed. You will need a towel to assist you. Begin seated on the floor with your legs in front of you. Place the towel under the arches of your feet. Bend your knees as much as you need to, tuck your chin to your chest, engage your core, and pull on the towel as you round your back. You should feel an immediate stretch in your back. Hold this position for a count of four. Release and then repeat 4-6 times as needed.

Get ready for postpartum fitness with this giveaway bundle! Enter to win Sara Haley’s The 4th Trimester Workout DVDs, Sara Haley’s Sweat Unlimted DVD, a Sara Haley towel, an Asana Tote from Six Pack Bags (this bag can hold your yoga mat and has an insulated meal core which keeps food fresh for 8+ hours!), and this adorable outfit (Room to Flow Cami in Black and Convertible Capri in Heather Lilac) from Belabumbum, perfect for working out before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after (even for nursing moms!).

About Sara Haley: Sara is an LA-based pre and postnatal fitness specialist and creator of three award-winning programs; the excuse-proof workout, Sweat UNLIMITED, the prenatal workout, Expecting MORE and the new postnatal program, Expecting More®:The 4th Trimester Workout. With over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and 7 years as a Reebok Master Trainer, Sara has a passion for helping people stay fit, healthy and strong in the safest and most effective ways possible. For more from Sara, follow her @SaraHaleyFit on all social channels.

New Mom Series: A Baby Carrier for Hikes and Active Lifestyles

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

This is our sixth post in Gugu Guru’s New Mom Series, where we provide helpful information for new and expecting moms about preparing and registering for baby. For this Baby Carrier for Hikes feature, we have partnered up with one of our favorite active and yogi mamas – Cristina Meloy; leading baby gear brand BABYBJÖRN and; the Baby Safety Zone powered by the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association). JPMA is a national trade organization representing 95% of the prenatal to preschool industry dedicated to the safe manufacturing and usage of products. Read on to learn about the new BABYBJÖRN Carrier One Outdoors and enter to win one for your own adventures with baby.

Not all carriers are built the same and depending on your lifestyle, you may want to have more than one carrier. Some parents wear a structured carrier when they leave the house but in their home, may wear a softer wrap-style carrier. What’s important to remember is that whether you tend to like to enjoy the comforts of home or are the type of person that finds thrills in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, there’s a carrier for you. Baby gear has evolved to fit all types of lifestyles and you can rest assured that there are ways to enjoy your current lifestyle with your new baby.

Because everyone has their own unique lifestyle and parenting style, no carrier fits all when it comes to baby wearing and you should definitely try your carrier on before buying. There are some basic best practices when you’re trying out carriers, regardless of the type of carrier per Linnea Catalan, Executive Director of the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (BCIA) who guest blogged for the JPMA Baby Safety Zone. Here are a few guidelines she shares:

A baby carrier can keep your baby in the safest place possible – on your chest and in an upright position.
Baby carriers are meant to mimic in-arms carrying positions – your baby should be in the same position in which you would hold him in your arms. Check your baby by embracing them in the carrier- your baby’s position should not shift significantly in your embrace.
Whether your carrier of choice is a sling, wrap, mei tai or buckle carrier, ensure baby always has a clear and open airway. Your baby’s head and neck should be completely supported, with their chin off their chest. Chin to chest positioning can restrict your baby’s airway, especially with babies under 4 months of age. Make sure you can slip a finger between their chin and chest.

Finding a hip healthy carrier is also important when you’re evaluating products for your baby registry. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) is a great resource for products recognized for encouraging healthy hip development, specifically products and devices used during the first six months of life that may affect hip positioning or hip motor development.

Once you have the basic guidelines down and identify carriers that are hip healthy, it’s time to find the right carrier for your lifestyle. During the summer months or if you’re traveling to warmer climates, breathability is key. If you’re the active, outdoorsy type and you want to continue this lifestyle – even with a new baby in tow – you may want to consider carriers that are engineered specifically for an active lifestyle. A new carrier on the market that is ideal for hiking is the BABYBJÖRN Carrier One Outdoors.

Here are the key features of the Carrier One Outdoors, making it ideal for outdoor adventures with your family:

Designed to be the perfect hiking baby carrier, constructed with functional materials for the outdoors like water-repellent, moisture-wicking textiles that are easy to clean.
Just like your favorite hiking or camping backpack, the Carrier One Outdoors has great features to enable active exploring with your family such as a detachable pocket on the waist belt for your cell phone, keys, pacifiers or other small items you need for your child on family days out. Several loops on the shoulder straps allow you to attach essentials like a water bottle and keep items like a security blanket or teddy conveniently close.
This carrier will grow with your child with its 4-way front and back carrying*, ideal for outdoor activities. It’s perfect from newborn to 3 years, with built-in infant position and extra support for toddlers. Baby Carrier One Outdoors allows you to continue to enjoy an active lifestyle as a parent and still be comfortable, whether you’re carrying a little child on your front or a toddler on your back. The Carrier One Outdoors has padded, form-fitting shoulder straps and a sturdy waist belt, which provide excellent support and pressure relief, especially when carrying a toddler.
Hip-healthy baby carrier, with ergonomic wide leg position for the child. The baby carrier has a 12.6 in (32 cm) seat area, which gives your child a proper ergonomic, wide-leg position when they sit facing in on your front or back. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has tested Baby Carrier One Outdoors and acknowledges it to be a “hip-healthy baby carrier.”
Comes with a practical bag for storing and transporting the baby carrier.

*Note: front-facing should not be done until after 5 months and back carrying after 12+ months.

Gugu Guru mama Cristina Meloy took the Carrier One Outdoors to her homeland of Costa Rica, where there is no shortage of beautiful, lush locales to hike and explore. Here’s what she had to say:

“It’s so freaking cool how nowadays we can include our children in all our day-to-day activities, while providing comfort and nurturing them. Outdoor time is extremely important to me. To raise my children unplugged from TV and computer games is something I consider very valuable. Sometimes, however it is really difficult to do, especially with multiple children and/or infants. Out of all the parenting gadgets out there, a good carrier is essential. BABYBJÖRN is safe for them, comfortable for me and good looking, too! I mean, just cause we’re parents doesn’t mean we have to look boring, right?”

“I love the ability to be hands free for my eldest, too!”

The Carrier One Outdoors is available exclusively at Giggle and Right Start through October.

Featured in this week’s New Mom Series:

Cristina Meloy
Mother of two, Cristina Meloy, is one half of the couple behind the supper club PushStart Kitchen in Atlanta, Georgia. BETTER HALF is a place where family is the inspiration and connecting over food is the focus.
Follow Cristina on Instagram at @crismeloy

BABYBJÖRN
A member of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), BABYBJÖRN’s concept has always been to make day-to-day life easier for parents of small children by developing safe and innovative products of the highest quality for children up to three years old. The company strives to make the most important years of life even more fun. BABYBJÖRN products are now found around the world, in over 50 countries, and the assortment consists of baby carriers, bouncers, travel cribs, cradles, potty chairs, high chairs and kitchen products. BABYBJÖRN’s attitude is that you shouldn’t need to buy a bunch of products when your children are little. Instead, just a few that really work and last a long time in good condition. Safety, quality and style are the brand’s core principles and a lot of thought and care is put into every product!
Visit BABYBJÖRN at: https://babybjorn.com/

Baby Safety Zone
The Baby Safety Zone is an information hub and community for parents and caregivers. We’re helping make safety fun, one baby product at a time. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the Baby Safety Zone experience and become a part of a circle of parents dedicated to making their child’s first years, happy, safe and sound.

The Baby Safety Zone is powered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. JPMA is a national trade organization representing 95% of the prenatal to preschool industry. Today, JPMA represents 250 companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who manufacture, import and/or distribute infant products such as cribs, car seats, strollers, bedding, and a wide range of accessories and decorative items.
Visit the Baby Safety Zone at: https://babysafetyzone.org

« Previous Page

Health & Wellness

Footer

Follow Us:

COME AND GET IT!