Baby Travel

The Village Reviews: Rambler LA Mat

If you have a wiggly little one, the Rambler LA Mat is for you. Lacey, the creator of Rambler LA Mat, tried multiple blankets and play mats but her son always seemed to wrap himself in the fabric. The Rambler LA Mat combines the large surface area of a play mat with the softness of a blanket. The innovative internal hoop keeps the fabric taut while in use and quickly collapses into a carrying bag when you are on the go. The lightweight and portable design create a mat that is perfect for travel, play dates or in your nursery. The versatility ensures the Rambler LA Mat will last throughout your baby’s childhood and beyond. Our Gugu Village parents loved the easy open and close, washable fabric and overall quality.

April A.

With warmer days quickly approaching I was in the market for a portable play mat for on-the-go with my little one. The Rambler LA play mat came highly recommended by experienced mamas so I was excited when I had an opportunity to give it a try.

The winning feature on this mat is definitely that it effortlessly pops open and stays flat. When you slip it out of the bag it pops open within seconds which is super convenient when you have a wriggling baby in your arms. The mat is also bordered with a structured edge which keeps it lying flat – which was so nice when playing outdoors. The 50-inch diameter gave us a sizable, soft surface to play on.

The Rambler LA mat was the perfect backdrop for a recent trip to the beach. I loved the stylish and whimsical print of the Sea Breeze cover and the cute carrying bag. The bag had a knotted handle that easily slipped over my arm when I was carrying my baby and was roomy enough to toss a couple of toys into it.

We are so excited to take the Rambler LA Mat with us wherever our family rambles this Spring!

Elena M.

This mat is awesome! From the way it folds up so easily to the way it opens into a big mat! I didn’t expect it to be as big as it is. And it closes small enough so its easy to take anywhere. Its very lightweight as well. The material is so easy to clean. We had a little oopsy and you would never know. Also, the material feels great. I’m excited to take this mat everywhere with us this summer!

Naomi P.

We had a lot of fun trying out the rambler mat this week. My 10-month-old is newly on the move, so it’s great to have a soft surface to lay out toys for him to play with on the hardwood! We also had a nice snack break in the backyard where both kids could sit comfortably with lots of room to spare. My daughter ran all over the mat with her slightly muddy shoes, and when I washed it, all of her footprints came right out! It was easy to put the hoop back in when it came out of the dryer, and I’ve gotten the fold up done in 3 seconds. I’m excited to use this more on the go once the weather warms up!

Jacqui W.

The Rambler play mat is the best mat out there! It is soft, lightweight, easy to use and comes with a nice bag to carry it in. One of the best features is that you can pop it open with one hand. It’s also super easy to fold up, like a car shade. My daughters love sitting on it playing with toys, lounging on it at the park and playing hide-and-seek with it. I keep it in my car now so it’s with us wherever we go! The Rambler got a little dirty from use but washed very nicely and all the spots came out! Love it!

Check out other items the Gugu Village reviewed:

The Village Reviews: bloom BABY All Natural Wipes

What’s New on Gugu: March 27, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

I have some great new products to share this week! At Gugu Guru, we are always looking for the latest new baby/parent items to help make your lives easier. This week I am focusing on some new items that will be highlighted at the upcoming JPMA show. JPMA, or Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, is the industry’s authority on baby product quality and safety. Plus, our very own Monica Banks, Gugu Guru’s Founder/CEO will be presenting at this year’s JPMA Trade Show!

For loads of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page! (Also, these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!)

Slumberpod: Imagine this – you are traveling with your infant or toddler and sharing a room for sleep (i.e. hotel room, grandparent’s house, etc.). When your baby first wakes up, they look across the room and can see you instantly. Instead of the full night of sleep you are all used to, your little one is up and ready to start the day. Slumberpod was created for this exact situation. A perfect solution to create a privacy pod over travel cribs or playards. This is a must-have for traveling families!

Dr. Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic Bottle: One of our favorite bottle brands has done it again! The new Options+ Bottle utilizes a special venting system that you can use to help with symptoms of Colic and Reflux. As your baby grows, and no longer needs the extra vent, you have the ‘option’ to remove it. They have made a few other great upgrades to the new bottles, too! We love the one-handed cap removal and new nipple design. These are truly a go-to bottle for any babies with tummy issues!

NOONI’s: NOONI’s is the first all-in-one leak resistant nursing sleep bra. With a patent-pending 4 layer solution, you will no longer wake up to find yourself in a cold and damp top (or worse, bedsheet). Plus, their inside layer is made of a thin fleece material, staying warm and soft on the skin. An extremely comfortable solution to such a frustrating problem!

Cybex Stroller Upgrades: We love Cybex strollers at Gugu Guru! The Priam (class all-terrain) and Mios (travel), have recently received excellent upgrades. They have upgraded colors, stroller suspension, and the Lux Carrycot. These strollers are excellent options for moms looking for a sleek, modern stroller that functions well for everyday use.

Chicco Nextfit Zip Max Air: Chicco’s Nextfit convertible car seat has received quite the upgrade. Now with multiple recline positions, this seat fits infants starting at 4 pounds (rear facing) and converts to a forward facing seat for children up to 65 lbs. It is easy to install and has added safety features. We also love the ability to unzip the fabric, making cleaning a breeze!

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

What’s New on Gugu: February 27, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 6, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 13, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 20, 2019

Gugu Gift Guide: Travel With Baby

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Last week we chatted about our top gift guide picks to make travel easier for parents, and this week we’re covering our top picks for gifts when it comes to travel with baby. These make awesome holiday or baby shower gifts for any parents who are looking forward to traveling with their little one.

Ubbi’s On-the-Go Collection: When it comes to practical, functional, and stylish items for travel with baby, Ubbi knows what’s up! We are delighted to introduce you to their on-the-go collection, which includes a changing mat and bag, wipes dispenser and bag dispenser. The changing mat and bag is a great on-the-go diapering solution for quick and easy diaper changes, and it is easy-to-clean, super soft and comfortable changing mat made similar to a standard yoga mat, so it’s comfy for your baby – no more hard floors! The mat bag can hold a few diapers, travel size wipes dispenser, as well as a phone, keys, or whatever else is needed for busy parents on-the-go. The Ubbi portable wipes dispenser is a great solution for quick and easy on-the-go diaper change, the dispenser keeps wipes moist and fresh, is easy to carry around, yet compact and durable while out and about. Plus, it includes an easy-to-use silicone strap that conveniently hangs on strollers and diaper bags. The bags dispenser features a rewind mechanism lets you easily reinsert bags when too many are pulled out, and holds a roll of 12 bags, which includes 2 rolls of lavender-scented bags; plus, it fits easily inside a diaper bag, for on-the-go ease.

Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit: When it comes to travel, sometimes baby’s sleep cycles can get confused if you’re traveling long hours or in different time zones. We highly recommend traveling with a sleep product baby is used to and reminds them of being home. Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit gives baby a warm, cozy, and comforting feeling to help them fall asleep faster, and stay asleep, too. The Magic Sleepsuit is designed for babies who are ready to transition from the swaddle, yet still need that cozy and contained feeling to aid in their sleep. Made with soft, comforting materials, the Magic Sleepsuit will give your baby the sense of security and warmth they need to sleep well through the night, whether you’re staying at grandma’s house, a hotel, or camping! Plus, it’s ideal for any travel destination because baby won’t get overheated – as it features open feet and hands to help keep baby at a comfortable temperature. Coming in three adorable colors, the Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit is our one must have item for any baby registry – you can learn more about it in this handy video, too!

Stuck on You Mini Book Bag: When it comes to traveling with a toddler, they love to fill their own travel bags and feel like part of the travel-crew! We’re loving these adorable mini backpacks from Stuck on You which are totally personalized! The Mini Book Bag is perfect for playdates, short excursions or coffee outings with mom. The perfect size to fit in some yummy snacks, paper and pencils and their favorite toy. The Mini Book Bag features a durable poly soft canvas and fully waterproof living. The inside print is fun for kids, and the front zipper pocket is perfect for snacks or toys. The padded shoulder straps ensure comfort on your toddler’s back, as well. But, we really love the Mini Book Bag because you can customize it with your child’s name in a variety of fonts, as well as a fun design. Coming in muted blue or green, this Mini Book Bag is a must-have for traveling with your little kiddo.

B. Box Stroller Organizer: When it comes to traveling with a baby, often times your stroller becomes home base for everything you pick up along the way (including food, jackets, trinkets!). But, travel-sized strollers don’t always have the room or space to hold everything you need, which is why we are so impressed with the B.Box Stroller Organizer which attaches to stroller handle with secure click in clasps. Large fold away mesh bag means essentials are visible and within reach, can also be used for light groceries when doing a quick trip to the shops. Multiple storage compartments for drinks, phone, wallet and snacks keep essentials at your fingertips. BPA, Phthalates, and PVC free. If you need to run inside somewhere and leave the stroller outside, no worries, simply remove the organizer from the stroller to convert to a unisex bag – in a snap, using the handy shoulder strap. A must have travel item for traveling with families, and also for every day use to the park or shopping! This makes a great baby shower must-have gift which mom doesn’t even realize she needs yet.

Hoodini Swaddle: When babies are on-the-go, it often can be tricky to get them to calm down and sleep on their normal schedules, which is why you need a trusted swaddle to help your baby sleep while traveling. Hoodini is the world’s first 3D knit escape-proof baby swaddle. It is engineered with arm tubes to protect against moro reflex and face scratching and has hug technology® built into the chest area to give the sensation of a hug all night long. Baby will feel comforted and snug, even if you’re in a hotel room or grandma’s house. Plus, there is an easy access diaper opening at the bottom so the feet stay warm but you still have easy diaper changing access, which comes in handy for traveling in the car or airplane – easy access is always better! The Hoodini Swaddle is super soft and stretchy, and can fit in any diaper bag, purse or travel bag. It comes in three colors, and is a wonderful addition to any baby shower gift.

Bitty Brah Hats: As a parent, it seems there are 1000+ things to remember when traveling with kids, but one thing we always keep on hand are cute hats for our littles, as it protects them from sun, rain, and wind! When we came across Bitty Brah we had to share them with you – as not only are they beyond cute, but they have a great mission, too. Bitty Brah hats are a functional, surf-inspired hat for the modern family. Playful and stylish, Bitty Brah embraces the California casual lifestyle for the family on the go. Bitty Brah hats are water resistant, so they are ideal for rain or shine, and perfect in any weather. Their water resistant finish makes them durable enough for sand and sticky fingers. They’re ideal for travel, as the Bitty Brah visors bend in any direction, so you can throw them in any bag or stroller and you’re good to go. The foolproof drawstring is guaranteed to stay put. The drawstring is perfect of hat resistant children and action packed days on the water. But, most importantly, Bitty Brah donates the #1 most requested item to children in the U.S., not covered through federal government assistance: diapers. When you buy a Bitty Brah hat, you donate 10 diapers to a U.S. family in need. We can’t think of a better combo: cute and functional hats for baby, and a giving-back component? Sign us up for Bitty Brah hats!

CoziGo: Traveling with babies can be frustrating, because often they are over-stimulated and don’t want to rest, and sometimes, there’s not even a place to have them rest! Keeping consistent sleeping routines can be a challenge for parents when they have to be out and about. We are thrilled to introduce you to CoziGo, which makes flying and being on-the-go with babies carefree. CoziGo blocks 97% of light and distraction, helping to block distractions and provide a consistent dark sleep space for your baby. In tests, sleep improved by up to 400% when CoziGo was in use. Plus, CoziGo has a UV 50+ rating which makes it the ultimate Sun Cover when you are out and about with your baby. The unique dome shape can be fully opened so baby can watch the world go by. It also allows for plenty of kick space and the breathable fabric ensures air permeability allowing safe airflow. CoziGo is made from woven fabric, which means it is air permeable and provides a well-ventilated environment for your baby. It will allow your baby to breathe comfortably and also means your baby will be less likely to overheat while you are out and about. Simply, pop, clip and go in seconds, plus it packs into a small bag quickly, ready to be stored in a bag or in the stroller. CoziGo has a zipper on each side so you can open one or both of the zippers allowing your baby or toddler to see the world go by and still be protected by the sun no matter what direction it’s coming from. You will also have easy access to your precious cargo!

Ubbi Tweat Snack Container: Another must have for traveling with toddlers is the Ubbi Tweat Snack Container. It has a large enough opening for easy snack access and a soft spill guard with attached lid. The interactive weighted base leans and wobbles, and the rubber seal helps keeps everything fresh! If you’re traveling with kids, it is ALL about the snacks, but you definitley don’t want those snacks all over the car – just hand your little one the Ubbi Tweat Snack Container and they can access all the snacks they need, without spilling them out all over the place. It’s easy to throw into any diaper or travel bag and you’re good to go!

Thank you to, CoziGo, B.Box. Stuck on You, Bitty Brah, Hoodini Swaddle, Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit, and Ubbi for making this sponsored post possible!

Gugu Gift Guide: Travel Picks for Mom

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

With the busiest travel season coming right around the bend of the year, we wanted to share some of our top travel picks for you, mama – these are must have items to make your travel experience as a mom just a little easier and in style, too. Check out our top picks for travel gifts for moms, these make fantastic baby shower gifts for any new mom who loves to travel! Check below for exclusive Gugu Guru discounts, as well!

Sofia Fima Handbags: When it comes to travel as a mom, it seems as though there is never enough room to hold all of baby’s travel gear, all of your mama necessities, not to mention any work items you may need! Enter, the Sofia Fima Handbags, which help you effortlessly go from office to off-duty. Created by moms for moms, this handbag is your ultimate utility bag, which also happens to be made of gorgeous leather – ideal for work, mom-life, and of course, traveling! We’ve written about Sofia Fima in our Mom Style Gift Guide, but today we wanted to explain why they’re a must-have bag for travel, too. What makes Sofia Fima bags completely unique and ideal for travel are their one-of-a-kind organizers; these organizers, are made exactly for your different life needs, work, mom-life, and a mix-of-both – and easily snap in and out of the Main Squeeze Tote, making it easy to shift gears in your life in a cinch! The three different organizers, The Chief of Staff Organizer, the Momager Organizer, and the Senior Associate Organizer, are all made from super luxurious 100% wipe clean nylon handcrafted in the United States. These are ideal for travel, since each organizer has a different set of functions to help you stay organized. Whether you are traveling for work solo, or baby in tow, you’ll love having the essential organizational help from your Sofia Fima Main Squeeze Tote and organizer (or organizers) of choice! If you’re traveling for work with your family, bring the Momager and Chief of Staff organizer with you, and simply snap one out for the other when you’re off duty for the day – no worry about spilling formula on your work papers that way! The Sofia Fima Main Squeeze Tote is a truly special baby shower gift for a mom-on-the-go in your life. Use Coupon Code GuGuGuru for 15% off everything in your cart.

Teat & Cosset: When it comes to travel style for breastfeeding moms, we’ve found the ultimate must-have clothing item for any nursing mama. Is there anything more necessary for travel than a comfy sweatshirt? The Teat & Cosset Gemma Sweatshirt has everything you need for a perfect travel style accessory; made from 100% cotton, the sweatshirt features natural fibers which are gentle and safe on baby’s delicate skin. But, the coolest part of these stylish sweatshirts are their two hidden zippers which provide discrete, easy, and fast breastfeeding access anywhere including buses, trains, planes, and boats! The Gemma sweatshirt is comfy and cozy – with a relaxed fit and cotton fleece for keeping you warm during your travels. Each piece in the Teat & Cosset collection is made in Italy, Extremely innovative when it comes to yarns, fabrics and machinery, Italians have adopted the best of garment engineering and combined it with the highest hand tailoring skills to create quality garments. As a hard working mama, you deserve the best in style and comfort, but at a price point you can afford; the Gemma Sweatshirt is under $100, which makes it a perfect gift for your favorite mama friend or yourself! Available with stylish snaps or zippers, and in a variety of modern colors, the Teat & Cosset Gemma Sweatshirt is a must-have travel item for breastfeeding mamas. Use code GUGU15 for 15% off at Teat & Cosset.

Marama Naturals Calendula Spray: When you’re traveling with baby, it seems as though everything is always sticky, sweaty, dirty, or prime time for dry-skin! We have the the perfect travel companion for both baby and mama – the multi-purpose Calming Calendula Spray from Marama Naturals. Calendula is touted for its anti-inflammatory properties, ability to improve and hydrate skin, and for speeding healing. It restores and cleanses. Marama Naturals has made calendula even easier to use with this convenient spray, which you can throw into your diaper bag. Combined with other therapeutic oils, this powerful, but gentle, spray is perfect to cleanse baby’s diaper area, and keep baby feeling clean in a natural way. If you’re traveling, this is a must-have item for both mom and baby; you can spray directly on the baby’s diaper area, or even use a baby cloth or wipe to apply the comforting liquid. Need hydration or a facial toner? This is great for that, too! You can even skip the baby’s drying bath and use the spray as a quick baby wash. If you’re on the road sans bath, it doubles as a no-rinse wash for baby, and keeps your skin feeling hydrated and clean, as well. Plus, who doesn’t need an extra reason to de-stress? The natural ingredients with soothing qualities of Calendula help to de-stress and reduce redness in your skin, so if you’re stuck in the car with many miles to go, simply spray this convenient bottle from Marama Naturals and feel at ease, clean, and refreshed!

Cold-Fix For Children: While traveling can be a true joy and a lovely experience, doesn’t it always seem like someone picks up some sort of sickness while traveling? We’re big fans of Cold-Fix for Children – formulated to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. Cold-Fix was brought to the U.S. by Dr. Shahram Jacobs, a father of 3, after nearly 20 years of popularity and success in Europe and Asia. It is a physician-formulated and doctor-approved remedy that helps to temporarily relieve cold and flu symptoms (congestion, cough and fever) and works to strengthen the immune system to help prevent sickness in the first place! It’s safe for kids six months and older and is a non-drowsy, homeopathic formula free of artificial dyes, gluten, and sugar. Plus, it has no reported side effects or interactions with other medications. Cold-Fix for Children is the choice for parents who are ready to help their children make it through cold and flu season – happy and healthy! For anyone who loves to travel – this is a great gift they can take with them to help their little one feel his/her best on every adventure! Use code cfguguguru for 25% of your order (expires 1/1/2019).

ToteSavvy: The key to being able to travel with a baby is organization – so, how does one stay so organized with a baby in tow? ToteSavvy! The ToteSavvy Deluxe transforms your regular totes into an organized masterpiece, chock full of spaces, pockets, and more to hold everything you need in exactly the right place. We love that the ToteSavvy Deluxe works with all of your totes from pre-baby life, so you can still use them, even when they’re full of diapers and bottles! Having everything organized will keep you feeling less stressed on your flight or travels, and everything is super easily accessible as well. ToteSavvy Deluxe holds unique features no other bag organizer has including a laptop sleeve, zip-top insulated cooler pocket, and rose gold hardware. We love that the ToteSavvy has eleven total multi use pockets, so if you’re traveling with baby, traveling solo, heading to the gym, work, or for fun – there is a pocket for everything you need, and you can switch your ToteSavvy from one tote to another without any muss or fuss! Use code GUGU for 20% off your order.

LugBug Handle: If you’re traveling with a baby, it can get very heavy, very fast carrying the carseat with the baby around from place to place. We came across the LugBug Handle years ago and it is still one of our very favorite must-haves for traveling parents. Baby carriers can be tough on the arms – so tough that daily lugging can put parents at rick of strain-related injuries, chronic pain, and even accidental drops. In fact, nearly half of parents experience shoulder, back, and neck pain due to the strain of lugging a baby carrier. The LugBug handle is a helpful device which attaches to you baby carrier and offers a range of better, more comfortable (and enjoyable) carrying positions that support your arm and wrist. The creator of LugBug, a first time dad, set out to design a sturdy and easy-to-use handle designed to keep parents comfortable and kids safe. The handle’s innovative and ergonomic design reduces tension on the shoulders and arms for a more comfortable lugging position. If you’re out and about with a baby carrier, the LugBug is a must have necessity for your family!

Unbuckle Me: One of the most frustrating parts of travel is getting the kids in and out of the car seat – but, we found a way to ease up the whole production of the carseat drama with the new Unbuckle Me. UnbuckleMe is the award winning solution for anyone who struggles with car seat buckles! So, how does the Unbuckle Me work? It easily slips around the buckle and uses leverage to make it 50% easier to unbuckle. Does not attach to the car seat & works on ANY car seat buckle. The Unbuckle Me was invented by a Grandma with arthritis (who is also an Occupational Therapist) and her daughter (a mom of 2 toddlers!). UnbuckleMe is intended to be used under adult supervision, which means it should remain out of reach of children while the vehicle is in motion. It is recommended that you store in a convenient location that is easily accessible, like the side door pocket of your car. UnbuckleMe includes a small loop on the “neck” that can be used to attach it to a convenient location, such as a key chain or diaper bag. This would make a perfect stocking stuffer or new mom gift – keep one in every car and make travel just a little easier on yourself! Head to their website and use code ‘guru’ for 15% off.

Travel Tray: When it comes to traveling with kids, it seems like there is always a toddler in the backseat asking for a snack! How can you solve this snacky problem? With Travel Tray! Travel Tray extends your current cup holder to hold your cup PLUS a tray to hold food or toys. Travel Tray fits into car seats, strollers, outdoor chairs; anywhere a standard cup holder is utilized! Made in the USA, easy to clean with a wipe and dishwasher friendly! Travel Tray are made in the USA, easy to clean with a wipe and dishwasher friendly, making it easier on parents. Plus, the Travel Tray is BPA, PHT, and PVC-free so it’s safe for your little snacker in the backseat. You won’t want to leave home without your Travel Tray, perfect for all trips, whether just down the block or across the country. Use code GURU for 20% off and free shipping on any order through 12/31/18.

Earth Mama Mini Deodorant 4-Pack: It’s no surprise we are huge fans of Earth Mama, their products are ideal for pregnant moms, post-partum, breastfeeding and beyond. So, when it comes to travel, no one should be without their Earth Mama Mini Deodorants! Four flavors in one box! Earth Mama’s mini deodorants are travel-savvy and squee-cute. Pop one in your purse, the diaper bag, your gym bag or keep one in your travel bag – they are the perfect size for road trips or flights! You get all four flavors in one fun-filled box! Refreshing ginger-lime Ginger Fresh Deodorant, tangerine-y Bright Citrus Deodorant, unscented Non-Scents Deodorant, and fresh, soothing Calming Lavender Deodorant. Think you’re too sensitive for deodorants with baking soda? You got another thing comin’! This formula was made for extra sensitive skin with the perfect balance of baking soda and magnesium. Just enough to work, not enough to hurt.

Thank you to Sofia Fima, Teat & Cosset, Unbuckle Me, LugBug, Earth Mama, Cold Fix, Travel Tray, Marama Naturals, and ToteSavvy for making this sponsored post possible!

Best Side-Gig for Moms – Rent Baby Gear to Traveling Families

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

About fifty percent of Millennials have at least one side-gig. Do you? For side-hustle moms, factors like flexibility, income potential, community, and even fun (it should be fun!) can make working in the gig economy truly rewarding. But what’s the best side-gig for moms?

One side gig all of us at Gugu Guru love is BabyQuip. Do this gig to make money renting out your baby gear to traveling families. You load it up in your car and deliver it to a family’s hotel, vacation rental, or sometimes to a grandparent’s home. It’s a happy gig. Imagine a toddler’s face when you show up at her hotel room with a giant bin of toys.

BabyQuip is a baby gear service marketplace that turns moms into baby gear entrepreneurs. Think Airbnb, but for baby equipment. BabyQuip builds your website, sets up your insurance, drives online traffic to you and then trains you about gear safety, local marketing and delivering exceptional customer service. Their mission is to delight traveling families.

Best of all is that BabyQuip is super baby friendly, which you have to be when you’re powered by moms. You’ll always see babies in their weekly video conference calls. They also connect you to a friendly and supportive community of baby gear entrepreneurs who help you get launched and quickly learn how to grow your business. And did we mention the monthly money you take-home is above average for gig economy work?

So much to love. Get started by letting BabyQuip know you’re interested. Tell them Gugu Guru sent you!

{Sponsored} Video Overview: Neat Solutions On the Go Products

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We are so excited to be talking about On the Go products from Neat Solutions to Gugu Guru’s audience! These products are must-haves for any parents who plan on leaving the house with baby – whether for a trip to Starbucks or traveling. Check out Gugu Guru founder Monica’s video overview here:

Thank you to Neat Solutions for making this video possible.

View more of our video overviews here:

Real Mom Review: Thule Urban Glide

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

It can be hard to find the time to workout when you’re also taking care of a little one, which is why so many parents turn to jogging with baby as a way to get a workout in while baby hangs out in the stroller. Our top pick for jogging stroller is the Thule Urban Glide, and we had a real mom, Kusum, review one – here’s her take on why the Thule Urban Glide gets 5 stars as a jogging stroller!

Live in an urban environment? Check out our top jogging strollers for urban parents.

Want to see more posts from Kusum? Check out her top picks for bringing baby home essentials, new mom style guide, and new mom fitness tips.

Being a first time mom, I generally spend hours on the internet looking up baby product reviews from time to time. Call me paranoid, but there is not a single baby product I bring home without reading at least a few dozen reviews and comparing different products and their features (even if it is as simple as a baby toothbrush). Maybe all moms are like that? Or maybe not? But in any case, nothing is more important to us mamas than our little one’s safety, right?

So, when it was time for the hubs and I to choose a jogging stroller, I was more skeptical than confused with the number of options that are out there in the market. And for someone who has a love-hate relationship with running, this was a make or break situation, because it is extremely important to me that both my baby and I, enjoy our run while also being safe and worry-free. This Thule Urban Glide jogging stroller is everything I was looking for (and more). And I have Monica of Gugu Guru to thank for that – not only did she recommend the Thule Urban Glide but when I expressed a few concerns about this jogging stroller, she also gathered expert opinions from pros who have used this stroller for a while and love it. Talk about going above and beyond – personal concierge indeed!

Reasons why I (the hubs and our baby) love this stroller… First and foremost, my hubby is tall whereas I on the other hand am petite and the Thule Urban Glide has an adjustable-height handlebar which makes it easy for either of us to use this jogging stroller without any hassle. It is easy to maneuver the stroller when I want to make a quick turn or even when the path is bumpy. I can recline the baby into a comfortable sleeping position when he is fast asleep on our run and park the stroller as I stretch halfway through the run. The stroller has a zippered storage compartment under the seat that comes with a water-resistant cover which is super helpful for the rainy Seattle weather. And weirdly enough, this stroller glides so smoothly that it makes it fun + makes me feel like going for a run with my baby more often. Can you tell from that big smile on my little baby’s face that he loves to go running with his mama!

On the downside, even though the Thule Urban Glide feels light while running, this is not exactly a light-weight stroller, but I think it has to be heavy and sturdy to ensure safety. I also wish that a cup/bottle holder came with the stroller, but that’s a minor complaint. This jogging stroller is definitely a bit on the expensive side but when your baby’s safety is in question, the price tag is justifiable and worth it!

We still haven’t had a chance to test the multi-position sun canopy (just thankful for the rear appearance the sun god makes over here in Seattle), and come to think of it, we haven’t ever tried to fold the stroller for storing either (thank god for the ample space in the garage!). I am quite eager to use the Thule Urban Glide as a travel system and to take it on the beach and mountain trails on our next vacation. And all in all, this stroller gets a 5 star from me and I highly recommend it!

This post contains affiliate links.

A Day in the Life of Mom with Neat Solutions

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Neat Solutions – have you heard of them? That’s the brand name but “neat” is the perfect word to describe this innovative portfolio of products that have been designed to help parents out throughout the day. These products are truly “neat” because they’re neat-o, cool and “that’s exactly what I need” kind of “neat.” And also “neat” as in the other meaning of the word: simply keeping it nice and clean. In this post, we’re pretty excited to show you how five real moms from the Gugu Village community use Neat Solutions and share how these products make life with baby much easier. Once you learn more, you’ll see why these might be better named as “Lifesaver Solutions.” From feedings to on-the-go to bath time, here’s a round the clock round-up of Neat Solutions products. (Spoiler alert: our Gugu Village moms say that the Sili-Stick Table Topper is now the one product that they can’t live without.)

7am Feeding Time

Mom of twins, Abby L., tries Neat Solutions’ Paw Patrol Bibs – These are an adorable way to keep your little ones clean while letting them “wear” their favorite characters. They clean up well with just warm water, but you can throw them in the washing machine as well. Also, my little ones have extremely sensitive skin and they did not seem to be too tight around the neck/chin area, which often causes rashes for us. We also tried a toddler bib, which has an extended covering on top of each shoulder. It is a bit longer also, which helped keep our laps clean during lunch. After we were done eating, it was really easy to wipe this bib clean and it dried within minutes.

Mom of 2-year old, Shana S., tries Neat Solutions’ Sesame Street Bibs – Like most 2-year-olds, my daughter is currently obsessed with Elmo and Abby Cadabby. She also isn’t very keen on wearing bibs anymore either, even though mealtimes can still get pretty messy. This bib solves both problems – it goes over her head, so it can’t be pulled off like her velcro closure bibs and it has very wide coverage, so it helps keep her clean better than smaller bibs. The best part, since it has her favorite characters, I don’t have to convince her to put it on!

Mom of 10-month-old, Lori W., tries Neat Solutions’ Bib & Burp Products – My initial thought when I unpacked it was that it is quite small in size. However after using it I actually like how compact it is without extra fabric, which my baby usually paws at. The pocket is great too.

Mom of 1-year-old, Alyssa J., tries Neat Solutions’ Printed Coverall Easywipe Bib With Clear Crumbcatcher – This is super cute and generously-sized to cover more of my baby’s clothes while she is eating. I appreciate the extra coverage for my messy eater! The clear crumbcatcher is really useful for seeing right away what has been caught in the pocket so that I can clear it out after the meal without finding any squishy surprises later. I love how easy it really is to wipe the bib down, and the hook and loop closure is a lot easier than tying string too.

Mom of 3-month-old and 1-year-old, Sunny L., tries Neat Solutions’ Bib & Burp Products – The biggest positive for me is the velcro fastener behind the neck. It doesn’t have any of the scratchy, coarse velcro, keeping my daughter from grabbing/itching at the back.

12pm and On The Go

Mom of twins, Abby L., tries Neat Solutions’ Sili-Stick Table Topper – The Sili-Stick Table Topper is hands down my favorite new product! I have never seen a silicone table mat like this, and it stays put on every surface I tried! My boys could not lift it up and it was so easy to clean. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe for big messes! I am definitely going to add this table topper to my new list of must-haves for parents with toddlers who like to eat away from home.

Mom of 3-month-old and 1-year-old, Sunny L., tries Neat Solutions’ Sili-Stick Table Topper – My favorite item from this bunch! It’s super sticky and says put. At home, it keeps my tabletop clean, because my older child is really into smearing things around. I love the size of this mat, and after meals I just peel it up and dump in the sink. So great for eating out, too. It rolls up pretty small, and could also be folded to make it more packable. I am always scrubbing restaurant tables when I get there to try to get them cleaner for her food to sit on, and this makes the process so much easier. It’s big enough to cover any area in public her little hands could reach and keep her food germ-free.

Mom of 1-year-old, Alyssa J., tries the Neat Solutions’ Sili-Stick Table Topper – This is my new best friend for meals out of the house with baby. I don’t have to worry about the cleanliness of our dining table when I can make sure the Sili-Stick is a clean surface for baby to eat off of. I also don’t have to feel guilty about baby making too much of a mess at the restaurant. All I need to do is wipe it down at the end of the meal and be on our way!

Mom of 2-year old, Shana S., tries Neat Solutions’ Potty Toppers – If you’re like me, the thought of your little one sitting on a public toilet makes you a bit squeamish, to say the least. The Potty Topper is the perfect solution! These plastic liners adhere to the seat, keeping wetness and germs away. Plus, they’re oversized so little bottoms and hands stay well protected from any yuckies that might be lurking. (Editor’s note: we love that these Potty Toppers are eco-friendly too!)

Mom of 10-month-old, Lori W., tries the Neat Solutions’ Neatnik Saucer – This thing came out of my dreams. We had lunch with a friend and her baby this weekend and I used this with the high chair the restaurant provided and it fit perfectly. We are a baby led weaning family so things typically get very messy at mealtime and I loved being able to contain everything. It was also easy to fold up and clean when we were finished. I love love love it. My friend asked for the link so there’s another fan too!

6pm Bathtime (and bedtime prep!)

Mom of 3-month-old and 1-year-old, Sunny L., tries Neat Solutions’ Bath Robe – in the picture, my daughter is petting the robe and was thrilled to put on something soooo soft after her bath! She would pat/pet it and then smile at me. It’s so cozy and warm, and perfect for wrapping her up to get from the bathroom upstairs to her room downstairs, rather than carrying her in a damp towel. The design and color is very cute and dark blue suits her! It had enough fabric to cross in front and tie without leaving a drafty space.

Mom of twins, Abby L., tries Neat Solutions’ Bath Robes – We tried on our bathrobes both before and after bath time. They were super soft and added in a warm change of routine after bath time. Plus the adorable animals/patterns just added to the cute factor.

Mom of 2-year old, Shana S., tries Neat Solutions’ Bath Robe – There’s nothing cozier post-bath for your little one than a snuggly hooded towel – until they hit toddlerhood. When my little one kept sprinting from the bathroom wearing her hooded towel like a superhero cap, I knew it was time to switch to bath robes. I love the Fleece Bath Robe. It’s super soft, cozy, and comes in four different designs. Plus, there are also coordinating washcloths, hooded towels, and bath wraps.

Mom of 1-year-old, Alyssa J., tries the Neat Solutions’ Whale Applique/Print Coral Fleece Bath Robe. This is super cute for both boys and girls. It’s very soft and fluffy! It kept my baby nice and warm after her bath. The robe is generously sized for younger infants, so they won’t be growing out of it too quickly!

Mom of 10-month-old, Lori W., tries Neat Solutions’ Hooded Towel in Friendly Elephant – This hooded towel is so cute and does the job.

Want to discover more must-have products? Be sure to check out these other Gugu Village reviews:
The Village Reviews: bloom BABY All Natural Wipes
The Village Reviews: Gunapod Bamboo Duvet Sack

Thank you to Neat Solutions for making this sponsored post possible. Although the Gugu Village moms received products in exchange for their respective feedback, all opinions are their own.
Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Back to Sleep: 4moms breeze GO Playard

by Gugu Guru 8 Comments

Back to Sleep week is focused on safe and healthy sleep for baby. Today’s post features the 4Moms breeze GO Playard, which is a must-have for traveling mamas, minimalist parents, tech-loving moms and dads, and small space living, too. Plus, head to the bottom of the post to enter for a chance to win one!

Introducing the 4moms breeze GO! Anyone who knows Gugu Guru knows that one of our all time favorite brands is 4moms. 4moms is best known for their innovation, technology and modern, sleek style. In the past couple years, we have showcased 4moms breeze playard as a best-in-class product in our Back to Sleep safe sleep event. This year, the company has released the 4moms breeze GO – a slightly lighter and one less frill (no bassinet) version of the breeze. If you’re on the market for a playard, whether for a room in your home, for grandma’s house, for frequent traveling families – or all of the above, here’s why we think you may want to check out the 4moms breeze GO.

Playards are typically laborious things to put together. You have to pop the sides a certain way and then push the button and it can get really, really confusing. The 4moms breeze GO playard (and the breeze classic, for that matter) was created based on the belief that playards don’t have to be that complicated. The breeze GO is super intuitive and simple to use; it opens or closes in just one step. You heard that right – just one step.

The breeze GO is slightly more compact than the breeze classic, measuring at 43″L x 30″W x 29″H and also slightly lighter at 23 lbs.

We also love that like the breeze classic, a convenient travel bag is included. And if you’re asking yourself why you should consider bringing your own playard when so many hotels have them on loan, here’s what our safety expert, Alison has to say:

New Mom Review: 4moms moxi + car seat

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

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

moxi stroller ($699.99)

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

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

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

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

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

Self-Installing Car Seat ($499.99)

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

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

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

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

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