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What’s New on Gugu: August 15, 2019

This week I have found some great products for mom! Some items will help with pregnancy while others will help with the fourth trimester and beyond! We can’t take care of our babes without taking care of ourselves (easier said than done!). I also found some items for said babes – a new high chair that is taking on the style game and a great new eco-friendly toy company!

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

Frida Mom: The newest line of products from our friends at Fridababy and all for mom! These products were created to help with recovery after birth and throughout the fourth trimester. Known for their honest approach to baby products, the Frida Mom line helps immensely with one of life’s messiest times. Available for purchase as individual items or as a set!

Mouse Loves Pig: Simplifying the toy game, Mouse Loves Pig has created high-quality, organic toys that kids will want to play with! These toys will easily become your child’s go-to playthings whether at home or on the go. Great for the car, plane, or while trying to pass the time!

The Chair by Lalo: ‘The Chair’ as they call it, is lightweight, easy to clean, and beautiful! We love the high quality materials they used to create ‘The Chair,’ and that it converts to a toddler seat! Plus, this chair won’t feel like an eyesore when you leave it out in your kitchen. Lalo has also partnered with BabyQuest to assist couples and individuals with the cost of fertility treatments. Apply for the grant by Sept 5 by clicking here.

Storq New Mama Care Kit: Three all-natural products meant to help you through pregnancy, fourth trimester, and motherhood! This set helps ease the stigma associated with postnatal life (think cracked nipples and sore vaginas!). They are easy to use and feel luxurious on your new mom bod! Pair with the set by Frida Mom and you will be good to go!

Reebok Maternity Collection: Trying to find for comfortable active wear that will fit your growing belly? Look no further! Reebok recently launched a line of maternity active wear that will be a perfect addition to your wardrobe. Great for running errands or heading to yoga, these neutral and classic pieces all come in both black and navy.

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!

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

What’s New on Gugu: June 18, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 24, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: July 3, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: August 1, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 24, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

This week we are featuring a number of products from brands we love! A couple of these items will be great for summer activities and travel. A couple others promote independence for our little ones. There’s also an excellent budget-friendly convertible stroller to check out!

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

Copper Pearl – Asher: The newest addition to one of our favorite lines. Asher, a beautiful heather gray is the perfect gender neutral color, and comes in a multi-use cover, top knot hat, and knit swaddle blanket. Copper Pearl’s line never ceases to amaze us with it’s buttery soft fabric. These are a must-have for baby’s arrival!

Bblüv Arenä: Perfect for summer trips to the beach with babe in tow, the Arenä will bring the fun to you! Great for keeping baby cool on a hot day, this allows them to safely splash around in a pop up beach pool. Plus, it sets up instantly and comes with it’s own ‘filling pail’ and travel case!

Skip Hop 2-in-1 Infant Seat: Skip Hop has created an adorable 2-in-1 infant seat that easily transforms from play time to snack time. Giving baby a great amount of support, this seat gives baby a new perspective on the world! Plus, it’s easy to clean in the washing machine!

Evenflo Gold Pivot Xpand: This budget friendly convertible stroller offers a great push and easy-to-use modular system. Converting to a double without any extra adapters, this stroller offers 22 configurations and can be purchased as a travel system. Plus it’s sleek and can go head-to-head with far more expensive options on the market!

Grabease Double Sided Toothbrush: Created to make this daily routine easier, the Grabease Toothbrush truly gives babes 6 months – 4 years the ability to independently brush. Simply place the Grabease Toothbrush in your little one’s hands and watch them quickly say ‘bye bye’ to plaque! Plus we love Grabease’s commitment to giving back. With each toothbrush purchase, they will not only give back but also help provide operations to children with cleft palates. ‘Grab’ one for your kiddo today!

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!

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

What’s New on Gugu: May 22, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 29, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 5, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 18, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Last week, Gugu Guru took a trip to the Biggest Baby Shower in Chicago to check out some of the newest products. Below are some top finds from the Biggest Baby Shower from some brands that we know and love.

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

Momkindness Carry-All Tote: Although we featured this in our ‘Diaper Bags to Check Out’ post, I couldn’t help but mention it here as well. Three bags in one, the Momkindness Carry-All Tote is a tote, organizer insert, and a clutch! Great for a big trip to the zoo, or a walk to the park when you just need your essentials, the Momkindness bag is a trendy and stylish accessory. Plus, we love their mission to give back. Momkindness donates a portion of their proceeds to ‘Every Mother Counts,’ an organization that strives to bring quality maternity care to every mother.

Ilado Maternity Jewelry: Dating back to Mayan culture, maternity necklaces were originally used to help sooth newborns. Ilado’s maternity bell necklace creates a serene bell noise, which will soothe both mom and baby. A great gift for that mom-to-be who has ‘everything’ to help signify this special time of her life!

Baby Hearmuffs: Available in a variety of colors, we loved ‘hearing about’ (pun intended) the new line of ear protection from Lucid Audio. Great for sporting events, 4^th of July fireworks, and other loud activities, these will grow with your kids! We also love the soothe button, which allows you to communicate with your child while still offering some sound protection.

Born Free Product Line: We love the new line by Born Free, which includes a number of great products. Born Free believes that parents should be able to include baby in daily family life. They also believe that your products should be high-quality, budget-friendly and stylish! These items are easy to use day-to-day and are all multi-purpose. We love this line!

Bundle of Dreams: These mattresses are an excellent choice for eco-friendly parents. The lightweight mattress, made from recyclable materials also has an organic cotton cover. It is extremely easy to lift (for midnight sheet changes!) and can easily be flipped over to complete your toddler bed. It will truly grow with your little one!

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!

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

What’s New on Gugu: May 15, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 22, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 29, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 5, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 29, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

This week I am introducing two brand new companies to WNOG and highlighting three other products that are from companies we already love. Many of these products are great for travel and are easy to take on the go with your little ones. Plus, this week they are all absolutely brand new to the baby and toddler world. They also make great baby shower or birthday gifts. I am very excited to share these new items with you!

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

CoralUV: We first fell in love with the CoralUV Sanitizer when we saw them at the Chicago Baby Show last summer. Now they are nearing their full launch with a brand new UV Sanitizer. Cleaning bottles, pacifiers, teethers, and more, we love how easy the CoralUV is to use. We also love that this can be used well beyond the bottle stage to keep household items clean too! A perfect time saving gift for any new parent!

Wayb Pico: We have been (not so) patiently waiting the arrival of this new travel seat. You may have heard us talk about it before, but we think the Pico will change the travel game with little ones. Suitable for kids 2-5 years, this forward facing seat’s frame is made from aerospace-grade aluminum, making it super lightweight (8 lbs!). They also use a mesh fabric to avoid using foam, which can be filled with toxins. Shipping in 1-2 weeks, check out the Wayb Pico for all your summer travel!

Humble-Bee Nurse-Sling: Another JPMA find from this past Spring, Humble-Bee’s Nurse-Sling may be the answer to all postpartum and nursing back pain. The Nurse-sling takes the stress off of your back and holds your little one up to feed. Plus, you can easily adjust the size and it is machine washable. A perfect unique, baby shower gift!

Bumbleride Era: Just announced by our friends at Bumbleride, the Era is their first ever reversible seat stroller. We love Bumbleride’s commitment to creating eco-friendly products that will hold up for active families. Era is an all-terrain stroller that will also be perfect for daily use. Pair it with a compatible car seat to create your own travel system too!

Skip Hop New Zoo Characters: We love Skip Hop’s fun line of Zoo Characters, which give a little extra pizzazz to both home and school activities. Introducing two new friends to the lineup; Nova Narwhal and Dillon Dragon. Their new backpacks are perfect for summer camp, especially with a matching lunchbox. We love their snack containers and straw bottles for on the go and they make a perfect toddler gift!

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!

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

What’s New on Gugu: April 24, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 8, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 15, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 22, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

This week I have found some products that have excellent longevity. They will survive through your first, second, third, and beyond. They are even great options for life with multiples (I can speak from first-hand experience!). I also love the way these brands are dedicated to creating high quality products. From a mom of twin toddlers, THANK YOU!

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

Maxi Cosi Magellan Max: This convertible car seat could truly be the only car seat you ever own! While I love the Magellan, the Max has some added features that will make your life significantly easier. They have added their “EZ In/Out harness system” which is revolutionary when trying to buckle in a moving toddler. The seat also has a variety of recline positions and a no-rethread harness. Safe for babies 5-120 lbs, this seat will go from rear-facing infant seat to forward high back booster.

Göbe Kids Snack Spinner: Although not available until July, this new snack spinner will help ensure that your toddlers are eating from all the food groups! Simply fill each of the sections with snacks and watch your little one’s independence grow. Great for picky eaters too! They are BPA and PVC free and dishwasher safe.

Mochi Toys: Although not new to Gugu Guru, People Toy Co.’s Mochi line is perfect for any growing baby. Their teethers are non-toxic, made from rice, and easy to clean! We love how these hold up to months and months of constant use by babies and toddlers of all ages! Complete with instruments, wearable teethers, blocks and more these are the perfect unique gift for any family!

Plae Shoes: Plae has taken the importance of ‘Play’ and turned it into an amazing shoe line for kids (and adults!). Plae shoes are extremely high-quality and hold up to days at the beach, park, and pool! They are great for teaching independence to toddlers who want to put on/take off their own shoes too. We love their unique colors, encouraging all family members to get out there and ‘Plae!’

Toki Mats: Toki Mats is a mom-founded brand (see others featured on the blog this week!) made of high quality foam and a washable cover. The mat will fold when not in use and the covers are washable and interchangeable. It is also a great size, even for multiples. Plus the prints are fun and trendy enough to keep out in your living room!

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!

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

What’s New on Gugu: April 17, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: April 24, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 8, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 15, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 8, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Spring has finally arrived for much of the country! For those of you in the Midwest, like myself, it really felt like we might not ever reach Spring. However, it has slowly (yet surely) arrived! Along with the whole team at Gugu Guru, I want to be one of the first to extend our army of Moms a Happy Mother’s Day! Here are a number of products to help you continue doing what you do best; care for your kiddos! For loads of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page!

Loulou Lollipop Royal Gifts: Now that Meghan and Harry have welcomed their little prince, we want to make sure you’re appropriately stocked up! Loulou Lollipop has two excellent gift options for the ‘royal minis’ in your life. Both the Castle Muslin Swaddle and the London Muslin Quilt are made from high quality muslin, which softens with each wash. Easy to take on the go and wash when needed, these will last forever!

Belli Skincare: You’ve probably heard us mention Belli Skincare before, because it is SO amazing! We love that they use only high quality items in their products, which are safe for pregnancy, nursing, and beyond. Belli Skincare is free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes, parabens, gluten, phthalates and preservatives. Check out some of our favorites, including the Stretchmark Minimizing Cream, the Elasticity Belly Oil, and the All Day Moisture Lotion.

Dreambaby Strollerbuddy StrollAway Over the Door Hanger: Families who are tight on space often complain that they have to make stroller sacrifices so that they can safely store their stroller when not in use. Look no further! With a 50lb weight limit, Dreambaby’s Strollerbudy StrollAway will hold keep nearly any stroller safely contained. While not in use, it will even fold flat to stay out of the way!

Bblüv Sölar and Sunkitö: Two great products for fun in the sun from bblüv! Sölar are an excellent choice for sunglasses for your baby, toddler, or small child. Available in three fun colors, these flexible sunglasses will protect your little one’s eyes from harmful UV rays. Pair your glasses with the Sunkitö tent, which will keep your little one safe while taking a break from your busy day outside. We love that this tent will protect you from the sun, sand, and mosquitoes for snacks, naps, or quiet time!

Summersalt’s Mama + Minis Swimsuit Collection: Not only are their products adorable but we love Summersalt’s celebration of women and diversity! Their new Mama + Minis line is meant to encourage moms to spend that time outside and in the water with their littles! Plus the pops of color are refreshing and fun!

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!

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

What’s New on Gugu: April 3, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: April 10, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: April 17, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: April 24, 2019

Best Baby Swing: Gugu Picks

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Looking for the best baby swing? We’ve got you covered. From the budget parent to the minimalist and more, in this guide we’ve rounded up the best baby swing for all types of parents according to Gugu Guru’s gear expert and Chief Baby Planner Julie McCaffrey.

Best Baby Swing Gugu Pick for Best All-Around: 4moms mamaRoo

4moms took the idea of a traditional baby swing and flipped it on its head to create the Mamaroo. The mamaRoo mimics the motions that parents actually make and offers 5 unique options for motions and fully reclines to ensure baby is happy. With a compatible smart phone parents can control the motion or the menu of 4 built in soothing sounds or use the MP3 plug-in to play baby your favorite songs. This swing has a smaller footprint, making it a great pick for any home.

Best Baby Swing Gugu Pick for Minimalist: Fisher Price 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider Plus

With the Fisher Price 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider Plus you get two pieces of baby gear in one as the removable swing doubles as a rocker. There are six speed options available and you can choose for baby to swing side-to-side or head-to-toe. There are 16 soothing songs and nature sounds to choose from as well as an option for vibration to soothe baby. Plug in the Fisher Price 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider Plus for never-ending relaxation. Suitable from birth up to 25 pounds.

Best Baby Swing Gugu Pick for Budget-Friendly: Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing

The Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing has a low price tag compared to other swings but still offers a lot of the same features. The smaller footprint of this swing means it fits anywhere in your home and the deep, plush seat ensures baby is comfy. The gentle side-to-side motion with 6 speed options will soothe baby and there is an also the option for two speeds of vibration. There are 15 songs and sounds to choose from and this swing can be plugged into the wall or run on batteries. Suitable from birth up to 30 pounds

Best Baby Swing Gugu Pick for Multiples: 4moms rockaRoo

We love the rockaRoo for it’s ease of use and modern style. Available in a number of colors, the rockaRoo offers 5-speed options to rock your baby back and forth. An adjustable recline makes this a comfy spot for baby to lounge at any age. This swing is easy to put together and there is an additional (and optional) infant insert to give an added touch of comfort. This seat is a great choice for multiples due to its extremely small footprint.

Best Baby Swing Gugu Pick for Eco-Friendly: Nuna Leaf

The Nuna Leaf Grow is powerless and noiseless so it does not require any cords or electricity for movement. Parents can simply give a soft push to start a soothing side-to-side motion . The Nuna LEAF also features a cozy certified organic infant insert that easily removes for cleaning and the seat pad with a three point harness easily removes to move to toddler mode. The Leaf also features a locking mechanism for feedings or playtime, a removable base for easy storage and portability and a toy bar with plush toys. With three recline options the Nuna Leaf Grow is suitable for babies from birth up to 130 pounds.

Best High Chairs: Gugu Picks
Best of Standard Crib Mattresses: Gugu Picks
Best of Organic Crib Mattresses: Gugu Picks
Best Soft Structured Carriers: Gugu Picks
Best Infant Bath Tubs: Gugu Picks

Featured photo credit: J’Adore Lexie Couture

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

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

This week I’m focusing on brands that I adore. Some of these products are new to market while others are new for the season. 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!)

Joeyband: Immediately after giving birth, you will be encouraged to have skin-to-skin time as much as possible. While this is so beneficial to both parents and baby, the Joeyband makes it even more convenient! Perfect for in-hospital use, the Joeyband will help parents manage this bonding period while preventing infant falls. Also exceptional for use after a C-Section to allow healing mothers to easily keep baby close during recovery.

Babo Botanicals: Having two boys with severe eczema, I have tried pretty much every fragrance-free product on the market. Babo Botanicals offers an extremely wide range of skin care options for my kids. From sunscreen to diaper cream, cleansing wipes to shampoo, they have a natural product for every member of your family!

Copper Pearl Spring Patterns: Copper Pearl does it again with yet another round of adorable burp cloths and bibdanas. Giving us adorable Spring vibes, new patterns – Sassy, Holly, Morgan, Alta (and others!) are a perfect warm weather addition to any family’s garden. Plus they hold up well after multiple washes and act as the perfect accessory to any outfit!

Kindred Bravely Louisa Leggings: While most of Kindred Bravely’s product line is at the top of our favorites, we hadn’t seen their leggings in person until a few weeks ago. We were blown away! They are stretchy, comfortable, and extremely high-quality. Plus, they are a thick enough material and won’t thin out like so many other maternity/postpartum leggings. A true must have for your maternity wardrobe!

Skip Hop Play to Night Expanding Travel Crib: An excellent solution to traveling with your little one! We love this new travel crib from Skip Hop, which starts as a cozy sleep environment and expands to a much larger play space for baby or toddler. Equipped with a travel bag, this is the perfect item to take with while visiting family or friends!

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

What’s New on Gugu: February 20, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: February 27, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 6, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 13, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Our parents are always looking out for the latest and greatest products. However, it can be hard to sift through all the “noise.” This week, we have focused on 5 new products for you to check out. These are great to add to a registry, or to purchase for a growing toddler! 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!)

GoSili Oh Cup: We love this new cup from our friends at goSili! This spill-proof cup can be sterilized in the dishwasher or microwave (major convenience points!). It will not collapse on the go and it’s made from a food-grade European silicone. This cup is great for babies and toddlers on the go.

Go Happy Memories and Art Set: A great gift for kids who are slightly older (think 3 and up), this set includes a travel journal, a postcard set, and a sketch book. With the option to purchase separately or as a set, we think this is a perfect gift for that family who is about to jet off for Spring break!

Chew Cube: Another Mommycon find, we loved learning about Malarkey Kids (creator of the Munch Mitt) newest toy, the Chew Cube. Using food grade silicone and a developmentally appropriate rattle cube, your little one will play (and teethe) with this toy all day long. Plus it is super easy to take on the go!

June & January for Mama: One of our favorite baby/kid lines has now introduced comfy wear for Mom! Made from a buttery soft stretchy cotton blend, these pieces are truly for moms in any stage. Pregnant, nursing, postpartum, they will fit your changing body through it all!

Mockingbird Stroller: One of our favorite new finds, we love this new direct-to-consumer stroller! It easily competes with high end strollers with great suspension, a huge storage basket, and comfortable stylish fabrics. This stroller is customizable and functions well for everyday use. We can’t wait to see this stroller truly revolutionize the game!

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

What’s New on Gugu: February 13, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: February 20, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: February 27, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 6, 2019

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