Gugu Guru simplifies collaborations with mom creators.
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We were so excited to check out and perform an UPPAbaby MINU stroller review. Are you an on-the-go parent looking for a new lightweight stroller? Start your search with the MINU. See what our Chief Baby Planner, Julie, has to say here:
Check out some of our other UPPAbaby posts:
One of Gugu Guru’s most popular baby registries is our Cause-Driven Baby Registry, and today we’re introducing you to a this wonderful Mother’s Day gift idea or product to add to your own cause-driven baby registry. Satao’s Keeper is a retail company fighting to keep the worlds biggest creatures safe from poachers. With every purchase of a gorgeous cape, they donate 10% towards helping endangered elephants and rhinos. Satao’s Keeper is named for Satao, one of Kenya’s largest elephants. He was known as a tusker, due to his large tusks that almost touched the ground. Sadly, Satao was poached for his ivory in May 2014. Satao, protected his heard until the day his life was taken. Even though he is gone, Satao’s Keeper seeks to carry on and protect his legacy.
Satao’s Keeper is all about fashion with a cause, and we happen to think Capes are a must-have essential for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Capes are an essential closet staple for any mama, as they can cover a pregnant belly and keep her warm, transition you to postpartum life (hides all the bumps and lumps), and they make a fantastic breastfeeding cover!
All Capes are handmade in the USA by artisans from around the world. They would make a perfect gift for a new mom, or even your own mother or mother-in-law (as a nice thank you for letting you sleep!).
You can find Satao’s Keeper on their website and Instagram.
The Gugu Guru team are huge fans of shopping small, especially when the shops are women-owned businesses. When we came across GETgood, we knew we had to share it with you all! Founded on Long Island (so, we’re a bit biased here…), GETgood features vibrant bags, knitting needle cases, and pouches. As a busy mom, we know how important it is to have a case or bag for every little thing, and GETgood‘s bags arrive gift wrapped, just for you! It’s like a gift you can buy for yourself. GETgood also takes custom orders, so you can design your own pouches and bags to fit your style.
Another reason we’re fans of GETgood is that they are indeed just that – so good! A portion of sales will be donated every six months to Fiver Children’s Foundation, an organization that empowers children to make positive life choices. You can learn more about the phenomenal work they do at fiver.org. If you’re looking for a new mama gift, Mother’s Day gift, or a gift for yourself, check out the lovely bags on GETgood and tell them Gugu Guru sent you!
When it comes to pregnancy and postpartum style must-haves, maternity pajamas are an essential staple to your wardrobe. While it may seem like you can squeeze yourself into your pre-pregnancy pajamas for nine months, investing in a fantastic (and stylish) pair of maternity pajamas will make the journey of pregnancy through the “fourth trimester” so much more comfortable. Gugu Guru highly recommends Belabumbum’s Lounge Chic Nursing Cami, Pant + Robe Set that can be worn for maternity, postpartum, and is nursing-friendly, as well. You’re going to want to bring your maternity pajamas to the hospital to deliver the baby, and if the pieces are breastfeeding friendly and comfy, it’s a win-win. (Plus you can grab some mommy and me selfies in the hospital, with their adorable sets.)
Belabumbum’s Lounge Chic Nursing Cami, Pant + Robe Set is made with super-soft jersey and features piping and lace trim details. The Cami includes a built-in bra for support and one-handed clip for easy nursing access. The Cami is hip-length, giving you all the security and comfort you may need, and the curved hem adds a flattering detail to the maternity pajamas.
The Robe overlaps in the front for coverage during and after pregnancy. If you’re looking for maternity pajamas that will transition into post-partum fashion, the robe is an essential staple, as you can comfortably wear it around the house, has easy access for breastfeeding, and will help keep you comfortable when those post-partum hormones cause lots of temperature changes. The Belabumbum Lounge Chic pants feature a flat, non-roll elastic in the waist band, which is ideal for c-section mamas; they are full length pants with a lovely piping detail.
It is essential to have a pair of maternity pajamas that make you feel like you! Since you will be spending a lot of time at home when the baby is born, it is important for your maternity pajamas to be chic, soft, and super stretchy for your sensitive post-partum body. Belabumbum is ethically-sourced so you can feel good about your purchase too. The Lounge Chic collection is available in two colors, Chambray and Black, and includes a Maternity + Nursing Nightie + Robe Set. Use code GuguGuru for 15% off and free shipping!
Check out some of our other favorite must have maternity pajama essentials from Belabumbum:
Maternity + Nursing Bras (pictured: Bamboo Sleep Bra + Panty); Mom + Baby Sets (pictured: Violette); New Mama Essentials (Layered Cami + Lounge Pant)
You can find Belabumbum on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
When a new baby comes along, it’s tempting to stay put in the Newborn Lockdown stage and hunker down with Netflix, but often times there are other kids to tend to, dinner to be made, and maybe even those evening walks with your favorite dog as the sun goes down. With a wrap carrier for baby, you can resume your active lifestyle postpartum and keep baby close in the wrap carrier! The Baby K’tan Active Carrier is a wrap carrier essential for baby registries of all lifestyles, whether suburban or urban, working mom or stay-at-home, the Baby K’tan Active wrap carrier is your ticket to keeping up with all of your favorite activities and events, whatever your active style.
One of the reasons we’re such big fans of the Baby K’tan Active wrap carrier is that it is incredibly easy to use. The Baby K’tan Wrap Carrier has a patented double-loop design that’s quick and simple to put on and take off with no buckling and no fussing with rings or snaps. Just slip it on like a t-shirt and comfortably carry baby from birth to toddlerhood in 5 different wearing positions. Plus, it is washable and very easy to travel with; no giant pieces of fabric or buckles to tuck into your diaper bag; it’s basically like packing an extra t-shirt!
The Baby K’tan Active wrap carrier is ideal for parents who love to get outside and stay active; it may seem that you would get overheated while carrying baby in a wrap carrier, but not with the Baby K’tan Active wrap carrier. The Baby K’tan Active carrier is made from a hi-tech performance fabric that wicks away moisture and sweat while blocking over 90% of the suns UVA and UVB rays – keeping baby and mom extra cool and protected when out and about. Furthermore, the Baby K’tan Original carrier is made from 100% all-natural cotton fabric, so you will stay cool and baby won’t get overheated in the wrap carrier. Each carrier type is available in a variety of lovely colors and patterns, so you are sure to find something which fits your personal style!
Baby K’tan Weekender Diaper Bag, Baby K’tan Newborn Swaddle, Baby K’tan Diaper Bag
We’re big fans of Baby K’tan because their mission is to make life easy for parents, whether it is with their simple wrap carrier which feels like a t-shirt, their Weekender Diaper Bag which holds pretty much everything you may need (and the kitchen sink), their Baby K’tan Diaper Bag which features 2 antibacterial pockets, 2 insulated bottle pockets, exterior water bottle and cell phone pockets, built-in antibacterial wet bag, and more, or their Newborn Swaddle, made of an innovative breathable stretch fabric – when it comes to essentials for your baby, Baby K’tan truly has you covered.
Check out some of our other posts featuring Baby K’tan:
New Year, New You with Baby K’tan
Top 5 Must Have Essentials: Baby’s First Airplane Flight
As soon as the temperature goes up and the heavy winter coats come off, it’s time to shop for your new Spring wardrobe! As a breastfeeding mom, it can sometimes be tricky to find nursing-friendly clothing which also feels light and pretty for Spring. Here are some of our favorite picks for Spring style for nursing moms – these can easily be worn to work, date night, hanging with your friends, or just to run errands!
Maia Moda, founded by a mom and aims to create effortless style for the modern nursing mother – we love their modern lines and crisp looks for work – plus, their pieces are designed with nursing and pumping moms in mind, and are made from super soft fabric which is also stain and wrinkle resistant! See more about Maia Moda in our effortless nursing style guide.
Maia Top: The IT piece every nursing mama should have in her closet. The discreet lift-up nursing access at the front and built in modesty cover makes a seamless transition into your new mom wardrobe. The relaxed fit offers plenty of room for comfort and style. The fabric is a luxuriously soft and lightweight poly that doesn’t wrinkle, is easy to care for and dries quickly. This versatile tank can be worn with a well-cut blazer or cardigan for a day at the office or paired with skinny jeans and sandals for easy, everyday style. Shown here in their classic black, but also available in navy and their signature camo print.
Gaia Dress: Effortlessly stylish, the Gaia Maternity / Nursing Dress will make an elegantly versatile addition to your wardrobe. The modesty layer allows for discrete on-the- go nursing with lift-up access at the front. Designed with a relaxed fit, the elastic waist gives the dress shape in all the right places and flexibility to a mother’s changing body. Slip it on with sandals for an easy Sunday morning stroll or glam it up with earrings and a fabulous heel for an evening out. This is a day to night winner! We love it here in the coral, it’s dressy enough to wear to your next wedding with your little one in tow.
Rhea Top: The Rhea Blouse is a modern blouse to compliment any mother’s silhouette. Available in a stunning classic blue, it will be the pop of color needed to welcome spring. The V shaped neckline with beautiful bunching at the the shoulder and a modern 3/4 length sleeve directs your vision to all the right places. The signature modesty panel is built for discrete nursing and easy pumping.
Allette creates gorgeous and unique pieces, very much flattering for every body, which are all super nursing-friendly. Founded by two moms, they created Allette for moms who love clothes and do not want to compromise their style when they’re breastfeeding. Each unique Brooklyn-made style is comfortable, flattering, easy to care for, and pretty cute, too! We’re swooning over their new Spring dresses for date-nights and brunches with your mama friends. You can read more about Allette here, too.
Donna Midi Nursing Dress: The midi dress of all midi dresses. It flows, it moves, it flatters. Not only will this dress make you feel like a pretty lil’ thing but it is beyond comfortable and does not wrinkle. Amaze. Sleeveless to keep you cool through those sunny months (and hot flashes!). White lining creates the discreet nursing underlayer and adds dimension to the look. And we just love the blue and white stripes – perfect for a day out on your yacht. Or your balcony. Pair with bold-colored open-toe flats for a neighborhood walk or block heels to the office or that weekend party.
Denyse Nursing Dress: You’ll never want to take this flowy dress off! Loose and lovely, this ultra modern double v-neck dress features a gathered skirt that truly compliments, literally, everyone. Detailed with cuffed sleeves, this all in-one dress is feminine and edgy. The perfect (nursing) little black dress. Try it with gladiator sandals or cute flats for a day in the park or high-heeled sandals and standout jewelry for an evening get-together with friends.
Naomi Ruffled Nursing Dress: Allette’s flirtiest dress yet. A little bit shorter. A little bit ruffled. A little bit of a plunged V-neck. But nothing too wild, Mamas. This is a family business. Feel as lovely as you’ll look wearing this super flattering style. The hidden elastic waistline allows you to wear it drop-waist or higher up for a very forgiving gathered effect. A double skirt and a little ruffle at the sleeves polish this super feminine staple. Mama is looking good! And that print. Like an actual, real, pretty dress. Wear it with slingbacks to the park or blocked heels for that uber-important business meeting to pump just before.
Check out some other mom style posts:
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:
See Kate Sew is back again today with another maternity refashion!
I’m over at Gugu Guru again to day with a 3rd installment in a little maternity refashion series! I’ve had a lot of fun with this series so I hope you have too! All three of these posts have taken an oversized men’s shirt or sweatshirt turned it into a maternity top with a few quick cuts and stitches.
We partnered with Ryla Pack for this post! The Ryla pack diaper bag is a new backpack style diaper bag with all the right pockets! I love this bag and super love the bag’s attention to detail. There is a purpose for every single pocket! A pocket for bottles, diapers, wipes, a cellphone and more. It’s a nice and sleek bag that fits all! You can use my code SEEKATESEW to save 20% on your own Ryla Pack! Hop over to See Kate Sew to read my review of the pack!
This refashion is very simple! I purchased an oversized short-sleeve men’s top and just took in the side seam from the sleeve down to the hem in one fell swoop! It has a swingy shape to it which is flattering and easy to wear, especially over maternity leggings or even jeans. An extra feature of this refashion is the addition of a necktie. I used a black and gold polka dot for the tie, which just adds a little class and a little color to the outfit. You can even make a few ties and switch them out to change up the look of the same top!
Materials:
-oversided chambray SHORT sleeve men’s shirt
-1/4 yard quilting cotton for tie
Instructions:
Try the shirt on, pinch under the armpit where you want to bring the shirt in and mark it with a pin or disappearing ink pen. Do the same on the sleeve and note how many inches from the side seam you have pinched.
Take it off and turn inside out. Sew from the sleeve to the hem, following your marks.
It’s really that easy!
To make the tie, cut 2 strips of fabric 44″ by 4″. 44″ is the width of a standard bolt of quilting cotton, so you can just cut it right from the edge of your length of fabric without measuring.
Fold strip in half with wrong sides together and press. Sew the long edge.
Turn the tube right side out and press. Turn the short edges under and topstitch.
Find the middle of the tie and fold it over. Stitch about 10″ (5″ on either side of middle point). This will help the tie fit around the collar and stay flat.
Tie it up and you’re done!
This is also really cute without a belly! And since it’s button-up, it’s great for nursing!
It’s no secret that once baby comes along, there is just so…much…stuff! It can be overwhelming to find a diaper bag which not only fits all of baby’s gear, but also fits your personal style. Worry no longer, mamas – Golden Child is here to solve all of your problems! Golden Child are structured modular inserts which turn any bag (seriously, any handbag of yours) into a well-organized diaper bag. Combine the 3 modular pieces to fit any bag shape – from a small zip tote, to a large shopping bag, to a backpack. So easy to swap in and out! Read on to learn more plus enter to win one of your own!
Founded by two sisters with a background in design and product development, they wanted to solve the major problem moms have – even though you may have a bag or diaper bag you love, it has to evolve with the baby, and with your lifestyle – due to the modular, clip on, structure of Golden Child, you can create the diaper bag of your dreams.
We wanted to test it out, so we turned to an uber-stylish mama, Cristina of Cristina V. Jewelry; Cristina has an adorable 1 year old daughter and works from home, so she’s always on the go go go. Here’s what she had to say about the Golden Child inserts:
I love that I can now see everything in my diaper bag and that it had more than enough compartments for both Paige’s things and mine. In less than 10 minutes, I went from not knowing what was in my bag to seeing where everything was. It sounds silly, but I also feel better knowing I will not be scrambling the next time Paige needs a snack or I need to find my wallet.
Like what you see? Enter to win a Sunny Diaper Bag Insert for yourself in our giveaway:
You can find Golden Child LA on their website, Instagram, and Facebook
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Looking for more diaper bag help?
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.
