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5 moms Pamper their Feet with Barefoot Scientist

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As a busy mom, your schedule is full. You don’t always have time to do everything you need to do, let alone things you want to do like stop in at the salon and get a pedicure. What if you could get that post-pedicure soft, smooth feet feeling from home? You can with Barefoot Scientist and their many products to help keep your feet in tip-top shape.

Maybe you’ve got dry feet. Or maybe you’re a mom who cares about clean ingredients and cruelty-free products. Maybe you’ve never thought about your feet more than putting on socks and shoes in the morning. We had 5 moms from our Gugu Village try the Smooth Operator bundle from Barefoot Scientist. Read what they had to say below.

Sophia, mom of 3

The Barefoot Scientist Smooth Operator set is an excellent way to get a little me-time while at home. Although I love a good pedicure, having this system to use in between my trips to the spa allows me to feel like I’m prioritizing a little self-care. Simply slip on the socks while you’re watching TV, sitting at your computer, or laying in bed and your feet will soak in all that goodness. The best part is, I hate wearing socks (they make my feet hot) but the socks are so amazing that even after I slipped them off, my feet stayed nice and cool all night. The hydration cream is a nice addition before slipping on the gel-filled socks and I love having my own ‘Gratest’ rasp tool to take care of my tough spots. Be careful not to overuse! These are a great addition to the dry winter weather coming our way in the midwest!

Ali, Mom of 2 & Pregnant

My favorite form of self-care is painting my nails and toes and I am always on the lookout for tools to make that easier. As a mom of 2 with 1 more on the way, going to the salon has become something that happens every three or 4 months so I needed help to take care of my feet. The Gratest rasp tool said you could use it on dry feet or after soaking for 10 mins but I choose to try after a shower. It was very comfortable in my hand and I felt safe in control. Additionally, I liked the string for easy drying after cleaning. The High Dive hydration cream is probably the thickest moisturizer I have ever used and felt absolutely luxurious. I felt confident in the ingredients they used (Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist Tested. Vegan. Free of Phthalates & Parabens.) even during my pregnancy.  The Sleep On It overnight gel socks were a new experience for me! I would recommend putting them on as you are in bed as they did not feel comfortable when walking around. However, when I woke up and took them off, my feet were definitely softer than I had ever felt before. For super dry feet, combining the moisturizer and socks might work well but it was a little too much for me. I am excited to try the socks alone! 

Sarah, Pregnant with her first

Absolutely loved the product right out of the box. The simple packaging translated to the relaxing scents of the products. I was already hooked! The High Dive made my feet smell heavenly and after a full day on my feet, combined with the Sleep On It socks made my night before I even got into bed. The combination is a great way to destress and relax after a bath/long shower and I’m definitely looking forward to the next time I use my in-home foot spa treatment! I was a little nervous using The Gratest but using it on wet skin from the shower reminded me of my last pedicure, and I couldn’t resist! These three products are awesome individually, or together – you can’t go wrong. Great way to relax the feet for the next day, and great smelling too!

Brianna, mom of 2

The Gratest and High Dive were my favorite products of the three in the set. I was able to easily remove dry skin with the Gratest. It was painless and quickly allowed my skin to have a smoother feel. The High Dive was very moisturizing and had a luxurious feel to it. It was not too thick and easily absorbed. Definitely a step up from a normal lotion. The Sleep On It socks were interesting in that they have a gel coating on the interior where the ingredients are to help provide additional moisture while wearing them. However, they feel a little odd between the weight of them and the gel texture. While I would prefer a sock without the gel, I do appreciate that they have multiple uses (up to approximately 12 per pair). There was some moisturizer residue on my feet after taking the socks off following wearing them overnight. It washed off easily. 

The Smooth Operator set is a wonderful addition to my home self-care and I am happy to have come across it. Two days after using the set and my feel soft and refreshed and I will definitely be using this set going forward. 

Melissa, mom of 1

First I want to start with the package itself. It made me feel extra special with the personal handwritten note, it just adds a little more thoughtfulness to the experience and to the product. It’s something to keep in mind when I send it to my friends and family. I started my foot care with the therapeutic socks. The instructions state you can wear them anytime, I prefer at night. You do need to get used to the soft gel, I can see for some people it might feel weird— it did for me the first time. Hence, why I decided to do it at night. After wearing them for a couple of nights, I can definitely see the difference in how soft my feet felt.   I didn’t have any allergic reactions— I tend to have sensitive skin— the smell was not irritating, and what I love most it’s cruelty-free, free of phthalates and parabens. Be aware you do have to hand wash them and after much usage, the gel does run out. However, I love how I can now incorporate it as part of my own wellness routine.  I tend to be on my feet all day, and these socks just work their magic! Love the concept. 

Now the High Dive cream, with just a couple of drops I can see how it absorbs deeply to the cracks of my feet. It’s really light,  smooth, and most importantly,  without leaving behind residue. Fragrance-free and it feels like you have no lotion on your feet. Lastly, the Gratest. The foot file for your feet! I should have started with this first because whenever you need to hydrate your skin you need to prep it. I do have to admit, I always get scared using these types of products for the fear of thinking I’m going to cut my skin. This tool however is lightweight and easy to use. As with any, the blade is sharp, so I didn’t have to add so much pressure to remove the rough skin. Overall, the kit is well worth it. 

Thank you to Barefoot Scientist for letting our moms test these amazing products!

Looking for more Reviews and Tips? Check out our most recent below-

The Scoop: Momkindness Duo Diaper Backpack

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Versatility is key when it comes to gear in motherhood. We’re bringing you the scoop on the Duo Backpack from Momkindness. This backpack is a 2-in-1 style and a total game-changer for moms in every stage of early motherhood, and beyond.

2-in-1 Style

A favorite feature of this bag is its 2-in-1 style with a durable canvas backpack, plus a removable Diaper Clutch with changing pad for when you just need to tote the essentials. Moms love being able to pop out the Diaper Clutch for a quick run into the store, knowing that the backpack with all the necessities is close by in the car. It can easily double as a stylish clutch for date night as well!

Made to last

This backpack from Momkindness is made of a durable canvas that will last far beyond the baby and toddler years. The sleek style of this bag won’t fall out of style either. With a wide-access, dual-zip top, and 9 pockets, this bag keeps you organized with a place for everything so you can easily find all the things, right when you need them. There’s even a quick-access zip pocket on the back!

Inside, along with 9 pockets for organization, there’s a separate padded laptop or tablet compartment. The adjustable, padded comfort straps are perfect for both mom and dad to wear. This backpack is made to multi-task as much as you do.

Momkindness for a cause

Another thing we love most about Momkindness is their mission to spread acts of “momkindness” within the mom community and their partnership with Every Mother Counts. Every Mother Counts is a non-profit working to achieve quality, respectful and equitable maternity care for all, and a portion of every Momkindness sale is donated to support their cause.

This durable, 2-in-1 diaper backpack is made to last through all parts of parenthood, and beyond. Because being a mom shouldn’t mean sacrificing style for function! Check it out for yourself: Momkindness Duo Backpack (Grey)

Thank you to Momkindness for making this sponsored post possible.

Check out more:
Kindness Counts: Amazing Mama Brands with Huge Hearts
Diaper Bags to Check Out

The Importance of Mom’s Sleep

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Kim West and Zulay Henao, an actress and soon-to-be mom, chat about the importance of moms’ sleep. Sleep is important for everyone, especially when you’re pregnant, so we can’t wait to dig in.

Kim West, “The Sleep Lady”, has been a family therapist for 27 years and has been sleep coaching families for 25 of those years. She’s also a mom of two!

What’s up with sleep in pregnancy?

Zulay has slept like a baby her entire life. Up until pregnancy, she’s never had issues sleeping. Sleep is greatly affected when we are pregnant. Zulay has found extreme relief with her bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow. They have an amazing line of products, and we love their pregnancy pillow. It supports your lower back, your pelvis, your knees, your ankles. It is a life-changing pregnancy pillow that is super comfy.

Zulay is 25 weeks pregnant and has noticed a lot of different patterns with her sleep during pregnancy. The first three months, she lost a lot of sleep because she was sick all the time. Then sleep deprivation kicked in for three months. Cut to now, the morning sickness, all that stuff is gone, and but she struggles to get comfortable – although that’s changed in the last two weeks because of her bbhugme pillow.

Zulay and her partner actually battle over the pillow because they love it so much. Zulay says “Everybody should have this pillow.” She thinks bbhugme should actually make one that looks the same and just market it a different way for the everyday person. To sleep, she positions it in a way that supports her belly and is in between her knees, which is really important for her lower back.

Women commonly get reflux, particularly farther along in the pregnancy, leg cramps, and of course, having to get up to go to the bathroom. The hormone changes also cause a little nervousness, anxiety, and excitement all at the same time. Some women also find that the later in the day that they eat, the harder it is to fall into a nice deep sleep. It’s really better to have a few hours for digestion, especially when pregnant because reflux is more common.

What are some things you can do to help you sleep better?

There’s some mixed advice about taking a warm bath, but if you can, of course a warm bath or a warm shower is really helpful for sleep. There’s been a lot of interesting studies on lavender aromatherapy, and in particular lavender. Using a diffuser or a pillow spray, or even putting some on a Kleenex on your nightstand if you don’t like it too close to you.

They say 79% of pregnant women have disturbed sleep during their pregnancy. This is the time mamas should be resting up to get ready for baby. If struggling with insomnia, be careful about taking a nap during the day, and opt for a set bedtime and wake-up routine. Maybe it’s making a nice cup of tea and sitting down to read a book, or just relaxing and doing some progressive muscle relaxation exercises.

Short, meditation exercises, 10-15 minutes in length, can help mom stay focused and get a little rejuvenation. Exercise is another important factor for sleep. Even stretching or simply walking can be great, especially if you’re struggling with leg cramps. Vitamin D and Omega-3 have also been found to help moms find some better sleep.

And, of course, we love the bbhugme pillow for mom sleep. A quote from Zulay herself:

bhugme, you guys rock. Just know that you’re making my nights yummier and cozier, and I love this pillow so much.

-ZUlay Henao

Moms, we truly hope you can use these tips to find some rest while growing and awaiting the arrival of your little one. Mom’s sleep is so important, especially when pregnant.

Thank you to bbhugme for making this IG Live and sponsored blog post possible.

Why You Need This Diaper Bag from Parker Baby Co.

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Parker Baby Co. isn’t just another baby-centric brand. Founded by a husband and wife team, this small business has taken the market by storm, going up against the most expensive products from top name brands and offering affordable, high-quality, thoughtful products that every parent will love.

The company was founded by couple Kirsten and Sam who were quickly overwhelmed by all the baby products they were told they needed when they had twins in 2015. Ever since, they have strived to redesign these same products to make them multi-functional and fit for the modern family.

The couple now has four children to call their own, and throughout each experience of welcoming a new bundle of joy into their family, they’ve been able to try out new iterations of Parker Baby products and make notes about what they’d like to see added or changed first-hand.

As parents, they know what it’s like to be bombarded by the newest products that could make their lives easier — so what makes this diaper bag, in particular, so special? You’re about to find out why it should make your must-haves list!

What’s So Special About This Diaper Bag?

To start, Parker Baby Co. has kept its promise on offering thoughtfully designed, high-quality products at prices new parents can afford, but they go beyond fair pricing with this diaper bag.

Spacious and modern, this diaper bag is actually a backpack, helping to keep mom’s hands-free as she goes about her daily errands with her little one. What’s more, it’s covered in pockets to make it highly functional and keep mom and dad highly organized.

Two of these pockets are insulated, making them ideal for storing snacks and milk, and there’s also the super easily accessible “mom pocket” that’s ideal for holding a phone, wallet, or other need-to-reach items. It also has a padded laptop pocket because Parker Baby Co. knows full and well the needs of today’s working and travelling moms.

Add to the list a keyring, built-in changing pad, and stroller straps, and you’ll instantly understand why so many new moms are adding this diaper bag to their baby shower wishlist. Plus, it features a neutral and modern color scheme to boot, so it seamlessly blends into any stylish mom’s wardrobe.

 

Get One For Yourself

If you want to get this diaper bag and try it out for yourself, you’ll find it here. Best of all, it only costs $75! While you’re there be sure to check out the other products Parker Baby offers and read more about this brand’s wholesome backstory and founders.

Thank you to Parker Baby Co. for making this sponsored post possible.

Expecting Multiples? Our Top Must-Haves

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I was extremely shocked when I heard that I was expecting my second set of twins. My identical boys were 2 and a half years old and while I knew they would be the best big brothers, I couldn’t believe I was going through this again! As Gugu Guru’s Director of Concierge, my mind immediately went to the products and gear that I would need for our second set (this time, boy/girl twins) who were going to be born in a completely different season than their older bros. Below is my latest list of must-have products for parents of multiples.

 

Newborn/4th Trimester Must-Haves

Frida Mom Products: When I had my first set of twins, I had heard so much about this Nose Frida and how wonderful it was. Quickly, I converted to their whole lineup of items and was so excited when they launched their ‘Mom’ line. I am a HUGE fan of their Upside Down Peri bottle and their Disposable Underwear were extremely comfortable, especially after my C-Section.

Belli Skincare: When you have multiples, you don’t always have time for a long skincare routine. Generally, I need to slap on some lotion, rub on sunscreen and I’m out the door! I love Belli’s tinted sunscreen as well as their Stretchmark Minimizing Cream, which helped greatly as I grew.

Simple Clothing: This sounds so silly, but it’s also so practical. Find clothing that holds up to lots of washing, is a style you like, and is easy to put on. With double the diaper changes, zippers or magnetic closures are a must! Some of my favorite brands are Magnetic Me, Little Sleepies, and Monica + Andy.

Love to Dream Swaddles: These have continued to be a favorite for our family. They are so easy to put on and great for midnight diaper changes. They wash easily (important when you’re wearing them twice as fast) and allow your little one to have his or her hands up. Now that my little ones are 3 months old, we’re slowly transitioning to their Swaddle Up Transition Bags.

Twiniversity: Twiniversity strikes again! They continue to be my favorite resource to share with twin parents. The site is full of great blog posts written by twin parents on that multiple mentality! Also, their founder, Nat has written the best book for expectant twin parents – What to Do When You’re Having Two.

 

Feeding Must-Haves

Easy to Use Bottles: When you have double the mouths to feed, it is important that you have bottles that you can assemble and clean as quickly as possible. I actually use a couple different types of bottles with my little ones, depending on our situation. When my babies are battling reflux, there is no better bottle than Dr. Brown’s Options Plus. They have an excellent venting system, are easy to clean, and are easy to assemble. I have also loved using the food-grade silicone bottles by Olábaby. These have minimal parts, are lightweight, and are also extremely easy to clean. Plus, they have accessories to work with your pump or turn into a sippy cup down the road.

Baby Brezza: From day 1, my twins were receiving a mix of formula and breastmilk. Feeding two babies is not easy, regardless of what you choose to feed. Both the Formula Pro-Advanced and the Formula Mixer Pitcher allowed me to quickly prepare bottles. Nothing better than efficiency when you have to listen to two screaming babes! Side note – they just launched a new diaper bag, as well, which was great for our road trip this summer!

Feeding Accessories: With two babies to take care of, the number of bottles we go through per day is truly fascinating. I have found that surrounding myself with proper accessories makes the cleaning process significantly easier. The Dr. Brown’s Dishwashing Basket, Boon Lawn Drying Rack (with fun extras), and an easy to use pump (like the Motif Luna or Elvie) have dramatically improved our daily feeding experience.

 

On The Go and Playtime Must-Haves

An Excellent Stroller: My #1 must-have for any parents of multiples is a good stroller! I would even argue that 2 strollers can potentially be a game changer for twins. I love keeping our Joovy Twin Roo + in the car for easy in/out access with our car seats. This is great for running errands, attending doctor’s appointments, and dropping off my older set of twins (when COVID doesn’t keep us at home) at activities.

The Bugaboo Donkey3 has also become our beloved all-terrain stroller. My babies – who are nearly 4 months old – still fit comfortably in the bassinets and my older boys love riding on the glider board to “help push” the babies. I can easily get 3 of my 4 kiddos on this stroller with no worries about lack of storage. It has a huge basket, great wheels, and an easy to fold up frame. I love that I can convert it to a single stroller when I need one (which is rare in our house!) and the side luggage basket is amazing. Plus, the bassinet frame becomes the seat frame, which gives us one less item to store. I always love multifunctional items for twins!

Infant Car Seats: When I am helping expectant parents figure out what car seat makes the most sense for their needs, I often focus on 3 things – weight, safety features/install, and price. Nuna has done an excellent job with their Pipa line creating car seats that are lightweight, have added safety features and are extremely easy to install. Their new relx car seat base is a game changer, allowing you to recline the seat within the base and having an even easier install than the intial base. One great thing to note – all Pipa seats will fit in the relx base (and the new rx seat comes with it)!

A Great Diaper Bag with Lots of Storage: I have tried out loads of diaper bags with my kiddos. I do think certain diaper bags are best for certain situations. Unfortunately, many of the ‘twin’ diaper bags fell short in my opinion, as they are just too big. I strongly believe that I will fill any diaper bag I use, no matter how big or small. To me, a diaper bag must have enough pockets (but not so many that they take up valuable inner space), great open storage, and easy to access bottle spots. If it’s a backpack, that’s just a plus! Baby K’tan recently launched their diaper bags and I am a huge fan! They are easy to wipe down, easy to fill, and have inner storage that makes sense.

A great playmat for 2 babies: As a mom of two sets of twins, I try to keep some sort of control on the amount of stuff in our house. I am not a minimalist, but I try to maintain a level of simplicity. One way I do this is by focusing on items that can function for both babies instead of one at a time.  The Lovevery play mat is a large playmat that will hold both babies for play, tummy time, and when I need to get tasks done around the house. It is extremely high-quality, easy to wash, and comes with excellent accessories that grow with your little one. I also love their Play Kits as well as Toys that provide all of my kiddos with age-appropriate developmentally based manipulatives.

Easy to Store Gear: Gear that is easy to store is essential with multiple babes. I love bouncers that fold flat, swings with small footprints and loungers that help with playtime. Check out some of my top choices by Baby Björn, 4moms, and Boppy.

An easy-to-use Carrier: I love wearing my babies. With 4 kiddos to take care of, it’s nice to have a hands-free way to hold one baby while tending to one of the others. Plus, it counts as tummy time anytime that little one is off of his/her back. I have tested out a number of carriers over the years and with my very short torso, I have a hard time finding a good fit. The Baby K’tan is great for the early days. I love the kangaroo carry and this helps keep my little ones snuggled close. The Boppy ComfyFit and ComfyChic carriers are super comfy and great from 8lbs on. They are easy to put on and are extremely adjustable and are great for wearing around the house or short walks around the neighborhood. I also love the Lascal m1 Carrier. Providing excellent ergonomic support for both parent and baby, this carrier is made of high-quality, breathable fabric and is great for all activities.

 

Nursery Must-Haves

Great Diaper Changing Products: I am a huge fan of all fragrance-free diapers. My littles all suffer from eczema so keeping parabens, fragrance, and dyes away is incredibly important to me. Some of my favorites are Eco Pea, Coterie, and Pampers Pure. Fragrance-free wipes are also so wonderful in those early days. Look for wipes that are 99% water initially. I love Water Wipes, Noleo, and Huggies Natural Care.

Crane Humidifier: My little ones always end up with a case of the sniffles right around 3 months. With a dry bedroom, I’m always looking for ways to moisten up the air. This will instantly help my little ones breathe and sleep, which means I get more shut-eye each night! Crane has the best line of cool mist humidifiers for your nursery and beyond! I keep one in each of my twins’ bedrooms every night!

Simple Swaddles: The Ollie Swaddle was great for us in the early days! This gave my little ones that tight swaddled feeling, ensuring longer stretches of safe sleep each night. I also love the swaddle blankets by Copper Pearl. They are buttery soft, stretchy, and a great size for long-term swaddling and beyond.

Great Crib Sheets: I am a HUGE fan of having loads of crib sheets for twinnies. There will inevitably be loads of messes in those cribs and the last thing you want to do is run out of clean sheets. I always have 4-5 sets for each baby on hand and my favorite sheets are by Carousel Designs. They have loads of organic options in fun patterns and you can even personalize your own bedding!

Bath/Teething Musts: My favorite hooded bath towels must be soft, cozy, and the right size for longterm use. I love the towels by Loulou Lollipop, which come as a set with a matching washcloth. They are adorable and so soft for that precious skin!

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that Gugu Guru receives a small commission should you purchase via any of the retail links.

Claire Holt’s Motherhood Must-Haves

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We are so excited to have teamed up with Claire Holt again to highlight her favorite products now that her little guy has turned one! In the blink of an eye, her cutie has gone from infancy to rolling over, then eating and is now on the move! Here are some of Claire’s top must-haves that have helped her throughout her first year and beyond as a new mom! Plus, we love Claire’s social media posts about motherhood, especially as she gets ready to welcome baby #2– be sure to follow her on Instagram!

 

Fourth Trimester Must-Haves

Baby K’tan: I really loved using this wrap when James was a newborn. He instantly calmed when I wore him and it allowed me to actually get things done! It was so easy to put on (which was very important to me as I struggled with some of the other ‘rubix cube’ wraps), and I was able to pop it in the washing machine to keep it clean. Highly recommend!

Magnetic Me Onesies: These are a MUST!!! We tried many different types of onesies and these are the clear winners. They are so easy to snap, which is crucial for middle of the night changing and bath time fussiness. I love love love love this brand.

aden + anais Swaddles/Blankets: SO beautiful, soft, and very high quality. We really love these and they make great gifts!

Diaper Dékor Plus: The best part about this pail is how easy it is to empty. You simply cut the continuous liner on the side of the pail, tie a knot, and you’re good to go. It’s handsfree and really effective at trapping odors.

 

Travel Must-Haves

Doona Car Seat/Stroller: This is my absolute favorite baby product. We traveled with James from a very young age and this car seat/stroller made our lives so much easier. It’s lightweight, durable, very comfortable, and switches easily between the two modes. My only wish is that it came in a bigger size, as James grew out of it by 6 months. This is a MUST HAVE if you plan on traveling or just want to save a little space in your home!

Hatch Baby Sound Machine: Awesome product for home or on-the-go. It has such a wide variety of sound options and also works as a night light. We travel with it everywhere – it really helps to keep him in a deep sleep

4moms Breeze Playard: Really great for travel – so easy to set up and pack away. The mattress is super comfortable. We use this for sleep and for playtime.

Skip Hop Pronto Portable Changer: Really great for those times when you don’t want to lug around a large diaper bag. I found it very useful when I had to change him in places with limited space (like a plane bathroom!).

Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier– I really love this carrier! It’s so easy to use and James loves facing both inward and outward. It was invaluable on my recent trip to Australia – I walked up and down the plane aisle wearing him for many hours. It saved my back and my sanity. While I love the Baby K’tan for newborns, this worked better for me once James got a little bigger.

 

On-The-Go Must-Haves

Nuna Pipa: We brought James home from this hospital in this car seat and I used this when we weren’t traveling until he was around 6 months old. The Nuna Pipa is a great design and James always seemed very comfortable in it. Safety is obviously the main priority and I always felt confident that he was safe and secure.

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible Car Seat– Obsessed with this seat. Now that James is bigger he is much more comfortable in this style. It’s beautifully made, very secure, and easy to clean. Huge fan.

Artipoppe Carrier: Another of my favorite carriers. This carrier is SO gorgeous. The quality is incredible, the patterns are really unique, and when I’m wearing it, strangers always ask about it!

Silver Cross Jet: LOVE this travel stroller. It’s so simple to fold, becomes incredibly compact, and most importantly is super comfortable. It also looks really stylish. James even prefers this stroller over the larger version. So glad silver cross released this model!

 

Sleep Must-Haves

Colgate Natural I Crib Mattress: Love that this mattress is eco-friendly and all natural. It’s hypoallergenic, very safe, and very comfortable.

Magic Merlin Sleepsuit: This suit was really helpful when we transitioned James from the swaddle. He slept really well and most importantly was safe in his crib. We didn’t use it for long but it was a very valuable tool when we needed it.

Crane Humidifer: We use this in the winter months. I like that it dispenses a cool mist making it safe for infants. The design is stylish and it’s easy to use.

Breathable Crib Liners: This liner stops James from getting his arms and legs caught in the crib bars. Love that it doesn’t restrict airflow and is a safer alternative to crib bumpers.

 

Playtime Must-Haves

4moms mamaRoo4: An excellent infant seat option starting right at the newborn stage. This seat has multiple movement patterns and is a great way to keep baby calm during playtime!

Monti Kids: I am a huge fan of Montessori and love that this is an age-appropriate subscription service. The wooden toys are beautifully made and specifically designed for development. The subscription provides parents/caregivers with access to the Monti Kids Learning Centre, which gives instructions and shares research. I did have an issue with the Level 1 mobile. I couldn’t collapse it and took up a large amount of space. Upon checking their website, it seems that they’ve addressed this and the new mobile is adjustable! All of the other toys are really great.

Toki Play Mat: Really great for newborns, it’s made of very soft organic material and has a machine washable cover. It’s portable and comes in lots of great prints.

People Toy Company- Mochi blocks: James is obsessed with these toys! I love that they’re free of harmful chemicals and made from rice – makes me feel better when they spend most of the time in his mouth!

DockATot: The DockATot does an amazing job at keeping the baby cozy. Great for supervised lounging and playtime. Plus it is super portable.

 

Feeding Must-Haves

Comotomo Bottles: These bottles are the best! We tried glass at first, but they were heavy and I was always worried about dropping them. I love that the Comotomo is made of food-grade silicone, easy to clean, and the nipple mound is quite large, which resembles a breast. By far James’ favorite type of bottle.

Boon Lawn Drying Rack: Large, easy to clean, and keeps the bottles in place as they dry. It seems very simple but I tried a number of different racks and this was the best.

Inglesina Fast Table chair: This is so great for travel! He does much better in this than a traditional restaurant high chair. Easy to clean and very comfortable.

Wabi Baby UV Sterilizer: Another of my must-have items. Great design, highly effective, and easy to use. Sterilizes and dries toys and bottles very quickly. We love it so much that despite the size, we packed it in the back of the car and brought it on vacation with us. (Side note – the Wabi Baby UV Sterilizer is currently

Beaba Babycook: We make our own organic food for James when we can (it’s a little more difficult when traveling), and this product makes it very easy. It steams AND purees the food, which means less equipment and fewer dishes! We have transitioned to more textures so don’t use the puree function as much anymore, but we still use it to steam fruits/veggies.

 

 

Clothing Must-Haves

Saint Haven Clothing: I am in love with these clothes. They are so soft yet incredibly durable. James lives in the one-pieces.

Little Crowns NYC Hats: The most adorable little hats. Super stylish and adjustable as they grow. Most importantly, he never tries to rip them off!

 

Thank you SO much to Claire for all of her insight and photos of her little guy and his favorite items. 

What’s New on Gugu: February 5, 2020

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Calling all last-minute Valentine’s Day shoppers! Below are some great gift ideas for your loved ones with V-Day right around the corner! Coming in at all different price points, these gifts are sure to wow your little loves and big babes! Be sure to share any of your favorite gift ideas with us as well. We love hearing from our Village!

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

Honey Bug’s Valentine’s Day Boxes: These adorable gift boxes from Honey Bug are the perfect gift for your little ones to celebrate our holiday of hearts. While their Valentine’s Day Boxes are flying off the shelf, we also love their standard gift boxes, which are curated by the Honey Bug mamas. These boxes are unique and will truly stand out amongst the monotony of the same baby gifts!

mamaRoo Sleep

4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet: The long-awaited sleep bassinet from 4moms has finally arrived! What better gift to give than the gift of sleep?! Featuring 5 unique movements, you can control any movement or sound via the app. This is a safe sleep environment and can help keep your little one safe in your room until they reach 25 lbs or can push up on their hands/knees (whichever comes first).

Uppababy Vista V2

UPPAbaby VISTA V2 and CRUZ V2: The newest version of the UPPAbaby VISTA and CRUZ have finally arrived! Both strollers have been updated with seat/harness improvements, suspension upgrades (SO excited about this!) and wheel upgrades as well as a more compact fold for the CRUZ V2. The VISTA V2 has also updated it’s canopy. While definitely an investment, both strollers will hold up for years and throughout multiple children! A great Valentine’s Day gift for yourself or baby!

Hooray Heroes

Hooray Heroes Personalized Books: Nothing warms a parent’s heart more than a personalized gift. Turn on the water works this Valentine’s Day by securing these amazingly adorable books for Mom or Dad. You can truly personalize the characters and the storyline to fit your needs. Plus they are super high quality and will last for years!

Copper Pearl

Copper Pearl ‘XOXO’ Collection: Available in time for Valentine’s Day, we love how adorable (and gender-neutral!) this ‘XOXO’ collection is from Copper Pearl. Available in a swaddle blanket, hat, and multi-use cover there is something for everyone! If gender-neutral isn’t your style, check out the Lola print too!

 

 

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! As an Amazon Associate Gugu Guru may earn from qualifying purchases.

 

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What’s New on Gugu: December 11. 2019

What’s New on Gugu: January 15, 2020

What’s New on Gugu: January 22, 2020

What’s New on Gugu: January 29, 2020

What’s New on Gugu: December 11, 2019

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During the holiday season, it is so easy for moms and moms-to-be to forget to stock up on products to treat themselves! Below are some fun new finds from the pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood market. We love these as gifts for expectant moms or as a personal gift to focus on the always-important (and never attainable) self-care! Let us know some of your favorite just for mom products! 

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

NYSSA Postpartum Underwear: Called the ‘Fourthwear’ Collection, we love this update to the standard mesh undies you’ll receive in the hospital. They are stretchy and you can easily insert an ice pack or heating pad where it may be needed most. They can also be worn high-waisted or rolled down for maximum comfort no matter what type of delivery. Love these for all moms to be!

Soothing Scents Expecting Personal Inhaler for Morning Sickness: Those dreaded days full of morning sickness (or all-day sickness) can be behind you! Utilizing essential oils, this inhaler works immediately and is 100% natural. Check with your OB before purchase, but we love the idea of combating morning sickness without added medication.

GLOWE Maternity Leggings: These leggings will be supportive and comfortable from first trimester to the postpartum days! They will give you the support of a medical maternity belt without the bulk of wearing one. Plus they are made from a super soft Italian fabric so you will beat that back pain in style!

The Laundress New Mom Kit: It’s absolutely amazing how one (or two in my case) little babes can dramatically increase the amount of laundry you find yourself doing. The Laundress has created their New Mom Kit to help combat those messy spit ups and blow outs without harsh chemicals, petroleum, phosphate, phthalates, or artificial color. Plus I love that this kit comes with stain remover (a must for little ones) as well as all other detergent products you would need!

HATCH Mama Must-Haves Kit:  An excellent set for pregnant and new moms, HATCH has put together a set of three top selling products. Their Belly Oil is excellent for your moisturizing your growing belly. Down, Girl is  great for relieving swelling in your legs and feet. Nipple + Lip helps keep those special parts (your nipples and lips) hydrated during pregnancy and while nursing. Plus it all comes wrapped in the cutest gift box!

 

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: October 30, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: November 6, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: November 14, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: December 4, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: November 14, 2019

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I wanted to highlight some fun picks from brands/retailers we love that you may not have heard of before. Some of the following brands even have fun Black Friday deals that they wanted to share with the Gugu Guru audience. Come back next week to see our highlight of upcoming Black Friday specials and let us know your favorites!

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

MockingbirdMockingbird Matte Black: Matte black is in right now, and Mockingbird, our favorite budget-friendly all-terrain stroller is highlighting this trend for Black Friday. Available only from November 27-December 2, grab your Matte Black Mockingbird before they sell out! Featuring a 30 day risk-free trial and lifetime warranty, Mockingbird’s features will not disappoint.
BirdiesBirdies Mini-Me Styles: A favorite hospital slipper amongst the Gugu Guru family, we mini-me line, which launches today! Perfect for kids 5-12 (sizes 13-4), you can match with your little one in these trendy flats. Now we can continue to keep our fingers crossed for a toddler line!

Marmaladebuybuy BABY’s Marmalade: The latest in décor for your little ones comes straight from buy buy BABY. We adore the store’s first private label, which highlights trendy and budget-friendly items from wall art to furniture. Plus, all of the items are designed to grow with your little one, meaning you won’t have to ‘re-do’ that bedroom every few years.
Skip Hop YetiSkip Hop YETI: A fun new toy from our friends at Skip Hop! This interactive sort & spin toy will keep your toddler entertained for hours. We also love that this grows with your little one,  from shape identifier to movement game. Great gift for the holidays!

Baby BrezzaBaby Brezza One Step Instant Warmer: The new budget-friendly addition to the Baby Brezza family is here! We could not be more excited to see its sleek design, small footprint (great for leaving out on the counter) and simple settings. Plus it fills on-demand leading to the fastest bottles when your little one (or ones) are hungry!

Cybex e-PRIAMCybex e-PRIAM– The latest from fashion-forward Cybex is their e-PRIAM. This smart e-stroller is battery-powered to help you navigate hills and daily walks with ease. Plus it adapts to uneven surfaces, giving you a truly smooth ride. No more having to navigate snowy city streets or slushy suburban parking lots with your stroller on the loose! Available in a number of stylish fabric sets. Check out loads of Cybex Black Friday Deals 11/27-12/2 too!

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: September 12, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: October 25, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: October 30, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: November 6, 2019

Jazmyn Simon Hill’s Baby Top Picks: Part I

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We’re so excited about Jazmyn Simon Hill’s baby top picks and must-haves! Gugu Guru has recently had the pleasure of working with the lovely and beautiful actress and new mama Jazmyn Simon Hill. You may know Jazmyn from the TV-Series Ballers and the movies Acrimony and Ed. We are excited to have her on the blog today sharing some wise words on her baby must-haves. Jazmyn has rounded up her top picks for bath, health, diapering, baby gear, and sleep that have helped her as a new mom. You can follow Jazmyn and her pregnancy journey on Instagram. 

Jazmyn Simon Hill’s Baby Top Picks – Bath, Health, and Diapering:

  1. Boon Naked Tub: “I just love the design and simplicity of the boon tub. I love baby items that are simplistic. You may hear that from me a few times but it’s true!”
  2. Puj Tub: “The puj tub is great because as a full-time actress married to a full-time actor, we travel a lot- and the puj is perfect for when we need a tub that can be packed. And I mean, how cute is a baby in a sink!!!”
  3. Crane Humidifier: “I suffer from bad seasonal allergies and personally use a crane humidifier. So to keep babies room moist and comfy, I went with a trusted favorite, a Crane humidifier.”
  4. Fridababy Bundle: “Omg. I am obsessed with Frida Baby. When I went to my baby 101 class with my husband, the instructors would not stop raving about all their products. I’m especially excited about the Nose Frida and the Fridet. Hehe. They have baby and mommy covered.”
  5. Matimati Washcloths: “Two words: Eco. Friendly.”
  6. Diaper Dekor Plus: “I love that this can hold up to 60 diapers. Babies go through a LOT of diapers at first. And there’s no bending and twisting. Just step on the pedal and drop and go. Anything that saves time wins!”
  7. Skip Hop Pronto: “Let’s face it, there will be times when you have to improvise a diaper change. This skip hop pronto makes it easier!!!”
  8. b.box Caddy: “Again, sometimes…a lot of times… diaper changes happen on the go. This portable caddy makes diaper changes all around the house easier!”

Jazmyn Simon Hill’s Baby Top Picks – Baby Gear:Jazmyn Simon Hill's Baby Top Picks - Nuna Pipa

  1. Nuna Pipa: “We LOVE our Nuna Pipa. Stylish, sleek and SO SAFE! Took only minutes to install and has multiple features that show you if it’s installed correctly!!! Love!”

    Jazmyn Simon Hill's Baby Top Picks - Nuna
  2. Bugaboo Fox: “The poshest stroller I’ve ever seen and I feel so fortunate to own it. Matches my style and lifestyle and is a breeze to get in and out of my trunk. LOVE!!!!”
  3. Solly Baby: “The softest, sweetest baby wrap. My favorite part about the newborn phase is baby carrying. Solly has made that easy with the softest, most beautiful fabrics.”
  4. Toki Mats: “Tummy time essential. These make tummy time safer because they are NON-TOXIC. Can we all say thank you!!!!”
  5. Bannor Toys Blocks: “I cried when I received my banner name rattle and blocks.  It said Baby Hill and it made everything feel so real. Plus it’s made in the USA from wood. We now want every Nannie rattle and toy because they not only are so sleek looking- but they promote creativity and imagination. That’s exactly what we desire for our baby boy.”

Jazmyn Simon Hill’s Baby Top Picks – Sleep:

Jazmyn Simon Hill's Baby Top Picks - Love to Dream

  1. Love to Dream Swaddles: “So smart. I didn’t know a lot about the Moro reflex and how it can startle your baby awake. These swaddles keep them safely snug and sleeping. Plus as they get older, you can release one or both arms. Love.”Jazmyn Simon Hill's Baby Top Picks Snoo
  2. Snoo: “Can. We. Say. Game. Changer. Smartest bassinet ever. It will swaddle, sway and shush (white noise) your baby to sleep. It’s basically a night nurse for a lot less money. A dream saver. See what I did there?”
  3. Bebe Au Lait Swaddles: “Who doesn’t love a muslin swaddle blanket?! Great for home or on the go. Use it in your stroller or as a car seat blanket without overheating the precious cargo!!!!” 

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