Ecofriendly

Back To Sleep Day 3: Naturepedic

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

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

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

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

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

Back to Preschool With Stasher, skip*hop and Rockets of Awesome

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Hey there – it’s Monica, Gugu Guru’s founder. It’s that time of year {sigh} summer is really coming to an end, people. This means it’s time to finish up all the prep for going back to preschool and I’m sharing a few product discovery picks that have made life a little easier in our home this year.

Stasher

Disclaimer: I received Stasher bags for review but all opinions are my own.

I would not describe myself as an “eco mama” by any means, my cupboards are a good mix of organic and the not so organic stuff. However, I would say that my family is really good about recycling. One item that we use a lot and that does make me feel guilty is ziplock bags. We use a TON of them to store just about everything – from leftovers to crayons and more – leaving me constantly rinsing them out in an effort to re-use them and do my part to save our planet from all this trash. Well, my worries have come to an end folks. Enter Stasher – the world’s first—and only—self-sealing, airtight, non-plastic bag!

Why am I loving on Stasher for Back to School? It’s just genius in terms of not being wasteful. I don’t only mean for the environment but also for all the leftovers your picky baby or toddler or kid will be generating over his or her childhood. I cannot tell you how many times, I have had food on the tray of the high chair and pondered, “Is this ziplock worthy?” Now the answer can always be “yes” with Stasher.

These bags are super functional; easily going from the freezer, to the microwave, and to the dishwasher. Also, you’re not limited to storing food, they make great travel bags, organizers and more.

skip*hop Zoo Lunchie Insulated Lunch Bag, Owl

I just love skip*hop; it’s a classic brand with iconic designs. You’ll be met with a lot of choices when you go back to school shopping – especially when it comes to backpacks and lunch boxes. Don’t be fooled into grabbing that cartoon character lunch bag. Smart, high-quality design like skip*hop is always a good investment for parents.

This roomy, insulated PVC-free lunch bag keeps food and drinks cold. The large main compartment is big enough to hold a sandwich, fruit and juice box and it also has an interior mesh pocket for utensils (or snack!) The top handle attaches onto another bag – which is great for kiddos that are new to handling backpacks.

Rockets of Awesome

Full disclosure here: Rockets of Awesome used to be a baby registry site called Cricket’s Circle and I guess you could say Cricket’s Circle was a competitor to Gugu Guru of sorts. So, needless to say I was very intrigued when the company evolved into a kids’ clothing subscription service called Rockets of Awesome and I signed up for my boxes the day the site launched. The first thing I thought was, “Who needs another clothing subscription service?” I am here to say, I do – and you probably do too!

Fiona rocking her first day of school outfit: a striped dress with tulle skirt and matching crown headband from Rockets of Awesome.

To get started with Rockets of Awesome, you take a style quiz for your kid(s). The more information, you give about your child’s style, the better. Then you get a note that the stylist is working on your box and you should receive it within the next few days.

Here’s what I liked:

There is NO FEE to try this subscription. Just pay for what you keep. There are so many subscription boxes out there that charge you a fee just to get a box – even if you don’t keep anything. When I saw this, I felt like Rockets of Awesome did their legwork when it came to researching what parents would appreciate from a box service.
My kids were thrilled to open their boxes and see what was selected for their style. That was the highlight of the experience – the element of surprise.
The clothes are all unique & stylish, mostly well constructed and a very reasonable price.
Very easy to return what we didn’t want to keep, as well as provide feedback to the stylists on why we kept what we did.

Some minor things to be improved:

A few of the items – just a few – seemed a little lower on the quality side.
My son is very tall but very skinny; some of the pants sent to us fit his waist but looked like floods. Sizing with kids is a tough nut to crack sometimes. We’ll see how it’s handled with the next box.
A glitch with billing that was resolved relatively quickly, but I had to contact Customer Service to point it out.

Could you just hit Old Navy and shop for clothes there? Yes, but this is more fun. However, the real deciding factor of whether I will continue with RoA will be the upcoming boxes. Will update you all in October. In the meantime, if you want to try it out, you can use this link to receive a free item with your first purchase.

How did Rockets of Awesome know that Rory is camouflage-crazed? Not sure. But this outfit in his box was a total winner.

Photography: Sinnerman Photography

Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, you help to support Gugu Guru as we receive a commission on the sale. Thank you in advance!

Mompreneur Spotlight: Monica Leonard of Molly’s Suds

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Today’s Mompreneur Spotlight is on Monica Leonard, the founder of Molly’s Suds. Molly’s Suds create soaps, detergents, cleaners and more which are all safe for both the environment and your skin and body, both on the outside and inside. Molly’s Suds products are made with earth and plant derived ingredients. If there’s something which needs to be cleaned, Molly’s Suds has a healthy solution for it!

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Molly Suds.

ML: We launched Molly’s Suds in 2008, 3 years after the loss of our daughter, Molly. I was a nurse and mom to 3 at the time she was born, and never would have expected a stillbirth. Though I have a faith in God, I wondered why she was not breathing, no life at birth, what did my body do different. As a pediatric nurse, lactation counselor, and mom to 3 other healthy children, I was struggling for answers. After a few months passed, we were pregnant again, and I started doing research about stillbirths. I came across a study that would change the course of our lives forever.

It was my moment… I felt duped by the system, fooled, defeated. I found out the chemicals that we come into contact with every day are not really regulated, alter our endocrine systems, are found in the cord blood of newborns, and are passed on for generations via DNA. It was outrageous. And who knew? No one knew including my obstetrician, coworkers, and family.

I felt like I needed to educate myself more on the chemicals my family and I were being exposed on a daily basis, and see where it took me.

I started small by filling a big black trash bag with all of the toxic products we had after researching the ingredients and discovering the negative effects they have on human health.

We were not left with much on the shelves. I started to learn more about ingredient integrity, and talked to people that were on the same quest for safer products. I talked to people in the environmental science, healthcare, alternative medicine, and chemical industries; and I didn’t stop there.

I really talked about it to anyone who would listen; a lot of family and friends thought I was nuts. They believed the products on grocery shelves were all completely safe, and that the household names we all came to know and trust were just fine.

At this point, I had given birth to a healthy baby boy following Molly’s stillbirth, and I was able to find better organic or natural alternatives to use in place of the conventional brands we had been using…except when it came to laundry detergent. It was the only product I could not seem to replace comfortably. We decided to work with an organic facility to help us perfect a product I worked on for a couple years. I ultimately found my audience at farmer’s markets, mom groups, La Leche League, and other similar places, and in late 2008, at a farmer’s market in Buford, GA we sold our first bucket of Molly’s Suds – the rest is history!

GG: How do you balance work and family?

ML: Work life balance is very important to me. It can be done – we just have to set limits. I’ve had a pretty experienced journey at the game of life, and realize that we don’t get these years back. I’m manufacturing and selling laundry detergent, and so I have to remind myself, it’s not heart surgery. Emails and calls can wait. After work hours, I spend time with my family, which in turn keeps me less stressed and more productive when I am working. I also have an extremely supportive and loving husband, whom I think is the key to my success in our family business.

GG: What’s the best part of being a mompreneur?

ML: I love being a mompreneur because nobody can tell me I have to miss a field trip or performance, or find someone to watch my sick child. When I was a nurse, I missed a lot when it came to kids and family, because my shift always had to be covered. So I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to be there when I need to be. It’s hard work owning a company, and after the house winds down, I still may send out a few emails or sit on the patio with my husband to strategize. It’s good for the kids to see me working out of passion, making a difference, and allowing Molly’s little life make the world a better place one wash at a time!

Cause-Driven Baby Registry: Cuddle + Kind

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Cuddle + Kind is known for their adorable stuffed animals, dolls and prints – all of which have a deeper meaning and give back to the larger community. Each of their dolls are ethically produced by artisans in Peru from premium natural cotton. All the dyes are non-toxic, making them a perfect soft toy for babies and toddlers. Each of their dolls and animals are available in two sizes and comes with a cute backstory and birthday. The detail into each little creature is impeccable, not one stitch was overlooked in the process! Each stuffed doll or animal comes with a signature quote which you can purchase in a gorgeous art print; these would make a perfect baby shower gift or nursery decor! The best part about Cuddle + Kind is that for every purchase of a doll, they will donate 10 meals to children in need. Throw in an inspirational quote print and you’ll be donating another 5 meals, as well! Beyond the meals, all of their hand-knit dolls are ethically produced in Peru where they provide incredible artisans with a sustainable, fair trade income.

Klen Review

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

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

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

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

Products I love:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cool Mom Picks’ New Parent Must-Haves: Eco Mom

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Welcome all Cool Mom Picks and Gugu Guru fans alike! We are so incredibly excited to be partnering with Cool Mom Picks on a Baby Registry Must-Haves series over the next year. Each month, the famously on-trend editors at Cool Mom Picks will be curating a list of essentials from Gugu Guru for new parents based on a theme. This month the theme is Eco Mom and includes some of our top picks for ecofriendly and organic-minded parenting.

When you create your personalized registry on Gugu Guru, you’ll know the Cool Mom Pick must-haves in our product recommendations when you see this button:

Scroll on to see the top picks with links to buy now.

Must-Have Spotlight: The NEW Babyganics Bundle of Love (Diaper Tote)

aden+anais’ organic swaddle ($20.00)

Coyuchi’s Fair Trade Certified™ Factory baby blanket ($48)

Mii Glass Nurser Bottles ($12.50)

Matimati Baby Gold & Gray unisex bandana drool bibs ($16.95)

Cupcake organic nursing pads ($17.00)

wellmom™ All-Natural Coconut Nipple Balm ($9.99)

Earth Mama Body Butter ($8.00)

Bebe au Lait 100% Organic Cotton Nursing Cover ($40.00)

PACT 2-piece set ($29.99)

LuckyPalmTree Organic yellow eyes dress bodysuit ($59.00)

KaBoogie Reclaimed Leather Baby Shoes Moccasins Soft Sole ($32.00)

Ergobaby Rose Harmony Organic baby carrier ($140.00)

BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft ($229.95)

Nuna Leaf Baby Seat Lounger Twilight and Swing ($229.95)

Under the Nile Scrappys ($9.00)

Finn+Emma stroller toys ($29.00)

LexyPexy teethers ($25.00)

Lassig Green Label Neckline ($179.99) style diaper bag “Ecoya”

Skylar Luna 100% organic cotton baby footed bodysuits ($24.00)

The ergoCocoon Autumn/Spring Swaddle and Sleep Bag ($39.99)

Bamboobino Baby Washcloths / Reusable Wipes ($15.45)

Bamboobino hooded towel ($35.00)

Puj Tub ($44.99)

Cause-Driven Baby Registry: Lorena Canals (+ giveaway!)

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Continuing with our cause-driven registry picks: Lorena Canals rugs, already a favorite, staple brand of European mothers and fathers, are carefully handmade from 100% cotton, safe for any baby’s room. The dyes used are also non-toxic, which is important when you consider you’ll be laying your infant on the rug for tummy-time and as they grow they’ll be crawling around everywhere. The rugs are of the utmost softness, making it comfortable for parents to sit on the floor and little feet to jump and dance.

The best part about Lorena Canals rugs is that you can wash these rugs right at home in your regular laundry machine. Lorena Canals understands that babies and kids can be messy, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style and ease! Not only are these rugs practical and safe, they’re also beyond stylish. They come in a plethora of colors and styles; these rugs will match any nursery theme, from polka dots, skulls, angel wings, butterflies, numbers, letters, clouds, stars, flags and more. Lorena Canals rugs will accent your child’s room now, and are guaranteed to become a family heirloom which you use for many, many years.

What’s even more wonderful is that with the purchase of a Lorena Canals rug, a customer helps a child attend school in Northern India through the company’s Sakula project. Lorena Canals believes that education is the key to mobility and vital in breaking the poverty cycle. Their customers not only help children to get an education but also the opportunity to live a better life.

Cause-Driven Baby Registry: Finn + Emma

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We continue our cause-driven registry campaign this week with Finn+Emma.

Finn + Emma, is a 100% organic baby clothing, toys, play gyms, and accessories one-stop-shop. Finn + Emma is a blend of classic and contemporary, modern and whimsical, stylish and utilitarian baby items, all of which are free from any toxic chemicals. Finn + Emma believes that beautiful and healthy baby items can be both sustainable and stylish; there is no need to sacrifice style to keep your baby safe from chemicals!

Finn + Emma’s play gyms are made from a 100% birch wood frame finished with non-toxic stains and lacquers (free of lead, phthalate, nickel, mercury, and VOC’s). All of the attached wooden toys are non-toxic, made from all natural untreated indian hardwood buffed with vegetable seed wax. The knit dolls were made with phthalate-free rattles inside and hand knit from organic cotton. All of their clothing is 100% organic cotton and uses eco-friendly dyes, safe for your baby’s skin.

Do–goodies (pictured above) are lovies made from upcycled scraps of Finn + Emma products that are soft, hand-sewn in the U.S.A, and best of all — a portion of the purchase will be donated directly to KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids the childhood they deserve, filled with balanced and active play.

Summertime Baby

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1. ro•sham•bo baby (starting at $20). Pediatric optometrists are warning that lifetime UV damage starts in early childhood, with retinal damage from the sun having its greatest impact in kids less than 10 years old. Now parents can protect those delicate eyes this summer with the coolest Italian-made baby and children’s sunglasses by family owned and operated ro•sham•bo baby. ro•sham•bo shades make the perfect gift for a new mom, and is a beach / vacation must-have. Designed specifically for babies and children’s use, abuse and love of putting things in their mouths, ro•sham•bo are so durable that they can be bent, stretched, pulled, stepped on (they have even been run over and survived!) and bounce right back to shape; even a thirty year old man can’t break them! ro•sham•bo shades come in baby, junior and adult sizes and prices start at $20 a pair. These stylish sunglasses come in many fun designs adorably named after ’90s icons – there’s even a “Kelly Kapowski pink” and a “Zack Morris blue!”

2. Packable Pails ($14.99). Packable Pails are mom invented, square and look like a traditional full sized beach pails, but easily collapse to 2 inches in one motion. Packable Pails are not just for collecting seashells or making sandcastles on the beach! Use your Packable Pails in the backyard sandbox, for washing the car, serving snacks like sand pudding, collecting garden produce, flower vase for a fresh flower arrangement, gathering crayons and Legos, as a unique gift basket, hostess gift for the holidays or collapsible doggy water bowl for an outing. The fun and uses go on and on. Select from Starfish Orange, Sunshine Yellow, Paradise Pink or Aquatic Aqua shipped to you from our Iowa family.

3. wowease Swimwear (Starting at $35). wowease swimwear makes diaper changes and going to the bathroom a breeze for parents and kids, while remaining fun and fashionable! wowease swimwear’s unique patent-pending design allows the swimwear to open and close effortlessly. Utilizing hidden fasteners, these swimsuits make changing a diaper and potty breaks faster and easier with a quick click.

4. Babo Botanicals clear zinc SPF 30 sunscreen ($19.95). Help prevent sunburn with Babo Botanicals clear zinc SPF 30 sunscreen. This formula is non-nano, contains high UVB/UVA protection and is all-natural and kid-safe. Helps protect against dry skin. Rated a #1 in Safety on EWG!

5. Babyganics Swim Diapers ($9.99) available only at Target. Discover a brand NEW way to have fun in the sun with Babyganics Color Changing Disposable Swim Pants. These baby-safe swim diapers cover and protect in the pool, ocean, lake (or puddle!) and feature special color changing technology that interacts with UV exposure. Colors appear and change while your baby plays outside! These comfy, slip-on swim diapers are made with sustainable core material, they won’t swell or sag, and they offer UPF 50+ protection. Swim, splash and explore till you run out of giggles, baby, but you know what we say, safety first!

Dadpreneur Spotlight: Michael Rothbard of Newton

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With June being the month that we celebrate fathers, we wanted to highlight one more Dadpreneur: Michael Rothbard is the founder of Newton – the brand behind the award-winning Newton Wovenaire Crib Mattress. Newton’s Wovenaire Crib Mattress features Wovenaire technology; the Wovenaire mattress core is 90% air and 10% food-grade polymer and provides the comfort of foam and latex without any of the drawbacks. These mattresses are highly breathable and don’t have any of the foam, latex, flame retardants, springs and glue common in other crib mattresses, which means no off gassing, toxic chemicals or allergens. What’s more, Newton’s Wovenaire Crib Mattresses are easily washable in your bath or shower, which means you can simply wash away allergens, dirt, liquids, and dust to help prevent mold from growing. Your baby will not only rest easy on these 100% recyclable mattresses, but you can rest easy knowing that they are breathing safely and in a completely clean environment.

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Newton.

MR: I’ve been an entrepreneur in the specialty sleep category for the majority of my career. However, until I became a Father, I never realized the importance of providing better sleep for babies. As first time parents, my wife and I experienced firsthand the fear and exhaustion that almost every parent faces with trying to get our son to sleep well.

I decided there must be a better way. To me the problem was obvious, we expect babies to sleep on sweaty, rock hard surfaces that we would never be comfortable on. I used to look at my son lying on his crib mattress and think he must be so uncomfortable, no wonder he’s not sleeping! My wife and I also lost sleep ourselves, as most parents do, when the rollover stage started. This was a stage for me that safety and breathability were more important than ever.

I discovered that crib mattresses haven’t changed a bit over the years, they’re waterproof because they can’t be washed and they are stiff because you can’t have a baby’s face sinking into an airtight, waterproof surface. So it occurred to me if you could make a crib mattress both breathable and washable it would be both safer and more comfortable. When I discovered the Japanese technology, we call Wovenaire, I knew I had the answer.

Five years later my son, now a budding young scientist, was teaching me what he learned about Newton’s laws of rest and motion and I knew what the name of our new company should be. Newton is dedicated to providing families with better living through better rest.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

It’s not easy to grow a business and a family at the same time. Both are very demanding, but my priority is to be present for my children. This means not just being there for an adequate amount of time, but being present in the moment and not allowing my mind to drift off to my to do list, etc. I try to take at least one skiing trip a year with my oldest boy for some father/son time. These trips are the most precious moments for me and I look forward to doing the same with my younger twins when they’re old enough.

GG: What’s the best part of being an dadpreneur?

Being on my own schedule and being able to pass along my family’s heritage as small business owners to my children. I also know my children are now understanding daddy works on sleep products to make sure all families are comfortable and safe. They were all excited to attend the Newton 1^stbirthday party a few weeks back and demonstrate how comfortable and safe our Wovenaire crib mattress truly is. Little innovators and safe sleep ambassadors in the making!

You can follow Newton on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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