Ecofriendly

This New Travel Car Seat is a Total Game Changer

Looking for the best travel car seat for your toddler to use on planes, trains and automobiles? We’ve got you, boo.

Every once in awhile, we get really, really excited about a new piece of baby gear and this is definitely one of those times. (Plus we are even more excited to share that we have a 40% OFF limited offer for our readers but more on that in a second.)

Meet the Pico travel car seat from WAYB (rhymes with “baby”.) Here at Gugu Guru we think the Pico from WAYB is kind of a big deal and we bet you will too. This innovative and totally game-changing travel car seat is intended for 2-5 year olds and designed to make any on-the-go parent’s life a heck of a lot easier.

What first struck us as super cool about the WAYB brand is that it was co-founded by the former CEO of Patagonia. When you think about the fact that parents and caregivers need durable, high-quality gear for navigating life with baby – it makes total sense that someone with experience in outdoor gear can probably help in that department, especially if he or she is a parent. What we also love is that Patagonia is a brand known for its commitment to our planet and those values have clearly transferred over to the WAYB brand.

Aside from their experience with gear, the entire WAYB team is comprised of parents who love to travel and who have a mission to reimagine and improve on the baby gear that’s out there. They want to make it more durable, lightweight, sustainable and just easier for caregivers all-around and we are pretty pumped about that.

The company’s first product, the WAYB Pico, was actually inspired by watching parents struggling in the airport. We’re intimately familiar with that struggle at Gugu Guru because many of us have experienced lugging a heavy car seat around to either check with our luggage in a giant, oversized bag or, worse, dragging it through security with all the other kid stuff you need to bring on the plane from diapers to snacks to ensure your flight goes smoothly.

To make life easier, the WAYB Pico travel car seat was designed to be easy to carry, stow, fold and take wherever parents or caregivers go – and we love that. However, that’s not the reason why we consider this car seat a game-changer. It’s how the Pico is constructed that makes all the difference. The aerospace-grade aluminum frame makes it ultralight at under 8lbs and instead of using typical car seat foams that can be full of toxins, WAYB made the Pico with a high-performance, comfortable mesh fabric instead.

What’s more is that Pico passes the same U.S. safety standards for cars and planes as big, heavy car seats, but it’s way better for people and the planet. ‘Nuff said.

With the holidays right around the corner, if you have a toddler age 2 to 5 years old and you’re looking for a travel car seat that breaks the mold with its lightweight features and sustainable, eco-friendly construction – look no further than the WAYB Pico. Go to this link to get your limited offer 40% discount for Gugu Guru readers of $209 (but hurry up because there are only limited quantities available at this price. Otherwise the non-discounted MSRP is $350.) You can learn more about WAYB on their website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you to our partners at WAYB for making this sponsored post possible.

Natural, On-the-Go Parenting Registry Picks

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The Gugu Guru team was so excited to work with Amber & Andrew West on preparing for their baby’s arrival and we’re thrilled to share some of our top natural, on-the-go parenting registry picks with you here.

At Gugu Guru, we recognize that every family is unique and that what works for one might not work for the other. We had to get to know Amber & Andrew before we pointed them to the products that are a best fit. The first step we take when working with any expectant parents is to have them take our free, fun lifestyle quiz. One of the most obvious things we took note of when reviewing Amber’s profile was definitely the very high importance she places on natural and organic products. Another key detail is that Andrew and Amber are on-the-go quite often and are frequent travelers.

Here are some of our top natural, on-the-go parenting registry picks for various categories:

Feeding

Dr. Brown’s Options™ Complete Baby Bottle Gift Set – if you keep up with Gugu Guru, you know that this set is our Gugu Pick for best bottle. The BPA-free Options Bottles are the baby market’s first convertible bottle that can be used with or without the vent system. Options bottles also fit most breast pumps, making them the best baby bottles for pumping moms as well.
Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair – from one of our all-time favorite eco-friendly brands, Stokke’s Tripp Trapp high chair is made of solid European beech wood. Its intelligent design grows with your child, providing a comfortable, ergonomic seat at any age. It has been made to fit right up to your dining table to bring your baby into the heart of your family, allowing your little boy or girl to eat, learn, play and develop alongside you.
MumMum 4-in-1 Baby Food Maker – We love this food maker that allows you to steam, heat, cook, blend & defrost all from one small appliance. The easily accessible water tank allows you to fill and clean water reservoir without any mess. This also limits the possibility of any bacteria or rust buildups in the tank.
Real Baby Food and Baby-Led Feeding books by Jenna Helwig – Both books are absolute musts for parents wanting to prepare natural, nutritious foods and establish healthy mealtime routines for their children.
Sinkboss – We are pretty obsessed with this brand new product that creates a physical barrier between kitchenware and the potentially contaminated sink basin. If you’re on the go as often as Amber & Andrew, you’ll appreciate that it’s portable, lightweight & compact.

Diapering

WaterWipes – For minimalist parents, we are crazy for these diaper wipes that contain 99.9% purified water and a drop of fruit extract. These fragrance and alcohol free wipes are ideal for sensitive skin and have been awarded National Eczema Association of America Seal of Acceptance.
Diaper Dékor – The Diaper Dékor refill system creates less waste plus eco-minded parents will appreciate that the pail converts to a trash can once baby ages out of diapers.
Fridababy Windi – This gas passer from Fridababy in the Baby Basics Kit is a definite must-have for baby. No medications or ingestibles are needed, making the Windi a great alternative to Anti Colic drops.
Curasalve – Invented by a mom who wanted an organic, non-toxic option for diaper cream with high-quality ingredients.

On-the-Go

Summer Infant 3Dpac CS+ Compact Fold Stroller in Grey – We first saw this stroller at the NY Baby Show and fell in love. It has a sleek, lightweight, and foldable design for compact and easy travel and storage – making it ideal for Andrew and Amber’s on-the-go lifestyle. Plus it’s carseat compatible with Graco, SnugRide, Click Connect, Chicco Key Fit 30, and Chico Fit 2 (no adapters needed!)
Native Wilds Nursing Cover – the Nest has a patented pocket for built-in storage and keeping track of your essentials on-the-go. It’s naturally sun protective, hypoallergenic, and temperature regulating. It’s also ethically made and locally sourced in the USA.
Baby K’tan Organic Wrap Carrier – The Baby K’tan requires no wrapping and no hardware and is as comfortable as your favorite t-shirt. 100% certified organic cotton, the double Sling design provides extra security for baby and privacy while nursing, with quick adjustability for maximum comfort.
Tula Explore Baby Carrier – For a structured carrier, we recommended the Tula Explore, which offers every carrying position your baby needs – including facing out. The Tula Explore is responsibly designed and made with care from soft and breathable 100% cotton that’s easy to clean and machine washable (big bonuses for frequently on-the-go families.)

Sleep

Love to Dream Swaddle UP Organic – The Original Swaddle UP patented design allows for self-soothing, unlike traditional swaddles which hold baby’s arms down and frustrate them. The organic version of the swaddle comes in 95% GOTS Organic Cotton.
Colgate zenBaby Hybrid 2-in-1 Crib Mattress – With its unique KulKote water-based coating design, the zenBaby Collection from Colgate offers the highest level of cooling comfort and temperature optimization to help baby sleep best. It is GREENGUARD® Gold and CertiPUR-US® safety and performance standards certified.
Crane Drop Humidifier – the Ultrasonic Cool Mist effectively humidifies up to 500 square feet for easier breathing and a good night’s sleep. For baby, easier breathing means easier feeding.
Evoz Monitor – We love this monitor for working parents because you can watch your child virtually from anywhere. The Evoz Vision baby monitor with camera software is completely secure. And can be viewed by more than one person at a time!
Layette Set from Solly Baby – The new Solly Layette is made from the same 100% Lenzing Modal as their amazing wraps with a sprinkle of “magical sleepy dust, since we know you’re dreaming of a little more zzzs.” The pajamas have an aasy wide neck, lightweight and silky-soft and no hassle pull-on styling.

Gifts

The Birth Deck – a simple, powerful childbirth education tool. This giant deck of cards will teach you 50 easy ways to support a woman in labor through massage, hypnosis, affirmations, visualizations, labor positions and other simple tips.
Solly Baby Bringing Home Baby Bundle – This specially curated bundle contains a Solly wrap, a swaddle, layette and a self-care guide.
Yumi – a comprehensive science-based early childhood meal delivery program that provides over 60 varieties of chef-curated and nutritionally dense baby meals made with fresh, organic ingredients and high-quality superfoods.
Tinyhood Gift Card – Tinyhood offers access to parenting advice the way it should be: personalized, on-demand, expert.
Monti Kids – Monti Kids offers quarterly deliveries of toys and online curriculum based on proven Montessori methods.

Some of the natural, on-the-go parenting registry picks that we recommended for Amber & Andrew might be a fit for you if:
-Your budget is on the higher side of the spectrum.
-Organic, natural products are of high importance to you.
-You plan on nursing with a plan b (i.e., pumping or supplementing.)
-You’re on the go a lot and need gear and accessories that will make trips and errands easier with babe.
-You are willing to spend a little more for high-quality products that will last through the long haul, including future children if you’re considering having more than one child.
-You like neutral colors for yourself, your baby and also your home décor.

Here is a link to Amber & Andrew’s full baby registry. Comment below to let us know what you think!

Best Diaper Pail Pick: Diaper Dékor

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One of the top recommended baby items for any baby registry is a diaper pail, and we have the best diaper pail pick for all parents, styles, home decor, and homes with the Diaper Dékor. From being one of the most cost-effective diaper pails on the market to the fact that it can be converted to a regular trash can when baby is out of diapers, there are so many reasons that the Diaper Dékor is our best diaper pail pick. Read on to see why it’s so important to have the best diaper pail pick in your baby’s nursery.

Diaper Dékor is unique in that it is a totally hands free diaper pail, which easily makes it a best diaper pail pick for parents, as it makes life easy without having to shove a dirty diaper into an overstuffed pail! The Diaper Dékor is the best diaper pail for efficiency, as you simply have to step on the pail, drop the diaper in, and you’re done!

What’s even nicer is that the Diaper Dékor comes in three sizes, so it can fit any household or need. The Dékor Plus Size holds up to 60 newborn diapers and comes in white, gray, mint, blue or pink; this size is the best diaper pail pick for families of multiples or who only want one diaper pail in the house. The Dékor Classic, “regular” size can hold up to 45 newborn diapers and comes in white or gray; it is a best diaper pail pick for smaller nurseries, grandparents houses, or for having one diaper pail upstairs and one downstairs. The Dékor Mini is the compact size, only comes in white, and holds up to 25 newborn diapers; it’s the best diaper pail pick for a secondary diaper pail, grandparents house, or the bathroom.

Parents also love Diaper Dékor diaper pails because Dékor refills are continuous liners. No preset length means you can throw away one diaper or a butt load (pun intended) without wasting a whole bag. When ready to empty, open door and pull out the liner. Cut liner above the dirty diapers with the Child Proof Cutter. Tie a new knot in the liner and you are done! Dékor has a Safety Lock for the trap door to keep kids out where the diapers go in. The Front Button keeps top frame closed to prevent access to the refill. The child proof cutter positioned inside the access door stops little fingers from cutting themselves. The access door automatically locks when pushed closed.

Most importantly though, Diaper Dékor keeps the smells away! Tough ABS Plastic doesn’t absorb odors, won’t scratch, dent or rust, and can be safely cleaned with household cleaners. Dual rubber seals under Odorkeeper™ Trap Door and under the lid seals in odors, keeping them out of your nursery. Plus, the Diaper Dékor is the best diaper pail for cloth diapers, too! You can use the Dékor when using cloth diapers with the Dékor Cloth Diaper Pail Liner. Special coating prevents leaking and wicking through of wet diapers, and it can be used over and over again just like your cloth diapers. Brilliant! There are so many reasons the Diaper Dékor is the best diaper pail for your family, cloth or disposable diapers, small or large dwelling, there is always a Dékor for you!

You can find Diaper Dékor on Instagram and Facebook. Looking for the best baby swaddle to add to your registry? See why Love To Dream™ is our pick.

3 Simple Changes You Can Make to Positively Impact The Environment

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Ever since I saw the recent IPCC report that we have 30 years to make the changes needed to avoid catastrophic global warming, I have been focused on becoming more eco-friendly and the little and big changes I can make as an inhabitant of this planet. My friend, Christine, who is one of the most passionate people I know about the environment shared three simple things with me that we all can do to help:

1. Eat less beef: beef and the growing of corn and soy to feed the cattle is one-third of the cause of climate change.

2. Renewable Energy: invest in renewable energy like solar power, or shop at / give your business to businesses that do like Apple, Kohl’s and TD Bank

3. Plant trees: If you can’t plant trees yourself, then support organizations who focus on reforestation like One Tree Planted.

Check out these eco-conscious baby registry ideas, as well:

Best Natural Deodorant – Earth Mama Review

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Best Natural Deodorant – Review of Earth Mama’s New Travel Size Deodorants (Just in Time for Summer!)

Hey everyone! Monica here – founder of Gugu Guru. I distinctly remember a conversation that I had with another mom about ingredient safety when I was pregnant with my first baby. She said to me, “You know what keeps me up at night when it comes to personal care during pregnancy? Anti-perspirant – there’s so much toxic stuff in there.” I hadn’t really thought about it until that moment but it made sense. Clearly there is something in anti-perspirant that represses perspiration, which seems unnatural altogether. In case you didn’t know – aluminum compounds found in many popular anti-perspirant products actually clog the pores of your armpits so that you don’t sweat. So generally, we advise sticking with deodorants and not anti-perspirants because of this. (If you want to learn more about why you should think about toxins lurking in your anti-perspirants, check out this article from Don’t Mess With Mama.)

It was because of this conversation that I started my journey to find the best natural deodorant out there, which leads me to this review of Earth Mama® Organics’ Mini Deodorant 4-pack.

What I Loved:

The variety. You get four different “flavors” to try out: Refreshing ginger-lime GingerAid Deodorant, tangerine-y Bright Citrus Deodorant, unscented Non-Scents Deodorant, and fresh, soothing Calming Lavender Deodorant. If you’re like me and can be picky about the scents you wear (I was once haunted on a business trip by a “powder fresh” fragranced antiperspirant I had accidentally purchased), then being able to give different scents a test-drive is a must.
The ingredients. When you read the list of all-natural ingredients, you can see why the organic formulations are totally safe for pregnant & nursing mamas (and also humankind in general!)
The beneficial scents. When I opened the box, the first thing that struck me is that these deodorants are like the benefits of essential oils for pregnant and nursing mamas + non-toxic deodorants all in one stick. If you feel a little nauseous, try the GingerAid. Tossing and turning at night? Calming Lavender has your back.
The size. These are travel-sized, which means that they’re compact enough to throw in your weekender for getaways, gym bag, beach bag and even your diaper bag. As it’s currently the month of July as I am writing this review – and a scorcher at that – it’s always nice to tote around one of these sticks just in case I need it.

What I Didn’t Love:

Note: I think that the two things that I didn’t love about the Earth Mama® Organics’ Mini Deodorant 4-pack are probably due to user error.

The residue. When you look at the sticks, they look transparent so I figured that these deodorants are invisible once applied. I think I may have applied way too much but when I put on a black t-shirt, I did have streaks on the side. This is not a big deal because the next time I threw something black on, I just more carefully put it on to avoid any streaks.
The volume. Again, I think I may have applied way too much but these did seem to go somewhat quickly. I took the unscented stick on a recent trip to Florida and found that all-in-all the stick lasted me about 6 or 7 days. Since these aren’t full size and I was doing multiple applications each day due to swimming, showering, etc., I am not sure what I was expecting.

UPDATE: In response to our review, our contact at Earth Mama had this to say, “Since the texture is soft, we recommend keeping the amount out of the tube somewhat low, to reduce the amount of waste. Personally, I take the extra off the side of the tube and rub that in too! When I first started using our deodorants, I piled it on – I find now that I don’t need that much.”

Overall, I give the Earth Mama® Organics’ Mini Deodorant 4-pack a big A+ and will now be referring to it as Gugu Guru’s pick for best natural deodorant. (Psst: Pick it up with their organic herbal sitz bath – another must have for prenatal and postpartum mamas.)

Best Cloth Diapers for Your Babe: Gugu Picks

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Looking for the best cloth diapers for your baby? We’ve got you covered. From the budget parent to the minimalist and more, in this guide we’ve rounded up the best cloth diapers in 2018 for all types of parents according to Gugu Guru’s experts.

Best Cloth Diapers Gugu Best Pick All Around: Bum Genius Original 5.0

For any parent that is reluctant to begin cloth diapering the Bum Genius Original 5.0 pocket cloth diaper is a great way to get started. With Bum Genius your baby will be able to use one diaper from 8 lbs up to 35 lbs thanks to the 3 x3 snap down. The pocket on the Bum Genius can accommodate inserts for customized absorbency so you can be sure your baby will stay dry on the go or at night. The Bum Genius cloth diapers include a proprietary elastic, stretchy lining, waterproof outer cover and snug tabs to ensure that your baby is always comfortable.

Best Cloth Diapers Minimalist Pick: Bambino Mio Miosolo All-in-One Diaper

The Bambino Mio Miosolo All-in-One Diaper will grow with your baby from birth until potty training and it doesn’t require any additional inserts or covers so there is nothing extra to store. The Bambino Mio Miosolo features fold back laundry tabs which protect them in the washing machine and the super soft fabric gets softer with each wash. There is a super absorbent core and stay-dry inner layer that will keep baby dry and prevent any leaks.

Best Cloth Diapers Budget Pick: Flip Hybrid

Flip Hybrid allows you to choose from three absorbent inserts based on their needs. Whether parents choose to go with the disposable, organic or stay dry they will be getting this hybrid product at a much lower price than other cloth diapers on the market. The Flip Diaper Cover is one-size that will work with your baby from 8-35 pounds and can even be used disposable diapers to prevent leaks. The waterproof cover can be wiped clean and reused along with the insert that meets you and your baby’s needs.

Best Cloth Diapers Pick for Multiples: GroVia Hybrid

GroVia Hybrid diapers give parents of multiples the option to combine their super cute shells with either a reusable snap-in soaker pad, economical pre-fold or eco-friendly disposable insert. GroVia Hybrid diapers will grow with your babies using either a snap closure which can be harder for your multiples to remove when you aren’t looking or hook and loop closure which is closer to the ease of disposable diapers. These hybrid diapers are easy for anyone to change and you can use the shell multiple times without laundering them.

Best Cloth Diapers Eco-Friendly Pick: Bummis Prefolds

Made from 100% organic cotton, the Bummis Prefold are incredibly soft, thick and absorbent. These prefolds come in one unbleached color and you can feel good that there are no toxic chemicals or additives in your little ones diaper. Available in three sizes when combined with a washable cover the Bummis Prefolds are so absorbent you can even trust them to be absorbent and not leak on long nights.

Don’t forget to check out our Disposable Diapers Top Picks, too!

Cover photo via Alexandria Mooney Photography

Clean Living: Roseview Essential Oils

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When it comes to new motherhood, we are always on the lookout for tips and tricks to help calm our minds, soothe our bodies, and bring a sense of peace to our world. When we came across the gorgeous shop, Roseview, which designs and creates essential oil blends, we knew it was a gem we had to share with all of our mamas. Founded by Sophie Assa, a mama and step-mama, Roseview is your one-stop-shop for essential oils and inspiration for holistic living. Don’t forget to check Roseview out on Instagram, too.

Sophie was raised in an holistic environment, and after years of working in fashion, she felt a calling to get back in touch with nature. Surrounded by California’s beauty, she is inspired to share her journey on how to raise a family or care for oneself in a holistic manner using natural remedies and essential oil education through her blog. We especially love Roseview and Sophie’s point of view because she isn’t simply selling essential oil blends, she is helping mamas grow spiritually and emotionally, while also teaching them simple ways they can live holistically. She even has specific blends for babies, pregnancy, and new moms, and we happen to think these make perfect gifts, too!

Fussy Baby is a beautiful gentle blend for newborns and their mamas. As we know, the first few weeks and months with a new baby can be magical, but also an emotional rollercoaster! Since newborns are so sensitive, this blend is ideal for mamas to wear around their babies for the first few months.

Sophie says, “I encourage mothers to wear the blend behind the ears, on the ends of their hair, the collarbone and wrists. During feeding or nap time it can really help relax mother, get her into the zone for a calm serene environment for her baby to go down. If a child is experiencing discomfort it’s a great way for them to find calm within their body as well as provide calm for the mother. It is about setting an intention for a more peaceful present experience. As the baby grows and starts to experience digestive issues such as gas or colic, or becomes over stimulated, around four months you can go ahead and apply the oil directly on the baby; feet for sleep, belly for gas massage.”

The Lullaby blend is quickly going to become a part of your child’s bedtime routine for years to come. Sophie says, “I suggest applying this to the soles of the feet, PJ collars or chest 20 minutes before bed time…the smell is so heavenly it really creates a calm restful mind and body ready for bed.”

Wild Child is ideal for that next stage, from toddler tantrums to older children who experience emotional upset, but interestingly enough many adults feel attracted to this blend as well. The essential oils have been carefully chosen to help the emotional reaction kids go through. Sophie says, “I suggest rolling the blend in the palms of your hands and creating air around their face so that they sense the smell. If they don’t mind being touched apply to acupressure points and give them some space to work it out. My daughter has some anxiety from time to time and we roll it on the moment I can sense her head drifting bringing her back into her body, getting her grounded and calming her nervous system. As a mother these times can be stressful to so don’t be afraid to roll in on yourself.”

Sophie’s mission with Roseview is to make essential oils a practical and attainable solution for all people, while teaching them about her holistic lifestyle, and trying to remain as toxic-free as possible. Sophie can also create custom blends for all situations, moods, and emotions – she loves working with pregnant moms to find essential oil blends which jive with their holistic approach to pregnancy and motherhood. She says, “I say the trick to using oils is about creating a moment and being consistent with them. When I reach for a blend I am trying to change my experience in that moment. So as I roll the blends on my skin, I also breath in the oils deeply. I sit for a moment and get very present. The two minute experience is an energy changer and one I suggest all mother to use as a tool when big feelings come up.” What a perfect gift for a new mama, or as a must-have item for yourself!

Eco Friendly Products Celeb Registry Picks

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Eco friendly products are commonly sought after on Gugu Guru, and parents are often asking us what our favorite organic, sustainable baby items are. We were so excited to work with celeb parents-to-be Parker Young and Stephanie Weber on their baby girl’s registry. You might know dad-to-be Parker from the BravoTV series Imposters. Mama-to-be Stephanie is the founder and creative director of women’s apparel company Satao’s Keeper. Satao’s Keeper is fighting to keep elephants and rhinos safe from poachers and donates 10% of each purchase toward helping these endangered animals.

On the Gugu Guru baby registry quiz, we ask parents to rate the importance of organic on a scale of 1-5. Parker and Stephanie rated organic a 5 out of 5 in terms of importance. Today, we’re sharing just a few of our favorite eco friendly products that we added to their baby registry.

1. Eco Friendly Products Pick: Nook Pebble Lite Crib Mattress
The Nook Pebble Lite crib mattress is Nook’s most eco friendly mattress. It’s not only non-toxic and safe for baby but it is designed to for a better night’s sleep. The removable cover on the Pebble is organic, designed for increased oxygen flow and machine washable. This mattress is not only safe and beautiful but it is super practical for new parents.

2. Eco Friendly Products Pick: Monica & Andy
Monica & Andy makes clothing, blankets, burp clothes and bibs that are full of whimsical prints, stylish cuts and on-trend colors and they are all made with organic cottons and the finest materials. Whether new parents are looking for basics to build their layette, a first outfit to bring baby home or a great outfit for family pictures Monica & Andy has safe and stylish options. Not only will parents love the organic cotton, lead free and flame retardant free clothing but even baby will appreciate how soft and luxurious the fabrics feel.

3. Eco Friendly Products Pick: Beaba Babycook
The Beaba Babycook makes making organic, fresh foods without any additives for your baby’s first foods a total breeze. The Babycook can take raw veggies, fruits, meats or fishes to steamed and pureed foods in less than 15 minutes. The steam heating system will lock in nutrients from the foods you are preparing so you can feel good about every bite you feed to baby. When your baby outgrows purees it doesn’t mean they need to outgrow the Beaba. The Babycook is great for toddler smoothies or soups and sauces for the whole family.

4. Eco Friendly Products Pick: Solly Baby Wrap
A wrap can be an essential piece of baby gear for new parents because it can keep baby close, help to decrease infant crying and allow parents to be hands free. With the Solly Baby Wrap, parents can not only benefit from that closeness but they can feel good about their purchase of a product that is made in the US and dyed with environmentally friendly dyes. Solly Baby Wraps offer a variety of stylish designs and are made with a super silky, soft fabric that comes from the pulp of beechwood trees.

5. Eco Friendly Products Pick: Hevea Pacifier
Hevea pacifiers are made from 100% natural rubber latex that are not only safe for baby but safe for the planet. These pacifiers have no PVC, BPA, phthalates or artificial colors and are made with a solid design to decrease bacteria. The teats on Hevea pacifiers are ventilated making it easier for baby suck and gentler on their teeth. Hevea even wants to help you decrease waste by offering a discount on future products if you participate in their upcycling program for used pacifiers.

6. Eco Friendly Products Pick: Green Sprouts 3-Piece Muslin Burpcloths
Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths are made from 100% organic cotton muslin. These burp clothes start out soft and the four absorbent layers get softer with each wash. The Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths come pre-washed and ready to be used and are made without the use of formaldehyde or toxic dyes. These over-sized birth cloths will keep baby dry and you will feel comfortable wiping their face and neck with the hypo allergenic, organic material.

7. Eco Friendly Products Pick: The Play Gym from Lovevery
When it comes to eco friendly products for your baby registry, it’s hard to get more eco friendly than the absolutely gorgeous developmental Play Gym from Lovevery. Where do we start? Its sustainably-sourced wood legs (and wooden batting ring) have water-based non-toxic finishes and the play mat is made with machine-washable polyester materials batch tested to be non-toxic and baby safe. As far as the other accessories, the Learning Cards are printed with soy ink the High Contrast Montessori Ball and teether are both 100% Organic Cotton, plus all the plastic and silicone components are manufactured without BPA and phthalates. Check out our video on The Play Gym here.

8. Eco Friendly Products Pick: Lorena Canals
Straight from Spain, Lorena Canals offers non-toxic, machine washable rugs that are truly delicious on the eyes. Already a favorite, staple brand of European mothers and fathers, each Lorena Canals rug is carefully handmade from 100% cotton, safe for any baby’s room. The dyes used are also non-toxic, which is critical 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.

About the author:

Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids, including one set of twins and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents across the U.S.. She is a sought after modern baby gear expert, has been featured in Pregnancy and Newborn magazine, Fit Pregnancy, US News and World Report, and loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear to creating their registry to preparing for multiples and getting back to work.

Best Bassinets for Babies: Gugu Picks

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Bassinets for babies are more popular than ever these days due to one of the 2016 safe sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) being that infants sleep in the same room as the parents for at least the first six months and, optimally, for the first year of life, based on the latest evidence. So, unless you don’t have a nursery at all, you’ll likely need a sleeping arrangement for your bedroom as well. Here, we’ve rounded up the best bassinets for babies in 2018 according to Gugu Guru’s experts:

Gugu Pick for Best all Around: SNOO Smart Sleeper
While this bassinet may seem very expensive compared to other bassinets for babies on the market, when you break it down it is actually only around $5 a day for additional sleep for you and baby! The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a very safe bassinet with mesh walls, protective swaddle wings that ensure that baby stays on their back and the SNOO sack that ensures a secure swaddle that is hip safe. The SNOO Smart Sleeper not only looks beautiful but it chooses the best motion and white noise to soothe your baby and get him or her off to sleep. The SNOO can be used up to 6 months and even offers a gradual weaning feature to make the transition to the crib a little easier. Check out our Real Mom Review of the Snoo.

Gugu Budget Pick: Chicco Lullago
The Chicco Lullago is not only one of the best bassinets for babies that parents can use in any room of their home, but it’s easy to fold and lightweight – making it great for travel when baby is young. At only $99, the Chicco Lullago includes a mattress with a machine washable cover and a carry bag for when you travel with the bassinet. The Lullago also has mesh sides so it is easy to see baby from your bed and allows for circulation for baby. The design is simple and sleek so it will fit into almost any home design and the set up is super simple so anyone will be able to do it in a snap. (Can be used until 20lbs or when baby can go to their hands and knees.) Check out more of our budget registry picks.

Gugu Eco-friendly Pick: BabyBay Bedside Sleeper
Parents can not only feel good about the BabyBay Bedside Sleeper because it keeps their baby close to them in a safe environment but it is made with solid wood and without the use of any plastics, toxic glues or wood fillers. The BabyBay Bedside bassinet fits any bed height securely and with the purchase of bassinet conversion kit, it can be used as a bassinet that can be moved from room to room. Organic mattress, organic sheets and organic canopy are also available to fit the BabyBay Bedside Sleeper. (As a bedside sleeper the BabyBay can be used up to 6 months or when baby can push up.) Check out some more of our eco-friendly picks.

Gugu Multiple Pick: HALO Bassinest Twin Sleeper
The HALO Bassinest twin sleeper has new parents of twins jumping for joy! The Bassinest Twin offers a 360 swivel so you can see or access either baby with a simple turn. Each baby has his or her own sleeping area as the Bassinest Twin is divided by a mesh wall so the babies can still see each other without the risk of sharing one bassinet. For a new mom recovering from delivery, the Bassinest Twin offers walls that lower and return automatically so that mom can easily access and return the babies from her bed. The Bassinest Twin is adjustable so it will fit just about any bed and comes with a nightlight and three options for soothing sounds and three lullabies. (Can be used until one baby reaches 20lbs or when one baby can go to his or her hands and knees.) See what a new mom has to say about the single HALO Bassinest.

Gugu Minimalist Pick: BABYBJÖRN Cradle
The BABYBJÖRN Cradle is great for a family that wants something that doesn’t take up a lot of space, looks great and can be used longer than the typical bassinet. This bassinet features full airy mesh sides that make it easy for parents to see baby. Parents will love the gentle springy motion that can be easily created with a slight push. The BABYBJÖRN Cradle comes with a machine washable mattress and to make the cradle even more cozy an airy canopy can be purchased separately. Weighing in at only 13 pounds parents can easy move this bassinet around their home and it can be used for up to approx. 6 months. Check out more of our minimalist picks.

Honorable Mention: UPPAbaby Stand
If you already have the UPPAbaby VISTA then you already have a bassinet that is suitable for overnight sleep. The UPPAbaby stand will allow you to snap your UPPAbaby VISTA or CRUZ bassinet into a sturdy and secured elevated stand the same way you snap it into your stroller. Plus, when you can no longer use the stand for the bassinet there are optional accessories that allow you to use the stand as a laundry hamper. (Can be used until 20lbs or when baby can go to his or her hands and knees.)

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Eco-Friendly Ways to Recycle Baby Clothing and More!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

With April being the month to celebrate all things Earth-related, we wanted to share a few companies with you who are helping parents recycle old clothing and accessories by giving them a new home and purpose. Don’t forget to check out our affordable eco-friendly baby registry and post-consumer recycled baby registry!

Swoondle Society: It seems as though babies and kids run through clothes faster than we can buy them, so what’s a parent to do when they’re stuck with a ton of wrong-sized or outgrown baby clothes? Our editor got to try Swoondle Society, which is a trade-based second hand shopping experience. You sign up for a Swoondle Membership, receive a pre-paid large mailing-bag in the mail, and fill it with all of the clothes you can’t use anymore! Everything is valued in Levels 1-5 and are available for trade-only. This makes it fair – you can only take out levels based on what levels you send. You receive the same level as your item will be listed in the shop. Swoondle plays the judge to make trading easy and fair. Our editor says, “I sent in a bunch of Gap Kids and Old Navy boy’s clothing in great condition; I ended up picking 10 new items for my boys, including a gorgeous rain jacket, the navy blue Old Navy long sleeved shirt in great condition and an adorable ringer t-shirt for my younger son! It was easy to do, and if you’re someone who likes to shop online for your kid’s clothing, I highly recommend a membership.” You can request a kit to try it out for no fee (you get 5 free swaps before you have to chose a membership plan), and it’s a great way to recycle those old clothes and get brand new-to-you clothing!

Moon Canyon Kids: The Moon Canyon Kids subscription box is a monthly mix of vintage and modern items, styled for your child. In each box you’ll find three (or more) pieces, often including a new item from a cool Los Angeles brand. Plus a new accessory surprise! It’s an easy, affordable, eco-friendly way to outfit your kiddo. All you have to do is choose your child’s size, and if you want for a girl, boy, or unisex (love that they have this option!). And then, simply wait for your box full of clothing to arrive. We’re fans of both eco-friendly recycling of clothing and shopping small, so we’re over the moon (pun intended) that Moon Canyon Kids offers both in one box! It’s super fun to see what comes in the mail, as often times it’s not necessarily what you’d pick out for your kids, but incredibly adorable, nonetheless.

Stitches by Natalie: What do you do with all of those baby clothes and blankets you no longer use, but still want to save? Stitches by Natalie transforms all of your precious baby blankets and clothing into adorable stuffed animals! It’s super easy to send in your blanket, simply pick which animal you want to transform the blanket into, and Natalie hand creates the animal for you, as well as embroiders your child’s information on the animal. So, go look in the back of those drawers of yours and pull out those precious baby blankets to be made into a family heirloom which will last forever. Check out some other items from Stitches by Natalie, too.

Belly Bandit Upcycle Program: Belly Bandit, a favorite of Sara Haley Fit, has an amazing upcycle program we’re excited to tell you about. Belly Bandit are firm believers in giving back and paying it forward. It’s simple, just send Belly Bandit your used Belly Bandit Belly Wraps and in return you’ll receive a one-time coupon for use on any of their products! We’ll in turn take those used wraps and donate them to Trash 4 Teaching! T4T, a division of Two Bit Circus Foundation, rescues clean, safe, inspiring items that local businesses discard in abundance, and make them available to teachers, after school providers, non-profits and individuals. They support hands-on learning through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) with professional development workshops, material resource carts and classroom collaborations. They offer a variety of hands-on creativity and collaboration experiences for all ages.

Featured photo via Alexandria Moony Photography

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