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Essentials

Packing your Hospital Bag?

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

The number 1 question we get from expectant parents as their due date nears is “What should I pack in my hospital bag?” You have enough to worry about when you’re welcoming your little one. It’s important to get the right items in your bag, but the packing process shouldn’t be overwhelming. Let’s go through some essentials as well as some of those items that you might forget!

Do I need special clothing?

Universal Labor & Delivery Gown | Grey Heather– Kindred Bravely

When you settle into the hospital to start your labor and delivery process, you will most likely be handed a gown to wear. Whether you are ready for a vaginal birth or walking in for a planned C-Section, these gowns are pretty standard. They allow for the needed wires, tubes, epidurals, etc. to be connected and allow your healthcare team access to all parts of your body. Bringing your own hospital gown may add a personal touch to your delivery day. We love Kindred Bravely’s line of Labor and Delivery Gowns.

After helping thousands of moms prepare for this special day, we can also say that simple ways to make your hospital stay cozier can always give you a little peace of mind. A great loungewear set, slippers, and slip-proof socks will also make your time in the hospital a bit comfier.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, you may also consider bringing some clothing to make the process simpler. You will be nursing around the clock, so easy acess is key! We’re huge fans of comfortable nursing bras and tanktops for hospital days. They allow for hands-free nursing as you’re learning how to meet your little one’s hungry tummy. We also love keeping a tank on so you can easily add extra layers (like a zip up sweatshirt) as needed. Check out the Larken X Bra and Kindred Bravely Nursing Tanks for comfy hospital clothing as well as far into motherhood.

Throughout your pregnancy journey, you may have found leggings to be the most comfortable item. Throw a pair in your hospital bag, which can offer gentle, postpartum compression. They are also nursing-friendly, keeping your core supported throughout the early days in the hospital. We love Belly Bandit’s Mother Tucker Leggings (seriously, how great is this name?!).

What about items to help me heal?

In the first few days postpartum, your body is going through a deep recovery. While the hospital will have everything you ‘need,’ there are some better options out there that are easy to slip into your hospital bag.

This recovery can sometimes be a bit messy. We spend so much time and energy learning how to care for our new bundle, that we often forget to take care of ourselves. One thing we love is the New Mom Skincare Set from Earth Mama. We also love Earth Mama’s Nipple Butter and Perineal Balm. Pro-tip: The Nipple Butter is also great for chapped lips, and since the hospital is super dry, a hospital must-have!

A belly band can also be something that supports your core while you heal. If you ask for one at the hospital, they will usually provide you with one. If you’d like to bring your own, Belly Bandit has some great options.

Other things I might forget?

Two things people tend to forget: A cell phone charger and your paperwork/health insurance card for the hospital. Put both of these someplace so you won’t forget. Most hospitals will send you home with quite a bit of information, so you may even want to bring a folder to store everything for later. And don’t forget that cell phone charger! You will be snapping lots of photos throughout your time in the hospital.

Looking for an all-in-one hospital bag solution?

There are two types of moms we work with – those who like to pack their own hospital bag and those who prefer to have it arrive at their home pre-packed with excellent, non-toxic products. Baby Boldly Birth Bags are for both! Their bags come in a variety of sizes, from ‘Minimalist’ to ‘Fully Prepared.’ Full of great items that you may forget, you will have plenty of toiletries, hair ties, and the wonderful ‘grippy socks!’ Designed ‘by mamas, for mamas’ they even offer a Pack-it-Yourself Bag, great for experienced moms who know exactly what they’ll need.

Listen to two of our experts talk about Baby Boldly below:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWLu42SFhtW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

See more top tips:

What to Put on Your Baby Registry
Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List
Hospital Bag Musts – The things you may forget!


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Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Essentials, Labor and Delivery, New Desgin, Newborns, Previous Categories

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Minimalist Baby Registry Must-Haves

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

Let’s talk Minimalism + Baby Registry. What do you really need for baby? We have a free checklist of what you need to put on your baby registry, but as the Beatles tune goes, “all you need is love.” In a baby’s case, it’s really true – all you need is love… and to be held and fed. If you talk to seasoned moms, they’ll all pretty much tell you the same thing: you really don’t need much for your newborn.  Plus, the current trend is to simplify & organize. For motherhood, this starts with your baby registry.

Gugu Guru’s list of essentials below focuses on high quality and practicality. For an expectant parent, “practical” can mean products that are versatile, multi-functional and possibly gender-neutral. Gear should be long-lasting, possibly portable, and not take up too much space.  Sometimes high quality can equate to a higher price tag, so we’ve listed a budget-friendly alternative below when possible.

Important Note: there are some essential items we’re leaving out altogether, such as bottles, pacifiers and diapers (there’s a strong likelihood you’ll have to try a few brands to figure out what brand works best for your babe) and clothing (chances are you’ll be gifted a lot of clothes.) We’re also not including breast pumps here because you should consult with Acelleron to determine what brands are available for free from your insurance.

BABYBJORN® Bouncer Bliss

Minimalist Baby Registry BABYBJORN® Bouncer Bliss

One item we recommend to every single parent is a bouncer. Our top recommendation is the BABYBJORN Bouncer Bliss. Its lightweight design is portable and folds flat. Your child will enjoy gentle, natural bouncing – no batteries or cords are needed, and Bouncer Bliss makes no noise. Use Bouncer Bliss from newborn and up to the age of two years. Once your child has learned to sit unaided, you can turn the fabric around and use it as a comfortable children’s chair. Splurge a little more for the toy bar that fits perfectly for added entertainment.
Looking for a budget-friendly alternative? Check out Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer

UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller

The VISTA V2 Stroller  from UPPAbaby adapts as your family grows to accommodate your little one from birth through the toddler years. The versatile design can also be configured to conveniently transport up to 3 children to roll with life’s changing momentum.  You’ll also need the MESA car seat as well, which snaps right into the VISTA V2.

Not a fit for your budget? Check out The City Select Stroller from Baby Jogger, which like the VISTA, starts out as a full-featured single stroller but can be configured to accommodate up to 3 kids. Just make sure you have a compatible car seat and adaptor.

Solly Baby Wrap

Minimalist Baby Registry Solly Baby Wrap

Solly wraps are designed for the first year or up to 25 lbs, and the majority of babes get the most use during the first 9 months. Lightweight, easy to put on, Solly Baby wraps give you and your little one unparalleled closeness and comfort (read: “wrap naps” for hours), less crying (it’s proven!), and reduced rates of postpartum depression. Made in the USA and constructed from certified Lenzing modal, which is a lightweight, buttery soft and sustainable fabric sourced from the pulp of Austrian beechwood trees.

Not a fit for your budget? Check out the Baby K’tan Carrier, which takes the guesswork out of putting on a soft carrier.

Nuna CUDL

Keep your little one cuddled close while out and about with the Nuna CUDL. This modern carrier is easy to put on and gives you 4 ways to safely carry baby. The infant insert is built into the carrier, providing a much more comfortable fit for parent + baby.  Not a fit for your budget? Check out the Boppy ComfyFit Carrier.

Boon Naked Infant Tub

The Boon Naked Tub is perfect for bathing your precious newborn. Perfect for newborns – toddlers, this tub can sit on your counter, in your tub, or even in your shower. Drain the tub, and fold flat to hang for easy storage. Voila, bath time is complete! Of course, you’ll also need shampoo and body wash to actually get baby to be squeaky clean and for this, we recommend starting with something fragrance free for baby’s delicate skin.

Looking for something a bit more budget-consicous? Check out the Summer Deluxe Baby Bather

FridaBaby Bitty Bundle of Joy 4-Piece Kit

Minimalist Baby Registry FridaBaby® Bitty Bundle of Joy 4-Piece Kit

Gugu Guru LOVES FridaBaby products. The Bitty Bundle of Joy Kit is the perfect gift for new moms and moms to be in preparation for their little one. This kit features everyday essentials for you and your newborn like the absolute must-have NoseFrida Snotsucker and more. Pair with a couple of our other FridaBaby favorites, like the Rectal Thermometer and the Hairbrush + Styling Comb and you’ve got your basics covered.

Muslin Swaddle Blankets

Our Gugu Guru Concierge experts always put muslin swaddle blankets at the top of their must-have list. Initially, they are great for swaddling, but soon they will turn into your go-to for everything! Playmat? Check. Burp Cloth? Check. Feeding cover? Check. Keeping baby warm in the stroller on a chilly walk? Check! You will use these for years. We love the swaddle blankets by Rookie Humans, which will truly soften with every use.

Not quite in your budget? Check out the variety sets by aden + anais.

Keekaroo Peanut ChangerMinimalist Baby Registry Keekaroo Peanut Changer

We struggled with whether or not a diaper changing pad is really an “essential.” While we know that you can get a waterproof reusable changing pad to lay on your floor, we do love the convenience of a silicone changing pad. Easily placed on top of your dresser, the Keekaroo will round out your changing station. This modern changer wipes clean and does not require any extra covers.

Looking for a different option? We also love the Skip Hop Baby Changing Pad.

Crane 4-in-1 Cool Mist Humidifier and Sound Machine

For creating a healthy, peaceful sleeping environment almost every mom we polled recommends a white noise machine and a humidifier. Gugu Guru’s pick is always the Crane 4-in-1 Humidifier. With a combined top fill, cool mist humidifier and sound machine, and even a night light, we can’t say enough great things about this humidifier! Speaking of nursery ambiance, many parents also say that black out curtains are a must-have. At Gugu Guru, we think this may or may not be an essential for you.

Nanit  Pro Camera

Unless your baby will be sharing a room with you for the foreseeable future, a video monitor will give you great peace of mind. The Nanit Pro Camera is a techy minimalist’s dream! Using an app on your phone, you can check in on baby from anywhere. No more carrying around a monitor screen and staying ‘within range.’

Looking for a standard screen + camera monitor? Check out the Vava Video Baby Monitor.

Wanting something less costly? GoodBaby monitor on Amazon is a great video monitor!

ergopouch Cocoon Swaddle

Minimalist Baby Registry ergoPouch ergoCocoon

The ergoPouch swaddle is a minimalist’s dream with its 2-in-1 functionality; there are poppers in the armholes to transform from a swaddle to a sleeping bag.  Constructed with eco-friendly, breathable fabric, the simple zip-up design will keep baby snug and securely swaddled without the need for complicated wrapping or extra blankets.

Plain Onesies and Pajamas 

Minimalist Baby Registry Hanna Andersson Night Night Baby Sleepers In Pure Organic Cotton

We know we said no clothing on this list, but onesies and pajamas are each an exception to the rule. Skin-friendly undergarments are a necessity for your little one. They are easy to layer and quite practical. As far as pajamas, you’ll want to {strongly} consider zippers or magnetic closures, since snaps are frustrating during wee-hours diaper changes.  Gugu Guru founder, Monica, swears by Hanna Andersson’s Night Night Baby Sleepers, which she used for both of her kiddos. Our team also loves Magnetic Me, Little Sleepies, Kyte Baby, and Carters!

Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths

Muslin Burp Cloths are at the top of our recommendations for every parent! They are soft (and get softer with every wash!), easy to clean, and hold up through every mess you may encounter. Green Sprouts has our absolute favorite burp cloth! They are big enough to sit comfortably on your shoulder and don’t shrink in the dryer. We LOVE these burp cloths!!

The Gerber Birdseye 10-Pack Cotton Prefolded Diapers are also a great set to have on hand and all around the home.

Minimalist Diaper Bag

Why buy a new diaper bag when you have so many great bags at home? With the a Totesavvy diaper bag insert, you can make any bag into your diaper bag! Fit inside any bag – from a small zip tote to Dad’s backpack. So easy to swap in and out! Looking for something that can stand alone? We also love the Belt Bag by Kibou and the TWELVElittle clutch.

High Chair

Inglesina Fast Table Chair

Comfortable as it is convenient, the Inglesina Fast Table Chair is a definite must-have for minimalists. Lightweight design features simple, twist-tight couplings compatible with most types of tables (up to 3.5″ thick).

Looking for a standard high chair that will grow with your little one? We love the Nomi High Chair.

Books

From Sandra Boynton to Dr. Seuss to Baby Einstein, there are too many amazing books out there to list in one blog post but the profound benefits of reading to your baby make books one of the most important minimalist essentials that you should add to your registry.

Other Items That *Might* Be Minimalist Baby Registry Essentials For You…

The following items may or may not be essentials for you depending on how much space you have in your home, frequency of travel and more.  If you are unsure about if these or any items are an essential for you, reach out to the experts at Gugu Guru and we will let you know.

  • Depending on whether baby will have his/her own nursery and how big that space is, you will need a crib and for minimalist purposes we recommend one that will grow with your child like the space-saving DaVinci Autumn 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, which also comes with an attached changer. For our minimalist mattress pick, we love the Newton Baby Crib Mattress.
  • A rocker/recliner chair like this Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider and Ottoman  from DaVinci. This could be a must-have if you plan to nurse (you’ll need a comfortable place to do so) and if you have a separate nursery for baby.
  • A 3-in-1 travel crib like this Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Reversible Napper and Changer. This playard is made with multitasking parents in mind. The soft and cozy napping station doubles as a changing table, which you can remove to transition into a spacious playard for your growing baby. This could be a must-have if you plan to have baby sleep in your room before moving him/her to a nursery and/or if you’re a frequent traveler.

Must Haves for Nursing and/or Pumping Moms…

Covered Goods 4-in-1 Multi-Use Cover

Covered Goods™ 4-in-1 Multi-Use Cover in Black/Ivory Stripes

Offering style and versatility, the Covered Goods 4-in-1 Multi-Use Cover functions as a nursing cover, car seat cover, scarf, and shopping cart cover. Attractively constructed of a comfortable, stretch fabric, the cover provides true all-over coverage.

bbhugme Nursing Pillow

Our favorite feeding pillow is hands-down the bbhugme Nursing Pillow. Not only does this pillow come in a variety of colors that will fit seamlessly into your home decor, it’s the perfect companion for breastfeeding/nursing at home, on travel, and simply wherever you are.

Other nursing essentials include:

  • Cute nursing bras that don’t make you feel like a granny.  We love the Larken X and the bras by Kindred Bravely.
  • Layers of clothing that will transition despite the season and last you from nursing and beyond. Think cute tanks and cardigans like the genius Goodbody Good Mommy cardigan.
  • Nursing pads – we love these disposable ones from nanobebe and these washable, reusable pads from Bamboobies.
  • Breast care products such as these breats relief packs and nipple butter like this Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter.

Other Items That *Might* Be Essentials For Pumping Moms …

The following items may or may not be essentials for you depending on whether you’re planning to return to work, if you will be working away from home and other factors.  If you are unsure about if these or any items are an essential for you, reach out to the experts at Gugu Guru and we will let you know.

  • Multi-tasking moms will love the Kindred Bravely Hands-Free Nursing and Pumping Bra which allows to be hands free while you pump.
  • Providing everything you need to carry and organize your breast pump and accessories if you’re returning to work away from home, the Motif Medical Breast Pump Backpack.
  • For pumping moms, we LOVE the Kiinde Twist Gift Set. With the Twist system, pumping, storing, organizing and feeding is all done using the same pouch, completely eliminating the need for constant transferring of precious breastmilk.

Minimalism Tip #1:

Keep receipts! If you find you received a gift that you’re just not using, you can return it. Don’t cut tags off until the very last moment when you’re absolutely sure you’re going to use that item!

Minimalism Tip #2:

Skip the swing altogether. Some babies like swings and some babies hate them. Instead of spending money to find out what category your baby falls into, either check BST groups on Facebook or see if a friend can loan you one that her baby has grown out of. You can also just register for a swing and if your baby doesn’t enjoy it, go back to tip #1 – save receipts.

Minimalism Tip #3:

Also, don’t stock up on newborn size diapers or clothing. If your baby is bigger than expected s/he might not even fit into them. People tend to gift babies lots of clothing in general. Have one box on hand a few pairs of pajamas. Once baby arrives, you’ll know what sizing works.

Read more minimalist tips:
Nursery Trend Report: Minimalism
Must Have Baby Registry Items for New Parents
The Ultimate Target Baby Registry


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Filed Under: Baby Registry, Essentials, Gift Ideas Tagged With: registry

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Top 5 Must-Have Essentials: First Night Home With Baby

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

What do you really need when bringing baby home from the hospital? Obviously, you won’t need your high chair, convertible car seat, or even the bulk of your little one’s clothing. But there are a few things that you’ll want to have on hand to make your transition to parenthood seamless for you and baby.

A Safe Place to Sleep + Swaddle

It’s easy to forget about setting up a safe place to sleep, as it’s both so obvious and necessary. We look to the AAP when discussing safe sleep recommendations, and follow the ABC’s of safe sleep.

A- Alone : Baby should sleep in his/her sleep environment on their own.
B- Back: Put baby down to sleep on his/her back.
C- Crib: On a firm, flat environment, like a crib (or bassinet/playard) without any extra blankets, stuffed animals, or bumpers.

Baby should also be swaddled tightly with a swaddle blanket or a wearable swaddle.

Easy Clothing Options

It is so hard to avoid buying clothes for your little one. But, the reality is that it’s best to hold off on purchasing too much. Once you know how your little one is growing, it’ll be easier to buy clothes for the right size and season. Stick with onesies and PJs that are easy to get on/off. Check out our full overview of Newborn Clothing here.

Diapers, Wipes, Ointment

Diapers, wipes, and ointment may seem obvious, but sometimes they’re the easiest items to forget. Stock up on one box of newborn diapers and a box of size one. While you may need to order more newborn diapers, all diaper sizing will overlap and you don’t want to end up with too many extras. One container of ointment is great for the start, but stock up on wipes. You will use them for years!

Feeding Supplies

Larken The Signature Tank

No matter how you are planning to feed your little one, you will want to be stocked with the right supplies. Like every other category, be careful not to overbuy. You won’t need breastmilk storage on day one, but you will want to have your nursing bras/tanks if breastfeeding. If you’re bottle-feeding, you may want to buy bottles in both small and large sizes. However, you really only need large bottles. You can always fill with a small amount of breastmilk or formula! And, make sure to purchase slow flow nipples if your large bottle doesn’t come with them. If you’re going to pump, plan on securing your breast pump before your little one arrives.

Postpartum Care for Mama

It’s easy to spend all of our time and energy putting together the necessities for our little ones, but don’t forget about yourself! You have just delivered a new baby (or possibly babies) and you will need to have some postpartum necessities to make yourself a bit more comfortable. Disposable Underwear, Perineal Spray (or Balm), and Organic Cotton Pads will make you feel just a bit closer to normal.

If you’re recovering from a C-Section, take a look at our Recovery Must-Haves.

Filed Under: Essentials, Newborns, Sleep Tagged With: baby essentials, newborn, preemie, sleep

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Sleep Hacks for Every Age

by Abby Ludwig 1 Comment

Are you having a hard time getting comfortable in bed throughout your third trimester? Struggling with a nap routine for your 3-month-old? Looking for help through another toddler sleep regression? We’ve asked our Gugu Guides for their favorite sleep hacks. Take a look below to see what they recommend!

For Pregnancy & Little Ones

Elina’s Review of Crane Humidifer & Mookabee Swaddle

Crane’s humidifier is great for stuffy noses for Mom and baby. This cool-mist humidifier is a must-have in any sleep environment that gets dry. Elina also loves the Mookabee Swaddle with the power of scent technology. A great sleep hack for new moms.

For Newborns

Dominique’s Review of the Love to Dream Swaddle Up

Domi loves the Love to Dream Swaddle Up as a way to ensure good sleep from day 1. Allows baby to catch some zzz’s all while learning how to self-soothe.

From the Newborn Stage

Larissa’s Review of the Dohm Noise Machine

“This thing is amazing. As soon as it’s time for bed, I turn this on and my baby knows it’s time to calm down and go to sleep.” – Larissa

From Infancy – Early Childhood (and beyond!)

Haley’s Review of the Hatch Sound Machine (and nightlight!)

This sound machine and nightlight in one is so easy to use and great for middle-of-the-night feedings. You can control it from both the machine and also an app. While the original version has to stay plugged in, the newer Hatch Rest + has a backup battery. Both versions will also give you okay to wake functionality for older kiddos. Great sleep hacks, Haley!

For Toddlers and Young Kids

Erin’s Review of the Dreamland Baby Weighted Blanket

“I was a little nervous about a weighted blanket… but this is the perfect weight. If I’m being honest, I also use it for myself when I’m cozying up on the couch.” Please do note that this weighted blanket is recommended for little ones ages 3+ and 30 lbs or larger.

Need more guidance?

Jen’s Review of the 30-Minute Sleep Support Consult

Looking for more guidance? Check out Tot Squad’s Sleep Support Virtual course. Full of sleep hacks for moms of little ones trying to create a great routine.

Our Gugu Guides are here to be your eyes and ears throughout the parenting and pregnancy journey. They have so many tips and tricks that will work with every child and product imaginable! Want to become a Gugu Guide? Apply here!

Check out more Mom Hacks from other Gugu Guides!


Filed Under: Essentials, Gugu Guide Feature, Sleep Tagged With: sleep

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The Best Baby Bath Towels

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

Is there anything cuter than your infant coming out of the bath, sparkling clean and wrapped up all cozy in one of those adorable baby bath towels? We think not! While regular bath towels will work from day 1, we love how smaller towels add warmth without the bulk. They are cozy, convenient, and make a great gift!

Pottery Barn Kids Baby Hooded Towels

Baby Bath Towels

These Pottery Barn Kids Baby Hooded Towels aren’t just super cute, but also warm and absorbent. Made from thick cotton and available in more than 15 playful animal designs, these will work after the bath, pool, or beach. They can comfortably be used for little ones well into toddlerhood.

Little Unicorn Hooded Towels

Baby Bath Towels

The hooded towels from Little Unicorn feature both one-of-a-kind watercolor patterns and cozy pockets to keep little hands warm. These hooded towels are made with an extra-soft terrycloth as well as muslin cotton, getting softer with each wash. These towels will work for your baby for years.

Burt’s Bees Baby Hooded Towels

Baby Bath Towels

An organic cotton option that’s also budget-friendly? Sign us up! Burt’s Bees hooded towels come in sets of 1 or 2 and a variety of fun patterns. All of their patterns make a great gift and can easily be used for little ones up to 3 years old. Their cotton is 100% organic, GOTS certified, and breathable.

Loulou LOLLIPOP Hooded Bath Towels

Best Baby Bath Towels

Made with ultra-soft bamboo terrycloth, LouLou LOLLIPOP’s towels are a perfect design pop for any bathroom. All towels come as a set, with a matching washcloth taking care of all of your bathing needs. Big enough for toddlers and little ones, this towel will be a staple in your bathroom for years. Also great for the pool or beach!

aden + anais Hooded Baby Bath Towel

Baby bath towels

The muslin-backed hooded towels by aden + anais feature their signature prints on one side and absorbent terry on the other side. These towels include a loop to hang dry and are prewashed so they are ready to go. This soft towel is a generous size that will work for baby through their toddler years

Looking for more Bath & Potty Must-Haves?

Diapering Station Must Have Items to Check Out
Baby Bath Time Registry
The Best Baby Care Essentials to Have on Hand

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Essentials Tagged With: bathtime

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The Best Baby Care Essentials to Have on Hand

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

When it comes to taking care of your baby on a daily basis, a small list of essentials on hand helps to make it go more smoothly. From bath time to diapering to laundry, there are certain things it’s just smart to keep in house. We covered some great options to help you care for your baby.

Bath Time Essentials

Green Sprouts Organic Cotton Muslin Bath Towel & Wash Cloth Set

You’ll want to have a handful of washcloths and a warm, absorbent towel on hand for bath time. This set covers all of the bases. It comes with four washcloths to help you wash your little one. It also comes with a cozy hooded towel. The towel is made from organic muslin cotton on one side and absorbent, cozy terry on the other, making it a perfect choice to dry off and cuddle up after an evening bath. 

Earth Mama Organics Simply Non-Scents Castile Baby Wash

This baby wash is non-scented soap offers a great option for your baby’s sensitive skin. Made from soothing calendula, you’ll love how soft and snuggly your baby feels after their evening bath. As an added bonus, it’s not just for babies. Everyone in the house can use it, and it’s an ingredient in a DIY household cleaner to boot. Earth Mama also makes a sweet orange scented baby wash if you’re looking for something with a great smell. Additionally, Earth Mama makes a whole series of fantastic baby care options from lotions to eczema cream and more. Be sure to check them out.

Lavelu Lounger Baby Sink Bath Insert

You’ll need a sink insert for those early newborn baths. You can’t go wrong with the one from Lavelu. It provides much-needed head and neck support for your baby, a must for those brand new babies. It’s waterproof and dries quickly, making it a perfect choice for an addition to your evening routine. 

Take a look at our whole round up of Bath Time Registry Must Haves.

Diapering Essentials

Curasalve Organic Diaper Rash Treatment Paste

Having some diaper rash treatment on hand before you need it is important. You can use this organic Curasalve treatment at the first sign of rash for quick relief. Additionally, putting a thin layer of the paste on your baby’s bottom with their overnight diaper will help keep their skin healthy. 

healthynest Diapering Program

You’re going to need diapers, so why not make them work for you. The healthynest Diapering Program delivers a box with a month’s worth of diapers, wipes, and some activities for your baby. It takes the guesswork out of finding a diaper that works and stocking up on it. Diapers delivered right to your door makes it easy to care for your baby. See what real moms had to say about healthynest diapers + wipes.

Need more help creating your changing station? Our Diapering Station Must Have Items guide is here to help!

Laundering Essentials

LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls – Jute Tote Laundry Set

When you have a baby, you’re going to have some extra laundry. These LooHoo wool balls help you remove harsh chemicals from your clothes by removing the need for dryer sheets. Simply toss them in the dryer and they will help soften clothes. We recommended this cute set that comes with an all-natural stain stick and a cute laundry tote, but there are a number of options to choose from as well!

Filed Under: Essentials Tagged With: baby essentials

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5 Mom Hacks you NEED to know!

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

We pooled our Gugu Guides for their top Mom Hacks. The secret products that make life with littles significantly easier. We cover it all! From time savers to problem-solvers, take a look at what our Guides ranked as their ‘need to know products.’

Toni’s Review of Busy Baby Mat

This is one product that Toni “cannot live without.” The Busy Baby Mat will make meal time and play time so much easier. Looking for something to keep your little one distracted while you prepare lunch? Need something to keep them busy so you can fold laundry? Simply looking for a new toy? Busy Baby Mat can do all of this and more. Shop more of Toni’s reviews here.

Rachel’s Review of Bonsie Baby

“It was totally my favorite! I remember emailing the company and asking them if they could make bigger sizes because I loved it so much.” The extremely soft baby bag and hat is not only easy to use, but also promotes the benefits of skin-to-skin with your newborn. They even have an amazing resource guide (a true mom hack) that comes with each adorable set. Shop more of Rachel’s reviews here.

Abby’s Review of Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths

“I cannot say enough good things about them!” The Green Sprouts muslin burp cloths are incredibly soft, absorbent, and will hold their shape after 100’s of washes. They come in simple colors, fold up nice and small, and will stay put covering your entire shoulder. Spread these out amongst every nook and cranny of your feeding area and diaper bag. After your little ones stop spitting up, you can even use as rags or hand towels around the house. Shop more of Abby’s reviews here.

Ashley’s Review of Little Spoon Toddler Plates

“These toddler feeding plates are so convenient. Whether you’re feeding your own kids or looking for a gift for someone else.” Little Spoon offers non-GMO, organic, and nutritious meals for your little ones. They even offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, making this a great mom hack for any family. Shop more of Ashley’s reviews here.

Dominique’s Review of Green Sprout Feeding Essentials

“This set will be able to grow with her, which I really like.” If you’re looking for a one-and-done feeding set for your littles, Green Sprouts has you covered. Including two spoons, one silicone-divided bowl, and 3 bibs, you will have everything you need to feed your baby or toddler. The bib had an excellent storage pocket, which will also keep messes at bay. Another excellent set of essentials from Green Sprouts. Shop more of Dominique’s reviews here.

Interested in becoming a Gugu Guide? Apply today!

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Celebrate Feeding, Ecofriendly, Essentials, Feeding, Gift Ideas, Newborns, Nursing & Feeding, Toddlers Tagged With: feeding, toddler

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On the Go Gear for Eco-friendly Families

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Your life is busy and full of complicated stuff. Your baby gear should be simple. It should be easy. Most importantly, it should be something you love to use. When we come across excellent products, we need to ‘shout it from the rooftop!’ Bumbleride strollers are our go-to recommendation when working with eco-friendly families. Born in San Diego, Bumbleride’s stroller line can do it all. They are all-terrain strollers, not too heavy, and designed for all of life’s adventures.

While all of this is great, our favorite part about the brand is their dedication to the materials. They put great pride in using recycled materials and production processes that will create the safest strollers for your littles. Pair with some of our other top Eco-Friendly (and Affordable) finds and you’ve got all your basics covered.

Want to learn more? Read about their materials here and their manufacturing processes here. Cheers to Bumbleride for focusing on sustainability!

Bumbleride Era

One of our top recommended strollers at Gugu Guru, Era changed the game for eco-friendly families. With its reversible seat, quick compact fold, and small footprint, this is the perfect stroller choice for city, suburbs, or country! The stroller is newborn compatible (on it’s deepest recline or with a car seat adapter) and has excellent storage. Plus it’s air-filled tires (and included air pump) will help push through anything. This stroller is truly one of a kind!

Don’t take our word for it!

See what Brittany Littleton (Mom of 3 & Vegan Restauranteur) had to say:
“Over the past few years, sustainability has become trendy. This would be great, except that so much of what is marketed as “eco-friendly” isn’t at all. Especially in the baby market, there is SO MUCH PLASTIC WASTE. If you want something high end AND kind to the planet? Forget about it. Until @bumbleride — they have a true mission of sustainability with documented proof. They are constantly seeking to improve and being transparent about their operations. The fact that this fabric is made fully from recycled plastic water bottles makes my heart happy. I have hope we can create a beautiful future for our little ones.”

Bumbleride Indie

This do it all single stroller is a great choice for families who like to constantly be on the move. Great for unpaved trails, sidewalks, grass, and more, the Indie can push over anything. Its all-wheel suspension, air-filled tires will give you an excellent push and it will hold your little one up to 55 lbs. This stroller can take a car seat and reclines flat enough to be newborn compatible, making it a perfect option from day 1. Great for a day at the beach or a walk to the park!

Eco-friendly Family with multiples? Looking for a great double option for your toddler + baby? Check out the Indie Twin, which offers all of the same great features noted above, but with two seats! And for those twin moms? Yes! It will take 2 car seats!

Bumbleride Speed

Active and eco-minded? Bumbleride has you covered! Their Speed stroller can run, walk, and jog with you through every errand and activity. One of the lightest-weight jogging strollers on the market, the Speed will double as your everyday stroller. With it’s large wheels and huge canopy, this stroller is the perfect choice for your little ones up to 65 lbs. Just make sure not to run with your little one until cleared by your pediatrician and Bumbleride will take care of the rest.

Looking for more active must-haves? Check out some of our favorite Gear for Active Families.

No matter what your day’s activities look like, Bumbleride has a stroller to meet your needs. Thank you so much to Bumbleride for making this sponsored post happen and for creating excellent products to help take care of our babies and our planet.

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Ecofriendly, Essentials, Toddlers, Travel

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Registry Dilemma: Selecting a High Chair

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

You’ve mastered the newborn phase. Feeding, burping, and spit up has been taken care of. As you near that 6-month mark, the next phase is creeping around the corner – introducing solids. Once your pediatrician gives you the green light, you know how to start introducing food, but where should baby sit? We’ve teamed up with Boon and surveyed our network of moms to bring you the top must-haves when selecting your high chair.

Easy to Clean

The top piece of feedback we received from parents is that their high chair must be easy to clean. In the beginning, this may not seem like a deal-breaker. The mess is initially pretty easy to contain, but soon your baby becomes a toddler who likes to throw, smash, and crumble every bite of food. You will need to give the high chair a thorough wipe down after every meal and this must be simple! Look for seats without lots of nooks and crannies and stay away from high chairs with big comfy upholstered seats. Boon has clearly thought about real life with babies and toddlers. The entire seat can go in the dishwasher! Throw the seat cushion in the washing machine along with the harness straps and your GRUB will look brand new.

Easy to Use and Safe

Parents also love simplicity. When you’re trying to wrangle a messy 8-month-old out of their seat, the last thing you should worry about is how to undo the harness. Simple harnesses and trays that are easy to remove are essential for everyday use. Look for a 5 point harness, keeping your little one safe from their first meal in the high chair. Boon’s GRUB has both a 5 point harness and an excellent tray (which is also dishwasher safe). For added simplicity, there is a hook on the back of the high chair for easy bib storage.

Ergonomics

As the generation who was raised on computers and screens is now having their own babies, we must be mindful about proper posture & ergonomic seating. We love that Boon GRUB has built-in an adjustable 5-position footrest to provide more ergonomic seating. We also love that the seat sits straight up and down, allowing for a 90 degree angle when seated.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Your high chair will essentially become another piece of furniture in your home. You don’t want to be stuck staring at something if you hate how it looks. Boon GRUB is a gorgeous high chair that will fit seamlessly into any kitchen. Plus, the seat pads now come in both green and pink (in addition to grey) making it great for twins or to spruce up a seat for your second little one down the road.

Multi-Functional

Finally, we love a high chair that is going to grow with your little one. We will always prioritize selecting a high chair with these options. The Boon GRUB can be used as a high chair, a table/counter height chair, and even a play table chair for your toddlers and young children. The best part? The chair has a sleek aesthetic, meaning it will fit with your home’s decor while being a safe place for your 3-year-old to have lunch!

Thank you to Boon for making this post possible.

Looking for help with other Registry Dilemmas? Check out our support below-
*Newborn Clothing
*Swaddle Blankets, Wearable Swaddles, and Sleepsacks
*Bouncer or Swing

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Essentials, Feeding, Gear, Nursing & Feeding Tagged With: feeding

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5 Moms Tackle Diapering with healthynest

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Eco-minded parents can rejoice! The newest diapers from healthynest have arrived and are everything you’re looking for when keeping your little one clean. The world’s first EWG-verified diaper, you can rest assured that you are making safe choices for both your baby and our planet. Read below to see what 5 moms from our Gugu Village had to say.

Nikki, 2-month-old, Size 1

We’ve had the pleasure of trying out these amazing, all-natural and organic disposable diapers and wipes. After one week of use, we have had no issues with leaking, rashes, or sensitivities with the diapers or wipes (both wet and dry) while using them during both day and night, and stretches of 6-9 hours for nights. Both the diapers and the wipes are very soft, and they’re thin as well. With the cotton dry wipes, I love that I can mix my own solution to use on them. 

I really love these diapers! We’ve had quite a few poo-splosions while using them, and with any other diaper, we would have had poo everywhere. But, these diapers amazingly contain everything with their double gussets and absorption power! They’re sleek, all-natural, organic, slim, and perfect.

Naomi, 4-month-old, Size 2

We have really enjoyed using the healthynest diapers & wipes this week. Mia is our third child, so we have tried quite a few different brands of diapers over the years! One of the best features of this diaper that both my husband and I commented on separately is how thin they are! We are on the go a lot, so to be able to have these slim diapers in the diaper bag and not take up a ton of room has been great! Impressively, even though they are thinner than most diapers, she has not had any leaks or blowouts, which is pretty impressive. I really appreciate the eco-friendly nature of the diapers, and will consider using them in the future!

Callie, 3-month-old, size 2

Diapers are softer and seem to be of higher quality than most mainstream brands. The organic cotton doesn’t irritate the skin. I do miss having a wetness indicator, especially at this age. The wet wipes are a good size and don’t rip, but come out of the package with ease. I was confused by the dry wipes at first… I had never used or heard of them before, so I did a little research and found that most websites recommend spraying your baby’s bottom with something before using them (what’s the point of a dry wipe then?). Nothing like that came with the dry wipes I received so I tried the by themselves and found that they left balled up pieces of wipe on my baby’s skin, so I prefer the wet wipes for diaper changes. The dry wipes aren’t bad for wiping her mouth or hands though.

Trang, 1-year-old, Size 4

I love the design of the birds on the diapers, however, I wished they all had designs on them. The other diapers are just plain white diapers. I wish it tells you that the diapers are soiled by the colors changing on them like other diapers do. The brand advertises that it is good up to 12 hours, however, I do not find that to be true in my case. I have been using the diapers for exactly a week and have experienced my son peeing out of it 4 nights out of the 7 nights. After around 6-7 hours, I find myself having to wake my son up in the middle of the night to change my son’s diapers and clothes. This is something I have not had to do with other brands. The wet wipes are difficult to pull out of the package, but are good quality fabric-wise. They did not rip or tear.

Stephanie, 5-month-old, Size 2

Healthynest was kind enough to send us a box package of diapers & wipes! My oldest daughter loved unboxing the diapers… The packaging was wonderful!! I will be honest at first I felt the diapers were a little thin and was worried they may leak, however, they’re fine for daytime use! They do however leak if left without being changed all night. They are very soft so I’m sure very comfortable on my baby’s bum!! 

As for the dry wipes, I love this idea! Because if they get a butt rash they will be perfect to damp with warm water to wipe!!! 

And the wet wipes, I love that they aren’t too wet like many wipes are!

Thank you to healthynest for letting our moms test this out!

Looking for more Real Mom Reviews?
*4 Real Moms Tell Us Why Larktale Strollers are a Gamechanger
*Real Moms Tell Why The Boon GRUB is a Gamechanger
*Real Moms Review Territory Foods

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Bath & Diapering, Diapering, Ecofriendly, Essentials, Newborns

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