Gugu Picks

Gugu Guru Village Love: Virtual Services

Gugu Guru’s Village Love Registry is our registry of must-have items from our own community of parents. It’s all the necessities for sleep, feeding, baby gear, bathing, lounging, toddlers and more that our community would always recommend to new parents. Today we’re sharing all of the virtual services that are much-loved by the Gugu Guru community. Check out this comprehensive list of virtual services that you can access from the comfort of your couch. Plus, many discounts and special offers for Gugu Guru readers!

Arrow Birth: Virtual education and 1:1 support for every step of the parenthood path. By providing innovative education and highly-tailored support, Arrow Birth empowers families to positively adapt to any modern parenting demand. From contemplating parenthood through chasing toddlers, Arrow has families covered. Special Discount for Gugu Guru readers: head to Arrow Birth and use code GUGUGURU to purchase Arrow Birth’s Discover Course for $149 (normally $349)

Little Crown Interiors: Little Crown Interiors offers virtual child and nursery interior design nationwide. Little Crown Interiors was founded in 2008 by designer and artist, Naomi Alon. She created her design studio with a focus on nurseries and child spaces after seeing this specialized skill missing from other firms. Bringing together beauty, functionality and safety, Naomi believes in creating spaces for her clients that are unique, intentional and curated.

Lori Bregman: Lori Bregman is a renowned doula, life coach, author of Mamaste and The Mindful Mom To Be and co-founder of Seedlyfe Superfoods. With over 19 years of experience, Lori works with moms-to-be and new moms on all aspects of their personal transformation from fertility through pregnancy and into new motherhood. Lori is offering Gugu Guru readers 15% off using code mindfulmom15.

Mahaley Patel: Mahaley is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant that helps families nationwide with virtual sleep consulting. Mahaley is offering 20% off any sleep package for Gugu Guru readers, just mention “Gugu Guru Village Love”.

Momseze: Momseze is here to help new parents 24/7/365 by immediately connecting you with nurses, lactation consultants and baby care experts from the comfort of your home. Momseze is offering Gugu Guru readers 10% off a visit with code guguguru.

The Parent Collective: The Parent Collective offers judgment-free in-person and virtual prenatal and postpartum support to help you find your village. The Parent Collective is offering 10% off a class for Gugu Guru parents using code GUGU10.

The Sleep Lady: For 25 years, sleep coach, family therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mother, Kim West, aka The Sleep Lady, has personally empowered tens of thousands of families to gently find sleep, without letting their children cry it out. Kim has created and trademarked the original gentle, proven method to get a good night’s sleep for your family – The Sleep Lady Shuffle. She has sold over 140,000 copies of her sleep training book, the best-seller The Sleep Lady’s Good Night, Sleep Tight. Her new and improved Gentle Sleep Solutions e-course is a method to get your child (ages 6 months – 6 years) to sleep without crying it out. If you only want to sleep train once, Gentle Sleep Solutions is the way to create lasting results. With 25 years of experience backing it up, you can’t go wrong! Bonus, we’re offering a $20 off coupon for Gugu Guru families with code getsleep20.

WebBabyShower: Help everyone join in the fun of a baby shower no matter where they live in the world with WebBabyShower, and celebrate a pregnancy together. Web Baby Shower is offering 10% off for Gugu Guru parents with code GUGUGURU.

Tot Squad: From pregnancy to the playground, Tot Squad connects you to experts in the parenting space, because every parent needs a squad. Whether you’re newly pregnant or already have little ones at home, Tot Squad delivers the providers you need to answer your pressing parenting questions. Connect today for peace of mind.

Boober: New parenthood can be challenging but you don’t have to do it alone. Boober connects you to the right maternal care providers for you. Boober is offering 10% off for Gugu Guru families using code GUGUGURU.

Birth Day Presence: The days of the one-size-fits-all birth are done. Run by mothers and experienced doulas, Birth Day Presence hand-selects the best ideas and techniques from a range of practices to provide smart, non-judgmental childbirth education, doula, and lactation-support services. Birth Day Presence is offering 10% off for Gugu Guru readers with code GUGUGURU.

Monica + Andy: Monica + Andy is a one-stop-shop for your growing family, including everything from nursery, baby gifts, baby clothing, mom clothing, and more. They are committed to bringing parents the highest quality items for their growing family.

Tinyhood: Tinyhood is deeply rooted in building a better way forward for parents, everywhere. Their virtual courses in baby care, feeding, nutrition, breastfeeding, and sleeping are taught by experts, giving parents the tools they need to feel confident in their parenting journey. Tinyhood is offering 15% off a course to Gugu Guru parents with code GUGU15 (expires 12/31/2020).

Gugu Guru: Of course we have to plug ourselves here. Need baby product or baby registry help? Get personalized, unbiased product recommendations tailored to meet your lifestyle needs & wants with Gugu Guru. It’s free to get started! Upgrade for additional one-on-one help and enjoy 15% OFF with code VILLAGELOVE at check out.

Real Mom Review: Zoe XLC Single Stroller

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Our Real Mom Reviewer, Shawna, is crazy about the Zoe XLC Single Stroller! Shawna tried the Babyzen Yoyo and the Mountain Buggy Nano V2, but feels the Zoe is superior to the competition. Read her thoughts and details about the Zoe XLC below.

Shawna W.: “Not only is the Zoe sleek looking but it is the easiest umbrella stroller to use by far. With one simple movement, you can open and close it. It also folds up to be extremely compact with a strap that allows for easy carrying. I have tried two other popular brands and the Zoe has exceeded both in appearance and practicality. For a mom on the go, I would highly recommend this product!”

What you need to know about the Zoe Stroller:

The Zoe Stroller is great for travel and everyday use.
It only weighs 11 pounds, accommodates a child up to 50 pounds and features an amazing canopy.
When folded, the stroller fits in a small trunk or overhead compartment of an airplane.

Click here to add the Zoe XLC Stroller to your registry.

Gugu Picks: Best Baby Care Essentials

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Looking for the best baby care essentials 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 baby care essentials for all types of parents according to Gugu Guru’s experts.

Best Baby Care Gugu Pick for Best All Around: Burts Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash

This all-natural, plant based shampoo and wash is gentle and tear-free while still being super effective in getting your little one clean. Burts Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash is free of phthalates, parabens, petroleum or SLS and is hypo-allergenic. This shampoo and wash is packed full of natural moisturizers that will leave your baby’s skin silky smooth. The light fragrance will make bath time with baby a bit more relaxing.

Best Baby Care Minimalist Pick: Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash comes in a 16 oz pump bottle and it doesn’t take much of this luxurious cleaner it to get your little one clean. This shampoo and body wash is hypoallergenic, toxin free, tear free and never tested on animals. Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash includes sea salt that will naturally purify and hydrate your baby’s skin.

Best Baby Care Budget Pick: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is a gentle, tear free wash that is moisturizing and safe for even the most sensitive skin. Made with organic calendula this wash will sooth dry skin while getting your little one squeaky clean. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo has a nice lather so you won’t need to use too much and when you do need to replace the bottle it is easy on your wallet.

Best Baby Care Multiples Pick: Mustela 2-in-1 Cleansing Gel

Mustela 2-in1 Cleansing Gel is gentle for even the smallest babies and the babies with the most sensitive skin. This tear free gel uses plant based ingredients that will clean baby’s skin and hair without stripping away natural oils. The hypoallergenic formula in Mustela 2-in-1 Cleansing Gel is specially formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Best Baby Care Eco-Friendly Pick: Earth Mama Natural Non-Scents Baby Wash

Earth Mama Natural Non-Scents Baby Wash has no artificial fragrance, triclosan, phthalates, parabens or sulfates and has been dermatologist tested and clinically tested for irritation. This baby wash is super gentle and mild on baby’s skin and hair but still effective in getting baby clean. The Earth Mama Natural Non-Scents Baby wash is made with organic herbs and oils including soothing calendula.

Check out more top Gugu Picks for Baby:

Meet the Team: Which “guru” are you?

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Gugu Guru Team Picks

Today we are bringing you our team members’ all-time favorite baby and toddler products. Have fun learning about our team and deciding which “guru” you are most similar to!

Katie is a “working from home” mom of a two-year-old daughter (with a 2nd baby girl due any day!), living in suburban New Jersey, 30 minutes from NYC. She spends her time taking long walks in the summer, at times on the train commuting to the city and putting together activities in her house. She has a french feminine style in baby’s room (check out the image of her nursery at the top of this blog!) but a modern farmhouse style in the home.

Katie’s top 3 must-have products are:

Krysta lives in New Jeresey and is a mama to two – Liliana (4) and Liam (almost 2), with baby #3 on the way – who requires a schedule to keep her running. Side passions include anything Disney related, figuring out skincare products and activities that bring her to the ocean.

Krysta’s top 3 must-have products are:

Chelsea is a mom of two energetic boys, ages 7 and 3, living in California. She enjoys getting outdoors, loves a minimalistic style, and avoids the build-up of “kid clutter”.

Chelsea’s top 3 must-have products are:

Abby is a double twin mom in the Midwest (Chicago) – one set of identical twins (3 years old) and a set of fraternal boy/girl twins. She works from home and loves to cook and watch reality tv. She prefers neutral style with pops of color!

Abby’s top 3 must-have products are:

FridaBaby Products: FeverFrida, NoseFrida, Windi
Easy to use and lightweight bouncer – Baby Bjorn and Bloom are her favorites
A great travel system

Monica is the quintessential suburban “soccer mom” of a 9 year old boy and a 7 year old girl who tries to balance running a business from home and running around like a maniac for all her kiddos’ activities. The products she loves and used the most are versatile, multi-taskers or just plain genius! She appreciates anything that makes her crazy schedule a bit easier to handle.

Monica’s top 3 must-have products are:

Christine is a former military spouse living in Tremonton, Utah. She has a two year old daughter (with her a 2nd due in October) and works from home. She loves to get outside and explore and believes in simplifying life and minimizing clutter, quality over quantity. She prefers a neutral, classic, and minimal style.

Christine’s top 3 must-have products are:

Hatch Baby Rest Plus
Baby Carriers, a wrap and traditional carrier – Baby K’tan Wrap Carrier and LÍLLÉbaby Complete are her favorites
Lovevery Play Mat & Play Kits

Liz is an on-the-go minimalist living in New England. She loves year-round outdoor adventures and has two fur-babies in the mix. She prefers an eclectic, boho, Scandi style.

Liz’s top 3 must-have products are:

So tell us, which “gugu” are you? What are YOUR must-haves? Comment below to let us know!

The Ultimate Target Baby Registry

by Gugu Guru 3 Comments

Today we are bringing you the ultimate Target baby registry. We searched Target for our favorite baby products and collected them for you. The best part of the Target baby registry is the fabulous welcome kit full of goodies for mom and baby that you can pick up at Target Guest Services when you create a registry in-store or online. Target also has an awesome 15% completion discount on everything left on your registry (the only kicker is it’s only good until eight weeks before baby’s expected arrival).

Let’s start with the nursery. Likely a room you will be spending a lot of time in as baby grows, it’s important to make sure this is a functional, comfortable place.

Next up is feeding. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or a combination of the 3, Target has what you need.

We love to keep it simple for Health & Wellness: a bath tub, bathing essentials, a grooming kit, and simple diaper needs.

Baby Gear is a category that is worth the splurge! These items will help you manage the chaos of life with a newborn, making life simpler and easier.

Clothing is the most fun baby product category and one of our favorites! Target is full of amazing options to fit every stage of babyhood.

So many options for baby Play, it can be hard to narrow it down. We picked some of our favorites, but Target has many more great baby toys.

We can’t forget about the Parents! Target has your needs covered too!

In the baby world, there are many “nice to have” items that aren’t a necessity but can make your life easier. These are some of our favs.

Did we miss anything? What are your favorite registry items from Target? Let us know!

More Gugu Picks:
Home Care and Organization Picks
Summer Travel Must Haves
Best Nursing Pillows: Gugu Picks

This post contains affiliate links.

Wanderlust Must-Haves

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Whether you’re a frequent flying fam or planning the very first trip with your babe, you’ll want to check out some of these travel must-haves.

WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat: Weighing in at an ultralight 8lbs, WAYB’s Pico car seat is a compact forward-facing car seat made of aerospace-grade aluminum and high-performance mesh. Suitable for children who weigh between 22-50lbs and are 30-45″ tall.

Busy Baby Mat: Finally, mealtime and flights can be peaceful. The Busy Baby Mat tether system allows you to attach almost any toys so they never hit the germ-filled ground! Enjoy 15% OFF thru 3/31 with code GUGUGURU.

Larktale Chit Chat Stroller: A jet-setter’s dream. By using a unique recyclable fiber infused nylon, the chit chat’s SpaceFrame is constructed to be incredibly lightweight allowing for easy maneuverability and fold.

Lasc al m1 Carrier: Lascal’s new m1 Carrier is really the ONLY carrier you will ever need; offering 3 unique carrying positions within an ergonomic design. Suitable for children 8-33lbs.

Thank you to WAYB, Busy Baby Mat, Larktale, and Lascal for making this travel must-haves sponsored post possible – we are so appreciative!

Check out some of our other favorite travel posts:
Eco-Friendly Toddler Must-Haves for Traveling Families
The Ultimate Travel Registry for Flying with an Infant

A Modern Online Photo Album: Tinybeans

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

A modern online photo album, Tinybeans, is a must-have for new parents, especially those living long distances from family. As a military family based in Alaska, having the first grandchild on both sides of our families, we wanted a way to remain connected with family and allow them to see our baby girl growing up and capture all her big “firsts”. Enter Tinybeans! We’ve loved using Tinybeans online photo album to document and showcase her first year of life. The weekly flashbacks receive bring on the happy, proud mama tears every week!

We paid for the premium membership because we wanted to be able to upload videos longer than one minute and keep some memories private for just the three of us! It has been worth every penny!

Another feature we love of this online photo album is the ability to build and purchase a photobook through the Tinybeans website. Though we haven’t ordered it yet, we’ve started compiling and editing our book and we love the ease of doing so. We plan to purchase a photobook using the pictures we collected over the past year.

What our family members have to say about Tinybeans online photo album:

Dada: “It’s very user-friendly and is a fun and easy way to keep your loved ones updated.“

Grammy: “It’s the first thing I check when I wake up every morning. We enjoy the pictures and videos and feel connected across the miles.”

Grandpa: “It gave us an opportunity to see how much she changed from week to week. Love being able to go to one place to show off the granddaughter. I always look forward to mornings and check out Tinybeans first thing to start the day!“

Aunt: “It’s nice to be able to see my niece grow and witness some of the special moments when I couldn’t be there in person. It’s neat to be able to look back at when she was little with their flashbacks.”

Nan: “I look at old photos often. I’ll just page through month after month when I miss her. I also think Tinybeans online photo album is a good way for you to get pictures to family members that you may not normally text pictures to.”

Aunt: “It’s a nice organized way for us all to see her growing up.”

Aunt: “I enjoy being able to feel a part of her growing up even though we are so far away.“

Learn more about Tinybeans and sign up for a free or premium membership here. Use code GUGUGURU20 to get 3 months of premium for free!

P.S. have a newborn? You may want to check out the best swaddle blankets for cute photo opps.

Best Baby Swing: Gugu Picks

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Looking for the best baby swing? We’ve got you covered. From the budget parent to the minimalist and more, in this guide we’ve rounded up the best baby swing for all types of parents according to Gugu Guru’s gear expert and Chief Baby Planner Julie McCaffrey.

Best Baby Swing Gugu Pick for Best All-Around: 4moms mamaRoo

4moms took the idea of a traditional baby swing and flipped it on its head to create the Mamaroo. The mamaRoo mimics the motions that parents actually make and offers 5 unique options for motions and fully reclines to ensure baby is happy. With a compatible smart phone parents can control the motion or the menu of 4 built in soothing sounds or use the MP3 plug-in to play baby your favorite songs. This swing has a smaller footprint, making it a great pick for any home.

Best Baby Swing Gugu Pick for Minimalist: Fisher Price 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider Plus

With the Fisher Price 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider Plus you get two pieces of baby gear in one as the removable swing doubles as a rocker. There are six speed options available and you can choose for baby to swing side-to-side or head-to-toe. There are 16 soothing songs and nature sounds to choose from as well as an option for vibration to soothe baby. Plug in the Fisher Price 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider Plus for never-ending relaxation. Suitable from birth up to 25 pounds.

Best Baby Swing Gugu Pick for Budget-Friendly: Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing

The Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing has a low price tag compared to other swings but still offers a lot of the same features. The smaller footprint of this swing means it fits anywhere in your home and the deep, plush seat ensures baby is comfy. The gentle side-to-side motion with 6 speed options will soothe baby and there is an also the option for two speeds of vibration. There are 15 songs and sounds to choose from and this swing can be plugged into the wall or run on batteries. Suitable from birth up to 30 pounds

Best Baby Swing Gugu Pick for Multiples: 4moms rockaRoo

We love the rockaRoo for it’s ease of use and modern style. Available in a number of colors, the rockaRoo offers 5-speed options to rock your baby back and forth. An adjustable recline makes this a comfy spot for baby to lounge at any age. This swing is easy to put together and there is an additional (and optional) infant insert to give an added touch of comfort. This seat is a great choice for multiples due to its extremely small footprint.

Best Baby Swing Gugu Pick for Eco-Friendly: Nuna Leaf

The Nuna Leaf Grow is powerless and noiseless so it does not require any cords or electricity for movement. Parents can simply give a soft push to start a soothing side-to-side motion . The Nuna LEAF also features a cozy certified organic infant insert that easily removes for cleaning and the seat pad with a three point harness easily removes to move to toddler mode. The Leaf also features a locking mechanism for feedings or playtime, a removable base for easy storage and portability and a toy bar with plush toys. With three recline options the Nuna Leaf Grow is suitable for babies from birth up to 130 pounds.

Best High Chairs: Gugu Picks
Best of Standard Crib Mattresses: Gugu Picks
Best of Organic Crib Mattresses: Gugu Picks
Best Soft Structured Carriers: Gugu Picks
Best Infant Bath Tubs: Gugu Picks

Featured photo credit: J’Adore Lexie Couture

Some of Our Favorite Nursery Décor to Check Out

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Looking for fresh nursery décor that fits your style perfectly? We’ve got you covered. Our gear expert, Julie McCaffrey, curated some of our go-to nursery décor brands and products to fit all styles and budgets. These picks will make your dream nursery a reality.

Lorena Canals Rugs

With a variety of colors, designs and sizes Lorena Canals are both a super stylish and practical option for the nursery. The Lorena Canals rugs are made from 100% cotton and are machine washable. (Pictured: Grey/White Stars)

Petite Pehr Storage Baskets

With Pehr Design’s bins you won’t want to hide your storage baskets in the closet. These stylish storage baskets will integrate into any nursery design and provide plenty of space to hold baby’s extra goodies. (Pictured: Grey Pom Pom Bin)

The Animal Print Shop

The Animal Print Shop offers a wide variety of fine art photographic prints of baby animals, farm animals, forest animals, wild animals and more. These prints are soft and stylish bringing an extra dose of cuteness to the nursery. (Pictured: Baby Elephant)

Babyletto Spruce Tree Bookcase

The Babyletto Spruce Tree Bookcase, available in four colors, provides plenty of space to showcase baby’s book collection while adding a little extra style to the nursery design. This bookcase is slim and wall mounted making it perfect for small nurseries as well as big spaces. (Pictured: Spruce Tree Bookcase in Gray/Mint)

Urban Walls Wall Decals

Urban Wall Decals offers a wide variety of easy to install and removable decals that can add whimsy and style to the nursery. These wall decals can easily be changed without damaging walls when moving from the nursery to a big-kid room. (Pictured: Mud Cloth Pattern)

Oeuf Pillows

Adding a whimsical pillow to the chair in a nursery or on the floor for snuggle time can be a great way to add style. These pillows by Oeuf are super soft and super stylish and look more like pieces of art than a pillow when featured in a nursery. (Pictured: Taxi)

Crate & Kids Poufs

These Poufs by Crate & Kids can be a great way to bring in a place to raise your feet or baby to learn to cruise while also bringing in style. With a wide variety of colors and styles these are a great piece to invest in now that will grow from nursery to big-kid room. (Pictured: Small Grey Bean Bag Chair)

Oribel VertiPlay Wall Toys

Who says wall art is just for show? With these Oribel VertiPlay Wall Toys you can add color and playfulness to the nursery that baby can also enjoy playing with. These toys will allow you to decorate the walls as you declutter the floor. (Pictured: Wall Toy Combo Set)

Mr. Maria Lamps

The adorable lamps by Mr. Maria offer a soft glow that can be used as a dimmable nightlight or simply a piece of modern décor. Available in a variety of animals and sizes these lamps will integrate into any modern nursery design. (Pictured: Miffy XL Lamp)

Monti Kids Developmental Toys – Shark Tank Feature

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of our friends at Monti Kids developmental toys, so we’re thrilled to let you know that they’re going to be on Shark Tank on January 27th! Want to learn a little more about Monti Kids and their subscription box of developmental toys before cheering them on during the show?
Read on for some more info:

About Monti Kids:

85% of the brain is formed by age 3, a time when most children are not in school and parents are left guessing how to meet their child’s developmental needs. The Monti Kids developmental toys program gives you access to the world’s #1 early education curriculum, Montessori, in a subscription made easy to use at home. You can sign up anytime between birth and age three. Every 3 months, you receive a box of Montessori toys tailored to your child’s age and stage of development, plus corresponding 2-minute videos that show how to introduce the toys and support your child’s learning like an expert. The rest is up to your little one and their exceptional ability to learn through play!

Check out Gugu Guru mama Mary do a Monti Kids’ developmental toys unboxing:

How does Monti Kids developmental toys work exactly? It’s so simple even the busiest of parents can handle it! Simply head to the Monti Kids website and pick what level box your child is at; the boxes range from newborn to 36 months old. Their simple timeline makes it easy to know which level your baby is at and you can easily follow the timeline of boxes from birth to 3 years old. Each level is so well thought-out, for example, Level 1 is for newborns, and as Monti Kids explains, “The toys in Level 1 are designed to build and grow your child’s attention span, right from birth. These toys help to optimize cognitive and motor development by providing just enough challenge without being over stimulating. The Level 1 curriculum will teach you how to promote your baby’s language, motor, cognitive and social-emotional skills. You will learn to set up a Montessori play area for your child that will best support development.”

To learn more about Monti Kids, head to the full review; also, check out a guest post from Monti Kids on selecting educational toys for your little one.

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