Nutrition and Health

What’s New on Gugu: December 4, 2019

Now that we are deep in the holiday season, we are on the lookout for fun new products that would make great gifts for little ones and their caregivers. Check out a round-up below of some new products that will make perfect gifts for your family and friends!

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

Bellifly Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Pillow: This compact pillow will offer excellent belly and hip support for pregnancy, feeding and beyond! It is easy to use and mold into different positions. We also love the adorable ‘Mama’ print, which makes it a great gift!

OctoVie Skincare Brush: Created by a Mom who is a breast cancer survivor, this wet and dry brush will give you a mini spa experience at home. It works easily to cleanse, exfoliate, and massage your skin to reveal baby soft skin. Great for new moms or moms-to-be to help with daily self-care routines!

7AM Enfant Essentials: Winter has arrived in much of the country and this means we have to work to keep baby (and caregivers) warm throughout these brisk months. Look no further than our favorite products from 7AM Enfant. The Cocoon, Warmmuffs, and Blanket 212 are just three great options that will keep everything bundled up. These are great for walking around the city while you’re running holiday errands. Plus they are all 100% vegan and PETA-approved!

Pump It Up Bars: Looking for a nutritious snack that would nourish both mom and baby, grab a Pump it Up Bar! They promote healthy milk supply and stable blood sugar for consistent energy and regularity. Plus they are made with organic ingredients, gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free and vegan with no preservatives, “natural” flavors, food coloring, or additives. Try them out today and use code ‘gugu20’ for 20% off your first order of 12 bars!

Hooter Holster: The answer to hands-free pumping is here! Check out the Hooter Holster’s line of fun pumping bras, which come in many styles to fit your needs. Some will even keep your postpartum belly covered, hard to find in today’s pumping bras. Give that new mom the gift of easy pumping today!

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!

Like what you see? Check out some other What’s New on Gugu posts:

What’s New on Gugu: October 25, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: October 30, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: November 6, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: November 14, 2019

Top Natural Baby Picks from a Fit Mama

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Looking for natural baby products? You may have seen our last post with popular fitness influencer, Dasha Anderson (founder of Kettlebell Kickboxing) and her husband Dan where they talked about their favorite products for active parents! Dasha and Dan also love all-natural products that are safe for both Mom & Baby and below are some of their top baby picks.

Natural Baby Mattress Pick: Colgate Natural I Mattress: The Colgate Natural Mattress is our go-to mattress! Baby will rest easy on this all-natural hypoallergenic mattress with a certified organic cotton cover. We love that parents can rest easy knowing this mattress is GreenGuard Gold certified for zero harmful emissions and chemicals.

Natural Baby Feeding Pick: Dr. Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic Wide-Neck Glass Bottles:

Say goodbye to colic with Dr. Brown’s bottles! This special system offers a flow that supports breastfeeding and decreases the frequency of spit-ups and gas. The amazing, soft silicone nipple will help breastfed babies latch naturally and is shown to preserve nutrients in both breastmilk and formula. Plus all of the bottle’s plastic parts are made of thermoplastic polypropylene and are BPA, PVC, Lead and Phthalate free.

Natural Baby Monitor Pick: Evoz Vision Wi-Fi Video Baby Monitor: We love the Evoz Monitor Camera for the sustainability factor! If you’re anything like us, you probably have a spare iPad or smartphone lying around your home. What’s great about the Evoz is that it can leverage your old device as a monitor so there’s no need for extra equipment. The Evoz camera connects directly to the free Evoz Baby app, allowing you to view your little one anytime with Wi-Fi, directly on your smartphone or tablet. As a special bonus, sleep help is built right into the Evoz Baby app with The Sleep Lady®!

Natural Baby Toy & Teether Pick: Mochi Toys Maraca, Teething Ring, Blocks, and Teething Plate: We love that Mochi Toys are both fun and functional! Mochi makes the most adorable toys that are not only cute but 100% safe for little ones to chew and drool all over. These teething soothers are made from rice and bring soothing textures to playtime.

Natural Baby Skincare Pick: Matrescence Rose Glow Trio: With the combination of hydrating, protecting and revitalizing, the all natural Matrescence Rose Glow Trio is a must! This three-step skincare system nurtures the skin from bump to beyond, providing a high-performance skincare routine in a simple 3-step system that is safe for Mom AND Baby.

Natural Baby Stroller Pick: BOB Gear Revolution 3.0 Jogging Stroller: The BOB Jogging Stroller is a classic favorite! The amazing design of the stroller adapts to provide the smoothest and safest ride for baby while you run, jog, or even walk, on almost any terrain. It’s lightweight and the 2-step fold system that makes it easy to transport and take your little one along on your adventures out into the world. The cherry on top is that the manufacturers of the BOB stroller do not treat the strollers with any harmful chemical flame retardants.

Natural Baby Bedding Pick: Carousel Crib Sheets: The amazing Carousel Crib sheets are 100% organic and so lovely with their incredible softness and adorable designs that can be created to match any nursery. Carousel went the extra step and add extra deep pockets, which makes it easier to change sheets but also eliminates the fear of sheets slipping off in the night. Did we mention how absolutely soft these sheets are?!

This post contains affiliate links.

Jazmyn Simon Hill’s Top Picks for Baby: Part II

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Did you see part 1 of the lovely and beautiful actress and new mama Jazmyn Simon Hill’s baby picks? We are excited to have her on the blog today sharing part two of her baby must-haves. Jazmyn has rounded up her top picks for bath, health, diapering, baby gear, and sleep that have helped her as a new mom. You can follow Jazmyn and her pregnancy journey on Instagram.

Feeding Must Haves:

Boppy Nursing Pillow: “A tried and true favorite. From breastfeeding to helping baby learn to sit up- Boppy is my go-to!!”
Dr. Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic Bottles: “Can we say anti-colic. Does it have a lot of parts? Yes. Is it worth it to not have a baby in pain and screaming all night? ABSOLUTELY “
Nomi High Chair: “Stylish. Sleek. Grows with the baby. Who can ask for anything more?!!”
Bebe Au Lait burp cloths: “Burps and spit up happen. These burp cloths are so soft yet so durable!”
aden + anais: “The best swaddle blankets and bibs. Hands down. So many designs. I keep ordering more!!!!! So soft. We have thick blankets. Thin blankets. We love them allllll.”
Kiinde System: “I use these EVERY DAY! I pump directly into the Kiinde bags (there’s an attachment that fits my Medela) and I pop them in the freezer! Easy breezy. Exactly what I nursing momma needs.”

Nursery Must Haves:

Colgate Crib Mattress: “We love our Colgate mattress. It is sturdy and firm and we never worry about Levi sleeping.”
Carousel Crib Sheets: “Can we say Fun Fun Fun! Levi is starting to realize his sheets have prints on them and he just loves the colorful print. I love that they are strong enough to wash regularly, but delicate enough for his baby soft skin.”
Evoz: “The thing I love most about Evoz is that I can have the audio playing in the background on my phone. No need to have the app open! Game changer!”

Clothing Picks:

June & January: “We love our cozy June & January jammies. We have a few of the gowns and they are so comfy and easy. Two things that are a must with a little baby.”

Making Memories:

Mochi: “Levi has his Mochi rattle in one hand and his Mochi teether in the other. Next up- the building blocks!”

This post contains affiliate links.

Best Cool Mist Humidifier: Crane

by Mel Blume Leave a Comment

Why do you need the best cool mist humidifier? Three words: that first cold. Oy. Poor little babe is sniffling, coughing, being introduced to devices that go up their nose—it’s not really fun. For either of you. But, the amazing part of that first cold? You learn about a laundry list of items that become your go-to sniffle staples.

One of these essentials is a cool mist humidifier, and luckily, we found the best one. Say hello to the Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier—the genius, filter-free option that is the key to peaceful Zzz’s.

Moist air is essential for stuffed baby nostrils (and adult nostrils for that matter). It makes it easier to breathe, especially when you’re congested and not enjoying that new-to-you annoying feeling. It helps babes sleep better and eat with a little less frustration. Humidity also makes it easier to clean mucus-filled noses—anything to make that job easier, we’ll take it.

Since the goal is to promote sweet snoozes, the Crane’s quiet-as-a-whisper sound doesn’t interrupt babe’s favorite lullaby. Plus, unlike many other humidifiers that require a great deal of cleaning to prevent bacteria build-up, the anti-microbial material reduces mold and bacteria growth by up to 99.96%. It also shuts off automatically when the water level gets low—one less thing to worry about at 4 a.m.

We love the incredible range of colors and styles that beautifully complement its aesthetically pleasing design (a next-level stylish option that outdoes the bulky tank). In addition to the rainbow of awesomeness available, you can also choose from Hello Kitty, an elephant, frog, monkey and more.

Crane just released their top fill humidifier, which is easy to fill, dishwasher safe and super easy to clean. It comes with an aroma diffuser and optional color changing nightlight.

If you don’t yet have a cool mist humidifier, you might want to purchase one ahead of the first cold—to avoid that midnight trip to the pharmacy. Good luck! Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Baby Keeps Getting Stuffy Nose? Try These Tips!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

When baby keeps getting stuffy nose and congestion, it can upset sleep and feeding schedules and cause baby to be very cranky. With cold & flu season here, it’s good to be prepared. There are three products that Gugu Guru thinks are total game changers when it comes to unblocking stuffy noses and providing your baby with some much-needed relief.

Here they are in no particular order:

Fridababy Snotsucker – Winter and cold weather tend to come with a lot of congestion for babies’ little noses! It can be tricky to breathe properly when baby keeps getting stuffy nose, which can cause him or her to sleep less, and become fussy! Luckily, the NoseFrida by Fridababy is here to the rescue. The NoseFrida is a pediatrician endorsed nasal aspirator which uses use parents’ own suction to safely and effectively clear stuffy noses. The NosaFrida comes with a Natural Sea Salt and purified water specially formulated for small noses which will assist in removing all of the congestion along with the suction. This cold weather must-have items for families may seem like a wild idea, sucking your own baby’s snot, however, it is super hygienic and the disposable filters are clinically proven to prevent the transfer of mucus or bacterial germs to the snot sucker when clearing stuffy noses. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe for easy clean up! Buy Now >>

Crane Humidifier – Moist air is easier to breathe. Humidity also makes it easier to get the mucus out of your baby’s nose (which by the way, a clear nose can help a congested baby nurse more easily too.) Humidity is an effective, natural alternative to medications for cold. The Crane Humidifier is both quiet and effective. The extra humidity helps babies to breathe easier, meaning they can sleep better and eat with less frustration helping them to be better equipped to fight off a cold. Babies also do not have the ability to clear their noses on their own so the humidifier helps with this as well. Crane Humidifier’s Ultrasonic Cool Mist increases air moisture for easier breathing and a good night’s sleep. In addition to relieving cough, cold, and flu symptoms, nasal congestion, the Humidifier can help with dry cough, sinus irritation, nose bleeds, and dry skin and hair – common problems during the winter (not just for babies!) And on the topic of germs, the Crane Humidifier’s Clean Control Antimicrobial Material is proven to help reduce mold and bacteria growth up to 99.96%. Buy Now >>

Oilogic Slumber and Sleep product line – This therapeutic, solution-based brand uses 100% pure essential oil blends to safely and naturally comfort your child. The Slumber & Sleep product line includes the Vapor Bath, Calming Cream and Roll-On. At bath time, just pour the Essential Oil Vapor Bath solution into warm water so your child can breathe in the natural lavender and chamomile vapors. Then, rub the Essential Oil Calming Cream all over your child’s body to calm the senses, and finish off by applying the Essential Oil Roll-on to the back of the neck, chest and bottom of the feet. Buy Now >>

This post contains affiliate links.

Pumping Tips for Working Moms + Giveaway!

by Mel Blume Leave a Comment

You are a miracle worker, mama. Caring for a babe, working AND producing milk are not easy jobs—especially without a full night’s sleep. We know that each day requires the energy of a superhero, so we assembled a list of tried-and-true tips that can hopefully give you many more minutes and moments with your little one.

Pumping Tips for Working Moms #1: A great bottle with a high acceptance rate

When your caretaker is home with your precious babe, having peace of mind is…everything. You want to know your babe is calmly drinking the breastmilk you work so hard to produce.

Gugu Guru loves: The award-winning bottle from nan obébé and could not recommend it more for working mamas. Designed to preserve breastmilk nutrients, this all-in-one bottle feeds your little one, while letting you pump, store and warm as well! Its special mom-like shape keeps feedings comfortable for babe and prevents nipple confusion, while easing the transition from breast to bottle.

Pumping Tips for Working Moms #2: Convenient, travel-ready transport / storage products

Since your pumping may occur in the car, office or bathroom, convenient, travel-ready products come in quite handy.

Gugu Guru loves: Nanobébé’s Breastmilk Storage System is a game-changer for mamas on the go. Its leak-free bags with a cutting-edge design enable quick cooling and even thawing to preserve the nutrients in breastmilk. It comes with an organizer that lets you easily stack and manage your first-in, first-out method from work to home. Plus, the double zipper keeps every drop of your liquid gold secure.

Pumping Tips for Working Moms #3: Reliable, on-the-go refrigeration source

Speaking of liquid gold, transporting it requires a reliable cooler—and we found one you’ll love.

Gugu Guru loves: Nanobébé’s sleek cooler. Featuring three layers of insulation, it has space for up to three bottles and includes a compact ice pack to keep your milk cold for hours. You can also fit nipples, pacifiers, pump parts and more. Did we mention it’s also machine washable?

Pumping Tips for Working Moms #4: Cute and practical nursing clothes

Since pumping happens when your body asks for it, it’s helpful to be prepared with a cover you feel comfortable in.

Gugu Guru loves: Milk Snob’s breathable and stretchy nursing cover—that also moonlights as a car seat cover! It’s cozy, stylish and easy. The Larken X Bra is also a comfortable addition to pumping on the go. A completely hands-free pumping bra that doubles for everyday use and support is a must!

Pumping Tips for Working Moms #5: A bag to carry it all

And lastly, this is for the mama who wants one bag to carry-it-all.

Gugu Guru loves: The jay elle Breast Pump Bag by J.L. Childress. This is the best bag to carry your breast pump, spare parts, and work necessities. With great storage pockets, you’ll easily be able to tote everything to and from the office.

These expertly-crafted items truly change the life of a busy, working mama. They give you the gifts of time, organization and peace of mind. Truly priceless—especially at this time in your life. Enjoy those extra moments, unforgettable hugs and dreamy cuddles.

Feeding & Nutrition Giveaway

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers

by Mel Blume Leave a Comment

Skin & Makeup techniques for working mothers are important to master because, well, mornings are an…adventure. Since we never know how long we actually have in front of the mirror, we need to think fast. And act faster. So, how do we figure out the simplest makeup routine? By starting with our skin.

Pretend you’re about to paint a picture. You have your paints lined up, your brushes ready to go. And then you take a look at your canvas. If it’s clean and smooth, you want to paint it. It’s simple. On the other hand, when there are bumps and specs of dirt that add unwanted textures, it gets a bit more complicated.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #1: A reliable cleanser

So, first, let’s master the cleansing and caring for our skin.

Gugu Guru loves: Belli’s Anti-Blemish Facial Wash, an award-winning cleanser. It leaves skin clear while fighting blemishes and signs of aging—without over drying. Plus, it uses all-natural ingredients, making it ultra-safe for prenatal and postnatal women.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #2: On-the-spot acne treatment

Life could be stressful (the juggle is real!), and sometimes we see it come out on our face. It’s best to be prepared with a way to combat these breakouts.

Gugu Guru loves: Belli’s Acne Control Spot Treatment. It reduces redness and provides some extra love to problem areas. And, bonus, it’s a non-greasy, non-drying blemish fighter.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers #3: A spa-like moisturizer

If you’re after that gorgeous glow (who isn’t?), you might want to find a moisturizer that leaves you looking and feeling like you just enjoyed an in-spa facial.

Gugu Guru loves: Belli’s Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator. The super-hydrating moisturizer provides anti-aging, skin-firming effects that can be seen and felt instantly. Once you look and feel good without makeup, you can get ready for work in minutes.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #4: Easy eye makeup

Start with an eyeliner that doesn’t require a ton of touch-ups. Then, reach for your go-to mascara and give those lashes some love.

Gugu Guru loves: Maybelline’s Eyestudio ColorTattoo. It’s smooth, soft and creamy, and lasts for up to 24 hours.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #5: Alternative to foundation

You might want to skip the heavy foundation and opt for a tinted moisturizer. It lets your skin breathe, while evening out the tone. And it feels really good.

Gugu Guru loves: The best-selling Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. It hydrates and is infused with SPF 30 sunscreen. Lather it on, enjoy its lightweight feel, and top it off with a bronzer for a sun-kissed effect.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working MothersTip #6: A lovely lipstick

Choose a fall-perfect hue for your lips (nude to brown and every peach in between).

Gugu Guru loves: Dior Addict Lacquer Stick Lipstick. This high-shine, moisturizing lipstick comes in an array of rich shades to give you a smooch-worthy finish.

Health & Wellness Giveaway

Thanks to Belli Skincare for making this sponsored post possible.

Why Moms Should Take a Walk

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Our friends at 99 Walks know a thing or two about walking. Every month, hundreds of women who want to get moving sign up and join them for a walking challenge, and end up falling in love with the supportive community, daily inspiration, and the gorgeous, wearable inspiration they receive after crushing their goal.

But they also know how to have fun. Here are 9 of their favorite fun facts about walking.

You need to walk 25 steps to burn off 1 blueberry and about 11 miles to burn off a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese.
Want to burn more calories? Try walking sideways, which burns 78 % more calories than walking forward.
The average walking speed for the typical adult is about 3 miles per hour. If you’re walking to the beat of “Shut Up and Dance”, you’re cruising along at 3.5 mph. At this speed, it would take you about 17 minutes to walk one mile.
Your walking shoes will last somewhere between 300-500 miles (unless you’re a kid, in which case your feet will probably outgrow them first!)
Walking on a rough but level outdoor surface requires 50% more energy than walking on a paved road.
The first woman to walk around the world was Polly Letofsky, a American who completed her trek in 1999, walking over 14,000 miles by foot.
Walking can actually be considered a full body exercise. Although the forward motion comes from the legs, your arms and core and at work, too. In total, it requires 200 muscles to take one step.
Walking makes you more creative. Research shows that people who are up and moving in nature are more creative than those sitting down indoors. Albert Einstein walked one and a half miles to Princeton University each day and Darmn took three 45 minute walks each day.
Walking briskly for one mile in 15 minutes burns approximately the same amount of calories as jogging the same distance in 8 minutes.

Looking for someone to walk with? Join the 99 Walks October challenge and earn this bracelet for walking 33 miles. You’ll be healthier, happier and glad you did. Learn more at 99walks.fit.

Don’t forget to check out 99 Walks’ first guest post, 99 Reasons That Walking is Magical for Moms.

Meal Planning for Working Moms (and Other Hacks!)

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

This week we’re sharing the art of meal planning for working moms and some other great hacks. Any working parents knows what chaos mealtime can be, so we asked some of our favorite moms for their go-to mealtime time saving hacks to make meals for the family a less harried experience!

Mealtime Time Saving Hacks

Meal Planning for Working Moms: You will hear time and again that meal planning for working moms can help save time during the week, and it may seem counterproductive, but it’s true! We’re not talking about planning elaborate meals, we just mean mapping out a basic meal plan for your family so you’re not rushing to the market after school pick-up. For some incredible meal planning resources and downloads, check out Percolate Kitchen. Percolate Kitchen offers helpful guides like How to Create a 5 Minute Meal Plan and a quiz to help you know What’s Your Meal Plan Type? and you know how much we love us a good quiz here at Gugu Guru!
Meal Prep: We know, we know, who has time for meal prep? But, hear us out! Meal prep can be super simple if you pick the right meals in your meal plan. For example, if you pick a protein and frozen veggie, you can pair with VeeTee Rice for a super simple and very quick meal. Roast a bunch of veggies on a Sunday, or make shredded chicken in the Instant Pot, and pair with VeeTee Rice for a balanced meal. We love VeeTee Rice because it is gluten-free and vegan so every member of the family can enjoy. Still a little intimidated? Check out one of our favorite sites for meal prep, Work Week Lunch.
Taco Tuesday: When it comes to meal planning for working moms, who doesn’t love tacos? Taco Tuesday is an easy way every member of the family can enjoy a delicious meal. Taco protein of your choice – be it meat or beans, taco shells, cheese, lettuce, salsa and VeeTee Rice make a super quick, filling and very yummy meal. Plus, the littlest members of the family will love customizing and building their own tacos. Delicious meal + entertainment for the kiddos? Well, this sounds like a win/win to us! (Are you more of a bowl fan? No problem! Check out these delicious Easy Chicken Taco Bowls from New South Charm or Mexican Rice Bowls from A Million Moments.)
Stir-fry Friday: Friday nights are most definitely not the night you want to be cooking, so we’re here to introduce you to Stir-fry Fridays! Simply put, take all the leftover veggies from the week, and stir fry them up with your favorite VeeTee Rice and eggs for a budget friendly, easy-to-make and delicious meal. Rice is a wonderful food for baby-led weaning, so even your babies and toddlers can enjoy! You can find some stir fry inspiration here.

We love VeeTee Rice because it is the ultimate time-saver for any busy family, and so delicious! Simply pop the tray of VeeTee in the microwave for 2 minutes and you’ll get steamy, fresh rice that’s also chemical and preservative free. Available in 7 different varieties, everyone in your family is sure to find one they love. Make your weeknights just a little easier with VeeTee Rice and leave yourself more time for Netflix and sleep! Ready to stock up on VeeTee? Use code GUGUGURU for 20% off order, or head to this link for the discount automatically applied.

Like what you see here? Check out this video and 10 minute meal by celeb working mama, Shenae Grimes-Beech.

What are your favorite mealtime time saving hacks? Comment below and let us know!

Thank you to VeeTee Rice for making this sponsored post possible!

Photos are by Terry Farms Photography

Working Mother Registry Life Hack: VeeTee Rice + Giveaway

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Any working mom knows that dinnertime can be absolute chaos! Trying to get a healthy meal on the table – let a lone a meal everyone will enjoy – is exhausting after a long day. Luckily, VeeTee Rice is here to help. VeeTee Rice is a pre-cooked rice made without chemicals or preservatives, and can be made in the microwave in 2 minutes! Yep, really, 2 minutes. Since it’s free of all the yucky stuff, it’s safe for the whole family, too. VeeTee Rice understands that getting a healthy dinner on the table can sometimes be a struggle, but their rice makes everything just a little easier.

VeeTee Rice comes pre-packaged in 7 flavors, so everyone can have their favorite flavor at mealtime. Whether you’re looking for a basic flavor, like Basmati or Jasmine, or mixing it up with Thai Lime and Herb or Wholegrain and Quinoa, all the flavors are vegan and gluten free, so everyone can enjoy. We recommend picking up a rotisserie chicken and fresh fruit from the market to pair with VeeTee for a healthy and filling meal for all. You can also use VeeTee for a quick stir fry with your fave veggies, and any meat or eggs for a fried rice! Because the rice is already cooked, you just have to warm it with the other ingredients and dinner is done.

Time is a luxury when you’re a working mom, and we understand you don’t want to spend your time worrying about rice boiling over! VeeTee Rice also makes a great office staple, as you can have it for snack or lunch simply by throwing it in the microwave. Ready to stock up on VeeTee? Use code GUGUGURU for 20% off order, or head to this link for the discount automatically applied.

Life Hacks Giveaway

Thank you to VeeTee for making this sponsored post possible!

Lifestyle photos via Terry Farms Photography

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