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Real Mom Review by Minnelle K: Maxi-Cosi Coral XP

A special thank you to Minnelle K for reviewing this car seat.

I’ve been using the new Coral XP infant car seat from Maxi-Cosi. In my opinion, this is the most important thing for the baby’s safety. The infant car seat comes in three colors, and I chose cobalt blue. I love taking him around in style and really enjoying the convenience of this seat.

The outer shell of this chair actually is the car seat. It has an inner shell that you can remove to take into stores quickly and conveniently. There’s a button inside the inner shell that you push, and it pops right out. Once the shell is out of the carrying base, baby is on-the-go! The inner shell only weighs about 5 pounds, so even with a baby, it’s still lightweight for carrying.

There’s a couple of ways that you can carry this once it’s out of the shell, either with the side handles or also cross-body. In any of the carrying modes, it’s very convenient and comfortable for mom. If you choose to, you can also carry it traditionally as an entire unit. It’s even compatible with a lot of strollers on the market!

This car seat really amazing and so easy to use. There’s just so many different ways you can use it during the baby’s infant stages. I highly recommend this seat!

Thank you to Maxi-Cosi for making this sponsored post possible.

Sleep Regressions at All Ages — What to Do When Sleep Stops

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Thank you to Kim West “The Sleep Lady” for sharing this guest post with Gugu Guru.

You have followed all the steps, and maybe done the Shuffle for a week here and there. You have a baby who sleeps well. Then it happens. The dreaded sleep regression. Common at many ages and for many reasons, sleep regression is the single most popular baby sleep topic at Sleeplady.com. We have put together a handy list of articles with great advice about sleep regressions at all ages. If you’re struggling with a sudden setback, scroll through for an article that is age-appropriate now. If things are going well, bookmark this page for later — there’s bound to be a moment in the future where you need a little extra help getting back your restful nights. Find out:

What’s a sleep regression?
When will it end?
Sleep regressions at all ages

SLEEP REGRESSIONS AT ALL AGES: JUST A PHASE?

We’ve all been there. Baby has been peacefully sleeping through the night, and, consequently, so is everyone else. Hooray! And then, out of the blue, your sweet baby is up at all hours, wanting to be soothed, fed, and crying. What happened? Many refer to these short episodes as a Sleep Regression.

Want to read more about sleep regressions?
Read: Sleep Regressions — What Are They, and When Will They End?

WHEN WILL MY BABY’S SLEEP REGRESSION END?

If you’re asking yourself this question, chances are that you’ve been short on sleep, and so has your very cranky, sleep-fighting baby. Sleep regressions at all ages are difficult, but thankfully most children (not all, but most) don’t experience every sleep regression. If they did, no one would sleep during the first two years!

Want to get back to bed?
Read: Sleep Regression: When, Why, and How to Solve It!

4 MONTH SLEEP REGRESSION

You’ve got the schedule down. Baby is FINALLY sleeping more… and then, WHAM! Suddenly she’s not. Welcome to what is commonly referred to as the 4 month sleep regression. Some may refer to this phase as increased wakefulness, but it all amounts to the same thing — you and baby have newly found your groove, and now baby just isn’t acting like herself.

Here’s some more about the 4 month sleep regression:
Read: 4 Month Sleep Regression – Tips To Soothe Your Baby

Get the sleep help your family need with one-on-one help with a certified, trained Gentle Sleep Coach.

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PRE-TODDLER SLEEP REGRESSION

I’m not going to claim that all babies experience a sleep regression (or two), but most do. And if there is one sleep regression period that seems to be abundantly common, it’s when babies learn to crawl and/or pull themselves to a standing position. This is a huge step in their gross motor development, and opens an entirely unexplored world. Of course they don’t want to sleep, and therefore, parents experience some very common baby sleep problems.

The pre-toddler sleep regression happens somewhere around 9 months-old.
Read: The 9 Month Sleep Regression — When Your Baby Stops Sleeping

THE 18 MONTH SLEEP REGRESSION

You were sleeping peacefully…and then you hear your toddler. He’s not just rustling around resettling. He’s screaming mad. Literally. As you drag yourself out of bed, you wonder to yourself what’s wrong? What could be causing your toddler sleep problems? Could this be two-year molars? An ear infection? Is he gassy from eating too much broccoli at dinner? Is his newfound walking (or running!) causing this?

The answer: It could truly be any of the above. But it could also be yet another sleep regression.

Are you dealing with the 18-month sleep regression?
Read: 18 Month Sleep Regression: How To Get Your Toddler Back To Sleep

Periods of interrupted sleep are common. Breathe and read up on how you can soothe your child to get through sleep regressions at all ages.

THE 2-YEAR SLEEP REGRESSION

Many parents breathe a sigh of relief once their child hits the toddler years. But then you’re dealing with molars, budding independence, and (for some) potty training. Logically, we think that development keeps moving forward, but when it comes to two-year-olds, you’ll notice that there’s a bit of backsliding as they learn new skills and grow up a bit, which includes the potential for another sleep regression.

Wondering about the 2 year sleep regression?
Read: The 2-Year Sleep Regression – How to Get Your Child Back to Sleep

Whether you have an infant who has suddenly gone back to waking every two hours, or a toddler who is frequently up at night, sleep is on the horizon. Once you hit the six-month mark, consistent gentle coaching can help you get on a schedule that works for the whole family.

SLEEP REGRESSIONS AT ALL AGES? USE THE SHUFFLE!

If you have already mastered The Shuffle, you can return to a shortened version to get back on track. If you haven’t done any sleep coaching, and would now like to address your child’s sleep, consider using The Shuffle after the regression. You can find help at The Sleep Lady through books, our courses, or a Certified Gentle Sleep coach online or near you.

Ultimate Personalized Nursery E-Design by YouthfulNest + a Giveaway!

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

How to Easily Create a Personalized Design for Your Nursery

The nursery is an important space when you have a new baby on the way. You’ll be spending a lot of time in this room, so you’ll want the space to be comfortable and personalized. Designing a functional and stylish baby room by yourself isn’t easy, though. Luckily, there are virtual interior design services from YouthfulNest available that make creating your custom nursery easy and affordable.

YouthfulNest offers expert virtual design services

Browsing through endless design layouts and product choices can be stressful and a huge loss of time. Your baby is going to be here before you know it, which is why YouthfulNest is an excellent solution for confidently guiding you on this nursery design journey.

With YouthfulNest, you have access to knowledgable designers who will alleviate stress by helping you choose the right products for your nursery. It’s a simple three-step process that starts with sharing your vision by filling out a questionnaire with your room details, including measurements, budget, and style inspiration. After reviewing your information, your designer will pull together a design with items selected from quality retailers that reflect your budget and style. From here, you have design time to finalize all products with the chance to request alternative pieces and finally start shopping your design!

Start your project today

Get the expert designer advice you need to feel confident in your nursery room design by starting a project with YouthfulNest today. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the product options or whether you need validation for your design ideas, YouthfulNest will give you the feedback and suggestions you need to move forward with confidence on space for all to thrive. The designers will also work with your budget to provide product options within your price range. If you’re ready to stop stressing about your nursery and start enjoying the design process, then consult with an expert today to create a personalized space for your family.

Enter below for a chance to win the Essential Design Service!

Thank you to YouthfulNest for making this sponsored post possible.

Real Mom Review: The Super Easy-to-Carry Maxi-Cosi Coral XP!

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

“I’m so happy we upgraded our car seat to the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP – I feel so much more coordinated when I’m carrying Wren! Honestly, felt so awkward previously that it didn’t seem entirely safe. Now I feel so much more confident and comfortable carrying her around. Plus, I always have a completely free second hand!”

Thank you to Liz Elliott for reviewing this product – Liz is a home & style guru and blogger of Franc and Eli.

Thank you to Maxi-Cosi for sponsoring this video!

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Matrescence Safe Pregnancy Skin Care Review

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

One of our expectant mom testers, Caroline, tried the Matrescence safe pregnancy skin care line. Caroline is 6.5 months pregnant with her first. She lives in Miami, FL and says that living an organic lifestyle is highly important to her. Here, Caroline shares her opinion of the Matrescence Stretch Mark Relief Hydrating Oil and Matrescence Rose Glow Brightening Essence.

Matrescence Safe Pregnancy skincare review

The Matrescence safe pregnancy skin care products are amazing! Everytime I take a shower I use them! I literally douse myself in the Stretch Mark Hydrating Relief Oil.

These products create so much confidence that I can be in a bikini at 6 months and 2 weeks of pregnancy. I decided to wear a bathing suit for the shot so you can see how healthy my skin looks, especially the lack of stretch marks on account of the Matrescence safe pregnancy skin care products. I think a lot of pregnant woman can probably relate to not showing as much skin when you’re expecting because of everything that we experience. Matrescence Stretch Relief Hydrating Oil can help with that a lot!

The Matrescence Rose Glow Brightening Essence does what the name says it does – helps you glow. The product is formulated with organic chamomile and pomegranate juice to hydrate and brighten up skin. It also helps even out your skin tone.

I think what is most important to me about the Matrescence line is that it is safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing but it still feels very luxurious and premium. I definitely recommend these products to any moms who want to prevent stretch marks or who are experiencing skin issues during pregnancy.

SHOP MATRESCENCE SKIN CARE ON GUGU GURU

About Matrescence Safe Pregnancy Skin Care

Matrescence was founded on the philosophy of “mothering the mother” and born to provide a practical application of self-care that can fit into a busy mom’s lifestyle. As moms, we sacrifice so much time but we shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality.

Changing the Car Seat Game Completely – The Super Easy-to-Carry Maxi-Cosi Coral XP!

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Thank you to Liz Elliott for reviewing this product – Liz is a home & style guru and blogger of Franc and Eli.

We recently upgraded our car seat to the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP and I wish we’d done it sooner!

The Maxi-Cosi Coral XP is a new type of car seat that is totally changing the car seat game by making it so much easier to carry your baby. Even though a lot of traditional car seats are “light weight,” they’re still pretty bulky and awkward to carry and can get heavy once you add a baby!

I was struggling to carry our old car seat – I often found myself carrying it using some weird arm positions and essentially holding one arm with the other and still struggling. In one of our first outings with Wren, we took her to the beach. I was carrying Wren in her old car seat by the big handle, and some drinks in the other. I only made it about halfway down the walkway to the beach before I couldn’t carry everything anymore! I needed my other hand to hold up the arm that was carrying the car seat, so I had to stop and wait for my husband to come back and grab the rest of the stuff from me! I remember thinking “I thought this thing was supposed to be lightweird / easy to carry?”

And then we got the Coral XP and now carrying Wren is a breeze!

The Coral XP has 3 parts, an inner carrier, an outer carrier shell, and a base. When you’re carrying your baby in the car seat, you can carry just the super lightweight inner carrier! It only weighs about five pounds. There are two ways to carry the inner carrier (and both are so much easier than wrangling the handle of a traditional car seat):

First, you can carry it using the two side handles. Second, you can carry it across your body using the cross-body strap. This is my favorite way – it distributes the weight to your back and is really comfortable to wear! You can also carry the outer carrier shell (with the inner carrier inside) like a “traditional” car seat.

When you’re taking it in and out of your car, you can pop out just the inner carrier (leaving the outer carrier shell and base in the car), or you can pop out the inner carrier and outer carrier shell together as one unit. Both are super simple!

I’m so happy we upgraded our car seat to the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP – I feel so much more coordinated when I’m carrying Wren! Honestly, felt so awkward previously that it didn’t seem entirely safe. Now I feel so much more confident and comfortable carrying her around. Plus, I always have a completely free second hand!

The Coral XP is made using Maxi-Cosi’s “Pure-Cosi” fabrics, made without wool or added fire retardant treatment, that are machine washable and dryer safe! Wren loves it too – and it’s easy to get her in and out of it.

Thank you to Maxi-Cosi for making this sponsored post possible.

All You Need To Know About The Thule Spring Stroller

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

One of the most critical decisions that every expecting parent has to make is selecting a baby stroller for their precious little one, and this decision can be tough. This is because a baby stroller is a product that you will use often for a remarkably long time. Therefore, it needs to be durable and well-equipped to serve you and your baby for years. Thule grasped this need of parents very seriously and, came up with a multi-functional stroller, Thule Spring. Read on for more about this exceptional baby stroller.

Why should you consider the Thule Spring stroller?

Thule Spring has several aspects that are very useful for parents. Whether you are going to be a new parent or you are an experienced one, you’ll love this stroller.

Ease of use: This stroller can easily fold with only one hand. The ergonomics will do the hard work. SImply put your hand on the lever below the seat pad and lift it like a lightweight suitcase. Plus, at only 21 pounds, you can easily climb those stairs in the park with the folded Thule Spring Stroller in one hand and baby in the other.

Simple to store: The dimensions after folding, are merely 12.6 x 17.7 x 30 inches, and it only covers a 23.4-inch wide area. That’s 30% smaller than a traditional 3-wheel stroller. It even possesses self-standing capability, so you can set it down and keep your hands free.

Urban strolling: The Thule Spring Stroller is designed for urban terrain. It has large, 8.5” foam filled tires, accompanied with a compact design and smooth handling which makes it perfect for routine use, plus, the freedom to go wherever you want. The stroller’s adjustable canopy comes with UPF 50+ UV protection, high-quality fabric that gives it a fashionable, sleek look.

What makes it a perfect baby stroller?

The Thule Spring can be used from birth with the Maxi-Cosi or Chicco car seat adapter accessory. There are several different color combos to choose from to fit any parent’s style. The stroller is well-ventilated, comfortable, and durable for long-lasting use. The stroller has a 5-point harness and a step-in footrest for independent toddlers. One of our favorite features is the spacious 11L basket for all parent and baby needs. There are also several accessories available, such as a cup holder, snack tray, and glider board to customize your stroller.

Thule has designed such an impressive baby stroller that no parent can ignore. This baby stroller is a classic example of manufacturers who put their heart and soul into designing their product. The result of such hard-work, concern about customer’s needs, and dedication, is a perfect product for parents, the Thule Spring Stoller.

Thank you to Thule for making this sponsored post possible.

Charitable Holiday Gifts

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Sometimes, you just don’t need any more “stuff”! We rounded up some of our favorite charitable causes for gifting this year from honor gifts, to gift cards, to monetary donations to worthy causes.

Gifts for Moms

The Hunger Project: The mission of The Hunger Project is to end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies and advocating for them in countries throughout the world. They believe that to achieve a sustainable solution to hunger, those living in hunger need access to education and tools to end hunger for good.

Postpartum Support International: Did you know? 1 in 7 Moms and 1 in 10 Dads suffer from postpartum depression. Postpartum Support International is a non-profit organization serving the needs of pregnant, post-loss, and postpartum women and families all over the world, at no cost to women and their families. They provide direct, informed support and resources to families, train professionals, and connect them together.

Every Mother Counts: Every Mother Counts works to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for everyone, everywhere. They work to achieve quality, respectful, and equitable maternity care for all by giving grants and working with partners and thought leaders to increase awareness and mobilize communities to take action.

Heifer International: Heifer International works to end hunger and poverty in partnership with the communities they serve. The programs support entrepreneurs around the world, beginning with a seed investment of livestock or agriculture, followed by mentorship to help project participants build a business, and ultimately to gain access to supply chains and markets. These families are able to earn a living income and continuously lift up their communities as they train the next generation of leaders.

Gifts for Babes

Ferst Readers: Ferst Readers wants every child to have the best start in life, and the key is having books in the home and being read to from birth. Children in the Ferst Readers literacy program receive a bookstore-quality, age-specific book, and resources mailed to them at home every month until their fifth birthday. It’s this access to print that helps create a language-rich environment in the home.

March of Dimes: March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies, with the belief that every baby deserves the best possible start. Today, they educate medical professionals and the public about best practices; support lifesaving research; provide comfort and support to families in NICUs; and advocate for moms and babies. They guide moms through every stage of the pregnancy journey and are fighting for babies and advocating for their health with the tools, technology, and knowledge needed to build a brighter future for all.

National Diaper Bank Network: Did you know that 1 in 3 U.S. families experience diaper need? The NDBN provides the necessities required to build the strong foundations all children, families, and individuals need to thrive. Babies without clean diapers are exposed to more potential health risks. In partnership with diaper banks, allied programs, donors, sponsors, and elected officials, they work to end diaper need and period poverty in the United States.

World Vision: World Vision is a Christian organization working to help communities lift themselves out of poverty. They do this by partnering with children, families, and their communities to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice through health, education, economic empowerment, and more.

Smile Train: Smile Train is an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate. Children with untreated clefts around the world have difficulty eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. Cleft treatment is safe, and the impact on the child is immediate. Smile Train has supported more cleft surgeries than all other global charities combined. They partner directly with local hospitals to strengthen health systems and empower local medical professionals to offer surgical services and comprehensive cleft care to children in their own communities.

Bathtime: Top Tips and Christmas Gift Ideas!

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Here at Gugu Guru we are all about celebrating all types of families, so when we came across the blog Coraline and Us, we knew we wanted to have Liz, the mama behind the blog, come and share her story. Liz started her blog upon the birth of her adorable little Coraline, when it was “discovered unexpectedly within hours, that she has Down’s Syndrome and two holes in the heart. We did not know anything about Down’s Syndrome when she was born. This blog is about our journey of growth.” Read on for more about Coraline and Liz’s bathtime tips and gift ideas!
You can find Liz on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram.

Here’s a roundup of our bathtime favorites. Coraline used to hate the bath; she would try to climb out repeatedly as soon as she got in. You can read more about how that began to shift when she was about two and a half, with a couple of surprising discoveries in the post Bathtime.

Now, age three, she is happy to sit in the bath and play with all her toys in it. I’ll say what a mum said to me (who has an older child with Down’s syndrome): “this too shall pass”. That’s a phrase that’s come up for us a bit recently. Suddenly, things just begin to settle and click. The bath aversion doesn’t last forever. Be patient. And, as my husband Kevin said, “what are we going to do; not give her a bath?” For us, it was just a case of repetition and patience, and “this too shall pass”.

Here are our favorite bathtime things:

1. We love the Cuddledry Handsfree Bath Towel. Friends gave us this when Coraline was born and it stands out as something we love. It’s the fact it ties around your neck with a popper so it’s easy to bring Coraline to the bath in it, to have it on whilst she’s in the bath, lift her out into it and lay her down onto it, really smoothly! That was especially great when Coraline wasn’t so fond of the bath. It’s little things like this that make a real difference. Plus it’s lovely, soft and big and, in the words of Marie Kondo, it “sparks joy”.

2. A friend in our Antenatal group recommended this Angelcare Soft-Touch Bath Support Chair to us, and we used it until Coraline was about 18 months old, when we moved to a non-slip bath mat. It’s so light and easy to put in and out of the bath, as the water drains through. The “grippy” material also meant Coraline was safely seated when she was in it and its angle was good for washing her hair, and for her to look at us. For us, it was important to have something supportive when Coraline was sitting in the bath due to her hypotonia (low muscle tone) which is a characteristic of Down’s syndrome. She can also splash freely with her legs when she’s in it which she began to do as she got older.

3. Coraline’s therapists say the bath is a great place for learning and having fun! A friend gave Coraline these bathtime funny mix sponge animals, as her nephew had loved the fun of matching the bodies and heads. Coraline learns visually and through repetition. We see these animals on the side of the bath each bathtime and say their name and make their sound. She loves them. We just have to make sure she doesn’t chew them!

4. We have ordered Coraline the bath foam letters and numbers for Christmas 2020, to add to her bath toys, as recommended by the same mum I mentioned above! They will work well as we are working on letter sounds at the moment e.g. “p” and “b” and we are also working at familiarising her with the numbers 1-6.

5. Basketball hoop also recommended by the same mum I previously mentioned. I ordered for Christmas. It will be great for gross motor skills and also Coraline can recognize the word “ball” so it will give more practice and repetition of that sound. And, most importantly, be fun!

Bathroom Essentials Guide from Summer™

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

When it comes to potty-training your little one, just about every parent could use some extra help in encouraging their children in making the transition. Luckily, these gadgets know just how to do it, helping to make potty training that much easier on both you and your child.

Lights & Songs to Reward The “Go”

One of the biggest hurdles parents face when potty training is finding the right size toilet to comfortably teach their children. Summer helps make it easy with the My Size® Potty Lights and Songs Transitions. Easing the transition from diapers to a normal toilet, this potty training toiler sits on top of your adult-sized toilet, providing your children with the ideal fit for their size.

This removable potty topper is easily placed and removed so as not to impede the other adults in your house, while ultimately helping your child make the transition from the potty topper to using the normal toilet. It also features a built-in wipe compartment to encourage good hygiene. Meanwhile, the splash guard and removable bowl ensure your bathroom stays tidy.

On top of all that, every time your child flushes, this potty topper cycles through six melodies, with lights flashing to the music’s beat to reward them for a successful “go.” The realistic and fun design is sleek, with cheerful music to make potty training fun. Meanwhile, the interactive handle makes a flush sound just like the real thing, getting your child into healthy habits.

Potty Training Tools for Boys

Teaching your boy how to use a urinal properly? This potty training gadget from Summer will make it that much easier. The Summer® My Size® Urinal is a realistic, child-sized urinal that offers flushing sounds and a target aim so that your little one can easily practice without making a mess.

This modern urinal is very realistic-looking and has a flush handle with a realistic flush sound to encourage healthy habits. Just attach this toddler-sized urinal to your bathroom’s tile wall using the included adhesive strips. The urinal can then be easily removed for emptying and cleaning and placed back when you’re ready. When you’re done potty training, the adhesive strips come off, too.

This gadget is the perfect solution for teaching your little one to use the bathroom standing up, all while providing for a realistic, yet toddler-sized experience. The target, for instance, teaches them how to aim for a mess-free bathroom break, while the easy clean design ensures you’ll never have a hard time cleaning up any accidents that do happen.

Thank you to Summer™ for making this sponsored post possible!

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Previous Categories

SLEEP REGRESSIONS AT ALL AGES: JUST A PHASE?

WHEN WILL MY BABY’S SLEEP REGRESSION END?

4 MONTH SLEEP REGRESSION

Get the sleep help your family need with one-on-one help with a certified, trained Gentle Sleep Coach.

PRE-TODDLER SLEEP REGRESSION

THE 18 MONTH SLEEP REGRESSION

THE 2-YEAR SLEEP REGRESSION

SLEEP REGRESSIONS AT ALL AGES? USE THE SHUFFLE!

How to Easily Create a Personalized Design for Your Nursery

YouthfulNest offers expert virtual design services

Start your project today

Enter below for a chance to win the Essential Design Service!

Why should you consider the Thule Spring stroller?

What makes it a perfect baby stroller?

Gifts for Moms

Gifts for Babes

Lights & Songs to Reward The “Go”

Potty Training Tools for Boys

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