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The Toddler Dilemma: Potty Seat or Potty Chair?

When it’s time to start potty training, the options can feel endless. Do you go with a toilet seat or a potty chair? If you choose one over the other, which brand do you choose? And which ones work best? It can feel overwhelming before you even get to the task of actually helping your toddler learn to use the bathroom.

Never fear! We’ve looked at the options and come up with some pros and cons as well as some suggestions for each type.

Toilet Seats for Toddlers

Using a toilet seat, sometimes referred to as a trainer ring, provides a number of pros. First and foremost, you’re teaching your toilet trainer not to fear the big toilet. As they will start using it from the get-go, they’ll always associate it with safety. This means that there’s less fear when you’re out and about and need to use a public restroom. Additionally, a toilet seat–especially the ones that fold–provide an extra convenience factor. Your trainer will be able to go in any bathroom.

Cons include some of what you’d expect with any toilet training: As they don’t always fit every toilet, there can be messes involved. Additionally, if you do have a child who shows fear of the bigger potty, they may still show hesitancy even if this is the route you choose.

Delta Children Little Jon-EE Adjustable Potty Seat and Step Stool – $34.99

This toilet seat features a wide array of benefits. The adjustable height feature will grow with your toddler. The splash guard is a must-have as well. You can also use the step stool at the sink to help your little one learn how to wash their hands after using the toilet. It really is the perfect addition to your home bathroom.

Jool Folding Travel Potty Seat – $14.99

For potty training on the go, we love the Jool folding potty seat. The suction cups on the under side help keep it attached to any toilet. It will help keep it from slipping and keep your little one secure as they go. This toilet seat folds up easily and even comes with a travel bag for easy transport. If you’re potty training and traveling, you really need to have this on hand.

Potty Chairs for Toddlers

Potty chairs are miniature versions of the real thing. You can plop them down in your bathroom, or–one of their biggest pros–just about anywhere. That’s right: You can set the potty chair in your home office, their playroom, or take it on the go with you to the park.

Cons include a little more mess than a toilet seat in that you have to dump the contents of the enclosed bowl and clean it out. Some kids might also find it difficult to transition to a bigger toilet after getting used to the smaller version.

The First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty Seat – $39.99

This potty chair was the winner in the feeding Feeding/Bathing/Changing category of the JPMA Innovation Awards last year. Why? It encourages your toilet trainer to sit in the proper position for going, complete with a foot lift. It looks like a miniature toilet as well to encourage familiarity with the real deal.

BabyBjörn Smart Potty – $24.99

The BabyBjörn Smart Potty is a very simple potty chair. It’s easy to clean, but the best selling factor is how easy it is to take along with you wherever you’re headed. Set it out on the deck for evening playtime to ensure your toddler can make it to the potty in time. Toss it in the back of the van for your upcoming trip. Just bring along some bleach wipes and you’re good to go!

The Best of Both Worlds

Instead of buying both a potty chair and a toilet seat, why not get both at the same time?

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty – $31.49

All-in-one potty chair and toilet seat option

Not sure if you want to invest in a toilet seat or a potty chair? Why not both? This option gives you a trainer ring to use with your toilet or ones in public restrooms, a potty chair for home use, and a step stool to encourage that hand washing with ease. You can cover all of your bases with one purchase.

My Size® Potty Lights and Songs Transitions – $44.99

Another all-in-one option, the Lights & Sounds Transitions is a potty chair with a potty seat that can move over to your toilet. Additionally, kiddos will love the six different songs it plays each time you “flush” the potty chair. It makes potty training feel fun and rewarding. (You can read more about this potty chair on our site.)

No matter what you choose, your little one will benefit from the research you’re putting into helping them make this next life transition. It will take some patience, but you’ll both get there!

Check out more posts for toddler parents:
25 Gift Ideas for a 2-Year-Old
The Scoop: Aden + Anais Weighted Blanket
Creating a Strong Immune System in Infants and Toddlers

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5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Footprint

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

There’s a lot of “stuff” associated with the act of parenting. From gear to clothing to feeding and beyond, it just seems like the stuff will never end. Maybe you’re a minimalist parent or maybe you’re just eco-conscious. You may even be looking to simplify your everyday. There are easy ways to help make a difference for our Earth and reduce your footprint as a parent.

Get Thrifty

Shopping second-hand is a great way to reduce your footprint as a parent. You’ll also save money by doing so! Everything from sleepers to everyday clothing to toys can be found at your local second-hand store. Check in at the end of a season to find coats and jackets that other children outgrew. If you do not have any local options for second-hand shopping, consider websites like Poshmark and ThredUp. Both have sections for children’s clothing. While you will have shipping costs and packaging involved in the process, you’ll still help keep clothing out of landfills and save some money in the process.

Cloth Diaper

Keeping one-use diapers out of landfills by using cloth diapers is a smart way to reduce your footprint as well. While it does require an upfront investment, cloth diapers can be used for multiple children through a number of years. You can take it one step further by also using cloth wipes. As a bonus, cloth diapering options often help when it comes to babies with super sensitive skin. If cloth isn’t right for you and your baby, consider a more eco-conscious diaper brand like healthynest!

Make Your Own Baby Food

Ditch pre-made baby food from the store and start making your own baby food. On top of tasting better, you’ll help eliminate plastic waste and help chip away the production cost associated with industrialized food processing. As a bonus, you will know exactly what goes into your baby’s little body—and it will taste better to them as well. Not sure where to start? Check out what some parents in our Gugu Village had to say about the Mumum Baby Food Maker.

Pass Things On

Once you’re done with a size of baby clothing, some developmental toys, and your maternity clothing, don’t just store them in tubs in your basement or throw them away. Pass them on to family and friends who can use them. Not only will you help reduce your footprint by keeping useable material in service, but you may be helping someone out who can’t verbalize they need some assistance. If you don’t have any close friends or family in need of your ages and stages items, consider finding a clothing and toy swap. If there’s not one in your area, reach out to some local charities or organizations to see if they would be interested in helping you start one in your area. Think of the change you’d be creating by being the one to say, “I can help!”

Get Crafty

It’s difficult to eliminate every single piece of one-use plastic or other types of containers in our lives. As an example, if you need to formula feed, you regularly have an empty container. Instead of tossing it (into your recycling bin if possible!), consider various ways to craft it into something else. Make it into a pot for some new plants. Can you store something in it? What about making it into a drum for your toddler? If you can use something even once or twice more, you’re helping cut down on waste. Look at something twice before tossing it in the bin.

Eco-Friendly (and Affordable) Baby Registry Picks

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Since organic often carries a high price tag, Gugu Guru gets a lot of inquiries about affordable eco-friendly baby registry picks on a tighter budget. The first simple step you can take toward leaving a smaller footprint, is just buying less for baby. Below, we have laid out some of our top eco-friendly must-haves from brands we know and love. While you may be willing to splurge on a few of these categories, we also have included some excellent budget-friendly must-haves.

Eco-Friendly Stroller/Car Seat Picks:
On-the-go parents want easy-to-use strollers and car seats that will also be safe for their little ones. Looking for full-size? Check out Bumbleride. They have a number of stroller options (including an excellent double stroller for multiples and a jogging stroller for runners!) all made from recycled materials. We love their focus on sustainability.

Looking for something a bit lighter and cost-effective? Here at Gugu Guru, we can’t say enough good things about Larktale. Their Chit Chat and Chit Chat Plus are made from recycled materials, allowing you to stroll green from your newborn days. They are also extremely lightweight, making them a great option for everyday use, in and out of the car, and travel!

When looking at Infant Car Seats, it’s important to pick one that is compatible with the stroller you have selected. With car seats, we are looking at the chemicals used in production as well as non-toxic materials being used. We love car seats that use natural fire-retardant fabrics and often find ourselves recommending these over many others! Nuna, Britax, Clek, and Chicco all have excellent car seat options!

Still have questions? Contact us for help!

Eco-Friendly Baby Carrier Picks:
As a first step, to identify the best product for you personally, try locating a Babywearing International chapter to attend a meeting to try some on. We often recommend the Tula Free to Grow, Baby K’tan Organic wrap (note: you have to choose a size for the K’tan) and Beco Gemini Organic carriers to our eco-friendly families.

Eco-Friendly Crib Mattress Pick:
Crib mattress recommendations are something we often discuss at length with our eco-friendly families. While there are many brands we love, we always want to make sure you are looking for the Greenguard GOLD certified label on any crib mattress. This will ensure that while your little one is sleeping, the mattress is emitting the lowest levels of VOCs. We also recommend looking for 2-sided mattresses and lastly, look at the weight of your crib mattress. It is very difficult to lift a 30+lb mattress out of the crib for middle-of-the-night sheet changes. We highly recommend taking a look at mattresses by Colgate and Nook.

Eco-Friendly Diaper Pail Pick:
The Ubbi Diaper Pail not only keeps in the lovely diaper smell but also saves you money as you can use standard 13-gallon trash bags as a liner. This eco-friendly pail is made of steel and comes in several different colors to perfectly match your babe’s nursery.

Eco-Friendly Bathtub Pick:
BPA, PVC, and Phthalate-free, the Puj Tub fits right into the sink. Great for travel and apartment living too, as it folds flat and can fit in your suitcase!

Eco-Friendly Swaddle blankets Pick:
Swaddle blankets will be EVERYTHING to you from birth and beyond and we love the ones by Rookie Humans. The perfect swaddling blanket made from sustainable bamboo, you can also use as a breastfeeding cover or a light layer during walks. You will use these well into toddlerhood and beyond. Highly recommend these blankets as a must-have on every registry!

Eco-Friendly Playard/portable crib Pick:
The Guava Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard portable crib and playard combo has breathable mesh sides that unzip for even more fun for your kiddo as s/he gets older. It is non-toxic and is free of PVC, lead, and flame retardants, and is certified to the GreenGuard Gold standard.

Eco-Friendly Diaper Picks:
HealthyNest Diapers is the newest to the gang. The world’s first EWG Verified diaper, you can feel comfortable putting your little one in HealthyNest diapers. They are soft, not too bulky, and do an excellent job at keeping messes contained.

Honest Company Diapers are also made with sustainable materials that are super-absorbent. The core is made of fluff pulp harvested from sustainably managed forests. The diaper does prevent most leaks and blowouts. Honest diapers are made without chlorine or bleach processing, without latex, synthetic fragrances, or lotions. Not to mention, the prints are to die for!

Playard Picks: 2022 Edition

by Abby Ludwig 1 Comment

Playards have become a necessity for many families over the last 10 years. They are the true multi-functional item that you will use again and again as your little one grows. In the newborn days, your playard may be a safe sleep spot for the baby. It takes up a small amount of space next to your bed, keeping the baby close for those middle-of-the-night feeds. Many playards have a bassinet setting, which is also great for naps throughout the day. The changing station (which is included with many playards) is an excellent place to change your little one, especially if the nursery is far from your play area. Plus, the playard will easily fold up for travel and is a great place for your toddler to sleep while on the go. A true must-have, take a look at our best playards for 2022.

Breeze® Plus Playard With Bassinet & Changer | 4moms®

Easiest Fold: 4moms Breeze Plus

The 4moms breeze plus is a playard, bassinet, and changing table in one. It is easy to move around the house, always giving you a convenient place for the baby to sleep. The Breeze Plus is extremely easy to open/close and is an excellent secondary changing station. The bassinet is compatible with up to 18 pounds while the playard will hold up to 30 pounds. The removable bassinet, changer, and playard are all easy to clean with a simple damp cloth.

Eco-friendly Pick: Lotus Travel Crib from Guava Family

The lightest playard, the Lotus is GreenGuard Gold non-toxic certified (low VOC & no lead, phthalates, PVC, heavy metals, etc.). Full-height mesh guarantees breathable airflow. Plus, parents are just crazy about the side access panel that allows you easy access through the lockable door. Set up is simple and the Lotus playard only weighs 13 lbs packed, making it an excellent choice for travel. The Lotus comes with a backpack carrying case and a thick, soft foam pad approved for overnight sleep (0-3 years old.) They have also launched their Bassinet & Crib Kit.

Budget Pick: Graco Pack n Play Reversible Napper & Changer LX

The Graco Pack n Play Reversible Napper & Changer includes a newborn napper station for baby to sleep and reverses to a changing table for easy diaper changes. After baby outgrows the removable full-size bassinet, the Graco Pack n Play easily converts to a portable playard. The napper and bassinet can be used for babies up to 15 pounds. This playard also includes a toy bar with plush toys.

Multiples Pick: Romp & Roost

Romp & Roost is the ultimate playard for twins or even just for one baby. This stylish, oversized playard can be used for a play area or sleep space. This play yard includes a patented, removable divider that separates the space into two spacious spaces with an airy mesh fabric. The Romp & Roost features large wheels with brakes and a convenient carry bag making it perfect for trips to grandma’s house.

Modern Pick: Nuna Sena Aire

The Nuna Sena Aire is an easy-to-use playard with an innovative, chic design you won’t mind having out in your home. Unlike many other playards, the Nuna Sena Aire is easy to open and close with one hand and easily slides into the included travel bag. You can be sure your baby is comfy with full mesh sides and the included quilted mattress. The mattress can be used in the higher position as a bassinet and easily moves to the lower position for use until your little one is 30 pounds.

Minimalist Pick: Bugaboo Stardust

Looking for something unique that meets your minimalist aesthetic? Bugaboo Stardust unfolds in 1 second and stores easily. Great for that room where you need baby to nap, but want your floor space back each morning! An excellent choice for toddler play in a small space.

Real Mom Reviews: Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Bottle

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Your little one is about to arrive and you’re looking to be fully stocked for feeding. Unsure about your feeding path, you feel that it’s best to have some bottles ready to go. How do you select the best bottle for your needs? While the pieces and parts of many bottles may leave you feeling confused, we want to make sure you’ve seen the newest option from Nanobébé. Made from a soft, mom-like silicone, this bottle is easy to use and even simpler to clean. It has a non-collapsing nipple and a very stable base. We reached out to our team of moms to see how the Flexy bottle stood up to everyday use.

Heather

“The Nanobébé bottles are a household fave for our family! They are so easy to use, clean, and put together. My favorite part is that they don’t tip over during late-night feedings on our nursery chair because of the big base. Our baby prefers them over the other bottles we have and so do we!”

Haley

“The Flexy Silicone Nanobébé baby bottle is by far my son’s favorite. The ultra-soft silicone makes breastfeeding and bottle feeding nearly indistinguishable, and the bottle has a triple-vented nipple to prevent colic. The shape is familiar for babies and easy to hold. He latches on wonderfully every time and I love to bottle feed him with this line!

Although not the bottle, I’d also recommend the pacifiers from Nanobébé. The flexy pacifiers are my son’s favorite. He is only one month so many of them fall out of his mouth easily, but this pacifier is easier for him to latch onto even when he turns his head to the side. It’s one of the few that gets him to calm down.”

Jade

“We love love love the Nanobébé bottles!! Especially when it comes to cleaning! Bottle cleaning after a long day is always dreaded, but these bottles have so few parts it makes it not so bad! Also, they can stand on almost anything! I put them down on the arm of the chair as I’m about to feed my little guy and it doesn’t fall over as I rock the chair back to sit down. I really can’t say enough good things about them and choose them over every other bottle we’ve tried!”

Leah

“We tried a few different bottles before I returned to work and the Nanobébé Flexy bottle was the only bottle my babe would take without gulping air. These bottles were an easy transition and didn’t create nipple confusion. The soft silicone makes it feel more like mom vs. plastic or glass bottles too. The bottles are easy to clean and can hook up right to my Spectra flanges. We recently bought the handles that fit right onto the bottles and love them also. The only setback to this bottle is that the silicone takes longer to warm up breastmilk. I usually heat the milk up in a breastmilk bag first to make it faster!” *We did notice that heating up silicone bottles tends to take longer than heating plastic bottles, due to their thick, natural material.

Emmy

“I was skeptical about the soft silicone bottle from Nanobébé with my little ones. Some silicone is too soft and squishy, but boy was I wrong! I love how they feel in my hand and they are always stable when I set them down on the edge of the couch. My babies both take formula easily from these bottles, and I love that even the big 9-ounce bottle doesn’t feel too big. The big bottles also came with the slow flow nipple, which was nice so I didn’t have to worry about finding the right flow nipple for my newborns. The only downside is that I do have small hands and the wide base makes them a little awkward to hold. After the first few feedings, it wasn’t such a big deal anymore, and I actually found that my baby was able to hold the bottle by himself much earlier than other bottles.”

Lexie

“I love these bottles! I’ve used many other brands and these are by far my favorite. They are so easy to clean and assemble. I love that there aren’t a ton of pieces like other bottles. The silicone makes them very easy to grip and the shape is great for him learning to hold it by himself!”

As you can see, our real moms just can’t get enough of the Nanobébé Flexy Bottles. The bottles are modern, convenient, and make feeding so much simpler.

Check out more Real Mom Reviews Here:

Kudos to Kudos Diapers
Crane’s Deluxe Cordless Breast Pump: Our Village Weighs In
On the Go Must-Have: Baby K’tan Diaper Bag

5 Common Travel Mistakes when Vacationing with Kids

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

The first time you travel with your new baby, you have no idea what to expect. What do you pack? How do you plan your day? When should they sleep? You can learn a lot and plan accordingly by avoiding these five common travel mistakes.

Looking for our exhaustive packing list? Take a look at the items you may need to pack when traveling with your littles.

Making a Strict Itinerary

Planning your schedule on vacation so that you get the most out of your time is a smart thing to do. Planning your schedule so rigidly that you feel stress when your baby sleeps in—or doesn’t sleep at all—will ruin the whole trip. Make a plan but be aware that your baby might act differently out of their normal routine. They might nurse or eat more often out of comfort. Getting them to sleep might be a struggle. Because of all of the fun new activities, they might nap for longer times. Allow for flexibility and your stress level will remain in vacation mode.

Totally Ditching Your Normal Routine

Another of the common travel mistakes is going willy nilly with your schedule. While you don’t want to adhere to a super strict itinerary, you shouldn’t completely ditch your at home routine either. If your baby has been napping for two hours every day for the past four months, skipping their afternoon nap will result in a cranky baby for the rest of the day. Likewise, bumping their mealtimes by too much will leave them feeling hungry and grumpy—and you’ll be the one to pay for your mistake. Try to keep nap times, meal times, and bedtimes approximately the same so as not to confuse your baby.

Leaving Comforts at Home

Does your baby have a special blanket they like to snuggle with during your nursing sessions? Or maybe a particular cup to drink from during lunch? Perhaps they have always slept with a white noise machine in their bedroom. Or their favorite bear sits with them while they eat their meal. Do yourself and your baby a favor and bring along these items, especially any surrounding eating and sleeping. If they can have their comfort item, they might adapt more easily to being in totally new surroundings.

Bringing Along Absolutely Everything

While it’s smart to bring along a comfort item or two, bringing along their entire toy box and wardrobe is simply unnecessary. Overpacking for baby is definitely a common travel mistake. Yes, your baby will need a few more changes of clothes than you to account for diaper blowouts, slobber, and eating messes. Yes, some toys are smart to bring along to serve as a distraction on the plane or car ride as well as in the stroller and hotel room. But you don’t need it all. Your back will thank you when you don’t have to lug everything and the kitchen sink in and out of the car.

Not Taking Enough Pictures With You

It’s easier for parents nowadays to take pictures thanks to the camera technology in our phones. You will definitely capture their first step in the ocean, a taste of a local treat, and the sunrise they woke you up to see. But are you taking enough pictures of your baby — and you? If you’re traveling with another parent, friend, or family member, ask them to take pictures of the two of you interacting on vacation, and not just posed photos. Candids of playing in the sand, walking on a trail hand in hand, or meeting a character for the first time will be images you will cherish for a lifetime. Having you in the photo means that your baby will also cherish that photo when they are older. You were there; make sure you’re visible in the photos.

You will have a great time on your baby’s first vacation. Just keep a few of these common travel mistakes in mind as you head off to make memories together.

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

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.

Mom-Founded Brands

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Supporting and empowering women is one of Gugu Guru’s core values. As a mom-founded brand ourselves (Shoutout to Monica!), we are always looking to build up other women in the workplace. Moms are incredible. We are strong, determined, and excellent at getting stuff done. As we enter Women’s History Month, we want to rally our support behind some wonderful mom-founded brands.

Birth Queen Organization

Throughout the month, we will be supporting Birth Queen, an organization (founded by mom, Rachel Nicks) working to educate, support, and empower black women & families throughout the birth experience. Their doulas, lactation consultants, and midwives are extensively trained to help combat the maternal health crisis targeting black mothers. Please support Birth Queen by shopping with Gugu Guru and rounding up your purchase at check out.

Baby Bottle Brush Bib Co.

Necessity is the best invention and founder, Bessie Lee-Cappell has nailed it! Keeping you dry while using that bottle brush, this sleek piece of silicone will protect you from the “dreaded splash-back” when trying to scrub bottles, nipples, and pacifiers. They have also expanded their product line to include pacifier/teether clips and bottle brushes.

Matrescence

Matrescence is all about taking care of Mom, founded by mom, Raquel Nowak. They have created a number of skincare products safe for any stage of the parenting journey. An excellent way to promote a little self-care each day.

Clover Baby & Kids

Founded by two moms, Shannon & Nikki, Clover Baby & Kids creates high-quality, fashionable clothing items for your little ones to wear for sleep and play. Their extensive line of clothing and accessories is full of fun colors and patterns, great for any aesthetic.

Healthybaby

Founder (and experienced Mom) Shazi Visram has always created high-quality brands and products that focus on some level of activism. Healthybaby has products for diapering, cleaning, and skincare that will protect both your baby and the environment. Their diapers received rave reviews from our testers!

Pediped

Pediped was founded by parents who wanted a better baby/toddler shoe on the market. Mom, Angela Edgeworth created shoes that are both stylish and functional. Pediped shoes are great for inside play and on-the-go adventures. They have now expanded into a full shoe line for babies, toddlers, and children.

Luli Bebé

Baby gear can be both practical and gorgeous! Founder & Mom, Arpi Kachatryan created Luli Bebé to support moms throughout their motherhood journey. It all started with Luli Bebé’s gorgeous Monaco Diaper Bag and has now grown into a gorgeous line of stylish bags for mom.

Lulla Doll

Designed in Iceland, by Mom Eyrún Eggertsdóttir, the Lulla Doll was inspired by premature babies to bring comfort to little ones. Parents and little ones both love the Lulla Doll, which is suitable to use from birth (outside of the crib/sleep environment).

GoSili

GoSili creates reusable products you use every day. Founders, Giuliana Schwab and Stacey Feeley have launched an entire line of silicone products, meant to replace the abundance of plastics. We love their cups and feeding products!

Teaching Littles About Diversity

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

While we live in a very diverse world, teaching our children about diversity can feel daunting. How do you even begin to explain differences in skin, race, ability, family, and more? And should you? (Spoiler alert: You should!) Our differences are what make us human. By exposing your child to diversity — both in concept and in person — you will be raising children who embrace those differences rather than turn away from them in their adult life.

Read Diverse Books

The easiest way to expose your child to diversity is through books. This is especially handy if you live in an area that lacks in overall diversity. By reading a wide and varied library to your toddler, you can show them that people and families may look different but are all valued. Be sure to include books that feature children who don’t look like your child as the main character.

Some great suggestions include:

Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers — not only does this book depict a wide range of diverse people, it also includes a variety of ways to become a family, including adoption, single parents, LGBT families, and even grandparents raising children.
Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer — The colorful illustrations and simple message of this book make it a great early pick for introducing the concepts of diversity and kindness.
All Kids Are Good Kids by Judy Carey Nevin — This book reinforces the concept that while we may all be different, we’re all good.
Girls Like Me by Valerie Thompkins — Not only does this book center a diverse main character, but the message of the book introduces our youngest readers to a variety of careers they can choose. It’s a great conversation starter in many regards. This book has paper pages.

Encourage Curiosity and Critical Thinking

Children notice differences in people. Toddlers especially haven’t yet been conditioned to filter their thoughts, observations, or questions in public. They may ask questions that make you feel uncomfortable. Examples include questions about skin color, disabilities, or family makeup. Instead of shushing your curious toddler and making them feel like the subject is taboo, encourage curiosity by responding positively. Follow up with questions to continue the conversation.

As an example, your child might ask why someone is in a wheelchair. Follow up with a question about how your toddler moves through the room. Ask them what they think a wheelchair might help that individual accomplish. Point out your eyeglasses and ask if they can think of anything else that might help someone through their day. Asking more questions and connecting topics to ones they might already understand expands their critical thinking skills. Allow for recognition and discussion of differences without making it feel like your child is wrong for wanting to know more. Becoming comfortable yourself talking about these topics will help your child become more comfortable as well.

Embody Kindness

Your toddler will soak up not just every word you say but every action you do. If you tell your child that people with differences are just as good as we are, but you speak or act unkindly toward someone who appears differently, they’ll recognize the dissonance even at a young age. Practicing kindness at the grocery store, daycare drop-off line, and at playgroup will encourage your child to do the same.

Expose Them to Diversity

Again, if you live in an area where diversity is lacking, the onus will be on you to step out of your comfort zone. Do you live within driving distance of an area that does offer a more diverse population? Can you go there every so often to shop, eat lunch, or play at a different playground? Additionally, can you attend a library class there? Or even mommy and me music class in that location rather than in your hometown? Exposure to the arts via age-appropriate live theater and dance is another way to welcome diverse people into your life. But it starts with you actively seeking out ways to incorporate diversity into your lives.

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!

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Eco-friendly Pick: Lotus Travel Crib from Guava Family

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Making a Strict Itinerary

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Read Diverse Books

Encourage Curiosity and Critical Thinking

Embody Kindness

Expose Them to Diversity

For Pregnancy & Little Ones

For Newborns

From the Newborn Stage

From Infancy – Early Childhood (and beyond!)

For Toddlers and Young Kids

Need more guidance?

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