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What’s New on Gugu: October 30, 2019
This week many of our finds are aimed at helping our parents and parents-to-be. Work-life balance is a thought of the past and now everyone is trying to squeeze 30 hours of activity into a 24 hour day. Many of these items will help you stop, relax, and care of yourself! Take a look and let us know your favorites!
For a number of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page!
Mother Mother: This brand is all about putting self-care first! As new moms (and dads) if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we possibly take care of our little ones! While your life changes dramatically with the arrival of your little one (or ones), it’s so important to remember your needs! Take a look at Mother Mother for all of your pre- and postnatal needs!
Good Medicine Intuitive Skincare Mama Glow: This amazing line of skincare and beauty products is perfect for any new mom or mom-to-be! Safe for pregnant and nursing mothers, this line is naturally gluten free, made in the USA, and does not test on animals. The products are all meant to be used together to help create your self-care routine. The set of minis makes a great gift!
Daddy’s Club: Started by a stay at home dad in LA, Daddy’s Club aims to create a community amongst all dads. There are a number of fun t-shirt and sweatshirts available to “join the club.” Remember not to cry over the spilled milk!
Tiny Human: Perfect for babies and parents, Tiny Human has created a line of products using gentle, natural, plant-based ingredients. They all have adorable names to help you keep a sense of humor while in the thick of it with baby. Plus, they donate 1 meal with the purchase of any product to a healthy child.
TWELVElittle Bags: A brand our team discovered at the OC Baby Expo this past weekend, TWELVElittle Bags are created with parenting moments in mind. Perfect for any moment you will run into with your kiddos, we love their assortment of high-quality bags and accessories. Find your perfect fit 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: August 21, 2019
What’s New on Gugu: Chicago Baby Show Edition
Baby Keeps Getting Stuffy Nose? Try These Tips!
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!
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 nanobébé 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.
What’s New on Gugu: October 25, 2019
While we took a brief hiatus due to our Working Mother Registry + Giveaways (if you haven’t checked them out, there are some AWESOME giveaways on our blog), we are back at it in full swing this week for What’s New on Gugu. Instead of highlighting 5 new items this week, I’m back with 10 items that have launched (or will be launching) in the baby market. From strollers to nursery gear and everything in between, take a look at some of our newest finds!
For a number of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page!
Gooselings: Gooselings was inspired by ‘Hygge,’ the Scandinavian lifestyle leading to feeling calm and content. All of Gooselings products have been created to help add calm to our hectic daily lives with kids. These high-quality duvets and duvet covers are the perfect thing to bring your family together during playtime and add that sense of calm to the end of any work day. Plus they are easily packed for plane or car travel.
4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet: The newest product to hit the market from 4moms will launch early next year and moves like you do! With movement patterns similar to the mamaRoo, this sleep situation will be perfect for keeping your little one close for middle of the night feedings and diaper changes.
Nuna Triv Stroller: Triv is the newest stroller option from our friends at Nuna! This lightweight, easy-to-push stroller allows you to easily change between seat and car seat. It has a large storage basket and spring suspension, giving you a smooth push. Plus it’s one-handed fold can’t be beat!
FORMERLY YAN: We love this new maternity clothing line, which is designed specifically for changing silhouettes. Check out their Little Black Dress with Side Zippers or their Jogger Style Trousers, two of our favorites! These pieces are great for a day in the office or a night out on the town!
UPPAbaby Vista V2 and Cruz V2: UPPAbaby has updated their classic Cruz (single) and Vista (convertible) strollers for 2020! Both strollers are getting updated suspension –hello easier push!—as well as new colors/fabric options. The Cruz is also getting bigger wheels, a downsized fold, and a larger seat while the Vista will be seeing a no rethread harness and a larger canopy. These are expected to be released in February 2020!
Skip Hop Feeding Line and Convertible High Chair: Skip Hop has launched both their feeding line and their Sit-to-Step High Chair! Great for infants and toddlers alike, this high chair reclines for easy bottle feeding, slides right up to the table, and turns into a toddler step stool. The feeding line is full of must have essentials, great for feeding at home or on the go.
Tranquilo Products: Looking for a solution to help soothe baby when nothing seems to be working?! Look no further than Tranquilo! Their portable vibrating mat helps mimic the sounds from mom’s womb, instantly helping calm baby. The baby soothe massager is also great for use at home or on the go. All of these products are perfect for travel!
Finnbin: In Finland, parents are actually given a free cardboard baby box, which will provide their little ones with a safe sleeping environment from day one. Finnbin has stepped up this theory, providing high-quality Baby Boxes filled with all sorts of newborn necessities. Easy to move around the house and much more affordable than today’s standard bassinet, the Finnbin can definitely be your go-to baby gift!
Crawligator: Make tummy time fun with this JPMA Innovation Award Winner! The Crawligator helps your little one strengthen all of those muscles needed to begin crawling. Simply place your babe on top of the Crawligator and begin to move them forward slowly. A great way for parents and little ones to complete play time together!
Drinking for Two: A great gift for your girlfriend who just announced she is pregnant, Drinking for Two, is an adorable mocktail book aimed at combating pregnancy-related symptoms. Featuring 45+ non-alcoholic, plant-based mocktail recipes that are high in nutrients and low in sugar, this is the perfect coffee table book throughout pregnancy and beyond!
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: August 15, 2019
What’s New on Gugu: August 21, 2019
Top Mama Must-Haves from Soma
As mamas, we’re superheroes 24/7. We never clock out and always have to be ready to respond. So, how can make our always-on-call lifestyles easier? By owning quick and cozy gear that’s versatile and functional: essentials we can turn to at a moment’s notice. We scoped out the soft and stylish scene by Soma, and found game-changing items that can help you master this heroic task.
Around-the-clock comfort starts with ultra-cozy undergarments. If you’re nursing, Soma’s selection of bras is the breast. Designed with a one-handed release cup for easy access, these nursing bras make it super simple to feed babe without any extra stress. Our favorites are the Wireless Unlined Nursing Bra, the Embraceable Full Coverage Contour Nursing Bra, and the Embraceable Wireless Nursing Bra. If you’re interested in barely-there bras that offer the ultimate support, check out Soma’s Enbliss Bralettes. Their second-skin feel is epic—you’ll forget they’re even on.
Since our bodies transform and stretch during all stages of pregnancy and beyond, you might want to try the SOMAINNOFIT Bra to find your new perfect fit. Designed for fit purposes only (not as an everyday bra), this innovative measuring bra provides your exact measurements through your smartphone!
Speaking of the perfect fit, easy, go-to leggings are always essential during a mama’s journey. These two-for-one Reversible Leggings are the most convenient solution when an outfit change is needed—but there’s no time to think about your next ensemble. For a slimming option, try these leggings on for size. They’re designed to take up to 1” or more off your waist.
Top off your can’t-live-without leggings with one of these ultra-soft tunics. Their wear-everywhere silhouettes, with a cloud-like feel, are perfect for layering. Throw on a denim jacket, a blazer or sweater to get through the colder seasons without effort.
When you’re not out and about, relax. And take a deep breath with the help of Soma’s Cool Nights Pajamas and Robes. Instead of dreaming about sweet Zzz’s, make them happen. With long sleeves, short sleeves, and colors and patterns galore, you can easily find sleepwear to live in, season after season.
The most amazing thing about our Soma finds? The price points. These day-to-night luxuries come without the price tag you’d expect. Treat yourself, mama. You deserve it all.
Time Saving Tips for Working Moms
It’s no shock that working moms have a million plates to juggle on a daily basis; never is this more true than when a breastfeeding mama returns to the workplace and has to also juggle pumping, too! We asked out team for their best time saving tips for working moms to share, what are your best time saving tips for working moms?
- Keep a calendar: When it comes to time saving tips for working moms, our top tip is to keep everything on a calendar; it may seem time consuming at the outset to put all of your important dates in a calendar setting, but believe us, it will save you time down the line. It takes way longer to look for the email invite to the birthday party than to simply peep into your Google calendar – double time saving if you share the Google calendar with your signifiant other or sitter! If you’re more of an old school calendar working mom, we love the personalized calendars from Parabo Press (which also make a great gift).
- Plan your clothing for the work week: one of the daily hassles working moms encounter is figuring out what to wear for work every day! We recommend planning your outfits for the week ahead of time. Make a mom-uniform for yourself and stick to your favorite colors and what feels comfortable. If you’re pumping at work, make sure your outfits are pumping friendly.
- Pump with Ease: Speaking of pumping, make sure you choose a breast pump that is easy to use and can help you multitask at the same time! We’re big fans of the Motif Luna Breast Pump for working moms. We love the Luna Breast Pump for many reasons, but one is that you can totally multitask while pumping with the Motif Luna Pump, as it features a soft, low purr that doesn’t disturb co-workers, phone calls or sleeping kiddos. Plus, It’s also one of the lightest pumps on the market, which means it is easy to commute with and can fit into any bag. We’re also fans of their Motif Breastmilk Storage bags; having stored breastmilk is a huge time saver, and these bags help get the job done. They feature an easy-pour spout, leak-proof double zippers, and the self-stand design makes it easy for refrigerator storage. Plus, they can also lay flat in your freezer to maximize space.
- Outsource, outsource, outsource: Working mamas simply do not have time to do it all, and that’s simply okay! We’re huge fans of outsourcing everything we need – from grocery delivery to diaper delivery and more. We’re big fans of Abby + Finn diaper delivery, as it is super easy to customize your needs and the diapers are top notch quality. KIDBOX is another fave of ours to make your life a little easier, as they will handpick clothing for your kiddos and send it straight to you – no need to head to the shops or even spend time online shopping!
- Meal Plan: Again, it seems counterproductive to sit down and meal plan for the week, but believe us, when you go into the week knowing what dinner is every night, it will save you so much time later on! Check out this post for helpful meal planning tips (and don’t forget to stock up on VeeTee rice for work lunches and dinnertime, too).
Thank you to Motif Medical for making this sponsored post possible!
Back to School Car Safety Tips for Working Moms (+ giveaway!)
School is back in full swing, and as parents, most of us are running around trying to get to different school and activity drop-offs and picks-up and often-times carpooling different children in our vehicles of different weights and heights. As a seasoned mom of 2 who has installed a myriad of car seats, I thought I knew it all (spoiler alert, I had a lot to learn!)
I recently had the opportunity to become a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. When I started this 4 day training, I was skeptical of what knowledge I would gain, but by the end I was really blown away by what I learned and also to discover that I was making several common mistakes when it came to both car seat usage and installation. I am sharing with you some of these very common mishaps that occur to help you keep your little ones (and their friends) safe this fall while on the road!
Forward facing using LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) – there are 2 common mistakes in this scenario:
- Using both the lower anchors and seat belt for a car seat installation. You may think that 2 ways of securing the child and car seat are better than one, but in fact the performance of the car seat in the event of a crash may be negatively affected by using both the lower anchors and the seat belt at the same time. NOTE: You always want to use the upper tether when possible for forward-facing installation, whether the installation is with the lower anchors or the seat belt.
- Keeping a child secured in the 5 point harness and using the LATCH system past the weight allowed. There are LATCH weight limits so be sure to check the manual of your car seat manufacturer to see what these weight limits are.
Moving your child to a booster seat: Your child may be ready to move into a belt-positioning booster seat once they have outgrown their forward facing harnessed car seat. Your child must meet the minimum height, weight and age requirements – but, (and this is what many parents forget about) they also must be mature enough to keep the seat belt properly positioned for your entire car ride. If they are moving frequently and the belt isn’t staying in place, then you should consider keeping them in a harnessed car seat that has a higher weight limit until they are really ready!
Carpooling and extra car seats: Most busy parents who are frequently carpooling other kids around will keep an extra car seat or booster seat in their car. I, for one, never thought about the importance of keeping these extra car seats secure when not in use. A 10lb booster seat can become a dangerous projectile inside the vehicle in a crash or sudden stop. So make sure you secure all car seats even when not in use! You can buckle them in with an unused seat belt or store them in the trunk of the vehicle.
The Gugu Guru team is a huge fan of Evenflo Baby’s SensorSafe technology to make life a little easier and whole lot safer. Evenflo’s patented SensorSafe™ technology connects you to your little one the entire time, in real time. It’s built into the clip of their car seats and strollers and alerts you, through the app, if babe gets unbuckled or if the temperature is too warm. When verbal communication doesn’t yet exist, this connectivity to babe’s needs is invaluable—and it is found in the products below. To learn more about their SensorSafe technology and products, check out this post.
Fashion Must-Have Gabri Isle for Busy Moms
Let’s face it, one of the most fun parts of parenting is picking out all of the adorable clothing. However, any busy working mom knows there’s simply not enough time in the day to peruse online shops to find unique and cute clothes for your littles. Luckily, Gabri Isle is here to help. We’re huge fans of this mom-owned business for so many reasons, but we have to say, their commitment to supporting other women’s brands is top of our list, as Gabri Isle brings original baby clothes from female-driven brands across Europe to the US. The online boutique makes buying unique, high-quality European designer clothes a reality.
So, what does this mean for you? It means you have a one-stop-shop of unique and gorgeous European baby and kid clothes in one place! No more worrying about browsing endless websites looking for the perfect baby clothes, as Gabri Isle curates the best-of-the-best baby clothes from women-owned brands. There are just so many adorable pieces of clothing we can’t pick a favorite, but this MIMIKIDS Double Gauze Pastel Green Romper is surely up there on the list!
This Pastel Green Romper is made of 100% double gauze fabric, making it super comfy for baby and easy to play, toddle, and crawl in. It can easily be dressed up for a special occasion, or worn around the house on a sunny day. We’d also layer a long-sleeved t-shirt and tights underneath to wear the romper in chillier weather, too. The romper has button closure with two buttons on each strap to grow with baby and makes diaper changes easy. Whether it’s for your little one, a gift for a new baby, or doing holiday shopping, we love Gabri Isle for busy working mamas to make your life a little easier!
Thank you to Gabri Isle for making this sponsored post possible!
Maternity Clothes for Working Moms: 5 Must-Have Pieces
While a bump is the best accessory ever, sometimes it’s hard to dress. Getting ready for work can become a massive undertaking, one that could require some help. We scoped out the maternity clothes scene and found five pieces that can take you through various stages and seasons with ease.
Must-Have Piece #1: A go-to top
A top you love is always essential.
Gugu Guru loves: This classic flutter-sleeve top that mixes a feminine vibe with timeless style. Featuring vintage-inspired polka dots, it effortlessly keeps you feeling fashionable without compromising comfort. Easy to pair with a simple necklace (like one from Tiny Tags) or a great work-friendly backpack. Finish it with black pants, boots and a blazer for the office, or keep it casual with a denim jacket and easy flats for the weekend.
Must-Have Piece #2: A versatile dress
It’s helpful to have a dress that’s a stylish option for every occasion.
Gugu Guru loves: This sophisticated dress that’s elevated with a wear-everywhere vibe. Not only does it look and feel really good, it can dress you through all three trimesters—and beyond. With patterns galore to choose from, you can find one for meetings, weekend outings, your baby shower and more.
Must-Have Piece #3: Cozy, stylish pants
Find a pair that are effortless to make mornings ultra-easy.
Gugu Guru loves: These skinny ankle pants. Smooth, stretchy, versatile and flattering, we can’t get enough of them. Available in colors for every mood, this insanely popular pair will get more use than you can ever imagine. They’re stylish without effort and oh-so cozy—you cannot go wrong with at least one pair of these perfect pants.
Must-Have Piece #4: A chic, multi-functional diaper bag
You might want to save the big, bulky backpack for an all-day outing, and opt for something more chic-mama-friendly for days you want to feel like…you.
Gugu Guru loves: This desk-to-dinner-to-brunch-to-endless-kiddo-destinations cross-body diaper bag by Anjie+Ash. It’s sleek, vegan leather finish organizes all essentials while lending your looks a fashionable finish.
Must-Have Piece #5: A snug-as-a-hug sweater
And lastly, since it’s fall, we thought we’d round out our list with a beautiful, cooler-weather essential.
Gugu Guru loves: This beautiful and cozy v-neck shaker stitch sweater. From your couch to the corner office, we have no doubt will come in handy. Pair with Ilado’s beautiful maternity necklace as an effortless accessory. Hope this list helps, mama. Keep calm, dress on.
Thanks to Destination Maternity for making this sponsored post possible.