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Our finds this week range from some eco-friendly/organic brands to the perfect childproofing tool for any home. Plus, one product that is not yet released, but so great that I couldn’t wait to share with all of you!

For loads of our other ever-changing favorites, please check out our Explore page!

Apple Park Organic Spring Collection: Apple Park creates high quality, organic baby products. Their product line ranging from gowns/pajamas to hats and plus animals is also the perfect baby gift! We love their new Spring Collection because it offers so many fun, bright prints in nearly every style imaginable! A great gift for that friend who loves organic clothes for their little one!

Door Monkey: As a parent of toddler twins, I often find myself saying ‘Watch your fingers!’ hundreds of times per day. However, once I discovered Door Monkey, I no longer had to stress about pinched fingers. It’s also the perfect childproof door lock to keep your little ones out. Installation is a breeze and tool-free, which makes the Door Monkey super useful for families who travel. A must-have for the babyproofing game!

Evenflo Pivot Xpore Stroller Wagon: A new find from the JPMA show, we love this affordable wagon/stroller, which is truly going to change the ‘stroller-wagon’ world. Complete with 2 canopies, all-terrain wheels, this stroller can change into a wagon with a quick flip of the handle. Although not on the market quite yet, this wagon will be launching in 2019!

4moms rockaRoo and mamaRoo: We LOVE the 4moms rockaRoo and mamaRoo at Gugu Guru. These swings mimic how a parent will rock their baby and give you a safe place to let baby lounge nearby. 4moms products are also at an angle, so great for babies with reflux. We also love the seat’s adjustable recline. However, I think the best part of 4moms’ products is how easy they are to put together. No need for any tools, simply click the parts together and you’re good to go! Perfect when you have a fussy baby who needs some movement ASAP!

Bannor Toys: Bannor Toys creates beautiful wooden toys, reminiscent of things you may have played with at your Grandparent’s house. They are made from beautiful natural wood (Cherry, Walnut, and Maple) which is not stained. Teethers are left ‘naked’ while other items are finished with organic paint, all natural beeswax and/or flaxseed oil. All silicone used is also food-grade and extremely high quality. Add Bannor Toys to your registry or pick up an extra-special gift for an eco-friendly mama-to-be.

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

What’s New on Gugu: March 27, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: April 3, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: April 10, 2019

The Village Reviews: Rambler LA Mat

If you have a wiggly little one, the Rambler LA Mat is for you. Lacey, the creator of Rambler LA Mat, tried multiple blankets and play mats but her son always seemed to wrap himself in the fabric. The Rambler LA Mat combines the large surface area of a play mat with the softness of a blanket. The innovative internal hoop keeps the fabric taut while in use and quickly collapses into a carrying bag when you are on the go. The lightweight and portable design create a mat that is perfect for travel, play dates or in your nursery. The versatility ensures the Rambler LA Mat will last throughout your baby’s childhood and beyond. Our Gugu Village parents loved the easy open and close, washable fabric and overall quality.

April A.

With warmer days quickly approaching I was in the market for a portable play mat for on-the-go with my little one. The Rambler LA play mat came highly recommended by experienced mamas so I was excited when I had an opportunity to give it a try.

The winning feature on this mat is definitely that it effortlessly pops open and stays flat. When you slip it out of the bag it pops open within seconds which is super convenient when you have a wriggling baby in your arms. The mat is also bordered with a structured edge which keeps it lying flat – which was so nice when playing outdoors. The 50-inch diameter gave us a sizable, soft surface to play on.

The Rambler LA mat was the perfect backdrop for a recent trip to the beach. I loved the stylish and whimsical print of the Sea Breeze cover and the cute carrying bag. The bag had a knotted handle that easily slipped over my arm when I was carrying my baby and was roomy enough to toss a couple of toys into it.

We are so excited to take the Rambler LA Mat with us wherever our family rambles this Spring!

Elena M.

This mat is awesome! From the way it folds up so easily to the way it opens into a big mat! I didn’t expect it to be as big as it is. And it closes small enough so its easy to take anywhere. Its very lightweight as well. The material is so easy to clean. We had a little oopsy and you would never know. Also, the material feels great. I’m excited to take this mat everywhere with us this summer!

Naomi P.

We had a lot of fun trying out the rambler mat this week. My 10-month-old is newly on the move, so it’s great to have a soft surface to lay out toys for him to play with on the hardwood! We also had a nice snack break in the backyard where both kids could sit comfortably with lots of room to spare. My daughter ran all over the mat with her slightly muddy shoes, and when I washed it, all of her footprints came right out! It was easy to put the hoop back in when it came out of the dryer, and I’ve gotten the fold up done in 3 seconds. I’m excited to use this more on the go once the weather warms up!

Jacqui W.

The Rambler play mat is the best mat out there! It is soft, lightweight, easy to use and comes with a nice bag to carry it in. One of the best features is that you can pop it open with one hand. It’s also super easy to fold up, like a car shade. My daughters love sitting on it playing with toys, lounging on it at the park and playing hide-and-seek with it. I keep it in my car now so it’s with us wherever we go! The Rambler got a little dirty from use but washed very nicely and all the spots came out! Love it!

Check out other items the Gugu Village reviewed:

The Village Reviews: bloom BABY All Natural Wipes

What’s New on Gugu: April 10, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 13, 2019

I absolutely love finding new products to share with our users. It is too easy to feel “overwhelmed” with all of the new products that hit the market each day. Having just celebrated Gugu Guru’s 4^th birthday, our initial little ones aren’t even babies anymore! As your babies grow into toddlers and beyond, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for product help! We LOVE hearing from our users!

For loads of our other ever-changing favorites, please check out our Explore page!

Noggin Wipes: A truly no-mess solution to cradle cap, which affects over 70% of babies before their first birthday. These gently exfoliating wipes are created with an avocado-oil based solution, which continues to moisturize and break up cradle cap well after use. The disposable wipes will begin to work immediately, helping clear away the flaky (and unwanted) irritation.

Target’s Pillowfort Inclusive Line: Pillowfort, Target’s adorable line for kids’ décor, has revolutionized the market for children with sensory sensitivities. They have launched 20 new items, including weighted blankets, floor cushions, and a cocoon seat. Each high-quality product adds something special to this inclusive line. We cannot stop praising this line and Target’s approach to making everyone feel welcome!

Motif Medical’s Luna Breast Pump: Coming this month, The Luna Breast Pump is a great choice for working moms. It is sleek and small on the outside, but strong enough on the inside to help busy moms pump in less time. Plus it’s a ‘closed system,’ which means that your breastmilk will flow directly into the bottle and helps prevent contamination. Check their website for insurance coverage!

Mimish Storage Pouf: I am a sucker for multi-purpose items. Mimish has taken adorable décor and added even more functionality. Ever walk into your little one’s room only to find stuffed animals and toys everywhere? Look no further than this fun line of storage poufs! They will cleverly hide any mess while providing adorable aesthetic to every bedroom.

Edushape Baby Sensory Balls: Edushape’s sensory balls have been around since the late 90’s. There’s a reason why these continue to be a family favorite! We love this new set, which allow baby to explore various textures and colors with easy to grab materials.

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

What’s New on Gugu: March 27, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: April 3, 2019

Spring Fashion Gift Guide

Extreme Mom Style: Disney Mom

Spring is the best time of year to clean house and treat yourself to new fashion in your life! Whether it’s a little something for you, clothing for the kiddos, or a new stroller, step out in style this Spring with these gift guide picks:

Love + Kind Wrap Skirts: Spring is the best time of year to whip out a new fancy skirt – but it can be frustrating when you’re postpartum to figure out which size you are. Worry no longer, mamas, we have the perfect solution. We’ve written about our love for Love + Kind before, and we’re back to share our Springtime fashion secret: the Love + Kind skirts for every day wear. The Love + Kind wrap skirts are made from an amazingly gorgeous heavy material so they cover every lump and bump on your postpartum body. Plus, they are beyond beautiful with their unique prints. Love + Kind was founded by Danielle Camastra, whom went on a well building trip to Tanzania and was deeply moved by all of the communities she visited; upon her return, she wanted to share all of the beauty from Tanzania with the world. Love + Kind believes that “every skirt has a magical quality and people are drawn to the love and passion with which they were made,” and it’s not hard to fall in love with these beyond gorgeous skirts! Each skirt is one-of-a-kind made from local fabrics and created by Tanzanian artisans.

June & January Romper: Summertime is the best time for toddlers and kids to run around in the backyard and on weekend adventures; we’re pretty confident this retro-inspired June and January romper will be a summer wardrobe staple for your kid. Coming in a huge variety of prints and colors, this romper is a gender neutral fit, so both boys and girls can suit up for summertime. Plus, it comes off and on with snaps at the shoulders, making it easy for bathroom access. The romper is available for babies to 4 year olds and makes packing for summer adventures a cinch – one romper and they’re ready to go! Use code GUGUROMPER for 15% off your romper purchase!

Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury Stroller: Why not stroll in style this Spring season? Check out the gorgeousness of the Mountain Buggy Stroller; this is the Duet Luxury in Herringbone and it is luxurious and beautiful! Interestingly enough, the Duet Stroller is the slimmest double stroller on the market, it’s even slimmer than some single strollers! This is an all terrain double buggy stroller which can go from the city streets to the weekend hikes. If you’re looking for style in your stroller, you have to check out this Duet which features twill fabric and black leather accents, which give this Duet a classic and tailored look, perfect for the mom that loves the simple yet classy look. In terms of the double stroller accessibility, this makes a perfect baby shower gift for the second time parent, as there are a ton of seat options which are ideal for a newborn and a toddler, as well as ideal for parents of twins! If you’re an urban parent, you’ll need to check out the Duet for it’s slim frame and ability to be folded up easily. And, to add to the luxe dynamic, this luxury stroller come with Aeromaxx wheels (enjoy the ride of air filled but without the maintenance), a matching diaper bag, and changing mat, and a 3 year warranty! Style and function are perfectly joined with the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury Stroller.

ergoPouch: If you’re looking to switch up your little one’s sleep clothes for spring, check out the ergoPouch Sleep Suit bags; they are made from breathable natural products, so they are ideal for springtime, and the organic cotton is always soft on baby’s skin. ergoPouch products are rated to measure thermal resistance for different seasons, and we recommend using the 1.0TOG Drops Sleep Suit Bag – we love their new Nature Collection that’s inspired by the Australian landscape. You’ll want to cuddle up with baby wearing their ergoPouch Sleep Suit as it’s made from 400+ thread count organic cotton and features stretchy side panels for easy movement. Keep baby a perfect temperature while feeling cozy this summer in their ergoPouch Sleep Suit.

Mac + Mia: Is there anything more fun than picking out new clothes for your little one? We love it too, but it can be hard to get out of the house and get new and fun clothes sometimes! We’re huge fans of Mac + Mia, a unique way to shop for clothing and accessories for your kids from home. How does it work? First you take the style quiz (and we’re big fans of quizzes here!) and give info for your stylist to curate a box for your child. Your stylist will get in touch with you and you can communicate with them to get pieces you need – so cool! Your stylist will send 8-12 handpicked pieces from boutique brands, brands you may not have known of otherwise. The cool part is you only pay for what you keep and there’s free shipping both ways! You can personalize your box with your stylist to fit within budget and types of pieces, too. They carry over 100 brands for babies and kids, so you know you’re getting some very unique and different items than you’d get in store. Not a fan of subscription boxes? Just do it when you want – you are not required to sign up for monthly boxes, just order when you need. Sounds cool, right? Give it a try for your little’s birthday, or this makes an ideal baby shower gift too! New customers can go to this link and receive $20 credit to your account, or head to their website and enter code ASHLEYE for a $20 credit.

BAEBI INOMI carrier: Springtime is about getting outside for walks and adventures, which are significantly easier when you’re babywearing. How do you step out in style while babywearing? By choosing an INOMI carrier. BAEBI is the modern gear brand for the modern parent; their goal is to elevate baby gear by creating high functioning items which won’t compromise your personal style. This carrier has many unique features, such as the detachable clamshell which makes transitioning a sleeping baby much easier, and quilted fabric to keep you and baby cool. A huge win for parents is the fact that the INOMI carrier has more pockets than any carrier on the market; it has 4 pockets, and even room for a diaper, so you can head out on the town and not worry about carrying every little thing. There is no newborn insert needed, so you can start babywearing from the get-go. Plus, the carrier is made from OEKO-TEX certified premium cotton, so any fabric close to your baby is safe for even the littlest of babes. The INOMI carrier is an ideal baby shower gift for any fashion forward parent in your life.

Thank you to ergoPouch, Mac + Mia, Love + Kind, BAEBI, Mountain Buggy, and June + January for making this sponsored post possible! We are so appreciative!

Best Double Stroller for Disney: Jeep® Brand Destination Side x Side Double Ultralight Stroller

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

Best double stroller for Disney? We have a great option for you to consider and though we weren’t planning it as we had no advanced knowledge of the new policy, this is a timely post due to the new Disney stroller rules that Disneyland and Disney World put into place recently. Luckily the Jeep® Brand Destination Side x Side Double Ultralight Stroller meets Disney’s new size & dimension standards.

Planning a magical getaway with her husband and two kiddos, Gugu Guru team member, Theresa, decided to give the Jeep® Brand Destination Side x Side Double Ultralight Stroller a try. Spoiler alert: she was not disappointed. Here’s what she had to say:

First, the many, many Pros…

Pro: Perfect size and great for naps!

This stroller was very comfortable even for our 4 year old but was still compact enough to get through doorways. We also loved that each side could recline and we used it for napping many times!

Pro: Plastic window in canopies

On the subject of naps, we liked the small detail of the plastic window in each canopy. We could peek in to see if they were sleeping while on the go.

Pro: Amazing Storage

The amount of storage was a big plus for us! You can put so much underneath this carriage plus there are smaller zipper compartments behind each child.

Pro: Removable bars across each seat

Our kids are a little older (2 and 4) and we don’t always have the need to strap them into the carriage like a smaller baby but want them to remain seated – the easily removal bars are perfect for that! The kids wouldn’t get out on their own and had something to hang onto when we rode around.

Pro: Doesn’t fall over

If you have had a flimsy stroller you know when you take your child out it usually falls over. Anytime you hang a diaper or shopping bag your stroller was going to tip backward – not this stroller! I would hang my diaper bag plus a shopping bag and stroller would stay firmly in place.

Pro: Folded easily and convenient shoulder strap

This stroller folds down easily and the shoulder strap makes it a breeze to transport. We had this stroller on and off the bus many time and the shoulder strap made if convenient to be holding it and also a child’s hand.

Cons

There really weren’t many downsides to this stroller at all. We found it to be ideal for our family trip to multiple parks within Disney World. However, a couple cons to keep in mind:

Con: A little heavy

While the strap is great, the stroller itself is a bit heavy. It was hard for me to carry personally so I made my husband carry it most of the time.

Con: Maneuverability

I found it a little harder to maneuver and turn but double strollers generally are so I can’t say for sure that any other double stroller would have been smoother.

Overall, I highly recommend the Jeep® Brand Destination Side x Side Double Ultralight Stroller for Disney or any family travel.

Are you a Disney fanatic? Check out these other fun posts:

Obsession: Mickey & Minnie

NoJo Bedding for Gender Neutral Nurseries

Spotted: Fun Baby Collabs

What’s New on Gugu: April 3, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 6, 2019

This week I will be highlighting 5 new items to Gugu Guru. You may have seen these already pop up in your product recommendations, because we love them all so much! 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! These are strictly some of our favorite items that I want to share with you! For loads of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page!

Gabri Isle’s Spring Collection: One of our favorite children’s clothing lines makes high-quality European clothing accessible in the US. We love that they focus on highlighting female-driven brands and love the high-quality items they sell. Plus, they offer a wide variety of styles from all different price points. Great addition to any registry!

MiliMili Wearable Blanket: Made in the USA, MiliMili’s wearable blanket is a lightweight sleepsack, which will keep your little one safely bundled up in his/her crib. Utilizing a bamboo jersey fabric, this sleepsack soft, naturally anti-microbial, and great for sensitive skin!

Lalo ‘The Daily’ Stroller: The latest innovation to hit the stroller market, Lalo is a Scandinavian inspired stroller that promises to streamline the stroller game. Minimalist in design and style, this stroller is an excellent choice for urban families. Look out soon for the convertible version, which will be able to accommodate two kiddos!

Baby Says Chalkboard Shoes: This brand new adorable line of infant footwear was created by a mom who wanted to help older children interact with their new baby siblings. Baby Says shoes have a chalkboard bottom and are available in both moccasin and sneaker style. Each shoe purchase comes with one white chalkboard marker, which will easily erase from your little one’s shoes. Purchase today and let the bonding through artwork commence!

Trend Lab Galaxy Caddy: This ginormous diaper caddy is a perfect addition to any changing station. We love this minimalist caddy, which is lightweight and easy to carry around the house. Plus the Galaxy pattern is gender neutral and will blend in with any nursery décor.

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

What’s New on Gugu: March 13, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 27, 2019

Pregnancy Skincare: Ready, Set, Glow

Pregnancy skincare doesn’t have to feel non-luxurious. You know that first OB-GYN appointment—the one when you bring in all of your products and watch your OB-GYN create that “no” pile? That moment when you need to say good-bye to your can’t-live-without moisturizer, foundation, and entire skincare regime? We remember it too!

It’s not easy to navigate the saturated skincare scene—plus, it takes so much time! What is safe? What truly works? What feels good? What is within my budget? These questions are on most pregnant mama’s radars, which is why we scoured the market to find you a pregnancy skincare option that you will love as much as your beloved pre-baby products (possibly more).

With all of this in mind, we are SO excited to share our latest find with you. Say hello to your pregnancy skincare savior: the Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator. It is soothing, safe, and will give you that essential daily dose of pampering that every pregnant mama needs, and wants, and DESERVES.

Created by the award-winning Belli Skincare, this OB/GYN and dermatologist-recommended moisturizer is safely crafted with nature’s collagen booster, Vitamin C. Its lightweight, creamy formula refreshes, brightens, and helps to even out your skin tone. Plus, its anti-aging grape seed oil works beautifully to firm skin, and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

While this pregnancy skincare essential is powerful enough to fight acne, the paraben-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free formula is constructed to also be calming for ultra-sensitive skin. We love how this breakout-fighter is still an option for allergy-prone skin.

Rich with antioxidants, this pregnant mama’s skincare dream is a great way to begin your self-care practice—something that is essential for motherhood. It’s so easy to forget about your wants and needs as your belly grows, and of course, once your babe enters the world. As your life, emotions, and reflection change during this magical time, this one pampering practice can offer you that “me” time that you should always try to set aside. Keeping this as part of your daily routine can do wonders for your mama soul.

Check out what our founder, Monica, has to say:

Rise and shine, mama. It will feel really good.

Thank you to our partners at Belli skincare for making this sponsored post possible.

What’s New on Gugu: March 27, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: February 27, 2019

I have some great new products to share this week! At Gugu Guru, we are always looking for the latest new baby/parent items to help make your lives easier. This week I am focusing on some new items that will be highlighted at the upcoming JPMA show. JPMA, or Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, is the industry’s authority on baby product quality and safety. Plus, our very own Monica Banks, Gugu Guru’s Founder/CEO will be presenting at this year’s JPMA Trade Show!

For loads of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page! (Also, these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!)

Slumberpod: Imagine this – you are traveling with your infant or toddler and sharing a room for sleep (i.e. hotel room, grandparent’s house, etc.). When your baby first wakes up, they look across the room and can see you instantly. Instead of the full night of sleep you are all used to, your little one is up and ready to start the day. Slumberpod was created for this exact situation. A perfect solution to create a privacy pod over travel cribs or playards. This is a must-have for traveling families!

Dr. Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic Bottle: One of our favorite bottle brands has done it again! The new Options+ Bottle utilizes a special venting system that you can use to help with symptoms of Colic and Reflux. As your baby grows, and no longer needs the extra vent, you have the ‘option’ to remove it. They have made a few other great upgrades to the new bottles, too! We love the one-handed cap removal and new nipple design. These are truly a go-to bottle for any babies with tummy issues!

NOONI’s: NOONI’s is the first all-in-one leak resistant nursing sleep bra. With a patent-pending 4 layer solution, you will no longer wake up to find yourself in a cold and damp top (or worse, bedsheet). Plus, their inside layer is made of a thin fleece material, staying warm and soft on the skin. An extremely comfortable solution to such a frustrating problem!

Cybex Stroller Upgrades: We love Cybex strollers at Gugu Guru! The Priam (class all-terrain) and Mios (travel), have recently received excellent upgrades. They have upgraded colors, stroller suspension, and the Lux Carrycot. These strollers are excellent options for moms looking for a sleek, modern stroller that functions well for everyday use.

Chicco Nextfit Zip Max Air: Chicco’s Nextfit convertible car seat has received quite the upgrade. Now with multiple recline positions, this seat fits infants starting at 4 pounds (rear facing) and converts to a forward facing seat for children up to 65 lbs. It is easy to install and has added safety features. We also love the ability to unzip the fabric, making cleaning a breeze!

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

What’s New on Gugu: March 6, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 13, 2019

Check It Out: the JPMA Show, Built for Baby