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What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for #3

We’re so excited to have a guest post today by our urban mama, Megan – she just delivered her third child and she’s here to tell you all about everything she packed in her hospital bag this time around! You can follow Megan at her hysterically funny Instagram, GirlGoneChildinNYC.

Hi Gugu Guru Moms! I’m GirlgonechildinNYC and I just returned home from having my third baby in four years. Yes, I do not how it keeps happening. I’m a planner, an expert packer for vacations and a somewhat know-it-all when it comes to new mom products. Some women geek out on fashion and shoes, I geek out on new breast pumps. I work on the Merch Team over at Jetblack and my job is to know all the coolest new products coming on the market for moms and babies. I got a ton of questions about what I was packing in my hospital bag for baby #3 so Gugu Guru was nice enough to let me share all my top must have mom products for your hospital bag here.

The Hospital Bag: The Signature NONA Bag is my go to for everything parenting and as a bonus it’s beautiful. I use it for everyday essentials as a working mom to lugging the kids around the city. It’s even spacious enough for me to use to as my hospital bag for my personal items. You can see more about the NONA bag in our fashion gift guide, too.

A Soft Robe: I love a good soft robe that is also photo worthy and I love the cute designs at Pink Blush. This robe was a hit at the hospital by other moms and even the nursing staff!

A File Folder: You go to the hospital with a ton of paper and you leave the hospital with a ton of papers. Make it easier on yourself by packing a file folder to store everything so you don’t lose any important information.

Slippers: Comfy slippers are key to a good hospital stay. Whether you’re pacing the hallways before an epidural or taking your first steps after a C-sections you want to be in something comfy. I’m loving my new Birdies. These indoor/outdoor slippers are perfect for feeling like a Queen after delivery.

Portable Speaker: While I’ve had three C-sections I did do my time in labor with my first son at 57 hours and trust me, it would have been a lot worse if I did not have a portable speaker with me. There is only so much daytime TV one can handle. Also, if you get a cool doctor she may even let you take the speaker into the OR if you have a c-section. My middle child was pulled out of my belly to Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl and my newest daughter was born to Ziggy Stardust blasting in the OR.

Pillow and Eye Pillow: I learned the hard way to bring my own pillow to the hospital. Hospital pillows aren’t known for being super comfortable and you’ll want as much sleep as you can get with a new baby. Luckily my favorite pillow, Night Pillow makes a Compression Travel Case that makes traveling with it super convenient. Also, don’t forget an Eye Pillow to help you get some shut eye.

Comfy PJs: Comfy PJ’s are key to lying around the hospital. I love my pajamas from Bestaroo and the V-neck makes it easy to breastfeed in.

Mom’s Going Home Outfit: When you finally make your escape from the hospital with your new bundle of joy don’t forget something comfy and easy to put on. I love a good cashmere matching sweat suit like the one I have from Design History.

Toiletry Bag: I love my toiletry bag from Hudson+Bleecker!

Under Eye Masks: I swear by a good under eye mask and my favorite is still Baggage Claim by Wander Beauty.

Brightening Essence: After labor or major surgery you’ll need something to brighten up your face and bonus if it’s all natural plus it works, Matrescence.

Dry Shampoo: We all have our favorite brand depending on hair type.

Waterproof Mascara: There will be tears and cameras. Regular mascara isn’t going to cut it.

Towel: Hospital towels are not known for being large and even though you’ll be feeling 10 lbs lighter you’ll still need a bigger towel than they offer.

Compression Sock: When you think compression socks you might think little old lady but Vim&Vigr makes the most stylish compression socks and you’ll need them for that postpartum swelling.

Corset: I’ve slipped a Bellefit on 24 hours after both kids were born even with a C-section. Corsets can help reduce swelling, they can protect and support the c section incision and also help with recovering from Diastiasis Recti which I unfortunately get having big babies. I also recommend purchasing some in several different sizes to help with your waistline as time goes on.

Diapers for Her: Yes we’ve all seen the horrified post by Chrissy Teigen but truth is the hospital underwear is awful and pads just don’t do the trick postpartum.

Stool Softener: Did you know most hospitals won’t let you leave until you’ve had a postpartum poop. The only thing worse about pushing a baby out of you or being split open is being expected to poop 24 hours later. If you don’t like taking pills might I suggest a nice smooth move tea as well.

Lollipops: If you’re in labor and at risk of having a C-section you’ll be cut off from food and water which isn’t pleasant when you’re having contractions. The silver lining? You’re allowed to have Lollipops. Don’t get stuck with Dum-Dums and bring the Yum Organics good stuff.

Mom Washer: I don’t have to explain why you need this but Fridababy makes a cutely marketed product called the Fridet so it makes the reality of why you can’t wash yourself a little less painful.

Ice Pack: This particular ice pack is not for your head, it’s for your vagina. I’ve never had natural birth but my girlfriends have told me Vagikool does wonders.

Femme Wipes: Parasol makes the cutest little wipes for women plus they’re flushable and biodegradable.

Nursing Pillow: The nursing pillow at the hospital is key if you’re planning on breastfeeding. The last thing you want to do after labor or a c-section is to get a cramp in your back. The Nook Niche feeding pillow is changing the game for nursing moms everywhere.

Nursing Bra: I first saw the Milx nursing bra a few months ago at mom event at Of Mercer. I love that this bra doesn’t have snaps and I can easily just pull the bra to the side and it also is pump friendly. It’s the most comfortable.

Nipple Balm: I always love the products from Earth Mama Organics and their nipple balm has always helped keep my nipples from cracking.

Nursing Top: Loyal Hana has one of the cutest nursing tanks with the hidden zipper design. You can’t even tell it’s a breastfeeding top. Plus you get a wow factor to other moms when you bust out your boob with the hidden zipper in a public place.

Nursing Consultant: Boober is an NYC based lactation consultant who can come to you or answer questions over the phone about nursing. Even if you don’t live in the NYC area I recommend you finding a lactation consultant near you to help with breastfeeding. Especially with your first child and you’re new to the whole process. I personally find nursing harder than pregnancy and you had a someone help you throughout pregnancy why not nursing?

Swaddles: ErgoPouch is one of the easiest to use swaddles on the market! Plus they have adorable designs too.

Baby Hats: I always find the cutest newborn hats and mittens on Etsy or Monica & Andy have the best sets too.

Portable Sound Machine: Wavhello Soundbub is a product I will never stop raving about. I love multifunctional products and the Soundbub is a sound machine and portable speaker in one. Inside the womb is noisy so when the baby comes they aren’t used to the silence. The sound machine works wonders for this transition.

Sleepers: I always bring several sleepers for the baby to change into after birth.

Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil is key to putting on the babies butt before they have their first poop. The Coconut oil helps wipe away all that sticky meconium.

Infant Car Seat: Always bring your infant car seat to the hospital for the ride home. A game changer car seat/stroller on the market right now is the Doona. It’s perfect for city living and hopping in and out of a taxi.

Something Instagramable: Even your ex-boyfriend who doesn’t post on Facebook posts a picture of his new baby, right? I always pack a cute swaddle and name tag to make that first picture extra adorable.

Going Home Outfit: Don’t forget to pack an adorable and seasonally appropriate outfit for the baby to wear home. My go to brand for the cold weather is Polarn O Pyret.

Electronics

Camera
Extra Long Phone Charger (you never know how far away the socket will be)
SD Card Adapter
Laptop
Airpods

Nurses Gifts: I always pack a small gift for the nurses. Truth is: if the hospital catches on fire I want her to like me more than the girl next to me.

Coffee Gift Cards
Sephora does amazing $15 goodie bags
Matcha Sticks
Grab a gift card from a manicure place close by the hospital

Sibling Gifts: Becoming a Big Sibling is a lot for kid to adjust to. Sometimes a little gift from the newest addition helps ease the transition.

Big Bro/Big Sis Tattoos
Baby Doll Carrier
Big Bro/Big Sis T-shirt
Activity Book

Best Bras for Everyday Wear: Knix Wireless

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The struggle to find the best bras for women is real. Whether it’s bras for nursing mamas or for work outs, it’s a topic that seems to come up often in forums like the Gugu Village. Probably the most important bra in a woman’s wardrobe is her everyday bra. Today, we would like to introduce you to a line of wireless, ultra-comfortable bras from Knix – that have quickly become a favorite over here at Gugu Guru.

So, first, a little background on Knix. The company was initially founded in 2013 as a line of underwear designed to help women deal with “little leaks.” A problem that many, many moms can relate to when they’re pregnant or after having children. Since the successful launch of that product, the brand has focused on taking different products in the intimates category to the next level when it comes to comfort and innovation. Now, Knix is leading the way with super comfortable wire-free bras and functional underwear.

Spotlight on the 8-in-1 Evolution Bra

From Knix’s collection, we love the 8-in-1 Evolution Bra. It’s both super comfortable as an everyday bra or as a low-impact option to wear to yoga or pilates. You’ll even love it for a brisk around-the-block with the stroller!

It’s made with moisture-wicking, odor-killing, quick-dry fabric that keeps you feeling fresh even when you work up a sweat. (Yes, boob sweat is a thing.) As you know, at Gugu Guru we love personalization. With full reversibility and swappable straps, you can customize the look and feel that you love. Plus, the strap can unhook in front for easy nursing accessibility. The Evolution Bra’s design molds to your unique shape, ensuring that you can move and stretch with freedom.

Knix has used patented technology to to create seamless, chafe-free designs, as well as fabrics with support structures built right into them. The result is beautiful bras to support all shapes and sizes without uncomfortable wires or seams. All of their bras are absorbent, are available in a range of styles. Knix styles are suitable for plus size breasts as well.

Knix believes their bras will become a woman’s “best friend for life” and with something so thoughtfully designed for comfort – we tend to agree with them.

Thank you to our friends at Knix for sponsoring this post.

Cruising With Baby Travel Must-Haves

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Cruising with baby or considering taking a cruise in the near future with your little one in tow? Check out this ultimate guide from Gugu Guru mama and frequent traveler, Denalee, who just came off a 7-day cruise with her one year old son, Mikey. In this post, you’ll hear what products are a must-have for travel in general – but especially for cruising with baby.

Apparel & Accessories

1. SwimZip swimsuits and hat: We LOVE these swimsuits and the hat for travel or cruising with baby, and now for swimming in general. The prints are adorable, they’re really easy to take on and off (even when they’re wet) and they give nice full-body coverage from the sun. I could not find any cons to these bathing suits. I’m looking forward to using these swimsuits all summer. The sun hat (not shown here) is also really nice and lightweight.

2. Bitty Brah Hat: So cute and it fit him so well. The great thing about Bitty Brah is the drawstring that helps them stay on baby’s head. And, even though it was black it was very breathable.

3. pediped shoes: These are easily a favorite. Mikey walks really well in them and they were comfortable enough to wear without socks in the warmer weather. He probably wore these every day of the trip and still wears them in Boston – but with socks :). The velcro makes them really easy on and off, and the ergonomic design helped him keep his “sea legs” sturdy during the cruise.

4. Skip Hop Harness Backpack: This backpack that has a harness for parents to let their tot wander at a safe distance is super cute!!! I loved the idea of this and was so excited to try it. We love it but parents should note that the default position of the clip is on the bottom so if the baby is running away it makes him lean/fall forward. I realized later that you can move the clip to the top, which I think is a better position for it.

5. Ergopouch Layers Sleepwear: Whether cruising with baby on a ship or staying in a standard hotel, one thing that can be unpredictable is the room temperature. I was already a big fan of the ergopouch sleep sack (Mikey uses the winter sack at home and it seems so comfy) so I was excited to try the new Layers pajamas. They did not disappoint. They’re really soft and I love how the feet can be free or you can roll the pjs over them. This is great for walkers because Mikey walks best barefoot but in the warm weather he didn’t necessarily need a sleep sack so it was nice to be able to cover his feet in the night with the pjs. The zipper on the pjs also made it easy on/off and for a quick diaper change.

Feeding

1. b.box Sippy Cup: A sippy cup is a no brainer for travel with toddlers. Mikey liked this cup (read: he didn’t try to throw it across the room) and drank well from it. I like that it has the cover and that you can see how much they’re drinking in ounces. This is a very functional cup for toddlers.

2. Aden + Anais burpy bibs. These are great!! We used them as burp cloths when Mikey and for this trip we used them as a regular feeding bib. They’re cloth so they show dirt quickly but great thing is they cover a lot of his outfit, which is great when we were dressing up for the formal nights / Captain’s Dinners. Mikey has also recently stopped liking the plastic and silicone bibs and often communicates this through the act of tearing them off. The Aden + Anais cloth ones don’t bother him and they wash very well so they were nice to have along on this trip for sure.

3. b.box Snack Pack: this was great for days we were going off of the boat. I used it to pack some of Mikey’s leftovers from dinner and then I didn’t have to worry about the quality (or safety) of food off of the ship. This definitely gave us added peace of mind and the food held up better in it than if we had just used the paper containers the ship gives you at dinner.

4. Neat Solutions Sili-Stick Table Topper. Mikey is still into throwing plates – ha! Just laying out the silicone placemat so he had a clean place to eat was really convenient and it took up almost zero space. (Editor’s note: this placemat is and always has been a favorite of Gugu Guru.)

5. Babyganics Travel Foam Dish Soap. This is a must-have for travel with kids in general. It made cleaning cups, pacifiers, and everything else really easy in our stateroom.

6. Skip Hop matching snack cup. This dispenser paired with the aforementioned backpack that Mikey loved and he ate puffs from it all week.

7. Baby Food Pouches: It was nice to know that I had something healthy and fast for him on the go when we didn’t know what the cruise would be offering but I was actually pleasantly surprised at the food and the staff’s ability to accommodate Mikey. By the way, organic is very important to us, so for our pouches of choice when cruising with baby we liked Once Upon a Farm.

8. This travel size activity board from etsy. While this may seem odd to put in feeding, we loved that this fun Montessori-style activity board kept Mikey entertained at meals (and on the plane!)

Gear

1. Beco Gemini Baby Carrier. Whether cruising with baby, hopping on a plane or simply going sightseeing, I just could not live without this carrier for any kind of travel that we do. I’ve been using this ergonomic carrier since Mikey was an infant and will continue to do because it grows with your child and offers multiple carrying positions.

2. BABYZEN YOYO+ stroller: This is another piece of travel baby gear that we could never live without. While cruising with baby, it folded up so nicely in our stateroom and was easy to maneuver on board in the narrow hallways. I noticed a lot of parents on board had the Baby Jogger City Mini or City Mini GT (I have a City Mini GT at home) and I could not imagine storing that in the small state room. Though the City Mini folds easily it still takes up a good amount of space. Actually, even when I didn’t feel like folding the BABYZEN YOYO+, it still fit in the room using minimal space, which was really convenient.

3. b.box stroller organizer. We LOVED this new item! It clipped on really well to the YOYO+ or you could just throw it over your shoulder. It is big enough for all the essentials (diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, sippy cup, pouch, sunscreen, and even a toy!) It was nice while on board to not have to bring the big diaper bag around and since there isn’t a lot of storage on the YOYO+ this gave us more space and kept us organized with all essentials within reach. We’re even using this more now upon returning to Boston when we’re going out and about for a short time instead of lugging the whole diaper bag.

Personal Care & Wellness

1. Earth Mama Organics sunscreen: This new line of organic sunscreens is just what I want for my baby: natural, thick, and protective. It was a bit too thick for me (although my very fair skinned husband didn’t have an issue with it.) Heads up! Gugu Guru followers can use coupon code BeamOn to enjoy 20% off regularly priced EarthMamaOrganics.com orders through 2/28/19. (Please note that it cannot be used with any other discounts and is valid for US orders only.)

2. Babo Botanicals: I LOVE these wipes – especially for feeding. They’re really soft to use on Mikey’s face, which was great post meals. I also constantly used these wipes to clean all of our hands and even some surfaces. They smell so nice. For mama, I also enjoyed Babo’s sheer lip tint that has a very mild color but again smells nice and kept my lips hydrated and protected from the sun. I am also now officially addicted to their face stick they sent. It was a tinted spf stick that I used every morning. It just glided on my skin really nicely and gave a nice smooth, glowing look to my skin.

3. PlaneAire. This new all-natural, organic sanitizing spray formulated with essential oils was great for our stateroom and on the ship in general while cruising with baby. It now lives in our diaper bag.

4. Rookie Human Crib Sheets. I’m type A and worried about my son using the sheets that the cruise ship pack n play came with so I brought a sheet from Rookie Humans because it’s so stretchy and actually wound up fitting well over the pack n play mattress. Bonus Tip: the cruise offers two sizes for pack n play. We requested the big one because although the smaller size would have given us more room to walk around the stateroom, I knew Mikey would not sleep as well in such a compact spot so the Rookie Human sheet worked well with the bigger play yard.

Another Bonus Tip: One weird thing that was super helpful to have was duct tape! We used it to cover corners, keep drawers and the mini fridge shut, and even hung a sheet with it so Mikey had a “private room” (he sleeps better when he can’t see us). Such a simple thing to bring but it was a life saver.

Disclaimer: Gugu Guru’s editor received some of these products for this guide, however all opinions expressed are solely those of the editor. This post may contain affiliate links. When purchasing an item through affiliate links, Gugu Guru earns a small commission at no extra cost to the purchaser.

Toddler Tuesday: Hatch Baby Rest

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For this week’s Toddler Tuesday, Gugu Guru mama of a three-year-old girl, Shana, talks about Hatch Baby Rest and how it helped her to encourage healthy routines with her toddler daughter.

“Mommy is it time to get up?” “Mommy, the sun’s up!” “Mommy, can I get up now?”

It is 5:45 am and this is life with a preschooler!

I knew it was time for a solution because even an extra 30-45 minutes of sleep is invaluable for a growing toddler. I researched a few different options that mostly involved digital clocks, anthropomorphized animals, and bright lights. Then, I landed on the Hatch Baby Rest.

As a minimalist, I love things that are multi-functional that have longevity. Hatch Baby Rest is a Night Light, Sound Machine, and Time-to-Rise indicator all in one. It’s also highly customizable – schedule, color, brightness, sound type, and volume can all be controlled completely from your smartphone and you can save your various programs. (Hatch Baby Rest can also be controlled manually by tapping it, if apps aren’t your thing.)

Hatch Baby Rest worked like a charm! The first few days my little one would still ask if it was time to get up and I would tell her to wait until the light turned pink and she heard the birds chirping (Hatch Baby Rest has 11 different sounds and 9 different color options.) Then, almost miraculously, she began sleeping soundly for an additional hour and not waking until it was time to start our morning routine! She wakes up well-rested for her busy day at preschool and mama gets a little extra sleep too!

Hatch offers a collection of fun coverlets to coordinate with your child’s nursery or bedroom too.

See more Toddler Tuesday posts here:

Toddler Tuesday: Huxbaby
Toddler Tuesday: London Littles
Toddler Tuesday: Lublini Custom Bedding

Disclaimer: Gugu Guru’s editor received the Hatch Baby Rest for review, however all opinions expressed are solely those of the editor.

PlaneAire Travel Mist: A NEW Diaper Bag Must-Have

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Hey everyone – it’s Monica, founder of Gugu Guru. Today I wanted to share a new travel and diaper bag necessity that I discovered recently – the PlaneAire travel mist. Here’s why I am loving this all-natural sanitizing spray.

We were officially days away from our 7-day holiday cruise this past December when I read an article in the NY Post about how to stay healthy on a cruise that lists tips and advice on how to avoid germs and illnesses like the Norovirus on crowded cruise lines. It made me feel even more relieved that I had picked up a new organic sanitizing spray to bring with me on the trip called PlaneAire.

PlaneAire Travel Mist is a surface & air purifying spray. Made from 100% organic ingredients, one spray of PlaneAire’s mist kills 99.99% of illness-causing bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, MRSA and more.

PlaneAire Travel Mist: What I Like

First and foremost, the ingredients and formulation. I would not consider myself someone whose purchases are highly driven by whether a product is natural or organic. However, there is something about many common sanitizer products that feels yucky to me. It could be the smell, it could be the formulation or the fact that the product does in fact use harsh chemicals. PlaneAire Travel Mist is made from a unique, proprietary layered blend of natural essential oils, Its ingredients were carefully selected for their antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It’s a safe, non-toxic product that contains no alcohol, bleach or harsh chemicals and has an herbal scent versus a chemical smell.
The size. The PlaneAire Travel Mist bottle is definitely made for, well, travel. It takes up minimal space and is convenient to throw in your carry-on bag, your diaper bag or even your regular purse.

What I didn’t like:

Overall, I love the PlaneAire Travel Mist product so there’s not much as far as dislikes go. My one big piece of feedback from more of a customer communication standpoint is that due to the essential oils, the smell is strong. When we used a little on the plane initially, the scent was too strong for the enclosed space. We didn’t want to bother other passengers so we didn’t use it to spray all the surfaces that we were planning to. Similarly when we used it at restaurants to wipe down the high chair, we were a little concerned about others in the restaurant because such a strong scent when people are eating food can be bothersome. I think that PlaneAire should consider giving customers a heads up that PlaneAire Travel Mist can leave a very strong scent and perhaps use sparingly in smaller, enclosed places such as airplane cabins or in public dining areas.

Some things that may help with this:

Remember to shake the bottle a few times before use. This activates the oils and allows the mist to come out more evenly.
Don’t over spray. One good spray per section is good, for example, a tray table might only need 1-2 sprays. Your hands need one spray. A doorknob needs one spray.

Gift Guide: New Year, New Products!

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One of our favorite parts of the year is researching and finding new products for our New Year, New Products post; this year is no exception, as we’re excited to introduce all of these awesome new baby and family products to you. Read on to learn more and check out some exclusive Gugu Guru discounts below.

b.box Insulated Bottle: Getting healthy and hydrated for the new year isn’t just for adults, but often is a family project! We’re loving these brand new b.box insulated bottles for your little ones; the double walled stainless steel keeps liquids cool for up to 7 hours and warm for up to 5, so now your little one can stay hydrated whatever the weather. Often water bottles are necessary for daycare, preschool, travels, and hanging at home…but they are susceptible to leaking, especially when they are tossed on the ground by toddlers and kids! However, the b.box insulated bottles are designed with an easy push button top opening and easy drinking silicone straw top, no leaks, no messes, no fuss! Your toddler or child will easily be able to open and close the bottle on their own without having to ask for help. The b.box insulated bottles even include a little handle so your child can carry their own water bottle while at school or during your travels. They come in 4 modern colors and make a fun little gift for any special moment.

PopYum: Whenever the Gugu Guru team comes across a new product to make formula feeding easier on parents, we get really excited to share it with our audience. Life with babies can be hectic and chaotic, and often you can find yourself with a crying baby in one hand in the middle of the market and no easy way to make a new formula bottle. Worry no longer, parents, PopYum is here! PopYum is the only bottle that was designed to be used with one hand only so you can comfort baby or multitask with your other hand. How does PopYum work? PopYum stores formula and water separately in the bottle. When hunger calls, simply press the buttons (or ‘Pop’), shake a few times, and ‘Yum’! PopYum can be used with water or breast milk; the breast milk is completely isolated in the bottom of the bottle. Therefore, the breast milk never touches the leak points of the tip of the nipple and anti-colic vent until you press the PopYum buttons which releases the agitator and allows the breast milk into the nipple area, making it safe for baby, even on-the-go. PopYum is only made of 5 parts, which is the same number of parts as many regular baby bottles and has up to 60% fewer parts as compared to other formula making bottles! The wide design eliminates the need to for a bottle brush (you can just use a regular sponge) and it’s top rack dishwasher safe. PopYum is made of only medical grade silicone and premium polypropylene. PopYum is BPA-, BPS-, latex-, lead-, nitrosamines-, PET-, phthalates-, PVC- and TPE-free, meaning it is safe for even the smallest of formula fed babies. Imagine not having to put the baby down to make a formula bottle – pretty cool! PopYum would make a great baby shower gift for any new parent, or for yourself – it’s great for every day use, travel, and parents of multiples, too. Use code 10Guru10 for 10% off your order of PopYum.

KinderPerfect: Being a parent is all about learning to laugh in the chaotic moments, and KinderPerfect is the perfect way to get those laughs going. KinderPerfect is the new card game that every parent needs; with 400 hilarious cards crowdsourced from actual parents, you and your friends can laugh at the challenges of parenthood, whether on game night, mom’s night out, baby showers, or family reunions. If you’re hosting game night, just reading the question cards to a room full of parents will get groans and stories before you even get to the answer cards. Heading to meet your mom friends for coffee? Bring KinderPerfect and see just how many commonalities you all have in your parenting horror stories. KinderPerfect makes the ultimate baby shower gift, and you should consider opening it up at the shower so everyone can share stories of their favorite parenting fail. KinderPerfect is very popular for family reunions as well, as you can learn fun facts about your childhood and your parent’s own parenting skills without the crassness of other card matching games, as KinderPerfect is designed to be family-friendly PG-13 in case little ears are around when the game is played. Be the cool mom at the next baby shower you attend and bring KinderPerfect, plus use code 10OFFCards to get 10% off your order.

Scarlett & Michel Smart Baby Clothes: Who doesn’t love getting new clothes for the New Year? Scarlett & Michel, founded by parents, creates beautiful organic baby clothing which is also super functional and practical, too. Their smart footed one-pieces with additional attachable combinations you can easily snap on and off to make your life a little easier! You can actually snap on a bib and a pacific strap at the same time – no more having to change baby’s onesie immediately after spitting up or spilling, as the bib snaps on, so it won’t bother your baby’s skin at all – and don’t even think about losing that pacifier, as the paci-strap snaps on to the pajamas. If you’re heading out with baby, you can even snap the little bonnet on as well, so it can’t come off (or be grabbed off) on your travels. No more replacing hat after hat, as your little one can’t throw this hat on the ground. We love how functional these pieces are, and how smart it is to snap all the different attachments on and off the actual clothing. Speaking of the actual pieces, they are made from organic cotton and spandex, so they are breathable and stretchy for moving around. The pajamas have convertible hands and feet options, so no more cold feed or baby scratching themselves. Plus, you can have fun with mixing and matching all of the print options! The Scarlett & Michel pajamas make a super unique and functional baby shower gift, as new parents soon won’t be able to live without them. Use code Welcome10 for 10% off.

LoveyLu: There are few things babies love more than their loveys and lullabies, which is why a genius mom had the idea to mesh the two into one. LoveyLu is a super soft and cuddly lovey/ security blanket that plays lullabies! Whether you are home or on-the-go, LoveyLu provides comfort and soothing lullabies wherever you may be. Using a rechargeable USB charging system, LoveyLu plays for 30 minutes at a time before shutting off, but can be reactivated for a total of 2+ hours before a re- charge is needed. The soft fabric and adorable animals are loved by babies and provides them a sense of comfort while they doze off. Lullabies are proven to help children fall and stay asleep, increase communication skills and regulate behavior. LoveyLu plays Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Brahms Lullaby, Beethoven and more classical favorites! The elephant LoveyLu makes a fantastic baby shower gift, new baby gift, or even first birthday gift; your little one will love how soothing the soft fabric and sweet sounds are, and you will appreciate how soundly baby can rest. Plus, we love that LovelyLu donates a portion of all proceeds to Children’s Miracle Network. Use code TRAVEL15 for 15% off your order and get singing today!

Colugo Compact Stroller: Called the “Warby Parker of Baby Gear”, we’ve been hearing about the amazingness of Colugo and their new strollers for a while now, so when we got the chance to review one and include in our New Products roundup, we were excited to introduce this super cool new stroller to you all! Colugo was founded by a father who was fed up with the high price of baby products, so he started researching on his own and developed easy-to-use, high quality and very affordable baby gear, including this Colugo Compact Stroller. Coming in 5 colors (you may want one in each color!), this compact stroller is a must-have for any new parent, as it is the only stroller that can be folded up using one hand, in two-seconds – and yes, our team tested this out and it’s true! It’s incredibly lightweight and has a built in carrying strap, so when it’s folded up, you simply can carry it on your shoulder – and is no heavier than an overpacked diaper bag. For our minimalist or small-space living parents, the stroller folds up in a small and compact size, so you can easily store in an apartment without tripping over it. It even comes complete with removable, machine-washable layers; which means one can be in the wash and one on the stroller, Colugo’s swappable layers make it possible to change up your look and freshen up their ride. For a compact stroller, it has significant storage space, and even has an easy-on, easy-off rain cover and UPF 50+ sun shade which keeps your baby safe from the elements. Whether you’re looking for an every-day stroller, travel stroller, or baby gift, the Colugo Compact Stroller is a game-changer for all families; made with both parents and children in mind, the Colugo stroller makes it easy to adventure into the world with your little one.

Looking for some more gift ideas? Don’t forget to check out some other recent gift guides:

Thank you to Colugo, LoveyLu, Scarlett & Michel, b.box for kids, PopYum and KinderPerfect for making this post possible – we are so appreciative!

Arm & Hammer Bright and Strong for Pregnant Mamas

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In this sponsored post, we’re super excited to introduce you to Arm & Hammer Bright and Strong toothpaste; did you know Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong is the only toothpaste with Triple Enamel Protection, fluoride, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, plus Liquid Calcium Technology? It’s ideal for pregnant moms too – especially those experiencing morning sickness. We had some Gugu Village members check out the toothpaste, so read on to see why they are loving it during pregnancy and beyond.

Shannan: The day you find out you’re expecting – whether for the first time or the fourth time – so many emotions, thoughts, and concerns run through your head! There is so much to be thankful for, excited about, but also to decipher between! Not all products are created equal & that is why I am so excited about Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste! Oral care is a really important factor in all of that and Arm & Hammer has made toothpaste that is really thinking of us pregnant moms. I am thankful for anything that makes a mom’s life better. Morning sickness can cause acidic pH levels in the mouth and the stomach acid can cause enamel issues during your pregnancy. We all want to feel our best and know that we are taking care of ourselves to the best of our ability.

Kisha: If you’ve followed my pregnancy journey you know one of the things I’ve had to deal with is morning sickness/Hyperemesis Gravidarum. With my first pregnancy though, I never knew the importance of taking care of my teeth while pregnant. I had no clue the increased acidic activity in my mouth from morning sickness was damaging my teeth. I’m so happy to have found Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste. It has a one-of-a-kind formula that will help repair, strengthen, and protect your teeth from acid that can erode your enamel surface.

Denisse: With little Leah cooking in my belly, it’s so important to take care of myself. Specifically my mouth, to keep my teeth strong and healthy. Part of my morning routine is brushing with Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste along with my electric brush for a better cleaning. The reason why I do this? Well if you don’t know, morning sickness leads to acidic PH levels in the mouth. (Side note – If you get sick, make sure to rinse with water and baking soda (1 tsp baking soda + 1 cup water) first to neutralize the acids!) This product is able to help strengthen enamel with fluoride, neutralize enamel-eroding acids with baking soda, and repairs the enamel surface with Liquid Calcium Technology. Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste is free of triclosan, parabens, artificial preservatives, and microbeads. You should definitely try it out!

Megan: Did you know brushing with Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste can be beneficial to moms suffering from morning sickness? I know I needed this my first trimester when I was sick (not to mention chasing around my two older kids!) Stomach acid caused by morning sickness can create enamel issues with pearly whites. Did you know that brushing with Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste will: 1) strengthen enamel with fluoride; 2) neutralize enamel-eroding acids with baking soda; 3) help repair enamel surface with Liquid Calcium Technology? I love that Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong is free of triclosan, parabens, artificial preservatives, and microbeads so you’ll be putting no harmful chemicals in your body while pregnant.

April: Since morning sickness can lead to some serious acidic pH levels in the mouth (yep, that awful metallic taste in your mouth that won’t hardly go away, if you’ve experienced it, you know what I’m talking about) I made sure to brush my teeth as often as I could stand. Not only did it help keep my breath fresher, but it helped keep my pearly whites healthy, as well as helping cut down on my never ending nausea. As many of you all know, I’m super careful about what products we bring into our home, and since pregnancy is an especially sensitive time for a woman’s body and for the baby growing inside, I wanted to make sure I was only using the best. Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong toothpaste is made with 35% natural baking soda and is free from many of the not-so-good-for-you ingredients that we like to avoid (ingredients like triclosan, parabens, artificial preservatives, and microbeads to name a few). So it was the perfect choice for me and our baby.

Thank you to Church & Dwight for making this sponsored post possible – we are so appreciative.

Gugu Gift Guide: Winter Fashion

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Winter fashion is a particular type of fashion for babies and kids, because you want your little one to look adorable, but also comfy, cozy, and warm! We rounded up some winter fashion looks for your family, and don’t forget to check out the exclusive discounts below.

Pediped Originals Betty Champagne Mary Janes: Dressing your little one up for the holidays can be so much fun, but you want those shoes to last long beyond holiday time as well, too! The Pediped Originals Betty Champagne colored Mary Jane’s from Pediped are the perfect finishing touch to any holiday outfit, and make a great gift for any little lady in your life. We’re huge fans of Pediped as they are ideal for beginning walkers, and all Pediped Originals feature leather soles for ultimate flexibility and lasting quality. Pediped’s Betty Champagne Originals soles feature a diamond leather tread that is more slip resistant yet still crafted completely of high-quality, non-toxic leather that allows little toes to move, grip, and feel the floor. Their breathable all leather soft sole design would look adorable in any holiday photo, and you can feel good about buying these as a gift as they are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development. Use code GUGU20 for 20% off sitewide at pediped.com; valid through 1/1/19.

Striped Sheep Shirts: The Striped Sheep was founded by a boy mama who wanted to create gender neutral tops for children to match with their mama! We’re in love with their sophisticated tops which are also super comfy and soft. The Striped Sheep has two styles for children which come in two different colors. The Mini Coco is a wardrobe essential for those cool summer nights and brisk fall days. A long sleeve boatneck, cut from 2-ply heavyweight cotton, the shirt features dropped shoulders and side vents. Wear alone or layer like a sweater. For boys and girl. This unisex style can be worn with a skirt, jeans or joggers. The Mini Pablo is cut from a lightweight cotton with a silky feel. A long sleeve shirt with a round neckline, it is solid on the top and on the base of the shirt. This unisex style is perfect to wear summer or winter, over any shorts or layered under a vest during the cooler months. Whether you’re preparing for winter or summer, you don’t want to be without your Striped Sheep shirts for mama and kids!

Love + Kind Wrap Skirt: Mama deserves to dress up and feel fantastic this holiday season, too! When it comes to clothing for moms, we’re huge fans of wrap skirts because they are so versatile and one-size fits all – score! You can easily wear these Love + Kind Wrap skirts postpartum, as they are a heavy material and will cover any lumps or bumps you may be conscious of – and you can easily adjust the size, since it’s a wrap skirt. 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. They are elegantly constructed from fabrics available in only extremely limited quantities, and each piece will vary slightly in appearance for a unique look. There are so many gorgeous skirts to choose from, and they can easily be dressed up or down this holiday season.

ErgoPouch Layers Sleepwear: There’s nothing like gifting soft pajamas to the littles in your life for the holidays – and we are big fans of the ErgoPouch Layers for so many reasons. This luxurious sleepwear is made with either Organic Cotton or Bamboo Viscose for breathability and are Tog rated for warmth. The Layers range can be mixed and matched underneath the ergoPouch range of swaddles, sleep bags and sleepsuit bags for year-round comfort and include a 3-way zip, making nappy changing easy! We love their modern prints, and how there are so many gender neutral options, as well. The ErgoPouch Layers Sleepwear are ideal for traveling with kids during the holidays, as they are super soft, easy to wash, and beyond adorable.

NONA Signature Baby Bag: As busy moms know, your diaper bag quickly becomes your main purse – and the last thing you want is to feel like you’re lugging around a dirty diaper bag all day. Which is why our team are swooning over the NONA Signature Baby Bag – sophisticated, stylish – and incredibly practical, too. Made from vegetable tanned leather and easy-care fabric, the NONA Signature Baby Bag will help you feel confident on-the-go even when there’s baby drool in your hair. We appreciate that it is made from ethically sourced materials and responsibly crafted using high quality, eco-conscious materials. The Signature Baby Bag features unique incredibly functional attributes such as insulated bottle pockets, removable interior insert, no-fuss magnetic opening and lots of pockets to carry everything a mama needs. You will slay the #mombosslife with your NONA Signature Baby Bag, as it allows for mom to carry out her diaper duty and take care of business matters. We’re all about multifunctional products at Gugu Guru, and we love that this bag can be used for baby gear, every-day mom life, work stuff, or even as a gym bag, travel bag – or day trip bag. Don’t have baby with you? No worries, the bag is stylish enough to hold its own, so pack yourself up for a night away with your NONA Signature Baby Bag. Our urban mama Megan is rocking the NONA Signature Baby Bag and said, “I love it so much it’s been doubling as my work bag M-F. I hate having a work bag and a mom bag I have to switch back and forth with because I always forget something. This baby packs a ton of storage and is super chic.” Use code GUGUNONA for 15% off!

Mary Smallwood Nexus Bag: We love when fashion meets function and practicality – and, a perfect example of style and function is the Mary Smallwood Nexus Bag. Crafted from exquisite leather, these bags wrap around your wrist, preventing anything from falling out, or anyone from reaching in. Plus, they are handmade bags, and even festival and stadium approved, so you can have your necessities with you at all times. If you’re pushing a stroller or babywearing, the Mary Smallwood Nexus bags make the ultimate accessory, as they are lightweight and easy to carry on your wrist. Heading out with your girlfriends? Sip your cocktail in peace, and don’t worry about putting a bag down, as you can drink up while wearing your Mary Smallwood Nexus Bag on your wrist. Plus, they’re ideal for travel as they lie flat, and we think you should always have one stashed in your diaper bag in case you’re running into a store and only need one or two things. The new line of Nexus handbags come in five chic colors; Fade to Black, Old Fashion Espresso, Aviation Blue, Gibson Grey and Kir Royal Red.

Gabri Isle X Wolfcub Mint Green Limited Edition Knit Romper: It’s no secret we’re fans of Gabri Isle; Gabri Isle is an online boutique of curated baby clothes from European female designers. We love that Gabri Isle brands use sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices and the clothes are high-quality – making them ideal for your little ones, or as the ultimate gift for others. Plus, Gabri Isle tell the brands’ stories, the items always ship from the US, and a portion of profits goes to organizations that empower female entrepreneurs. The Mint Green Limited Edition Knit Romper from UK brand Wolfcub is a Gabri Isle exclusive collaboration with Wolfcub known for the best-selling knit romper in a signature color. It features real wood buttons and thick, soft, and cozy knit; it is manufactured ethically in a 100-year-old family-run factory outside of London – sounds dreamy to us! This is a fantastic gender neutral gift idea which will no doubt become a family heirloom.

Still looking for the perfect gift? Check out our other gift guides:

Thank you to Mary Smallwood, Gabri Isle, Love + Kind, ErgoPouch, NONA Bags, Striped Sheep, and Pediped for making this post possible – we are so appreciative!

Pumping at Work Must-Haves

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This is a guest post on pumping at work must-haves from Gugu Guru “real mama” Toni Morris. Toni is mama to an adorable baby boy Gryffin. In her career as a Digital Media Specialist for a Fortune 500 company, Toni has a jam-packed schedule that often includes travel. Today she shares the must-haves that help to her keep up with her nursing and pumping goals.

Hi, my name is Toni and I am a working mom and in this post I am talking about some of my favorite products for pumping at work. You can hear it first hand in my latest Instagram takeover for Gugu Guru. Here are some items that I think have been a blessing as a working mom:

Breast Pump + Extra Parts to Keep at Work
Of course you need a breast pump for pumping at work (I use the Medela) but the real tip I have for you is to get a spare set of parts to keep at work. I cannot tell you the amount of times I forgot a cap for milk storage. Keeping a supply of breast milk storage bags also comes in handy for those emergency situations.

Breast Pump Bag or Backpack
Another must-have for pumping at work is a solid pump bag. I use a Bananafish bag. It’s a backpack, which is easier to carry into work, is stylish and there is room for EVERYTHING. It can hold a decent amount of snacks as well.

Insulated Breastmilk Cooler And Baby Bottle Bag
An insulated baby bottle bag is helpful for keeping bottles warm or cold. I love this one from Skip Hop that holds two bottles and comes with an included freezer pack.

A Hands-free Pumping Bra
I recommend a bra like this one from Simple Wishes because I need my hands to work while I am pumping everyday – otherwise sitting still for 15-20 minutes 3 x a day would drive me insane!

Lansinoh Therapearl Heating Pads
I love these Lansinoh Therapearl microwaveable heating pads because they help to use in between pumping for those pesky clogged ducts. Just make sure you stick to the microwave directions or else you may end up popping it (face palm). Good thing it comes with two!

Personalized Necklace
I wear a Stella + Dot necklace with Gryffin’s name on it. It’s fashionable but meaningful and reminds me why I am at work to give him a better life.

Water Bottle
Pumping adds in an additional 90 minutes to my day that is already jam packed with meetings. It’s great to have a water bottle always at my side to remind me to stay hydrated.

Want to see more? Check out this post to see five of Gugu Guru’s favorite pumping products for working mamas.

DIY Baby Headband Tutorial with See Kate Sew

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See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru once again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. This time? How to create DIY baby headbands. This tutorial features the 4moms mamaRoo4. Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win one of these next level baby swings at the end of this post.

(Realizing I may have gone a little overboard with the baby pictures on this one, whoops!) But I’m thrilled to be back at Gugu Guru today with this cute DIY baby headband tutorial! You can check out more sewing and crafts at SeeKateSew.com!

I used knit (stretchy) fabric to create a 4-strand braided headband with a frilly ‘bow’ at the top. This requires only a little bit of actual sewing, most of the construction is pretty easy!

I love fun DIY baby headbands and especially love making them with really soft floral fabric. I used two types of fabric to get two slightly different looks! The black floral fabric is a stretch velvet, which curls up into a tube when you stretch it so it was a little easier to braid and has a thicker finished product. The pink floral is brushed polyester fabric, which is amazingly soft and doesn’t curl up as much for a flatter braid effect. Since these use knit fabric, it’s a great headband to go with a handmade outfit for a matching ensemble!

Scroll to the bottom of this post to enter to win a 4moms mamaRoo! We are loving this baby swing, you can read the rest of my review of the 4moms mamaRoo4 over at my blog, See Kate Sew.

Materials//

-1/2 yard Stretchy Knit Fabric

-large hair clip or tape

Instructions//

Cut 4 rectangles 24″ by 3″. If you are making this headband for a larger child, cut the pieces longer. We’ll trim them down at the end, so longer is better here.

Stretch each strand so the edges curl over. This will happen differently for different types of knit fabric. If the fabric curls the wrong way, press the strands in half with the right sides showing instead.

Now we’re essentially going to make a 4 strand braid!

Start by clipping the 4 strands about 4″ from the top of the strands. You can also tape them down to a surface like a table. I taped the open end of my clip to keep them all secure in there but you may not have to do this depending on the clip!

A 4 strand braid is made by crossing strand 3 over strand 2. Then cross 3 over and under 1 and 2 over and under 4. Next cross the 2 middle strands, 3 over 2 and cinch all the strands up for a tighter braid. Continue this process. Braid until there are about 4″ left.

Cross both ends of the headband to create a circle and meet the ends of the braid. Pin them together and sew right through the middle using a zig zag stitch. I like to make 2 passes so it is very secure.

Pull out one of the strands and tie it over the stitching so you can’t see it. This will also make the top look like a bow. Trim to your desired length.

4moms mamaRoo4 giveaway

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