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Gamechanger for Bathtime: Moms Love Bubbsi

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Looking for a bath routine to top all others? We had five moms test out Bubbsi’s Newborn Starter Set with their little ones. Bubbsi is revolutionizing the bath game. Utilizing coconut oil, they have created a line of bath products safe for newborns battling a variety of skin concerns. Eczema, Diaper Rash, and Cradle Cap be warned, you are receiving your eviction notice! Keep your little one’s skin nourished this winter with Bubbsi.

Abby, 4 year old twins, 17 month old twins, Chicago IL

Having 4 kids with sensitive skin, I am always on the hunt for new skincare lines. Generally, we look for things that are fragrance-free (and sesame-free, thanks to allergies!), tear-free, and easy-to-follow. Some of the skincare lines I’ve tried with my kids have had up to 8 steps, making them nearly impossible to complete daily. Our pediatric dermatologist has always spoken about the benefits of coconut oil, but when I tried putting this on my kids directly, we all ended up greasy and miserable. Enter Bubbsi! The answer to our daily struggles! First off, the bottles are adorable! Quite honestly, they became a nice distraction for my babies during bathtime. Next, they are refillable. No more spending $$$ on new bottles every time you need a replacement, and with 4 kids, it’s often! Lastly, they work! My kids’ skin was nourished, moisturized, and the steps were easy enough for my 4-year-olds to follow without any help. I will definitely be recommending this to my friends!

Anya, 1 year old + 3 year old, Rhode Island

I was so excited to try Bubbsi. I’m always looking for all natural products for my girls. They have super sensitive skin and sometimes get eczema from food allergies and colder weather. I love the fact that Bubbsi is almost fully naturally derived and I don’t worry about putting that on their skin. Both my girls have full heads of hair and I have been looking to try a shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo really cleans well but left their hair a bit dry so you definitely need to use the conditioner with it. The conditioner left their hair super silky with no knots and made it easy to brush out. As for the cream I was shocked. My younger daughter has little spots of keratosis on her arms and they almost went completely away after only one use and the diaper cream left her super smooth and protected. So excited to find Bubbsi and will continue to purchase in the future!

Katherine, 5 year old + 10 month old, North Carolina

I was given the Bubbsi head-to-toe set to try. First off, the packaging was super cute. I love that the packing peanuts dissolve in water! What a great way to help the environment. The products all smell wonderful. It’s a light scent, so it isn’t overpowering at all. My son and I both love the squishy feel of the bottles. The shampoo/body wash, lotion, and balm are soothing to both mine and my baby’s sensitive skin. We also appreciate that it is peanut and tree nut allergy friendly!

Overall, I give it a 5 out of 5! We will definitely be Bubbsi customers for a long time!

Erica, 2 1/2 year old + 9 month old, San Diego CA

I received the Bubbsi product via Gugu Guru and was so excited to try it out. Upon opening the box the smell was wonderful. I tried the body wash and lotion with both of my boys, age 9 months and 2 ½ . 

Packaging: Absolutely love the packaging, design, and colors. Both of my boys immediately took to playing with the packaging. With that, I also had to make sure they didn’t have anything without supervision ☺ 

Feedback: The biggest thing I noticed was due to the consistency of the product and because it is cream-based, the water in the bath got murky. It’s inevitable that my kids put bathwater in their mouths, but this time I was careful to make sure they didn’t. I ended the bath a bit early so I could drain the tub. 

Although I LOVED the packaging, smell, and overall look I wasn’t a fan of the creaminess and the residue it left in the tub. The lotion was great, but I found the small was just a bit too much for my kids and I used it on myself.

Thank you to Bubbsi for letting our moms test their products!

Looking for more Real Mom Reviews:
Real Moms Review: Territory Foods
4 Real Moms Tell Us Why Larktale Strollers are a Gamechanger
Real Moms Tell Why The Boon GRUB is a Gamechanger

Registry Dilemma: Bouncer or Swing?

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Here’s a hint from the team at Gugu Guru: you might not need a bouncer AND a swing. Both bouncers and swings have a specific function and each fits a certain lifestyle and living situation. If you have the space to accommodate both, awesome! But babies come with a lot of gear and it really depends on if you have the space to accommodate both or not.

Take the quiz below to find out what’s the best choice for you…bouncer? or swing?

If you still want to shop all of the options, here are our unbiased pros and cons for both types of baby chill out styles from the team at Gugu Guru.

BOUNCER

What is it? 

A bouncer is usually lightweight and moves with baby’s own movements, or a nudge from mom and dad’s hand or foot. Bouncers tend to be more compact, low to the ground, and easy to store.

Pros

  • Many baby bouncer seats don’t require batteries and even if they do, your little one will still get the benefits of bounce, no batteries required.
  • If you have limited space, a baby bouncer only takes up a little bit of real estate.
  • Bouncers are portable. You can easily move it from room to room or throw it in the trunk to bring to grandma’s house.
  • They are generally less expensive than swings.

Cons

  • There’s typically only one motion with a bouncer—bouncing.
  • Some babies are less likely to drift off to sleep in a bouncer than in a swing.
  • Some bouncers can easily tip over and seem a bit less stable than swings. Take caution with where you place them and make sure not to leave baby unattended in one.

Our favorite bouncers:

SWING

What is it?

A swing is often larger than a bouncer and is mechanically powered to rock baby back and forth or side to side. Many swings have additional features like songs, white noise, vibration, and more. 

Pros

  • Many swings come with toys and various settings with lights, vibration, music and other sounds, making them a one-stop-shop of entertainment for babies.
  • Swings have the magic ability of soothing most babies when they’re fussy.
  • The swinging motion is like an instant sleep inducer.

Cons

  • Baby might get accustomed to the back and forth motion and may have trouble falling asleep without it.
  • These things tend to have a big footprint. A swing can take up a lot of space in a small apartment.
  • Swings need a power source and/or they go through a lot of batteries.
  • Swings are heavy. Once you decide on a spot for one, it’s staying there until you can call for backup to move it.

Our favorite swings:

Can’t decide? Still think you need both? It happens! Here are some great hybrid options we recommend. These hybrid products offer parents the best of both worlds, and help you avoid a home taken over by too much baby “stuff”.

More playtime favorites:
Tummy Time & Play: Gugu Picks
Best Baby Activity Cards

5 moms Pamper their Feet with Barefoot Scientist

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As a busy mom, your schedule is full. You don’t always have time to do everything you need to do, let alone things you want to do like stop in at the salon and get a pedicure. What if you could get that post-pedicure soft, smooth feet feeling from home? You can with Barefoot Scientist and their many products to help keep your feet in tip-top shape.

Maybe you’ve got dry feet. Or maybe you’re a mom who cares about clean ingredients and cruelty-free products. Maybe you’ve never thought about your feet more than putting on socks and shoes in the morning. We had 5 moms from our Gugu Village try the Smooth Operator bundle from Barefoot Scientist. Read what they had to say below.

Sophia, mom of 3

The Barefoot Scientist Smooth Operator set is an excellent way to get a little me-time while at home. Although I love a good pedicure, having this system to use in between my trips to the spa allows me to feel like I’m prioritizing a little self-care. Simply slip on the socks while you’re watching TV, sitting at your computer, or laying in bed and your feet will soak in all that goodness. The best part is, I hate wearing socks (they make my feet hot) but the socks are so amazing that even after I slipped them off, my feet stayed nice and cool all night. The hydration cream is a nice addition before slipping on the gel-filled socks and I love having my own ‘Gratest’ rasp tool to take care of my tough spots. Be careful not to overuse! These are a great addition to the dry winter weather coming our way in the midwest!

Ali, Mom of 2 & Pregnant

My favorite form of self-care is painting my nails and toes and I am always on the lookout for tools to make that easier. As a mom of 2 with 1 more on the way, going to the salon has become something that happens every three or 4 months so I needed help to take care of my feet. The Gratest rasp tool said you could use it on dry feet or after soaking for 10 mins but I choose to try after a shower. It was very comfortable in my hand and I felt safe in control. Additionally, I liked the string for easy drying after cleaning. The High Dive hydration cream is probably the thickest moisturizer I have ever used and felt absolutely luxurious. I felt confident in the ingredients they used (Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist Tested. Vegan. Free of Phthalates & Parabens.) even during my pregnancy.  The Sleep On It overnight gel socks were a new experience for me! I would recommend putting them on as you are in bed as they did not feel comfortable when walking around. However, when I woke up and took them off, my feet were definitely softer than I had ever felt before. For super dry feet, combining the moisturizer and socks might work well but it was a little too much for me. I am excited to try the socks alone! 

Sarah, Pregnant with her first

Absolutely loved the product right out of the box. The simple packaging translated to the relaxing scents of the products. I was already hooked! The High Dive made my feet smell heavenly and after a full day on my feet, combined with the Sleep On It socks made my night before I even got into bed. The combination is a great way to destress and relax after a bath/long shower and I’m definitely looking forward to the next time I use my in-home foot spa treatment! I was a little nervous using The Gratest but using it on wet skin from the shower reminded me of my last pedicure, and I couldn’t resist! These three products are awesome individually, or together – you can’t go wrong. Great way to relax the feet for the next day, and great smelling too!

Brianna, mom of 2

The Gratest and High Dive were my favorite products of the three in the set. I was able to easily remove dry skin with the Gratest. It was painless and quickly allowed my skin to have a smoother feel. The High Dive was very moisturizing and had a luxurious feel to it. It was not too thick and easily absorbed. Definitely a step up from a normal lotion. The Sleep On It socks were interesting in that they have a gel coating on the interior where the ingredients are to help provide additional moisture while wearing them. However, they feel a little odd between the weight of them and the gel texture. While I would prefer a sock without the gel, I do appreciate that they have multiple uses (up to approximately 12 per pair). There was some moisturizer residue on my feet after taking the socks off following wearing them overnight. It washed off easily. 

The Smooth Operator set is a wonderful addition to my home self-care and I am happy to have come across it. Two days after using the set and my feel soft and refreshed and I will definitely be using this set going forward. 

Melissa, mom of 1

First I want to start with the package itself. It made me feel extra special with the personal handwritten note, it just adds a little more thoughtfulness to the experience and to the product. It’s something to keep in mind when I send it to my friends and family. I started my foot care with the therapeutic socks. The instructions state you can wear them anytime, I prefer at night. You do need to get used to the soft gel, I can see for some people it might feel weird— it did for me the first time. Hence, why I decided to do it at night. After wearing them for a couple of nights, I can definitely see the difference in how soft my feet felt.   I didn’t have any allergic reactions— I tend to have sensitive skin— the smell was not irritating, and what I love most it’s cruelty-free, free of phthalates and parabens. Be aware you do have to hand wash them and after much usage, the gel does run out. However, I love how I can now incorporate it as part of my own wellness routine.  I tend to be on my feet all day, and these socks just work their magic! Love the concept. 

Now the High Dive cream, with just a couple of drops I can see how it absorbs deeply to the cracks of my feet. It’s really light,  smooth, and most importantly,  without leaving behind residue. Fragrance-free and it feels like you have no lotion on your feet. Lastly, the Gratest. The foot file for your feet! I should have started with this first because whenever you need to hydrate your skin you need to prep it. I do have to admit, I always get scared using these types of products for the fear of thinking I’m going to cut my skin. This tool however is lightweight and easy to use. As with any, the blade is sharp, so I didn’t have to add so much pressure to remove the rough skin. Overall, the kit is well worth it. 

Thank you to Barefoot Scientist for letting our moms test these amazing products!

Looking for more Reviews and Tips? Check out our most recent below-

9 Items You Need to Celebrate Thanksgiving with Your Baby

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With Thanksgiving just around the corner, perhaps you’re already thinking about how to celebrate the holiday with your baby or toddler. Whether you’re cooking the big meal at home or attending a family get together, we’ve put together a list of items and gear that will make your day with baby flow smoothly.

The Perfect High Chair for Thanksgiving

Nomi Baby Accessory – $189.95

Do you have a newborn or little one up to six months who isn’t quite into eating like everyone else will be on Turkey Day? You’ll want to get a Nomi Baby, an accessory to the Nomi High Chair to bring your new bundle of joy to the table. The elevated height of this not-quite-a-high-chair lets you keep an eye on your baby while you eat. You won’t have to leave the table to attend to a fussy baby who can hear everyone else having a grand old time while passing the mashed potatoes. You’ll encourage full family togetherness, from oldest to youngest, with ease. Additionally, if you have a toddler and you want a great high chair that grows with them, check out the Nomi High Chair and learn more about Nomi here.

Stay Clean on Thanksgiving Day

Green Sprouts Stay-dry Bibs (10-Pack) – $21.99

No doubt you already have an incredibly cute outfit (or two) picked out for your little one’s Thanksgiving Day. Keep those clothes clean whether they’re nursing, teething, or eating their first foods. The Green Sprouts Stay-Dry Bibs are waterproof, making them perfect for everything from food to drool to spit-up. They’re a must have for teething droppers and keeping those clothes dry.

Green Sprouts Snap + Go® Silicone Food-catcher Bib – $11.99

For the toddlers who are ready to chow down on turkey and green bean casserole, grab a Food-catcher Bib! Not only will the waterproof silicone keep them neat and tidy, but the food catcher will keep your floor—or your family’s floor—clean from the tornado that can be toddlers learning to feed themselves. It’s made from safe materials and easy to clean. It also rolls up neatly for easy travel purposes. 

From Bottle Feeding to Self-Feeding to Snacks

Boon TRIP Travel Drying Rack – $14.99

If you’re bottle feeding on the go this Thanksgiving, grab the TRIP travel drying rack from Boon. Place it next to the sink at your in-law’s house or on the counter in your hotel room. You can wash the bottles and nipples in the sink with the handy dual-ended brush. They can then dry on the green lawn. Of course, the best part is that this drying rack is compact and folds up quite small to toss in your diaper bag. 

Green Sprouts Learning Plate and Cutlery Feeding Set – 26.99

For the toddlers who are learning to feed themselves, bring along this learning plate and cutlery set from Green Sprouts. On top be being appropriately sized for your little one, the suction cup on the bottom of the plate may save you from additional messes. You won’t have to worry about your toddler damaging great-grandma’s china or cleaning up after a plate heads off the side of the high chair and lands on the family dog. It’s win-win. 

GoBe Kids Snack Spinner – $24.95

If your family is like any other family, the big Thanksgiving meal might not be served exactly at the planned time. Having snacks on hand for your little one might help avoid a meltdown. The GoBe Kids Snack Spinner will help save the holiday. On top of having a variety of snacks at hand, it’s spillproof! You can focus more on helping get the meal on the table and less on cleaning up spilled goldfish and fruit. Looking for some healthy snack ideas to fill up the Snack Spinner? We have some great snack ideas for you!

The Baby’s Brew 2-in-1 Snack Cups – $14.99

When it comes to snacks on the road this holiday, you may want to opt for the 2-in-1 snack cup from The Baby’s Brew. It can be a sappy cup or collapse into a snack cup, making it a versatile, compact pick when packing space is limited. Solve two problems with one item. You can also learn more about winter and holiday travel with baby here.

Stay Busy on Thanksgiving

Busy Baby Placemat – $24.99

Keep your toddler busy while they wait for the rest of you all to finish your Thanksgiving seconds. Or thirds. They’ll get to play with two toys that are tethered to the mat—meaning that they can’t toss them on the floor for everyone’s favorite game of Pick Up! And you’ll get to savor the pumpkin pie slathered in whipped cream. It will be a holiday to remember for sure. 

Stay Cute, Too

Melange Collection Pumpkin Hat – $24.00

Speaking of pumpkins, your little pumpkin definitely needs this hat for their first Thanksgiving. Or second. Or third. 

Wherever you’re going this Thanksgiving, this list will help keep you and your baby feeling at ease this holiday. 

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Registry Dilemma: Selecting a High Chair

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You’ve mastered the newborn phase. Feeding, burping, and spit up has been taken care of. As you near that 6-month mark, the next phase is creeping around the corner – introducing solids. Once your pediatrician gives you the green light, you know how to start introducing food, but where should baby sit? We’ve teamed up with Boon and surveyed our network of moms to bring you the top must-haves when selecting your high chair.

Easy to Clean

The top piece of feedback we received from parents is that their high chair must be easy to clean. In the beginning, this may not seem like a deal-breaker. The mess is initially pretty easy to contain, but soon your baby becomes a toddler who likes to throw, smash, and crumble every bite of food. You will need to give the high chair a thorough wipe down after every meal and this must be simple! Look for seats without lots of nooks and crannies and stay away from high chairs with big comfy upholstered seats. Boon has clearly thought about real life with babies and toddlers. The entire seat can go in the dishwasher! Throw the seat cushion in the washing machine along with the harness straps and your GRUB will look brand new.

Easy to Use and Safe

Parents also love simplicity. When you’re trying to wrangle a messy 8-month-old out of their seat, the last thing you should worry about is how to undo the harness. Simple harnesses and trays that are easy to remove are essential for everyday use. Look for a 5 point harness, keeping your little one safe from their first meal in the high chair. Boon’s GRUB has both a 5 point harness and an excellent tray (which is also dishwasher safe). For added simplicity, there is a hook on the back of the high chair for easy bib storage.

Ergonomics

As the generation who was raised on computers and screens is now having their own babies, we must be mindful about proper posture & ergonomic seating. We love that Boon GRUB has built-in an adjustable 5-position footrest to provide more ergonomic seating. We also love that the seat sits straight up and down, allowing for a 90 degree angle when seated.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Your high chair will essentially become another piece of furniture in your home. You don’t want to be stuck staring at something if you hate how it looks. Boon GRUB is a gorgeous high chair that will fit seamlessly into any kitchen. Plus, the seat pads now come in both green and pink (in addition to grey) making it great for twins or to spruce up a seat for your second little one down the road.

Multi-Functional

Finally, we love a high chair that is going to grow with your little one. We will always prioritize selecting a high chair with these options. The Boon GRUB can be used as a high chair, a table/counter height chair, and even a play table chair for your toddlers and young children. The best part? The chair has a sleek aesthetic, meaning it will fit with your home’s decor while being a safe place for your 3-year-old to have lunch!

Thank you to Boon for making this post possible.

Looking for help with other Registry Dilemmas? Check out our support below-
*Newborn Clothing
*Swaddle Blankets, Wearable Swaddles, and Sleepsacks
*Bouncer or Swing

The Only Travel Checklist You’ll Ever Need

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The 2021 holidays will be here before we know it and along with everything else on our plate, we also have to decide if we’ll be traveling with our little ones this holiday season. No matter what you choose for your family, Gugu Guru is going to have your back, recommending the best products to keep things stress-free.

Gear

  • Car Seat – Our post on Travel Car Seats is a great place to start.
    • The Clek Liing: designed with a European belt path allowing you to securely install the car seat without the base. It is also aircraft-approved. Bonus: the lightweight polyester-spandex blend interior fabric feels like pjs, giving your little one a cozy place to snuggle up.
    • The Wayb Pico is ultralight, super strong, and absorbs energy forces in a crash while being 8lbs! It folds compactly for easy storage and installs safely in seconds with LATCH or a seatbelt.
  • Stroller -No matter where you have to fit your stroller, we have the best Lightweight Travel Strollers to meet your needs. Here’s two of our favorites:
    • The Larktale chit chat™ is constructed from recycled nylon fiber for a lightweight and incredibly strong design. Built in suspension, quick fold, and a carrying strap makes travel with littles a breeze.
    • The Mountain Buggy Nano is a hidden gem. It’s car seat compatible, has a carry strap, and a travel bag while meeting carry-on requirements for most aircrafts.
  • Carrier – Great for the airport, discreet nursing, and naptime. Some parents actually prefer a carrier to a stroller for travel! Either way, take our Baby Carrier quiz or check out 2 of our picks:
    •  The Baby K’tan Original carrier is especially nice for travel as the included sash converts to a carry bag when needed! Known as the “wrap without wrapping”, it offers a hands-free, buckle-free experience for parents! The new Active Oasis style has antimicrobial properties for a little extra peace of mind. 
    • If you prefer something with a little more structure, the BabyBjorn Mini is made of soft cozy fabrics. It has an adjustable seat and head support to make it ergonomic. 
  • Changing Pad/Diaper Bag – We recently surveyed our Gugu Village for the most inconvenient place they have ever had to change a diaper. Topping the list was an airplane bathroom. Having a hands-free bag like the TWELVElittle Diaper Clutch 3.0 or the Kibou bag makes it so much better. 
  • Travel Gear Bags –J.L. Childress has some excellent options. The bright colors make your bags easy to spot and they have Disney options, too! 

Sleep

  • Travel Crib – To continue following Safe Sleep Guidelines, we recommend a playard or travel crib at your destination.  Looking for something more compact?:
    • The Babymoov Travelnest is a portable bassinet that can be used as a diaper bag, napper, or changer. It converts within seconds and has a removable foam mattress plus sturdy edges to keep newborns, infants, and toddlers comfortable.
    • Pro-Tip: If your stroller system came with a detachable bassinet (that is approved for sleep) this is a great option for your baby in a hotel or family home as well!
  • Sound Machine – whether you are trying to mimic your baby’s home environment or drown out other guests, the Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Machine is excellent. It’s compact, clips onto your stroller/carseat/bassinet and lasts 6+ hours on a single charge.
  • Toddler Options – Looking for a solution for your toddler?  The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed Portable Inflatable is an excellent airbed choice. It’s made with built-in guard rails, fits a standard crib sheet, and includes a compact pump and carrying bag. For durability, check out the Regalo My Cot Pals is lightweight, holds up to 75lbs, and requires no setup. 
  • Pregnancy Pillow – Expecting Mamas, don’t forget about yourself! I recently drove from NJ to FL at 7 months pregnant and bringing my bbhugme® Pregnancy Pillow was a lifesaver. I used it in the car, the hotel, and for elevating my swollen feet.  My pregnancy travel must have!

Feeding

  • Formula Container – Figuring out formula logistics on vacation can be its own stressor. You may want to ship ahead to ensure formula will be waiting at your destination. To help carry small amounts, the Baby’s Brew Formula Dispenser Pro is mess-free, easy, and fast. It holds 150 grams of powdered formula, and one push equals 1 scoop of formula – that’s it!.  If you prefer pre-measured, Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Milk Powder Dispensers fit inside most bottles for travel.
  • Bottle Brush – to clean and reuse your bottles, the Boon TRIP Travel Drying Rack is compact and includes everything you need – the drying rack and 2 brushes. Just add soap. 
  • Cooler – from breast milk to sippy cups, baby food to snack containers, water bottles to flasks (oops how did that one get in there) you may need to keep things cold. PackIt’s Freezable Classic Lunch Boxes is the first and only lunchbox with freezable non-toxic gel built in to keep food and drinks chilled for hours. The Luli Bebé Monaco Snack Bag can be worn either as a backpack or over-the-shoulder and fits large 16oz beverages. Finally, the YETI Hopper Portable Cooler is the perfect size for long road trips, holds temperature extremely well, and can fit 6 bottles or cans with ice.  
  • Snack Container – toddlers + snacks will keep tantrums at bay.  For airplane days, we choose to lighten up on many rules – you want goldfish for breakfast, great! The GoBe Kids Snack Spinner is easy to pack and allows you space for 5 different snacks. We also love the Baby’s Brew 2-in-1 Snack Cups that can be used as a collapsible cup for on-the-go drinks or snacks. Best of all, both are dishwasher safe! 

Organization

  • Packing Cubes – to an over-packer, trying to fit 14 days of clothes for 4 people into 2 suitcases sounds like a nightmare.  This is where the Shacke Pak Packing Cubes Set comes in. Separate by person or color to make packing a breeze. Pro-tip: Put them in your suitcase standing up (with the handles on top) for maximum fit and easy access.
  • Extra Bags – this one is a bit of a Pro Tip, but bring extra bags with you! We never leave home without a BAGGU Reusable Shopping Bag or two. These come in hand for souvenirs, snacks and drinks, wet/dirty clothes, unexpected accidents, and so much more.  Other options are Wet/Dry bags like these from Bumkins, Diaper Sacks, or even just large freezer bags. 

Apparel & Accessories

  • Pajamas – Sometimes having a jammie day makes everything easier. Plus, when siblings are dressed in matching prints or colors, it is much easier to keep track in airports or rest stops.  A few favorites include Clover Baby & Kids, ergoPouch, and Little Sleepies.
  • Socks – no one wants to worry about finding missing socks. Squid Socks feature 100% skin-safe tested silicone dots on the inside cuff to gently hold the socks in place. They are also moisture-wicking, have temperature control properties, are buttery soft, and naturally antibacterial. 

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5 Moms Tackle Diapering with healthynest

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Eco-minded parents can rejoice! The newest diapers from healthynest have arrived and are everything you’re looking for when keeping your little one clean. The world’s first EWG-verified diaper, you can rest assured that you are making safe choices for both your baby and our planet. Read below to see what 5 moms from our Gugu Village had to say.

Nikki, 2-month-old, Size 1

We’ve had the pleasure of trying out these amazing, all-natural and organic disposable diapers and wipes. After one week of use, we have had no issues with leaking, rashes, or sensitivities with the diapers or wipes (both wet and dry) while using them during both day and night, and stretches of 6-9 hours for nights. Both the diapers and the wipes are very soft, and they’re thin as well. With the cotton dry wipes, I love that I can mix my own solution to use on them. 

I really love these diapers! We’ve had quite a few poo-splosions while using them, and with any other diaper, we would have had poo everywhere. But, these diapers amazingly contain everything with their double gussets and absorption power! They’re sleek, all-natural, organic, slim, and perfect.

Naomi, 4-month-old, Size 2

We have really enjoyed using the healthynest diapers & wipes this week. Mia is our third child, so we have tried quite a few different brands of diapers over the years! One of the best features of this diaper that both my husband and I commented on separately is how thin they are! We are on the go a lot, so to be able to have these slim diapers in the diaper bag and not take up a ton of room has been great! Impressively, even though they are thinner than most diapers, she has not had any leaks or blowouts, which is pretty impressive. I really appreciate the eco-friendly nature of the diapers, and will consider using them in the future!

Callie, 3-month-old, size 2

Diapers are softer and seem to be of higher quality than most mainstream brands. The organic cotton doesn’t irritate the skin. I do miss having a wetness indicator, especially at this age. The wet wipes are a good size and don’t rip, but come out of the package with ease. I was confused by the dry wipes at first… I had never used or heard of them before, so I did a little research and found that most websites recommend spraying your baby’s bottom with something before using them (what’s the point of a dry wipe then?). Nothing like that came with the dry wipes I received so I tried the by themselves and found that they left balled up pieces of wipe on my baby’s skin, so I prefer the wet wipes for diaper changes. The dry wipes aren’t bad for wiping her mouth or hands though.

Trang, 1-year-old, Size 4

I love the design of the birds on the diapers, however, I wished they all had designs on them. The other diapers are just plain white diapers. I wish it tells you that the diapers are soiled by the colors changing on them like other diapers do. The brand advertises that it is good up to 12 hours, however, I do not find that to be true in my case. I have been using the diapers for exactly a week and have experienced my son peeing out of it 4 nights out of the 7 nights. After around 6-7 hours, I find myself having to wake my son up in the middle of the night to change my son’s diapers and clothes. This is something I have not had to do with other brands. The wet wipes are difficult to pull out of the package, but are good quality fabric-wise. They did not rip or tear.

Stephanie, 5-month-old, Size 2

Healthynest was kind enough to send us a box package of diapers & wipes! My oldest daughter loved unboxing the diapers… The packaging was wonderful!! I will be honest at first I felt the diapers were a little thin and was worried they may leak, however, they’re fine for daytime use! They do however leak if left without being changed all night. They are very soft so I’m sure very comfortable on my baby’s bum!! 

As for the dry wipes, I love this idea! Because if they get a butt rash they will be perfect to damp with warm water to wipe!!! 

And the wet wipes, I love that they aren’t too wet like many wipes are!

Thank you to healthynest for letting our moms test this out!

Looking for more Real Mom Reviews?
*4 Real Moms Tell Us Why Larktale Strollers are a Gamechanger
*Real Moms Tell Why The Boon GRUB is a Gamechanger
*Real Moms Review Territory Foods

Registry Dilemma: Newborn Clothing

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When it comes to adding newborn clothing to your registry, we at Gugu Guru tend to think ‘less is more.’ People LOVE to gift baby clothes. You will receive more outfits, onesies, and (if you’re like many moms in our village) baby shoes. You may be wondering, ‘Does a newborn baby need shoes?’ The answer is a simple ‘No, they do not.’ But gift-givers just can’t help it! Those newborn shoes are TOO cute.

Parents come to our Concierge team all the time with the same question, “What newborn clothing do I actually need?” While we recommend leaving all of the fancy outfits, shoes, and seasonal clothing off of your registry, there are a few things we think you should have.

Mom Hack: Scroll down for a checklist of these essentials!

Twins/Multiples Hack: You don’t need double of everything. Stick with gender-neutral items for the basics and you can mix and match as needed those early days!

The Bare Essentials

Your newborn’s wardrobe will consist of a few categories: swaddles, onesies, hats, and pajamas. For most parents, these items are enough to get them through the first 4-8 weeks without feeling like they need much more.

Wearable swaddles and swaddle blankets (check out the difference here) will be a vital part of your early wardrobe. We recommend having about 4-8 of these that you can circulate through, as they will get messy throughout the day.

Onesies and Pajamas will be your little one’s main ‘outfit’ each day. Depending on the season and climate where your little one is born, you may want more of one or the other. Side-snap onesies are always the easiest for the earliest days. Eventually, you may move into short or long-sleeve onesies, great for containing diaper blowouts. Sizing can be tricky as many brands fit differently. Stick with some basic onesies (6-10) in 0-3 months to start and see what works for your babe! Pajamas are another must for those early days. Look for pajamas with foot muffs (and foldover hand muffs, too!). Again, we recommend having about 5-7 of these to start.

Hats are also a must for your little one from day 1. The general rule of thumb is to keep your little dressed in one more layer than you. Babies lose lots of body heat through their head and their limbs. Keeping their head bundled will help regulate body temperature.

The Extras

Eventually, you will come out of the newborn daze and start getting a few more hours of sleep each night. At this point you may feel ready for baby’s first outfits. Look for pants and shirts that are easy to get on/off. Sweatpants or leggings are perfect for newborns. Remember, they can’t yet help push their limbs through clothing, so anything that’s too tight will be a no-go. At this point you may choose to use onesies as your shirt. If not, choose simple tops with stretchy necklines. 3-5 pairs of pants and 6-10 shirts are perfect for the rotation. Again, wait to see how your little one is growing before you buy too much! At 2 months old, some babies are wearing newborn size and others are wearing size 6 month.

Seasonal Clothing

Depending on where you live and in what season you deliver, you may or may not need seasonal clothing. Thick coats and buntings aren’t safe for the car seats. Instead, we recommend layering to keep your little one warm. Feel free to break out a bunting or fleece suit for baby in the stroller though. Socks are also an essential, but don’t always stay on. (Mom hack: Check out Squid Socks, which really do stay on from Day 1!) We also love booties for the coldest weather! Try hard not to buy too far ahead. Throughout the first year, it can be hard to predict how your baby will grow season to season.

Newborn Clothing Checklist

6-10 onesies
6-10 undershirts
5-7 one-piece pajamas
1-3 sweaters or jackets
1-3 rompers or other outfits
6-8 socks or booties
1-3 hats (broad-brimmed for summer, soft cap that covers ears for winter)
No-scratch mittens
3-5 pairs of pants
4-6 swaddle blankets
Bunting bag or fleece suit for a winter baby in the stroller
Gentle laundry detergent

Looking for more tips & tricks? Check out our top-rated posts below:
What to Put on Your Baby Registry
Minimalist Baby Registry Must Haves
Best Budget Baby Registry Must Haves
23 Top Registry Tips

Real Moms Review: Territory Foods

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Looking for the perfect gift for any busy Mom or Dad? Territory Foods is a ready-to-heat ‘n eat nutritional food delivery service prepared by local chefs in your communities. Focused on nutrient-dense and sustainable ingredients, we sent a package to 4 New York City moms to see what they thought of the meals.

Zoe, Expectant Mom

We received 6 meals from Territory Foods this week. It was very helpful that the packaging was labeled that the contents were perishable and that it must be refrigerated. I live in an apartment building so it allowed my doorman to let us know immediately upon arrival of the package to avoid the product spoiling. I also liked that the individual food packages had a clear plastic lid so that I could see what each item looked like before deciding what I wanted to eat for my lunch or dinner. The instructions for preparation along with the nutritional facts and content was very straight forward and easy to understand. If I were to have an allergy or food aversion I would definitely be able to know if the contents contained a “problem item” before I opened it or ate it. 

The food itself was very tasty and different from what I normally cook myself, which I liked. I was introduced to new items (like Right Rice) and exciting flavors (like coconut curry). The portion size was just right which can sometimes be an issue in prepackaged meals. My husband and I split 2 meals for dinner one night and had a little bit leftover. I had 1 meal for lunch the following day with a small amount of basmati rice leftover, mostly because I tried to exhibit self control on the carb intake! All in all, I was very happy with Territory Foods and would recommend to anyone who was trying to make their life easier but was still interested in food that tasted good!

Becky, Vegetarian Mom of 2 (Newborn + 3 year old)

The food came hand-delivered and packaged nicely. We enjoyed the tofu Mediterranean bowl the most; very flavorful and tasted very fresh. The gazpacho was a nice side-dish. The breakfast items (oatmeal and baked eggs) were both very hearty and nice warm breakfasts. The ginger chickpea dish was flavorful, but very spicy! The portabella mushrooms were a bit oily and slightly bland. The paleo brownies were a great healthy dessert! Overall, the dishes looked good and tasted good. They heated up well and were perfect for busy new parents of 2!

Joanie, Mom of 2 (4 month old + 4 year old)

I loved the salads! They were a refreshing and healthy option. It’s so difficult to find a good salad that fills me up and has protein in it that actually tastes good. Each of the meals was perfectly portioned and tasted healthy but delicious. I love how easy it is to have all the meals prepped and easily heated in the microwave. As a mom of an infant and a toddler, this saved me and my husband so much time and the best part was knowing that we were still eating clean. The brownie was really good as well! My mom tried the brownie in comparison to a full fat gluten-full brownie and could not taste the difference.

Danielle, Toddler Mom

The food was very tasty and arrived cold & packaged well. There was quite a bit of packaging to discard which didn’t really bother me personally, but I can see some people not liking this for environmental reasons.  I liked how all the toppings, sauces etc, were in their own containers within, so nothing arrived mixed up or soggy.  I thought the vegetarian dish (butcher’s daughter right rice tabouli), while tasty, felt like a giant bowl of rice for lunch/dinner & probably wouldn’t order something like this in the future.  The sauces were all fresh and delicious and I enjoyed the variety of items in each of the other meals.

Thank you to Territory Foods for letting our moms test this out!

Looking for more Real Mom Reviews:
*4 Real Moms Tell Us Why Larktale Strollers are a Gamechanger
*Real Moms Tell Why The Boon GRUB is a Gamechanger
*Real Mom Review: Just for Tots Cactus Teether

A Gugu Guide’s Fall Faves

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Meet a Gugu Guide: Anya Machala. Anya is a pastry chef and now SAHM of two girls ages three and one. Anya and her family love to get outdoors no matter the weather. She loves to craft and do anything DIY and is always looking for new fun sensory and learning activities to make for her girls. This Rhode Island mama of two girls LOVES fall and here shares some of her favorite fall activities and a few product recommendations too. From her go to carrier to a delicious recipe for the whole family and an easy Halloween costume idea, check out her fave Fall picks below.

Carrier stash left to right: Black Eyelet Scout no leather; Tapri Scout no leather; Seek 15 scout with leather; Natural Eyelet Scout with leather; Magnolia 5 scout with leather; Happy Baby Carrier Strewn OG; Happy Baby Carrier Cake Toddler

Fall Baby Carrier Pick: Sakura Bloom Scout

I admit, I do have a bit of a carrier stash problem but my favorite right now is the Sakura Bloom Scout. I can carry both of my girls comfortably in it for hours. It has the ability to carry from newborn and while at that point my favorite was a Happy Baby Carrier, now with them weighing more, I find the Scout disperses weight better for me. I can tandem carry my girls, or just chase one while carrying the other on my back and it gives me the ability to be hands free. We frequently take long walks and I always reach for my scouts. They have beautiful color options as well as different fabrics too. I personally like the leather option on the arms straps as I feel it gives me a little more support. For carrying in the fall I use an Ollie & I Pendleton carrier cover. The wool keeps out the chill and I love the option of the removable hood. My youngest daughter was an infant las winter and it gave me the option to get my toddler outside almost every day without the fear of her getting cold. Because it’s not really safe to carry a baby with footies on, due to the possibility of cutting off circulation, the carrier cover was the perfect option.

Seen here: Pom hat from the gifted baby NY; Ollie & I carrier cover

Fall Recipe: Picky Eater-Friendly Risotto
Quick, simple, flavorful and customizable
My girls love rice. I mean who doesn’t but what is better than creamy risotto? Especially during fall. Both of my girls are dairy free due to allergies so it’s not easy to find something that will substitute the creamy texture while having to sub dairy. Enter veggie medley risotto. Not only is it filling, it can be customized to the pickiest of palates.


What you will need
– 1lb of chicken. I use tenderloins since they easy to cut up into chunks
– Chicken stock
– Small onion diced
– 1 garlic clove minced
– Arborio rice
– Small pot
– Measuring cups (liquid and dry)
– Frozen veggies (any kind my girls like peas)

How to make it
1. Cut chicken into small chunks and season with salt and pepper
2. Dice onion and mince garlic
3. Measure out 3 cups chicken stock
4. Put a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until softened about 3 min.
5. Add chicken to pan and brown
6. Add a mounded 1 cup of arborio rice to pan and stir until coated with olive oil.
7. Add 2 cups of the chicken stock bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer
8. Simmer without stirring until almost all liquid has reduced
9. Slowly add remaining chicken stock little by little stirring after each addition
10. When rice is cooked and liquid is almost all gone add in 1 cup of the frozen veggies of your choice and stir to combine. The residual heat and small amount of remaining liquid will cook veggies.
11. Enjoy!

DIY Halloween Costume: Fluffy Chicken Costume

In my quest to find a super cute outfit for my daughter I stumbled upon a fluffy chicken. Only problem was THEY WERE 175$ ON ETSY!! I really didn’t want to pay that much for a costume that might only get used once (being reused again this year for my second daughter) so I found a way to DIY one. Scrolling amazon I found feathers but tried to think of the easiest way to attach them. Single feathers would be tedious and take forever so I thought maybe a string of feathers? Enter the feather boa. Super fluffy, easy to work with and so many color choices. Next I thought how to attach them? My husband suggested fabric glue or hot glue but that would weigh down the feathers and make the outfit stiff. My sewing skills are not top notch so I watched a video on simple ways to tack items and found out how easy it could be!! I ordered two onesies, one for underneath for warmth as well as protection from feathers and tack spots (my daughter gets itchy easily), suspender leggings in yellow so they don’t fall down, a crochet chicken hat from Etsy (I can’t crochet and yay for supporting local businesses) and yellow moccasins.

I laid out all the boas and tacked them on to the onesie one by one. Make sure when doing this you hold up the onesie to check for bare patches. I started with the arms and across the collar. The arms are the most tedious because of turning them inside out to see where you’re attaching the feathers. Then I zig-zagged across and up and down the onesie to cover it fully. Again make sure to test out on your child BEFORE wearing out (I found a few bald patches that looked full when doing this early this morning with my 3 year old’s grey chicken costume). Be fair warned that your house will be full of feathers and everywhere your child walks will leave a trail of them!! I did simple one flat colors for my kids but I’m sure you could add in another accent color for some dimension. I seems daunting but it’s so easy and really fun to see the smiles on my kids faces as they are running around!

Links for materials
Onesies
Feathers
Leggings
Hat

Filed Under: Babywearing, DIY, Mom Style

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