Safety

Real Mom Reviews Moba Bassinet

Gugu Guru registrant and new mama Kenzi reviews Moba bassinet.

When we were making sure we had all the essentials for baby boy, I was really stressing over getting the right bassinet for him. I think it’s very important to have baby sleep in the room with mom and dad for the first 6 months, and I wanted him right by my side, but we aren’t cosleepers. I searched but everything I found in stores had so much padding on the sides and lots of frill, which is just not safe. The handwoven baskets are beautiful (and great for Instagram photos), but are they truly safe for overnight sleeping?? I reached out to the baby product experts at Gugu Guru (who I registered with this time around) and they told me about the Moba bassinet. I read up on it and it sounded like everything I was looking for, so I wanted to give it a try.

We’ve used it since the day we brought our baby boy home (above), and now I’m not sure what I would do without it. The Moba Bassinet checks every box and even some I didn’t consider:

Safety

Obviously, #1 on the list was safety. I’m that mom who wakes up multiple times in the night, even if baby doesn’t wake, to just feel my babies. This basket is created with hundreds of breathable holes for maximum airflow, which helps mama sleep a little easier at night. The liner has no frills or padding. The mattress is nice and firm for baby. Apparently it’s super comfortable because he prefers his bassinet over his crib.

Portability

I was drawn to the idea of a Moses basket for its light weight and portability. Not only can I easily transport it through the house, it travels everywhere with us! I like to it call it my Mobile Moba… not really, but it sounds catchy. We’ve even taken it to the beach with us. The basket is super lightweight and sturdy. It’s molded into one piece so there’s no need to worry about it unraveling anywhere or the handles coming off.

Longevity

Many moses baskets seem to have a pretty low weight limit of 15 pounds, but the Moba goes up to 20 pounds. Call it a hunch, but I had a strong feeling my boy would be on the higher end of the birth weight spectrum (coming in at 10.4 lbs) and would surely hit 15 pounds before 6 months. We’re still a few months away from that, but at 2 months, he was already over 14 pounds, so I’m glad he still has plenty of time to stay right next to mommy.

The Stand

The stand that goes with the basket is made to hug the bassinet securely. Most bassinet stands rock front to back, which I’ve never understood because I feel like I’m rocking the baby back on their head. The Moba stand rocks smoothly side to side. When he starts tossing and turning, his weight allows it to gently rock on its own, which soothes him back to sleep. However, if you don’t want it to rock, it becomes stationary with one simple swivel of a small wooden piece at the base.

Care

Did I mention we’ve brought it to the beach? We can do that because all the parts are so easy to clean! I love a clean crisp white all day long, but I’m always so afraid it’s going to get dingy, so I hardly ever allow myself to get white in anything… Like why in the world did I think we could have a white living room rug?! But with the material this is made of I felt comfortable going with white and after almost 3 months of use it’s still just as beautiful as it was the day we got it.

Style

All of the safety features I could ask for and didn’t have to sacrifice style. The Moba is a very sleek, contemporary design with 8 unique color options for the basket and just as many for the sheets, which also come in an organic option.

Needless to say, I’m a fan – I actually tried to think of a con and couldn’t come up with one. If you’re looking for a bassinet and aren’t worried about all the frills, but a simple, safe design, this one’s for you.

Written by Kenzi – Mommy to three and voice behind Two Shades of Kraze. Follow along her journey on her Instagram at @twoshadesofkraze.

For more info on the Moba, check out New On Gugu This Week: November 14, 2016.

Meet the Maker: Milk Street Baby Cribs

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-Sponsored Post-

When Milk Street Baby first debuted their gorgeous cribs, we were so excited to share them with you! And now, we are thrilled to introduce you all to Julie Knisley, the founder and designer of Milk Street Baby. Milk Street Baby is not only known for their modern designs with a traditional twist, but steadfast commitment to safety – which is why we are eager to have you learn more about Julie and her fantastic line of cribs and furniture during Baby Safety Month. Check Milk Street Baby out on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Why did you want to start Milk Street?

Milk Street was born after years of experience designing for other crib companies. I saw corners cut and facts incorrectly stated. I had no control and no final say in final production quality. I started and run Milk Street so I can make certain that we are offering moms and dads the absolute best crib on the market at our price. We offer real product as well as complete transparency to families. And, we encourage new moms to utilize the supplier of their local baby specialty store. These retailers we have partnered with know this niche and will offer a lifetime of support and education [editor’s note: we love this!]. Seems with all the online options these days, young parents assume that if a company is making cribs that those products are safe for baby. ASSUME NOTHING. I have seen the other side of this and know that not all cribs are safe. We want to educate our customers and the questions to ask as well as the answers to maximize wellbeing of that baby. There is nowhere you would leave your baby alone and unattended other than in the crib, that crib must be a safe haven.

What is your background in design and how did you come to care so deeply about baby safety?

My background is in furniture design, and I got my start creating children’s chairs for a company who produced cribs. I was working for the company that had a HUGE recall involving several baby deaths. This was when I realized someone needed to become an expert in all aspects of safety. I spent time in the testing labs and in countless factories to figure the specific parameters to design within.

I believed then and still do today that a crib is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime. I wanted to design and produce a safe, beautiful crib for every type of family.

What is so significant about your commitment to safe finish AND design?

Safe finish is probably the single most important aspect of what we do, and an extra and costly step that no one else is doing. Construction and basic coatings tests are required to pass ASTM and CPSC standards. The construction standards are quite stringent but when it comes to coating, we feel we need to go the extra mile! Content finishes found in a nursery is incredibly important to the development and well being of your baby. We test every single layer of our finish — sometimes that mean 8 different layers — for phylates and heavy metals. Our competition only tests once… their finish. We test every layer because while there may be appropriate levels to phylates in that top coat/ single finish board when being tested…. over time and if top coat gets nicked or scratched… these phylates and other chemicals can seep through that top layer. We test every single layer and provide customers with complete results!

Why should parents invest in Milk Street cribs?

I believe we offer not only the best product on the market made from solid wood and veneers to the best functions, scale of design, and finish. Our quality is strong, and our pricing for what you are getting is unheard of. In fact, in talking about price, I went way below what my partners though these should be priced at. I wanted young families to be able to afford a real quality crib that would last the lifetime of their child. All of our cribs convert to be used long after the nursery. You can be sure you are getting an amazing value in every one of our cribs. Our cribs are made with love and held to the highest standards possible. Our company is the only crib company owned and managed by women!

What can Milk Street do for families? How can they enhance the overall safety and health of the house?

Milkstreet can provide your families with:

Peace of mind
Family heirloom that stays with child through adulthood
Cutting edge look
At Milk Street, our goal is to provide safety, support and edgy designs for our moms and dads. Julie Knisley has designed for the best brands in the world, and she founded Milk Street to find a way to maximize design within the limitations of a crib and to insist upon creating the safest haven for your little ones.

Thank you to Milk Street for making this sponsored post possible.

Baby Safety: Hands-Free Safety with JPMA

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It’s National Baby Safety Month and every Monday we will be sharing tips from the leaders in baby safety knowledge at JPMA. Today’s tips are all about going hands-free with baby and how to stay safe. Don’t forget to check out our past posts with JPMA, strap safety, and the carseat challenge!

Babies are meant to be held. The closeness created when babies are held in their parents’ arms is invaluable to their development. Although you may not want to put your baby down, there comes a time when you must shower, brush your teeth, and make dinner!

There are a variety of juvenile products that provide some hands-free time for parents as well as entertainment or comfort for baby. Whether you are looking for an infant seat, bouncer, or swing; it is important to do your homework before purchasing and select a product that is perfect for your baby’s age, height, weight and fits your lifestyle.

No matter what product you choose for some “baby freedom”, be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure you are using them safely:

Babies should always be buckled into swings, infant seats, and bouncers.
NEVER leave a baby unattended. It is important to stay in the same room as baby while using any bouncer, swing, or activity center.
For swings, use a five-point harness whenever possible to keep baby from climbing or rolling out of the seat.
NEVER place bouncers or infant seats on beds, sofas, or other soft surfaces. Infant seats or bouncers can roll over and suffocate a baby.
ALWAYS secure the restraining straps and never leave a baby in the seat when straps are loose or undone.
Baby’s movements can slide an infant seat or bouncer, so be sure not to place the infant seat near the edges of countertops, tables or other elevated surfaces.
Never use a bouncer on an elevated surface.
NEVER place the swing or bouncer near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords that baby could reach.
Follow the manufacturer’s minimum and maximum weight and age requirements.
Look for the JPMA certification seal.
Most importantly, although it’s an easy alternative to let your baby nap in the bouncer or swing, the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a fully functional, properly assembled, JPMA certified crib.

September is Baby Safety Month. Learn more tips on how to keep baby safe at home at babysafetymonth.org.

Amy Chezem is JPMA’s Senior Communications Manager and Baby Safety Month Program Director. Amy has managed the Baby Safety Month program for nearly two decades and helped expand the program creating one of JPMA’s largest consumer education and awareness programs to date.

Back to Sleep: Baby Shusher

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September is Baby Safety Month, and Gugu Guru honors this month with our Back to Sleep week, which is focused on safe and healthy sleep for baby. Today’s post features the Baby Shusher, which is a must-have for tech-oriented parents, parents of newborns, parents of multiples, and great for traveling. Plus, head to the bottom of the post to enter for a chance to win one!

Get your baby to sleep faster with the Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle Soother. This innovative baby sleep device is one of the only products on the market that uses a recorded human voice to help with baby sleep training. This sleeping device for babies features rhythmic ‘shushes’ recorded that can play up to 30 minutes at a time. This helps to interrupt your baby’s crying session and engages their relaxation and calming reflex. The shushing noise reminds babies, especially preemies and newborns, of being in the womb, which helps them calm down and sleep easier.

This Baby Shusher is great for getting baby to sleep in the car, crib, stroller or anywhere else your baby needs to sleep while traveling. The adjustable volume on this Baby Shusher is ideal for accommodating you and your baby’s personal needs during the night without keeping everyone awake. The Baby Shusher has a flat bottom, which makes it easy to place on a changing table, shelf, or ledge. See The Safety Mom’s tip below on how to find a safe place for the crib in the nursery!

The Baby Shusher simply makes life easier for the family, but helping baby sleep better, letting everyone rest. It is BPA free, and has two settings, for 15 minutes and 30 minutes. This innovative product also makes a perfect shower gift!

Enter below to win a Baby Shusher:
Back to Sleep Daily Giveaway

Back to Sleep: BabyBjorn Cradle

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Back to Sleep week, which is focused on safe and healthy sleep for baby. Today’s post featured the BabyBjorn Cradle, which is a must-have for postpartum mamas, minimalist parents, eco-friendly moms and dads, and small space living, too. Plus, head to the bottom of the post to enter for a chance to win one!

There are so many reasons the BabyBjorn Cradle has become a favorite of parents everywhere (it’s no surprise, since we love their bouncers too!). With full mesh walls, the cradle allows you to see baby, and also allows for full air flow – which is significant in safe sleep for baby. There are no no electronics, buttons, vibrations, batteries, or plugs, but there is a gentle springy movement that parents can utilize for some soothing. This is perfect for parents who like to keep technology at bay when it comes to babies, or families that keep technology out of the bedrooms.

As our sleep expert, The Safety Mom says, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that baby shares a room with parents for a year; the BabyBjorn cradle is a fantastic way to keep baby in the parents bedroom and sleep safely. Unlike a lot of bassinets that you have to stop using when the baby is around 3 months the Baby Bjorn cradle can be used until he baby is 6 months (or 18 lbs or baby can sit up unassisted). Plus, it is a beautifully designed piece that will fit into any home design (which is great when you want to have it in your master bedroom). It is overall a safe design (not just beautiful) with no loose parts, mesh walls and stable legs.

Another reason we love this cradle is that it only weighs 13 pounds so parents (even those mamas that are recovering or postpartum) can easily move it around the house to keep a close eye on baby while they sleep. It’s super helpful to have a safe space for baby to sleep which you can easily move around the house! If you’re planning on having a c-section, the BabyBjorn cradle is going to be a dream for you, because you can keep baby close to the bed, and move baby around the house to sleep easily.

Back to Sleep: Crane Humidifier

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Back to Sleep week is focused on safe and healthy sleep for baby. Today’s post features the Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier which is a must-have for infants, clean-living, and health conscious families.

We featured Crane in last year’s Back to Sleep event also – and this year, it is no surprise that they are back, as we think they are an essential item for any nursery. Not only is the Crane Drop Humidifier a nursery must-have, but their sleek style (and choice of many colors) will blend in to any nursery!

Plus, for all the eco-conscious families, Crane humidifiers are all BPA-free and energy efficient, using ultrasonic technology to add soothing moisture to the air. Crane’s Drop Humidifier is whisper quiet and operates on a low power consumption, more energy efficient than a household light bulb (up to 45W).

So, why is it essential to have a Crane Humidifier in your nursery? Humidifiers are especially important for Newborns because they are Obligate Nasal Breathers, breathing only through their tiny noses for their first 4 – 6 months. Any congestion can make breathing, feeding, and sleeping incredibly difficult for your little one.

Plus, the Crane Humidifier will grow with your child; even toddlers and kids need humidifiers! Many pediatricians recommend the use of a humidifier as a safe, non medicated, all natural alternative to help relieve congestion from the common cold and flu instead of potentially harmful over-the-counter cough and cold medicine.

Where in the nursery should you put the humidifier? Our Sleep Expert, The Safety Mom Says…

Back to Sleep: Snuza Pico Wearable Monitor

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Back to Sleep week is focused on safe and healthy sleep for baby. Today’s post featured the Snuza Pico wearable monitor, which is a must-have for tech-oriented parents, parents of newborns, parents of multiples, parents of toddlers, and great for traveling.

We have highlighted another amazing Snuza product – the Hero – in our past Back to Sleep event. The Snuza Pico wearable monitor is an advanced multi-sensor smart device for infants and children. For the first year of life, the Snuza Pico wearable monitor provides peace-of-mind movement monitoring in addition to sleep analytics, skin temperature and body position monitoring. After one year of age, the movement monitoring function may be turned off, allowing caregivers to primarily monitor their child’s sleep patterns, which has been proven to be a critical aspect of healthy brain development.

The monitor attaches to baby’s diaper and connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone app. The Pico uses a patented contactless sensor, meaning it does not need to be in direct contact with the baby’s skin, which reduces false alarms caused by loss of contact. If there is no abdominal movement detected after 15 seconds, the device will gently vibrate in an effort to rouse the child awake. After 20 seconds of no abdominal movement, the Pico will alarm.

The Snuza Pico wearable monitor is a fantastic investment in safe sleep, because it provides parents with a peace of mind so that everyone in the family can rest easy. Plus, while you can utilize the movement monitoring function for up to one year, you can turn that function off after your baby is over a year and simply monitor your child’s sleep patterns. By monitoring your child’s sleep patterns with the Snuza Pico, it will allow for you to figure out which sleep habits work best for your family, letting everyone rest easier.

The Snuza Pico is available at Best Buy, BabiesRUs.com, Target.com, and Amazon

Baby Safety Month: Strap in for Safety While On the Go with JPMA

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It’s National Baby Safety Month and every Monday we will be sharing tips from the leaders in baby safety knowledge at JPMA. Today is all about Baby Safety on the Go – from strollers to carseats to carriers. Don’t forget to take last week’s Carseat Challenge!

From carriers to car seats to strollers and more, there are a wide variety of products all parents and caregivers need to get baby out and about. With more options available than ever before, there is quite a bit to consider when choosing the product best suited for you and your baby.

But, strollers and carriers are not just for taking your baby from point A to point B, they are a lifestyle choice! A stroller or carrier is a part of your image and a reflection of personal style, parenting style, and lifestyle.

From travel systems and joggers to umbrellas and multiple seats, the possibilities are endless. With so many choices available today, selecting the right stroller can be a daunting task.

A stroller will be one of your most-used items so you must love everything about it. Again, think about what makes the most sense for your lifestyle. Do your research before you even visit the store. Comparison shop and talk to other parents about their recommendations. Manufacturer and retailer Web sites are also a great source of information

Don’t forget about dad! Most moms are the primary baby gear decision maker, but consider dads needs when selecting your stroller. Men focus on certain features like wheel design, steering, suspension, overall stroller height/feel, and sporty fashions, but above all, dad should also feel comfortable pushing your stroller.

Finally, keep in mind that one stroller may not serve all your needs. You may need more than one, especially as your baby grows and your needs and lifestyle changes. Whatever stroller you decide to add to your baby gear repertoire, will be the right one for you and your family and will surely provide many hours of enjoyment for you and your little one when out and about! So be sure to enjoy the ride!

When thinking about baby safety on the go, remember these guidelines for a safe outing:

All strollers come fitted with standard safety harness straps.
Use straps at all times, even if it’s a short trip.
Harness straps stop the child from climbing out of the seat and falling, and protects the child should the stroller tip over.
Safety straps should be used regardless of the child’s age.
Many strollers feature a five-point harness system, which features straps that secure over each shoulder, at both sides of the waist, and in the middle of the legs.
It is important to always use all straps, not just lap straps or shoulder straps alone.
If you use a soft carrier, select one made of a durable, washable fabric with sturdy, adjustable straps.
Read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for use, age and weight recommendations.
Be sure baby’s weight is evenly distributed in the carrier and all safety straps are secured.
Check for ripped seams, sharp edges, and missing or loose snaps.
Always keep one hand on baby when tightening/loosening straps for any reason or taking baby out or putting baby in.

September is Baby Safety Month. Check out more safety tips at babysafetymonth.org

Baby Safety Month: Take the JPMA Carseat Challenge

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It’s National Baby Safety Month and every Monday we will be sharing tips from the leaders in baby safety knowledge at JPMA. Today is all about carseat safety! Take the JPMA carseat challenge below – and don’t forget to check out last week’s tips, too.

Take The JPMA Carseat Challenge!

As a parent, you try to do everything right. From nutrition to sleep habits, you are constantly making well thought-out decisions that are right for your family. So when it comes to purchasing or installing car seats, why do we become helpless fools?

Whether you are purchasing your first infant carrier, upgrading your toddler into a car seat or researching booster seats, the car seat evolution is a journey through parenthood that can be intimidating. But don’t let it scare you. Stand up to the JPMA carseat challenge and ensure a safe ride every time!

An important responsibility begins with selecting a child car seat and using it properly from the moment you bring the baby home to every car ride after that. All 50 states have laws that require the use of a car seat. All car seats manufactured today must be designed to meet stringent safety standards set by the Federal government.

Unfortunately, 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly, but when used properly and according to the manufacturers’ instructions, child restraints are highly effective at reducing the likelihood of death by more than 70%.

In fact, child restraints are considerably more effective than adult safety belts.

If you follow a few simple guidelines, riding in the car with your baby can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

The back seat is the safest place to ride.

Choose a seat that fits nicely in your car and can only move one inch in any direction once properly installed. If you purchase a seat that moves too much, please return it and purchase one that fits properly.

Always anchor the car seat/booster seat to the car using the seat belt exactly as directed by the car seat/booster seat manufacturer.

NEVER use a car seat/booster seat in a seating location with an airbag.

Read the vehicle owner’s manual for information on other belt accessories that may be required. Always read the child seat instruction manual. Each manufacturer provides specific instructions regarding proper use and installation of their child seats.

September is Baby Safety Month and this year, JPMA reminds every parent the importance of properly strapping baby into the car seat each and every time:

A snug strap should not allow any slack.

It lies in a relatively straight line without sagging.

It does not press on the child’s flesh or push the child’s body into an unnatural position.

Chest clips should be positioned mid to upper chest area, near armpits. Shoulder straps fit snugly–can only fit 1 finger between harness and shoulder or use pinch test.

Lead by example. Make sure the whole family buckles up!

From rear-facing infant seats to forward-facing car seats to booster seats, there are more options available than ever before. There is quite a bit to consider when choosing the product best suited for you, your baby and your vehicle. With a little bit of knowledge, you can ensure your child safety seat is installed and being using properly.

September is Baby Safety Month. Learn how you can keep baby safe and visit babysafetymonth.org

New Mom Review: HALO Bassinest

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New mama, Theresa, who is Gugu Guru’s Head of Design was offered the HALO Bassinest for review. Overall, she was absolutely thrilled with the product. In this review, she lists the pros and cons from her experience. We also gave HALO the opportunity to respond to the two cons from Theresa’s review and were pleased to discover that HALO has listened to their customers and is offering a new Bassinest stand this year to address customers’ opinions over the base size and weight.

Pro: TONS of pockets
The HALO Bassinest swivel sleeper has three pockets for tons of storage (three pockets!) Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, burp clothes – if you have a c-section or are just exhausted in the middle of the night, everything is right at your finger tips.

Pro: Lots of cool features
This bassinet has everything you could want from music, vibration and a breast feeding timer all right at the ready for parents. Again this is a huge c section plus!

Pro: C section approved
The fact that the HALO Bassinest swivel sleeper comes right up to the side of your bed is a huge help for nursing and also after a c-section. I had to move minimally to get to my baby in the middle of the night. The swivel of the bassinet was the biggest help because I didn’t have to slide myself down the bed and pass the bassinet to get up. With the swivel, I can easily slide the bassinet (and baby) away from the bed so I could get on and off the bed with ease while healing.

Pro: Mesh/collapsing side
Even though most bassinets have mesh sides the HALO Bassinest has really large openings so it is very easy to see your baby while you are lying down. I also loved the collapsible side so I could touch my baby or put the pacifier in his mouth without even sitting up.

Pro: Room for baby to grow
I love how big the basket is that holds the baby. I happen to have a big baby (born almost 9 pounds) and as he has grown over the past three months, he still has plenty of room and sleeps comfortably as he wiggles around. My baby will get lots of future use in his HALO!

Con: BIG base
This bassinet is not one that you can easily move from room to room during the day because the base is so large. It is hard to get it through doorways so you have to strictly use this bedside. (If you put it together in another room and then want to move it into your bedroom, it is a little tricky.)

HALO’s Response: The base is large, heavy and not designed to be moved. This keeps it firmly planted next to the bed where is used most of the time, but the unique swivel and glide give it movement. However, HALO recognized that parents want more mobility and is introducing a Bassinest stand toward the end of 2017. This will enable parents move the Bassinest throughout the house as some babies just sleep better in it, and parents would love to be able to provide that same safe sleep space when they move out of the bedroom.

Con: Additional Light needed (c-section specific)
The bassinet comes with two light sources. The first light source points to the floor and is very small. So if you are looking for some light in the dark to breastfeed, etc, this light won’t really help post c-section. There is a second light that shines in on the baby. I never felt the need to use this light because with the baby in such close proximity to me I felt I could check on him without the light.

HALO’s Response: With regard to the light there are actually two lights on the model: one which illuminates the floor so you don’t have to turn on a light if you are getting out of bed, and it was positioned that way so you wouldn’t disturb the baby. The other nightlight on the soothing center serves as a nightlight, and we believe many moms use this to gently lift baby out of the Bassinest for nursing. The amount of lighting needed likely varies from consumer to consumer, but these two features offer lighting close to the Bassinest to help mom and baby and should not disturb anyone else in the room.

Get the HALO Bassinest here.

Check out these other posts on the HALO Bassinest:

Back to Sleep 2016

Top 5 Essentials First Night Home With Baby

City Living Registry Picks with Nikki Dinki

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