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Happy October! We’ve rounded up a variety of fall finds for baby and mom that will add to the joy of the autumn season. From gear to get out and see the fall colors to clothing to keep you both stylish and warm, we know you’ll love them all.

Fall Clothing for Baby

Any Baby Crew Top + Jogger Pant Bundle – $60.00

What’s your go-to chilly morning outfit? Is it a comfy pair of joggers and a roomy crewneck sweatshirt? We thought so. Why not twin with your mini-me this fall? They’ll be comfortable in these black joggers and light grey sweatshirt. You’ll love the cushioned knees and elbows in both pieces as well. They’re perfect for those who are newly on the move. 

Gabri Isle Mustard Muslin Romper -$45.00

Fall and mustard go together like peas and carrots. Pair this romper with a cute floral blouse, black and white striped shirt, or a solid brown mock turtleneck for a super cute fall look that would be perfect for anything from apple picking to family photos. 

Gabri Isle Little Bunny Sweatshirt – $35.00

This bunny sweatshirt is super cute and soft, perfect for fall days at home or playing out in the leaves. We love how your youngest can wear this sweatshirt while your toddler can sport the one with bunny ears for a complementary but not matchy-matchy look. 

ergoPouch Jersey Sleeping Bag – $59.99

As the temperatures begin to dip, you’ll want to keep your little one warm and safe come bedtime. The ergoPouch Jersey Sleeping Bag offers a fit that’s slim and similar to that of a swaddle but allows your baby to sleep with their arms out. The organic cotton is non-toxic and gentle on your little one’s skin. We love that the warmth rating on these sleeping bags means you don’t have to add any additional blankets to your baby’s crib. Safe, comfortable, and warm for a good night’s rest.

Fall Gear for Baby

JP Outdoor Co. Co-Pilot Day Pack – $189.00

There’s nothing more gloriously beautiful than a fall hike, and with the Co-Pilot Day Pack, you and your baby can enjoy it together. This baby carrier and day pack combo cover all of your bases. Your little one can ride in the carrier facing you or out, to either feel close and secure or check out the trail for themselves. It is water-resistant in case you get caught in the rain, and even comes with a removable changing station. 

Bumbleride Speed – Jogging Stroller – $629.00

If strollers are more your baby’s speed, the Bumbleride Speed needs to be their next ride this fall. It comes in four colors, and we think the olive definitely brings that autumn vibe. This stroller comes with three modes—run, walk, and jog—to match your morning workout as you both check out the fall foliage. Lastly, with one-step folding, you can easily store this stroller for your next walk or run. 

Fall Trends for Mom

Kibou Bag – $89.00

Speaking of the color olive, you’ll want to grab this cute Kibou Bag in that color before your trip to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Instead of lugging around a big diaper bag, this deliberately minimal version is both cute and functional. It has everything you need in a compact size: a built-in waterproof pocket, a detachable changing pad, card slots, key or pacifier hook, and more. And did we mention how cute this thing is? You’ll want to use it even when you head out without your kids!

Stowaway Collection Over Under Maternity Skirt – $80.00

This comfortable maternity skirt will become a staple in your fall wardrobe. Pair it with a black t-shirt and a denim jacket for a casual, layered look that allows you to ditch the jacket when the temps rise during the day. Dress it up with a cute flow blouse and some comfortable flats for an evening look. The on-trend animal print looks great worn over or under your belly. You’ll also appreciate the drawstring side that lets you adjust the hem length for your height.

What fall finds for baby and mom are you loving this year?

INTERACTIVE BOARD BOOKS

Peek-a-Flap Boo: Written by Rosa Von Feder and Illustrated by Gaby Zermeno
This book introduces kids to some of our most beloved Halloween traditions like visiting pumpkin patches, costume parades, and trick-or-treating. Kids love the pull down flaps and talking about what their families do to celebrate Halloween. BUY NOW

Don’t Push the Button! A Halloween Treat: Written and Illustrated by Bill Cotter
Help Larry the monster trick-or-treat at the scary house in the neighborhood. This book is fun to read aloud and gets kids into the spooky season through interactive reading. BUY NOW

SILLY FAVORITES

Spooky Pookie: Written and Illustrated by Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boynton is a favorite in our house! In this Halloween book, little Pookie needs to find a costume, but none of them seem to work. The rhymes and illustrations are delightful to kids and adults alike. BUY NOW

Room on the Broom: Written by Julia Donaldson and Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Donaldson is another must have in our home. Although not strictly a Halloween book, the antics of a witch and her animal companions are delightful and heart-warming and Donaldson’s rhymes are beautifully lyrical. BUY NOW

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat!: Written by Lucille Colandro and Illustrated by Jared Lee
This is a ridiculous book and my kids love it. Written for kids in pre-K to early grade school, this book is about an old lady with an appetite for all things Halloween. BUY NOW

HALLOWEEN BOOKS WITH CHARACTERS YOUR KIDS WILL KNOW

Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch: Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Illustrated by Pat Schories
Kids love Biscuit the dog. In this board book, Biscuit explores a pumpkin patch. It’s a perfect book to celebrate the arrival of fall with toddlers and preschoolers. BUY NOW

Little Blue Truck’s Halloween: Written by Alice Schertle and Illustrated by Jill McElmurry
My youngest son loves the Little Blue Truck. In this book, Little Blue collects all his animal friends and takes them to a costume party. This book is also interactive: kids lift the flaps to find out which animals are under the costumes. BUY NOW

The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky: Written by Jory John and Illustrated by Pete Oswald
My eldest son gets a kick out of The Bad Seed books. In this story, Bad Seed celebrates his favorite holiday: Halloween. The book is both funny and makes kids think about the right course of action, which Bad Seed may or may not take. BUY NOW

OLD FAVORITES

Clifford’s Halloween: Written and Illustrated by Norman Bridwell
I loved the Clifford books as a child and I love reading them to my kids now. They are heart-warming and show true friendship. In this Halloween story, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth partake in all the usual Halloween activities. It’s a great book to talk about traditions with children. BUY NOW

Anancy and the Haunted House: Written by Richardo Keens-Douglas and Illustrated by Stephane Jorisch
The Anansi stories began as oral tales told by the Ashanti people of Ghana. In this version Anancy the brave spider enters a haunted house. He needs to rely on his friends if he is going to escape. We love Anancy and the Haunted House because it teaches a lesson through a spooky setting. BUY NOW

Corduroy’s Best Halloween Ever!: Written by Don Freeman and Illustrated by Lisa McCue
Corduroy is another classic children’s book character. In this book, Corduroy partakes in Halloween traditions with his friends. Like Clifford’s Halloween, it’s another great book to talk about what families do to celebrate fall and the spooky season. BUY NOW

DAY OF THE DEAD

Día de los Muertos (Celebrate the World): Written by Hannah Eliot and Illustrated by Jorge Gutierrez
This board book is wonderful for teaching young children about the traditions of Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), which originated in Mexico. Observed at the end of October, Día de los Muertos celebrates the life cycle and honors family members who have passed. BUY NOW

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost: Written and Illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago
This book is gorgeously illustrated and deals with a range of feelings and experiences from loneliness to bravery. Gustavo encapsulates what it’s like to be the shy kid. Through this book, children will recognize common human experiences while also seeing familiar Halloween images and learning about Día de los Muertos. This book is a must have! BUY NOW

About the author: Melissa D. is an avid reader. By day she works as a literature professor. By night she is an aspiring middle-grade writer. And at all hours of the day she is a mother to two grade-school sons.

Choosing a diaper bag can feel a little overwhelming. Which one will fit your busy lifestyle? What bag will hold the most stuff? Which ones looks the best? And yes, that last question is an important one, too! The answer to all of your questions is: TWELVElittle bags.

Not only do these bags look good, but they bring functionality and organization into your life. What parent doesn’t need a touch more of that? Let’s look at two options from TWELVElittle that will make you feel both put-together and stylish.

Backpack Style Diaper Bag

Midi-Go Backpack – $98.00

The Midi-Go Backpack combines style with function, making it the perfect diaper bag. 

The function comes in from the get-go with the backpack style of the bag. You can equally distribute the weight of all you’re carrying across both shoulders instead of struggling with a longer strapped bag on one side of your body. Additionally, the straps are both padded and adjustable, allowing you to feel comfortable while out and about with your family. 

From there, TWELVElittle brings more function into your life in the form of organization with 13 total pockets: 7 on the outside, and 6 on the inside of the bag. Of those, 2 pockets are insulated to keep your baby’s bottles at the appropriate temperature. 

Next, and maybe our favorite feature: The Midi-Go Backpack features a D-ring on the back that allows you to easily attach the bag to your stroller with TWELVElittle stroller clips (sold separately). This allows your shoulders some free time while walking to your next destination while keeping the bag’s contents at an arm’s reach.

Lastly, we love that this bag is water-resistant vegan leather. That makes for easy cleaning and dry contents if you get caught in some weather on your family’s next adventure. Once you combine all of these top-notch function points with the style of the bag, you’ll realize that you can continue using this piece long after your diaper bag needs have passed. 

Clutch Style Diaper Bag

12Little Diaper Clutch in Black – $75

For a more compact option, grab the 12Little Diaper Clutch. This small bag packs a big punch with three separate compartments. They include a slip pocket for diapers and changing pad (included), elastic bands to store a pack of baby wipes, and a detachable mesh pouch. Additionally, there’s another elastic band to hold a bottle or sippy cup. 

You can wear it as a cross-body bag with the detachable webbing strap. It ranges from 13 to 25 inches, allowing you to adjust the length and find the right fit for your body. You can also carry this cute bag as a clutch for your quick outings.

Just like the Mini-Go Backpack, you can clip the 12Little Diaper Clutch to your stroller handle with the stroller clips (sold separately). The versatility in how you can carry TWELVElittle bags is important when caring for busy little ones.

You’ll love how versatile these pieces from TWELVElittle are and how easily they fit into your daily routines. 

Thank you to TWELVElittle for making this sponsored post possible. 

Holiday travel may look a little different this year for your family but that doesn’t mean we don’t still need the best gear to get us from point A to point Z. We’ve partnered with some of our favorite travel and gear brands to give one lucky parent the chance to win a bundle of essentials worth over $1800! Enter here:

Holiday Outing Giveaway

Here’s what you can win!

• BABYZEN Complete Stroller YOYO² Bassinet & 6+ Color Pack Bundle $749.99
• WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat & Deluxe Pico Travel Bag $400
• Boon NURSH feeding set, NAKED tub, $100 shop credit $220
• 7AM Enfant VelvetPOD, Velvet Warmmuffs and Mini Black Backpack $215
• Any Baby 2 Smartsies + 1 Tote Gift Bundle $78
• Baby Delight products and Go With Me Uplift Deluxe Portable High Chair $199.99

…a total ARV of over $1832.98.

Here at Gugu Guru we are all about celebrating all types of families, so when we came across the blog Coraline and Us, we knew we wanted to have Liz, the mama behind the blog, come and share her story. Liz started her blog upon the birth of her adorable little Coraline, when it was “discovered unexpectedly within hours, that she has Down’s syndrome and two holes in the heart.  We did not know anything about Down’s syndrome when she was born. This blog is about our journey of growth.” Read on for more about Liz, Coraline, and Kevin and stay tuned for more blog posts from Liz on helpful baby products, toys, and more for babies with Down’s syndrome. You can find Liz on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram. You can check out Liz’s first post on Gugu Guru here, and Coraline’s love for Ewan the Dream Sheep here. Today Liz is sharing about Coraline’s ball pit and the importance of it for her sensory experiences. 

We have some beautiful memories around Coraline’s ballpit. Coraline’s godmother gave it to her for her first Christmas, December 2017, when she was four months old. It’s still going strong today and Coraline is almost three years old.

Coraline sat up for the first time in June 2018, at ten months old. 

I remember our first time at Baby Sensory when Coraline was ten months old. We hadn’t been able to take Coraline to any baby classes for the first nine months of her life, so as to keep her well, on the advice of her Cardiology team. 

Coraline required open heart surgery, and in the time before this her body might not have been able to cope if she got ill (she would have had to go into hospital). But they gave us the go ahead to get out and mix for a number of months when they felt she was strong enough, though we were still careful to not sit next to anyone directly unwell. Coraline loved going into the ballpit at Baby Sensory, during her very first session there. Coraline ended up having her open-heart surgery at 15 months old. They were waiting for the optimum time when she was strong enough to have it and as old as possible, so her heart was a little bigger. It went so well, and she was home within the week.

Our ballpit has a flimsy type base which works great and makes it really easy to have either indoors, or take outside, or fold down and pack away. The wonderful thing was watching her develop from being able to sit, to being able to crawl (she began in February 2019 aged one and a half, and by May 2019 she was crawling between rooms and by September 2019 she was a speedy crawler). Coraline is now not yet walking but she is an accomplished crawler and she can get up onto the sofa and turn around on it to get down again, and she can crawl up the stairs which happened just a couple of months ago.

As the crawling developed it was amazing to see Coraline actually pulling herself into the ballpit over the side of it. These moments are wonderful, and I remember how big it felt! She is now in and out of the ballpit all the time. She loves to pull all her books into it and read them there.

During this time of lockdown in Spring and Summer 2020, where we have been at home for 13 weeks, the ballpit has been brilliant. We can take it outside into the garden. We go to a great weekly development group (Digbies stands for “developing individual growth by imaginative play, education and speech”). Coraline is not yet talking. We are working on the Makaton sign language for colours at Digbies (red, blue, green and yellow) so in play, as often as possible, we say and sign the colours. The ballpit is brilliant for this. I say to Coraline, “let’s take all the red balls out” and then I will say “red balls in” as we put them back in. Coraline does not yet know what I mean when I say let’s choose all the red balls, but she does have a sense of signing the colours. She can definitely sign blue and has a go at signing the other colours. I have moved on to more colours as well as these four. 

But the ballpit is great practise for colours as children with Down’s syndrome learn by a lot of repetition and also visually. I have laminated the word “red” on a red piece of card in big lowercase letters and then often I will have that on the ground next to the pile of red balls, and the same for the other colours. 

I remember in lockdown beginning by trying to do all the recommended toddler online zoom sessions or online groups but they just did not sit right for her developmental level and I quickly learned this. I came back to the trusty items we have at home which she loves, and which can really teach so much through play. 

Coraline can currently say an approximation of one word which is “cat” and her second word which she is having a go at is “ball”. Having flash cards like this is all part of visual learning. 

Selecting a baby monitor is often at the top of the list of things you need to do when creating your baby registry. A baby monitor is such an important part of a parent’s life especially during the early months as it provides an extra set of ears and eyes on their little one. But how to select the best? There are so many different types of monitors and so many questions. Sleep expert Kim West helps one mama-to-be, Brittney Knudsen, narrow down her search by answering some of her most pressing questions.

BONUS: After watching the video, test your knowledge in our fun baby monitor IQ quiz. and don’t forget to check out the awesome rebate deal from our friends at Evoz – manufacturers of one of the most superior baby monitors available for families.

Want to know your baby monitor IQ? Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge and find out!

DEAL ALERT: Our friends at Evoz have a special offer for our Gugu Guru community! To get a rebate on your Evoz monitor, purchase from Amazon here and set up the monitor. Then just forward your Amazon proof of purchase to Evoz at GGGR_rebate@myevoz.com and tell them your Evoz account name, and they’ll send you a $35 rebate! This offer is valid for customers in the USA, one per household. BUY NOW >>

About Kim West: Author and sleep coach, Kim West, better known as The Sleep Lady, is the mother of two beautiful girls, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a practicing child and family therapist for more than 21 years, and the creator of the original gentle, proven method to get a good night’s sleep for you and your child.
Website: https://sleeplady.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesleeplady

Follow Brittney Knudsen and her beautiful adventures in motherhood on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittneyknudsen/

Wondering about TTC and COVID-19? Whether you’re trying for number 1, number 2 or a rainbow baby, given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have a lot of questions about trying to conceive and pregnancy at this time. Gugu Guru decided to sit down (remotely, of course) with Dr. Kenosha Gleaton the Medical Director of Natalist for a TTC Q&A session.

What are some of your best tips for women TTC in general?

1. Take inventory of your lifestyle and implement health-improving strategies. These may include quitting smoking, decreasing your weight, and modifying your diet.
2. Schedule a pre-pregnancy visit with your OBGYN if you have chronic medical problems, are taking prescription medications, or have a family history of genetic problems.
3. Become familiar with your cycle. Tracking your individual ovulation and knowing your body’s cues is empowering and may lead to faster conception.
4. Take a prenatal vitamin and supplement with additional vitamin D.
5. Reduce caffeine consumption to two or fewer beverages per day.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, is now a good time to try to conceive or is it better to wait?

We have no evidence that COVID-19 affects miscarriage rates or early pregnancy outcomes. It’s simply too soon to know, and the data doesn’t exist. If you are planning to or actively trying to conceive, continue to follow the CDC’s guidelines of proper hygiene, social distancing, and handwashing. Obstetrical practices are continuing to offer pregnancy confirmation visits; thus, getting your first prenatal appointment should not be problematic.

You can also check out our COVID-19 library of reproductive health updates and guidance from OBGYNs for more information.

What measures, if any, should I take when trying together pregnant right now?

There are no specific recommendations regarding COVID-19 and preconception practices.

In general, ensure that any personal lubricant is not working against you. Several preconception lubricants are specially formulated and will not impede sperm motility. If you need a safe, fertility-friendly lube, check out The Lube.

Has anything been confirmed as far as the effects of COVID on pregnant women?

To date, there is no evidence that COVID-19 affects pregnant women differently.

How can I support my mental health while TTC right now?

As with any desired goal, trying to conceive can become tedious and stressful. Routinely implement stress-reducing techniques, including exercise, prayer, or meditation, and frequent contact with your support system. If you are prone to anxiety or stress-related mood changes, consider limiting your exposure to media and scheduling a virtual visit with a trusted counselor. Many of these visits are covered by insurance and/or employers.

If I am TTC and COVID-19 is still prevalent, will I have access to regular doctor appointments if I conceive during the outbreak?

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has recommended that providers extend prenatal visit frequency by two to four weeks dependent on the trimester. However, the first prenatal visit to confirm pregnancy is still recommended during the standard timeframe of six to ten weeks.

Does COVID affect fertility?

We have no evidence that COVID-19 affects fertility, miscarriage rates, or early pregnancy outcomes.

Can pregnant women pass the virus to the fetus?

Currently, it is unclear if COVID-19 can cross the placenta to the fetus. A limited case series of infants born to mothers with COVID-19 showed that none of the infants tested positive for COVID-19.

Mothers can transfer the virus to their infants after birth through standard transmission routes.

Will COVID stop me from getting pregnant?

We have no evidence that COVID-19 affects fertility, miscarriage rates, or early pregnancy outcomes.

If either my partner or I contract COVID, should we stop TTC?

Unless you or your partner becomes critically ill, COVID-19 infection should not significantly alter efforts of trying to conceive. It is advisable to continue social distancing if only one partner is infected or displaying symptoms. In addition, there is no data evaluating pregnancy or fetal outcomes of those mothers who conceived during active COVID-19 infection.

About Dr. Kenosha Gleaton

Natalist’s Medical Director, Dr. Kenosha Gleaton is board certified in gynecology and obstetrics. She received her MD from MUSC and completed her residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Dr. Gleaton is passionate about women, youth, and mentoring. She is a Scrubs Camp instructor, a program to increase student entry in healthcare, and serves as a Compassion International adoptive parent. She is also a member of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, and the American Association of Professional Women.

In her spare time, she enjoys running, spending time with her husband, Dr. Douglas Gleaton, sons, Douglas III and Parker.

 

Today we are so excited to sit down and chat with Emily Westerfield about her new company Surrogacy Journeys. As a mother of three and active gestational carrier, Emily Westerfield knows the ins and outs of surrogacy. If you’re considering hiring a surrogate to help you on your journey to grow your family, or you’re considering becoming a gestational carrier yourself, Surrogacy Journeys is a beyond valuable resource.

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Surrogacy Journeys.
EW: I decided to launch my business because there’s so many people out there who don’t fully understand how the Surrogacy process works. There’s so much that goes into this journey for both the Intended Parents and the carrier. Surrogacy Journeys does just that. SJ explains fully how the process works, what to expect, provides resources and even matches carriers and Intended Parents so they can begin to form a warm and close relationship to begin their journey.

GG: What’s one piece of advice or one tip you’d give someone who is considering working with a surrogate?
EW: From the moment you begin this journey you’ve already been through so much. Know that this is about you and it’s YOUR journey. You’re going to live on communication, trust and hope throughout the whole process so trust your gut and follow your heart.

GG: What’s one piece of advice or one tip you’d give someone who is considering becoming a carrier?
EW: Ensure you have support. Whether that be your spouse, family members, friends or a support group – you need others to rely on throughout this journey. You are doing a wonderful thing for someone else, but you also need to take care of yourself too.

GG: How do you balance work and family?
EW: Setting boundaries and batching time. As my children grow older and are getting more involved in extra-curricular activities, I am becoming more involved in extra-curricular activities too! 🙂 Ensuring I am honest and upfront about working hours and setting boundaries for both my clients and my family sets a clear understanding and level of respect as I tackle both. Also ensuring I am able to tackle all my to-dos during the day, I batch my time to work on particular items at particular times and focus on those without distraction or disruption.

What’s the best part of being a mompreneur?
EW: The best part of being a mompreneur is the flexibility. If there’s ever a school field trip, a doctor’s appointment or an early soccer game, I can always be a part of it. Our children are young for such a short period of time – I don’t want to miss a thing. By being able to set my own hours and build my business on my own time, I am able to hustle to help others in my business, but always be there for my kids when they need me. My kids are my “why”. They are the reason I work so incredibly hard to give them a life they so deserve.

About Emily Westerfield

As a mother of three and active gestational carrier, Emily Westerfield knows the ins and outs of surrogacy. Carrying for both singletons and multiples, she’s experienced in the processes, legality and emotion that surrogacy entails. Knowledgeable, resourceful and having helped numerous families (and counting) throughout their journeys, Emily’s ability to guide you through the options and process will make your journey less stressful and more manageable.

When and where: Your Best Bundle Episode 6: Postpartum Nutrition & Diet with Carlyn Rosenblum, MS, RD and founder of MTHR Nutrition, streamed live on the Bundle Organics Instagram Thursday, March 15th at 9PM ET (6PM PT.)

Episode 6 of Your Best Bundle: Postpartum Nutrition & Diet

Join us for our sixth installment of Your Best Bundle – Postpartum Nutrition & Diet with Carlyn Rosenblum, MS, RD. Carlyn is the resident nutrition expert at Gugu Concierge and founder of MTHR Nutrition, a concierge nutrition service for women and families during the pre-conception, pregnancy and postpartum phases.

Are you struggling with your “mom bod” and wondering about the best way to lose the baby weight? In this Instagram Live, Carlyn Rosenblum, MS, RD and founder of MTHR Nutrition will share her diet and nutrition tips for losing and maintaining a healthy weight after baby. Carlyn’s background in clinical nutrition has provided her with the tools to take the stress and confusion out of eating and nutrition plans. She’ll speak to factors that affect weight loss for new mothers such as diet, metabolism and breastfeeding. This Postpartum Nutrition & Diet Instagram Live Q&A is aimed to help you get informed on best practices for postpartum nutrition and diet, as well as help you manage your own weight loss expectations.

Do you have a specific question about postpartum nutrition & diet that you’d like us to cover in the Q&A? We’d love to know so Carlyn can come prepared! Submit your questions in advance by sending an email to yourbestbundle@bundleorganics.com with the subject “Postpartum Nutrition & Diet”.