baby

Gift Idea: Unconventional Teething Picks

By: Shana, Gugu Guru Director of Content Marketing

This teething round up comes just as my 8-month-old is cutting three top teeth at once. We managed to survive the bottom two coming in with the help of a French giraffe with cult status. Since those first two teeth, my little one has been pretty finicky, preferring objects of the non-teething variety. Luckily, these four products delivered…and then some!

Teething Egg
Made with FDA grade materials and lead/phalate/BPA/PVC free, this egg-shaped teether is the perfect size and shape for little mouths and hands. I love that it comes with an attachable clip, since my little one is also at the “throw it on the floor and watch Mommy pick it up” stage. Side note: after chewing on it, she also likes to toss around the Teething Egg and watch it wobble. The Teething Egg has held up remarkably well!

Sweet Tooth
This is the CUTEST teething toy and it smells yummy too. (Yes, I’ve found myself sniffing it more than once, which my daughter finds hysterical.) Made in the USA out of medical/food grade silicone, it is free of nasties and easy to clean. The two textures accommodate different teething stages, plus it can have a second life as a toy once teething is over. When it comes to baby things, longevity is definitely a bonus!

Mama & Little Sofia Soothing Teething Necklace
My daughter’s favorite place is in my arms, so having a great teething necklace is a given. She also loves tugging on my long hair, so the necklace does double duty: she can chew on it or keep her hands busy and out of mama’s hair (the breakaway safety clasp ensures that if she tugs a little too hard on the necklace it will safely come off). Made of non-toxic food-grade silicone it’s one way I don’t have to sacrifice style or worry about what my little one is chewing on.

Kleynimals

While not technically a teething toy, Kleynimals are perfect for teething babies who want to put everything into their mouths – including mommy and daddy’s dirty keys. (Many people don’t know that keys contain toxins like lead, nevermind the sharp edges and grime.) What I immediately noticed about Kleynimals is that they are nice and solid. These are NOT cheaply made, chintzy toy keys. They’re made of stainless steel and can even be engraved. After weeks of fixating on my jingly house keys, my daughter loves having her own animal-shaped set.

Daycare Must Haves Roundup!

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The transition from baby being home to daycare can be perplexing: what are you supposed to bring? What does your baby need for the day? Gugu Guru interviewed many moms and daycare experts to find out exactly what your baby will need, and today we’re sharing our roundup of the must have products for daycare as well as sharing some tips to make the transition smoother.

Before you go back to work full time, we recommend that you do a test run for at least a couple weeks so you can get comfortable putting your baby in daycare. Dropping your baby off for a day or two in the weeks leading up to returning to work will help you establish a routine and feel more prepared mentally and emotionally.

Product Suggestions

A “Safe” Lovie: Often times daycares don’t allow for lovies or blankies during naptime, as they can be a sleeping hazard; which is why we’re big fans of the BittaSack from Bitta Kidda! This 100% natural cotton sleepsack has two cotton velour lovies sewn onto the sleep sack, so baby can hold something soft while they are sleeping. These lovies will never get close to baby’s face, which means they are safe for even the smallest of babies to self-soothe with. If your baby loves to hold on to something while they sleep (which most do!), this is the perfect daycare accompaniment because it will help them get a great nap!

Sunscreen: Lots of daycares are wonderful about taking the babies and kids outside as much as possible! However, we got this great tip from mom Nicole F., “Don’t forget to bring sunscreen. Kids aren’t supposed to share!” Furthermore, as mom Beth K. said, “some of these daycares simply won’t apply the sunscreen,” and prefer the parents apply the sunscreen before the day begins. We’re big fans of Babo Botanicals sunscreen which is safe for baby’s skin and made without dairy, soy, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, SLS, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, fragrances, dyes, sodium chloride, formaldehyde, MEA, DEA, TEA, or most common allergens.

Close-toed shoes: While less of an infant consideration, mama Emalee G. reminded us that “The kids need to have close-toed shoes and sandals, as well as sandals with backs on them!” With all the toddling and running around at daycare, often the daycares recommend close-toed shoes and sandals, and almost certainly no flip-flops! Lori M. added, “No slip-on shoes. The shoes must have laces or Velcro; slip-ons fall off too easily.” Looking for the perfect baby and toddler shoe for daycare? We recommend pediped shoes, which have a ton of styles to chose from, all with closed toes, safe straps, and are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development.

Diapers: While cloth diapering is becoming very popular for many parents, many daycares don’t allow for cloth diapers. Here’s a hint: remind them about a reduction in trash with cloth and that could make them reconsider. If you’re unable to talk the facility into cloth diapering and looking for an eco-friendly, allergen-free, safe alternative to cloth diapers, we love Bambo Nature diapers. Made to fit your baby’s growing body, these diapers are free from chlorine, perfumes, optical brighteners and lotions, as well as phthalates, latex, and gluten. Bambo Nature diapers feature a breathable back-sheet, which ensures that the skin can breathe, keeping the skin drier and less prone to rash or infection. Bambo Nature also features hypoallergenic baby wipes and training pants for older toddlers.

Labels: How are you going to label all of these items for your baby? We are huge fans of Inchbug labels – which happened to be one of the most common brands named as a “must-have” by daycare moms! Their 3D custom Orbit labels are engraved with your baby’s name on them (in braille too!) and can fit on any sippy-cup, bottle, or cup – they are colorful and will ensure that your baby is drinking from the right container. Inchbug also sells adhesive labels, clothing labels, allergy labels and alerts, and even labels which can go in shoes! Put your baby’s name on everything with Inchbug labels.

Some final tips…

Besides the actual items which your baby will need, finding a daycare which fits all of your family’s needs can sometimes be overwhelming. We asked Lindsay Bliss, the owner of Kidspiration for some questions parents can ask when they tour a daycare. Her top five questions she said parents should ask as they tour a daycare, 1. What are the ratios of children to teachers? 2. What’s your sick policy? 3. What are the fees? Late fees? Early hour fees? 4. How can I communicate with you? 5. What materials do I need to bring and what do you provide?

Although the transition can be hard, here are some testimonials from other mamas: Vicki M. said, “My daughter is in kindergarten this year and I truly believe the curriculum she learned in daycare over the past three years has made her so bright and ready to be in the school setting! She knows how to sit, listen, pay attention, take turns, share. All things she learned by going to daycare!” As Trish N. exclaimed, “I am a full time working mom and both my kids have been in full time day care since three months old. It has been a great experience for me. They’re both very smart, they can sit still, listen to directions, use good manners. They are outgoing and are kind to other children.” Even though it’s a tough change for some parents, daycare can a wonderful place your baby can thrive, make friends, and learn social skills – as long as you’re prepared with all the necessary items, the transition can be smoother for both mama and baby!

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Nursing Essentials Roundup!

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The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week, so we wanted to share some helpful nursing essentials which you could add to your registry or gift to a new mama friend!

Sponsored Post

Bamboobies Nursing Pads: Bamboobies Nursing Pads are made of ultra-soft and soothing bamboo rayon velour, an absorbent inner layer of hemp and cotton with an outer milk-proof liner to help prevent embarrassing leaks! These nursing pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly. Bamboobies washable nursing pads come in two varieties. The ultra-thin, heart-shaped regular nursing pads are made for light leaking and are designed to be less visible through clothing. The round shaped overnight nursing pads are not only ultra-soft, but larger, thicker and super absorbent for heavy leaking and newborn nursing.

Milkies Milk-Savers: Any breastfeeding mom will tell you that they absolutely hate wasting even one drop of breast milk! Luckily, Milk-Savers by Milkies save the day! Easy to use, simply slip the Milk-Saver into your bra-cup on the non-nursing side before you breastfeed. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that is leaked when your breast milk lets down. Once you’ve finished your breastfeeding session, simply transfer the collected milk into storage containers and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to feed your baby at a later time. Slim, durable, and portable, the patented Milk-Saver is comfortable to wear, holds a little more than 2 ounces of breast milk, and includes a protective lid to prevent milk from spilling out of the Milk-Saver during normal use. And with its stylish, durable case, your Milk-Saver will stay safe and clean when you’re on the go.

Bamboobies Nursing BRAHHH!: Bamboobies Nursing Brahhh combines the popular seamless nursing bra style with super-soft rayon from bamboo fabric. Wire-free comfort and soft support will make this bra your everyday favorite. Bamboo rayon is more breathable, softer and eco-friendly than cotton or nylon. Bamboobies Nursing Brahhh now has clasps for easy access nursing.

Beaugen Breast Pump Nipple Cushion: These breast pump nipple cushions are a universal fit, soft and stretchy which add comfort to your breast pump. Each package includes 2 nipple cushions which fit breast shield sizes 19mm-36mm. Make your time pumping more comfortable with these soft and helpful cushions!

Mompreneur Spotlight: Ericka N. Perry, Founder of The Stork Bag

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For this week’s mompreneur spotlight, we sit down with Ericka N. Perry, CEO/Founder of The Stork Bag – the first ever reusable pregnancy subscription bag, curated with 8-12 products to meet your trimester and postpartum needs.

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about The Stork Bag.
EP: I launched The Stork Bag in 2014 after my best friend found out she was pregnant for the first time. I remember searching for the perfect care package to send her but coming up short. During that time I discovered there was no product out there that matched my needs so after about 4 weeks of planning, The Stork Bag was born and it has been history ever since. Having the opportunity to do what I absolutely love and serve a population that I am passionate about has been the most amazing part of my journey thus far.

GG: How do you balance work and family?
I have a schedule for everything! My kids know when its snack time, bedtime, quiet/reading time, etc. I use schedules to maintain sanity but more than that, I am a person who works well with deadlines. Scheduling helps me keep everything in focus and prioritize to get things done efficiently and effectively. I also am not afraid to seek help when things start getting too busy, which is why I rely on my team to help me maintain a comfortable balance and prevent me from work-overload.

GG: What’s the best part of being a mompreneur?
The flexibility to have time to spend with my family. Although, I work harder now as a mompreneur than I ever did working outside the home, the best part is being able to somewhat dictate my own schedule. I also have a passion for motherhood and take pride in being able to help promote other women-owned brands. Being a mompreneur gives me the platform to help promote, encourage and inspire and that is what I intend to do before it’s all said and done.

Advanced Breastfeeding Class

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Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s also a learned practice that can sometimes be challenging. Set yourself and baby up for success by being informed on the basics and benefits of breastfeeding before baby arrives by attending the first webinar in our three-part series on breastfeeding and pumping: Advanced Breastfeeding Class!

Details
Join us for our 2-hour Advanced Breastfeeding Class* webinar from the comfort of your own home or workplace, led by Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC and creator of Boobie Bars. From explaining the components of breastmilk to a proper latch to solutions for common breastfeeding issues, this class goes above and beyond what is taught in a basic hospital class to help you and baby get off to the right start. We will also offer time for Q/A at the end of the class, time-permitting. Don’t miss out on our early bird pricing!

*Advanced Breastfeeding Class is part one of a three-part series, which covers setting yourself up for successful breastfeeding with a newborn. Parts Two and Three of this series will cover Pumping and Returning to Work, respectively. We are offering discounted early bird pricing, along with a discounted bundle package for those who wish to attend all three webinars. Those who purchase the bundle package will be entered to win a Lansinoh SmartPump breast pump and a supply of Boobie Bars!

Topic: Advanced Breastfeeding Class (Part I of III)

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM CDT / 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM MDT / 10AM-12PM PDT

Pricing:
Early Bird (first 15 attendees to sign up): $40
Standard Ticket: $45
Early Bird Webinar 3-Series Bundle (first 10 attendees to sign up): $90
Standard Webinar 3-Series Bundle (first 10 attendees to sign up): $100

This class is the first in a 3-part series of breastfeeding webinars brought to you by Gugu Village – Gugu Guru’s new online support community for expecting and new moms.

Advanced Breastfeeding Class
Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM CDT / 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM MDT / 10AM-12PM PDT
Tickets can be purchased above or here.

Well Mama Round Up!

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Happy mom, happy baby! With a new baby at home, it’s easy to forget that mom needs care too. Gugu Guru has rounded up a few items to help make it a bit easier.

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Nesting Days Carrier: Skin-to-skin is a lot more than just having all that newborn deliciousness as close as possible. There are proven emotional and biological benefits for both baby and mom, and who doesn’t want a happier, healthier, less stressed baby? The Nesting Days Carrier makes hands-free skin-to-skin babywearing easy! Created by a postpartum doula and made locally in San Francisco, there are no straps, buckles, harnesses or wrapping techniques involved – and it even provides gentle abdominal support. So strip baby down to a diaper (when at home), slip her into your Nesting Days carrier, and breathe in all that yummy new baby smell!

Fannypants Freedom Plus Set + Maxi SmartPad Underwear: Did baby spend the last few months kickboxing your bladder and now that you’ve given birth, things aren’t quite how they used to be? Don’t worry, Fannypants has you covered! These moisture-wicking, flexible, stretchable panties come with a Maxi SmartPad (a washable, reusable pad that can be used for your period or bladder leaks). Go ahead and laugh and lift, you’ve got eco-friendly protection on your side!

yootoo Bra: As moms, we’re constantly making sure that our baby is as comfy as possible, but you need comfort too! (Hence the name of this awesome bra line.) yootoo nursing bras provide breathable support, clasps that open and close easily with one hand, a plunging neckline for versatility, and patented UGrow technology, which allows the bra to conform to your body. Plus, a portion of every yootoo sale goes to Every Mother Count, a non-profit founded by Christy Turlington Burns that supports maternal health programs around the world!

Innovative Sleep Products Round Up!

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To say that newborns sleep a lot is an understatement, so Gugu Guru has rounded up a few products to help your little one get the best sleep possible.

Sponsored Post

Harlow’s Earth Crib Mattress Cover: Do nightmares about the ickies that might be lurking in your baby’s crib mattress like allergens and chemical off-gassing keep you up at night? Sleep more soundly knowing that your little one is protected! This waterproof, BPA and phthalate free mattress cover from Harlow’s Earth directs gases down and away from your baby, allowing the mattress – and baby – to breathe freely. Just slip in your mattress and secure the Velcro tabs. It wipes down easily with warm water and soap, so maintenance is a breeze. Now go to bed, mama!

Venta Airwasher Air Purifier and Humidifier: A good humidifier is an absolute must-have for teeny noses. The Venta Airwasher does double duty as an air filter and a humidifier and is super low maintenance. No more sputtering, drippy humidifiers and worrying about moldy basins, plus there are no filters to clean. Not only does it maintain the ideal moisture in the air and filter out things like pet dander and pollen – it even cleans common cold germs from the air! Yes! (Bonus: they even have their own line of aromatherapy oils that you can add to your Airwasher.)

Colgate EverTrue Diamond Mattress: Colgate has been handcrafting mattresses right here in the US since 1955, so it’s safe to say they know their stuff! With innovative features like SecureCore Technology™, a breathable honeycomb mesh core that allows for optimal air circulation, gel grooves that prevent air stagnation, and a cover crafted from Celliant, a biologically responsive fabric that helps regulate body temperature and increase oxygenation, the EverTrue Diamond is at the forefront of safe sleep technology. The dual-firmness mattress (extra support for infants, added cushiness for toddlers) is GREENGUARD® Gold certified, so no nasty off-gassing. Plus, it’s waterproof, stain/odor resistant, and hypoallergenic. What more could you need? Oh, yes, it’s available only at specialty stores, so it’s also a great reason to shop local!

Summer Style: Pediped Shoes for Babies and Toddlers

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One of the most exciting adventures as a new parent is watching your baby learn to transition from crawling, to toddling, to finally, those milestone first steps. However, once baby is starting to walk, it’s time to find shoes which they can wear as they learn to walk from babyhood into toddlerhood. With its exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort, and distinctive styling, pediped footwear has quickly become the preeminent go-to shoe for parents all over.

What makes pediped shoes unique? pediped footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development, and orthopedic medical professionals deem pediped shoes an excellent choice for parents who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily.

pediped is all ready for summer with their new Spring/Summer collection, featuring over 70 new styles across its signature footwear system. The collection is highlighted by its fashion sandals featuring Memory Foam Technology and its aquatic water-safe, rugged, machine-washable Adventure Line. Their new collection features soft pastels and bright fun colors, which are perfect to pair with summer dresses, brightly colored swimwear, and fun summer shorts and t-shirts. What’s even better? Most of the Spring/Summer collection of shoes are machine washable – easy for parents! Let baby roam the world this summer in style, and all the while knowing their feet are being taken care of and developing comfortably and naturally.

Thank you to pediped footwear for sponsoring this post.

DIY Crinkle Toy

by Gugu Guru 3 Comments

See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. This time? A DIY crinkle toy to match up with her TWELVElittle diaper bag. Read on to get the details…

I’m thrilled about this post, I love the project and I love the bag that goes with it! Today’s DIY project is a Knotted Crinkle Toy for baby! It’s a fun, sensory toy with a wooden ring. Lots of things for baby to touch and hear. This is a type of sewing I’ve never done before (with crinkle material!) but it was super easy and fun! Even if you’re new to sewing, you’ll be able to tackle this project.

TWELVElittle is a modern diaper bag company, but you might not even know it by looking at their bags. I fell in love with this 3-in-1 Foldover Tote. Having a big diaper bag has been so nice! One baby alone is a good enough reason to have a diaper bag that can hold a whole bunch, but since I have 2 other kids, too, the space is extra useful.

A few other things I love about this bag:

The color is so nice and dimensional, plus the fabric is wipeable and just nice!
It can be a tote, backpack or sling bag, depending on how you clip the strap! A hands-free option is a must with kids!
The color and style won’t be embarrassing for my husband, he carries the diaper bag often, and he likes it, too.
The interior is wipeable and has lots of pockets and they’re big – for bottles, sippys, diapers, wipes, etc. Plus a few zippered pockets (on the inside and out) for my stuff.
The style is classy enough for date night!

I couldn’t quite decide which pocket was best for my wooden ring crinkle toy, but let’s make one anyways!

DIY Baby Crinkle Toy

Materials:
-6 Fat Quarters of solid colored fabric (I’m using Cotton + Steel solids)
-1/2 yard crinkle material* OR an old, clean chip bag
-3″ unfinished wooden ring
-Free Pattern Download

*I used a clear CPSIA and EN71 compliant crinkle material which you can find with a quick google search. A chip or similar food product bag will give you a similar sound, so it’s up to you what you want to use.

Instructions:

Use the pattern piece to cut SIX layers of fabric. Align the Fold Arrow on a fold of the fabric and cut out with fabric scissors. Use the same pattern piece to cut THREE layers of crinkle material.

Decide which colors/patterns you want to pair together and stack them up. You’ll put the two fabric layers together with the right sides of the fabric together. Then pin the crinkle material to the backside of one fabric.

Sew around the edges of the stack, 1/4″ from the edge of the fabric. Leave a 1-2″ opening on one side, right in the middle of the toy.

Clip the points of the fabric and turn through the opening. Push the edges out and press with low heat.

Make 2 more fabric pieces with remaining materials.

There is no need to finish the opening, since we’ll be knotting it onto the wooden ring.

To wrap up this project, grab your wooden ring and tie the fabric piece around it. Make a knot and then make a second knot and pull the ends so the knot is really tight. Repeat with all 3 fabric pieces until you have 3 fabric knot pieces with extra ears sticking out.

All done! The fabric is crinkly and makes a fun sound, and the wood is also great to grab. Hopefully this toy will be a hit!

Dadpreneur Spotlight: Michael Rothbard of Newton

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With June being the month that we celebrate fathers, we wanted to highlight one more Dadpreneur: Michael Rothbard is the founder of Newton – the brand behind the award-winning Newton Wovenaire Crib Mattress. Newton’s Wovenaire Crib Mattress features Wovenaire technology; the Wovenaire mattress core is 90% air and 10% food-grade polymer and provides the comfort of foam and latex without any of the drawbacks. These mattresses are highly breathable and don’t have any of the foam, latex, flame retardants, springs and glue common in other crib mattresses, which means no off gassing, toxic chemicals or allergens. What’s more, Newton’s Wovenaire Crib Mattresses are easily washable in your bath or shower, which means you can simply wash away allergens, dirt, liquids, and dust to help prevent mold from growing. Your baby will not only rest easy on these 100% recyclable mattresses, but you can rest easy knowing that they are breathing safely and in a completely clean environment.

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Newton.

MR: I’ve been an entrepreneur in the specialty sleep category for the majority of my career. However, until I became a Father, I never realized the importance of providing better sleep for babies. As first time parents, my wife and I experienced firsthand the fear and exhaustion that almost every parent faces with trying to get our son to sleep well.

I decided there must be a better way. To me the problem was obvious, we expect babies to sleep on sweaty, rock hard surfaces that we would never be comfortable on. I used to look at my son lying on his crib mattress and think he must be so uncomfortable, no wonder he’s not sleeping! My wife and I also lost sleep ourselves, as most parents do, when the rollover stage started. This was a stage for me that safety and breathability were more important than ever.

I discovered that crib mattresses haven’t changed a bit over the years, they’re waterproof because they can’t be washed and they are stiff because you can’t have a baby’s face sinking into an airtight, waterproof surface. So it occurred to me if you could make a crib mattress both breathable and washable it would be both safer and more comfortable. When I discovered the Japanese technology, we call Wovenaire, I knew I had the answer.

Five years later my son, now a budding young scientist, was teaching me what he learned about Newton’s laws of rest and motion and I knew what the name of our new company should be. Newton is dedicated to providing families with better living through better rest.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

It’s not easy to grow a business and a family at the same time. Both are very demanding, but my priority is to be present for my children. This means not just being there for an adequate amount of time, but being present in the moment and not allowing my mind to drift off to my to do list, etc. I try to take at least one skiing trip a year with my oldest boy for some father/son time. These trips are the most precious moments for me and I look forward to doing the same with my younger twins when they’re old enough.

GG: What’s the best part of being an dadpreneur?

Being on my own schedule and being able to pass along my family’s heritage as small business owners to my children. I also know my children are now understanding daddy works on sleep products to make sure all families are comfortable and safe. They were all excited to attend the Newton 1^stbirthday party a few weeks back and demonstrate how comfortable and safe our Wovenaire crib mattress truly is. Little innovators and safe sleep ambassadors in the making!

You can follow Newton on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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