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Obsession: Fruits & Veggies

1. Ouef Cherry Rug ($260) available from Ouef. Our rugs are each hand-loomed by a single artisan, using techniques passed down through the generations in a family-run workshop in Peru. Each piece is therefore a unique work of art. The process starts with the flocks of sheep found in the highlands of Puno City. Their wool is used for the 100% wool yarn, which is hand-dyed in small quantities using non-toxic dyes. The highly-skilled weavers then work on a traditional loom to hand-make each piece with care. Made in Peru. Dry clean or hand wash.

2. Rylee and Cru Watermelon Onesie Sherbert ($39) available from Babyswag. Watermelon onesie in sherbert by Rylee and Cru.

3. Beets Don’t Kale My Vibe Tee ($24) available from Radish Kids on etsy.Beets Don’t Kale My Vibe or anyone’s in this cool shirt! Printed on the softest black tri-blend American Apparel T-Shirt. Sizes are in stock and ready to ship

4. Strawberry Print ($24) available from Rylee & Cru.Illustrated art print by Kelli Murray for Rylee & Cru. Printed on matte white paper – acid free, 110 lb cover, 298 GSM. Sealed in a cello sleeve with protective stiff cardboard.

5. Fruits print set, Any 6 Prints (Starting at $40) available from Dekanimal on Etsy. By default, you will receive the Papaya, Carrots, Watermelon, Tomato, Pea, Fig print as shown in the first picture.Or you can choose ANY print from ANY category to pair up your favourite combination. Just let us know your choices at Checkout.

6. Nüzzle Baby Wrap Carrier in Papaya ($34.95) available on Amazon.com. Soft, lightweight and breathable organic fabric makes the Nüzzle wrap convenient and comfortable for you and your baby. 95% Cotton 5% Spandex.Keep your baby secure and close to you with unbeatable quality organic fabric. Easily machine washable, the Nüzzle wrap is both practical and easy to keep clean.

7. Baby Vegetable Rattle($20) available from Anthropologie. Baby Vegetable Rattle available in sweet peas, carrot or radish.

8. Organic “Locally Grown” Carrots Edition Unbleached Onesie($27.99) available from MiniAndMeep on etsy. My “Locally Grown” Carrots Edition Onesie is grown, sewn and designed with love in the USA. Made from 100% soft organic cotton and printed with eco-friendly water based inks, my designs meet Global Organic Textile Standards and are produced without the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides, or artificial dyes. Each onesie is tumble-dried to ensure optimal softness and to prevent excessive shrinking. I happily hand paint all of my designs with watercolor and ink at my home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and are printed locally and in collaboration with Spiritex, a company that has a ‘farm to fashion’ model using only local, sustainable, and ethical resources and practices.

9. Lemon flutter swim one-piece($24.95) available from Gap. Breezy outfits inspired by sun, fun, and lemonade stands! Flutter sleeves meet at V-back. Round neckline. Allover lemon print. Fully lined. Tagless design for comfort and ease. UPF 40+ protects skin from the sun.

10. Pineapple Print Swim Trunk($11.99) available from Janie & Jack. Tropical dapper, our swim trunk features allover pineapple print and a mesh liner for comfort.

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.

Introducing Elizabeth Granados and The House of NOA

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As parents, we’re always concerned with our baby’s safety, so we strive to make our homes as safe for them as possible. But, we also want our homes to be stylish places for adults, too – which is why we love the concept behind The House of NOA! The House of NOA, founded by mompreneur Elizabeth Granados, creates traditional foam play mats for babies and kids – however, these are crafted with gorgeous designs – which are sure to add style to any room of your house. Elizabeth’s vision was to create a beautiful play mat both mama and baby would love. She teamed up with Illustrator and Designer, Sophia Vincent Guy, to create a unique and original design unlike any other play mat available. When you lay down the foam mat pieces, they create the illusion of a beautiful rug – but this “beautiful rug” is easy to clean and able to withstand the rough and tumble of a toddler! Unlike anything else on the market, the Little Nomad play mats are an elegant addition to any room of your house!

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Little Nomad.
E.G.: The idea for Little Nomad came to me long before I was ever pregnant with my first and only child. In fact, at the time I was struggling with infertility. A friend of mine invited me over to her gorgeous new home and upon opening the front door – the otherwise tastefully decorated family room was covered in tacky foam plats. I began to have visions of how they could be reimagined, but felt that maybe I didn’t have the authority to have an opinion on the matter since I wasn’t a Mother myself. Years later and several months after giving birth to my daughter, the idea resurfaced in my mind, but this time with the confidence I needed to turn the vision from dream to reality. I decided to launch on Kickstarter as a way to validate the product rather than using investor funding because I wanted to get close to my customers from the start. What better way to build a company than to attract a community of tribe members who have your back and believe in what you’re doing?

GG: How do you balance work and family?
E.G.: I started working on Little Nomad when my daughter Taliah was about 6 months old. As an entrepreneur, my mind is always thinking of ideas and ways to change or improve what I’m working on. Sometimes, it can be difficult to turn these thoughts off so that I can focus on my family.

Additionally, I feel like my iPhone can be a terrible distraction – so I try to keep it out of sight when I’m spending time with my daughter. With my husband in residency and working very long hours, my most cherished moments of the day are at about 5:30AM when my daughter gets up and we eat breakfast as a family. In this fast paced world, its important for me to always be mindful of what matters more than any email or Facebook post, my wonderful husband and daughter.

GG: What’s the best part of being an mompreneur?
E.G.: When I was nine years old, my Mother developed an educational board game. She took my brother and I with her to Taiwan to meet with manufacturers. I didnt realize the impact that had on me until recently. My Mom taught me to be a fearless entrepreneur, leading by example. I hope to show my daughter that as women, we can achieve any goal we set our minds to. I hope to give her the same gift that my Mom gave me.

Product Discovery: Micuna Cribs

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

We became absolutely smitten with Micuna at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas this past October. When you browse through their products, you can see that design and high-quality craftsmanship are top of mind considerations for Micuna. Recognized for their commitment to design, quality and safety of its products, Micuna was one of the first Spanish companies to comply with the high standards of European quality and safety. What’s more, Micuna products are crafted with eco-friendly practices and materials including wood obtained from sustainable forests.

Today we shine the spotlight on the LIFE crib collection and HARMONY evolutive crib (but the Micuna U.S. collection also includes the OVO high chair and SMART FRESH bassinet.)

LIFE Collection
You may remember our recent trend report on customization and personalization and Micuna’s LIFE collection is completely on trend. With its endless combinations and constructions, the Micuna LIFE Collection is designed for parents looking for something original and different, something that will make baby’s environment a unique and special place. Micuna gives parents the tools to create their own original crib model with LIFE, designing combinations to suit their individual taste with a variety of options available. Parents will have fun designing their own customizable crib with a range of 15 spindle shades from which they can choose three and combine them with their crib base in natural wood or white.

Micuna has created four color combinations for the crib’s spindles that draw inspiration from magical places: Life Provenza, Life Kenya, Life Tribeca, Life Brooklyn. Also available are other standard colors as (White, Natural or Grey poles). The crib is simple to assemble, the spindles feature innovative spring technology allowing for them to snap in easily.

The life of the crib can be extended as baby grows older by allowing for multiple mattress heights, easily removing spindles for easy access for toddlers or even converting the crib to a toddler bed with an existing crib mattress up to age seven (additional parts needed). Handcrafted from solid beechwood.

HARMONY SINGLE EVOLUTIVE CRIB

Micuna has also created an evolutionary crib, HARMONY, to accompany children from birth to several years providing a familiar environment for baby that makes them feel good and grow safe.

This innovative modern crib offers the perfect solution that links practicality and space saving. Designed especially for those seeking baby products with exceptional features, quality and most importantly, safety, HARMONY can easily evolve from crib-to-twin size bed as a child grows.

It is crafted from eco-MDF and Micuna offers an optional Kit for conversion to twin bed available.

Learn more about Micuna by following along:
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New Mom Series: Selecting a Crib Mattress

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This is our fifth post in Gugu Guru’s New Mom Series, where we provide helpful information for new and expecting moms about preparing and registering for baby. For this Crib Mattress feature, we have partnered up with new mama Lindsey Bonnice of Live Sweet Photography; leading organic mattress brand Naturepedic and; the Baby Safety Zone powered by the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association). JPMA is a national trade organization representing 95% of the prenatal to preschool industry dedicated to the safe manufacturing and usage of products. Lindsey just recently brought home her new son, Baby Finn, and one of the biggest questions that any new parent has is, “Will my new baby be a good sleeper?” Creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for baby is the best thing you can do to ensure the first years are happy and healthy. Most experts will tell you that the safest place for an infant or child to sleep is in a fully functional, properly assembled, JPMA-certified: crib, bassinet, cradle, play yard, or toddler bed. All of these require a mattress – so what should you look for? Babies spend 12 to 16 hours per day on their crib mattress, making the mattress the most prominent object in a child’s environment for the first three years of their life and one of the most important items on your baby registry. Here’s how to ensure you have the best crib mattress for baby. Always use a properly fitting mattress as infants can suffocate in gaps between a poorly fitting mattress and the crib sides or ends. Also key is selecting a mattress with a waterproof surface, which is essential for keeping your baby’s environment hygienic and protected from mold and bacteria growth within the mattress.

Gugu Guru selected Naturepedic’s Lightweight Organic Cotton Crib Mattress with Ultra Breathable Mattress Pad for Finn’s nursery – which meets or exceeds safety and quality standards. The Lightweight Organic Cotton Crib Mattress with Ultra-Breathable Mattress Pad is a 2-stage crib mattress for babies and toddlers. It fits snuggly in baby’s crib and is lightweight (under 12 pounds), comfortable, and functional for your child’s needs from infancy through toddlerhood.

The 2-stage feature is fantastic as baby grows; infants require a firm surface for safety but as they get older, it is safe for them and more comfortable to sleep on the softer side. The Naturepedic crib mattress is certified organic to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This ensures that your crib mattress meets a healthy non-toxic standard and is truly organic. The Ultra organic cotton waterproof fabric is durable and acts as a barrier to moisture, dust mites, and bedbugs. The mattress is designed for safety and can be used with or without the Ultra-Breathable Mattress Pad. Plus it has been thoroughly tested for chemical emissions and passes all flammability standards without the need for flame retardant chemicals or other barriers. What we really love about this mattress is the Organic Cotton Ultra-Breathable Crib Mattress Pad. The mattress pad is made with certified organic cotton fabric quilted to a unique 3D airflow spacer, and dissipates heat and moisture to reduce sweating and overheating. Soils on the mattress pad won’t penetrate the waterproof mattress core.

Lindsey Bonnice is a NY and PA based portrait and newborn photographer and mother. Follow her and her adventures into new mommyhood on her Instagram at @LiveSweetPhotography. Baby Finn’s nursery is featured on Project Nursery and you can see where to purchase some of the adorable decor here.

Naturepedic Naturepedic specializes in the design and manufacturing of quality organic mattresses for infants, toddlers, children and adults that promote natural and organic materials, a non-toxic design, fire-safety, and overall health & safety. All Naturepedic natural and organic mattresses have been designed with the help of pediatricians, chemists, and engineers. They are constructed by Amish craftsmen in our GOTS certified factory in beautiful Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Research and design is coordinated by G.E.M. Testing & Engineering Labs in Cleveland, Ohio.

Baby Safety Zone The Baby Safety Zone is an information hub and community for parents and caregivers. We’re helping make safety fun, one baby product at a time. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the Baby Safety Zone experience and become a part of a circle of parents dedicated to making their child’s first years, happy, safe and sound. The Baby Safety Zone is powered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. JPMA is a national trade organization representing 95% of the prenatal to preschool industry. Today, JPMA represents 250 companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who manufacture, import and/or distribute infant products such as cribs, car seats, strollers, bedding, and a wide range of accessories and decorative items. Visit the Baby Safety Zone at: https://babysafetyzone.org Learn more helpful tips for proper safe use of bassinets and cradles with Baby Safety Zone’s safety infographic here:

Product Discovery: Finn + Emma

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

When registering for baby items, and here at Gugu Guru, we often look for products which are not only safe on baby’s skin, but stylish too! Which is why we’re big fans of Finn + Emma, a 100% organic baby clothing, toys, play gyms, and accessories one-stop-shop. Finn + Emma is a blend of classic and contemporary, modern and whimsical, stylish and utilitarian baby items, all of which are free from any toxic chemicals. Finn + Emma believes that beautiful and healthy baby items can be both sustainable and stylish; there is no need to sacrifice style to keep your baby safe from chemicals!

As baby spends a lot of time rolling around on the floor, Finn + Emma has designed a play gym which will follow your little one into toddlerhood. Made from a 100% birch wood frame finished with non-toxic stains and lacquers (free of lead, phthalate, nickel, mercury, and VOC’s), the play gym is both helpful for baby to learn motor skills as well as stylish for any room in your house. All of the attached wooden toys, beyond being adorable, are non-toxic, made from all natural untreated indian hardwood buffed with vegetable seed wax. The knit dolls were made with phthalate-free rattles inside and hand knit from organic cotton. All of the toys from any of the gyms are interchangeable and can also be used on your stroller bar or a high chair!

As a perfect companion to the play gym, baby will love spending tummy time and beyond on the colorful and non-toxic play mat. Finn + Emma’s play mats are made from super soft organic cotton and non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes. The light padding makes it also a perfect changing mat or stroller liner; as an added plus, the play mats are easily washed in your regular washing machine.

The new Robot Collection is a modern twist on classic apparel and baby toys. Adorable for both boys and girls, this collection features clothing, bandanas, teethers, play gyms, play mats, and toys – all with a fun robot and space theme!

Using a more subtle pink-toned palette, the new Hipster Collection, chock full of toys, clothing, rattles, blankets, and more, is perfect for the baby girl in your life. Full of adorable little dolls, bikes, and geometric shapes, this stylish collection would make a perfect baby shower gift. Both the Hipster and Robot collections feature dolls, teethers and rattles which have loops on them, and will attach to any of Finn + Emma’s play gyms or mats.

Obsession: Mickey & Minnie

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1. Pom ADD ON for Trucker/Sun Hats ($4.00 and up) available from GeorgeHats on Etsy. This is the ADD ON for a single Pom or Pom Ears to any style trucker or sun hat!

2. THROW PILLOW / INDOOR COVER (16″ X 16″) ($20) available from Ramin Design Shop on Society6. Throw Pillow Cover made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric, a stylish statement that will liven up any room. Individually cut and sewn by hand, the pillow cover measures 16″ x 16″, features a double-sided print and is finished with a concealed zipper for ease of care. Does not include pillow insert.

3. LOCOMO Modern Design Mickey Mouse Big Digit 3D Wall Clock Home Decor Decoration: Home & Kitchen ($12) available on Amazon.com. Cute design, reminding you of the classic cartoon. Super big and extruded digits.

4. Patterned Hooded Sleeveless Romper available from Urban Comfort Apparel on Etsy. (Starting at $22) Create your own romper.

5. Kids Preferred Disney Baby Activity Toy, Mickey Mouse ($12) available on Amazon.com. Adorable Mickey Mouse character. Brightly colored design. Includes bead rattle teethers, rings, ribbons, crinkle and chime. Use at home or while traveling with convenient on-the-go clip.

6. Red and White Polka Dot Headwrap – Bow Headwrap – Minnie Mouse Head Wrap – Baby Headwrap – Hair Bow ($9) available from RLeeCouture on Etsy. Listing is for One Minnie Red and White Polka Dot Headwrap.

7. Mickey Is My Homeboy Raglan($19)available from Sweetees. Oh, how we adore Disney tees! Hanging with Mickey is just the best. Every kid can relate to this cool kids shirt that features the familiar text we all know and love, plus a modern vibe.

8. Itty-bitty Minnie Ears ($12) available from PixieDustPrettiess on Etsy. Glitter minnie ears on nylon band.

Lorena Canals

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

One of the most important things you should consider in designing a nursery is the flooring or carpeting. Hardwood floors may be easy to sweep, but they’re not always the warmest on those little feet (or the quietest – we’ve all had a baby awoken by the creak of a floor board – it’s the worst!) Unfortunately, rugs are not always easy to clean and there are many unhealthy – sometimes even toxic – chemicals associated with certain types of carpeting. Fortunately, there’s now a practical, safe and stylish solution. Straight from Spain, Lorena Canals offers non-toxic, machine washable rugs that are truly delicious on the eyes.

Already a favorite, staple brand of European mothers and fathers, each Lorena Canals rug is carefully handmade from 100% cotton, safe for any baby’s room. The dyes used are also non-toxic, which is critical when you consider you’ll be laying your infant on the rug for tummy-time and as they grow they’ll be crawling around everywhere. The rugs are of the utmost softness, making it comfortable for parents to sit on the floor and little feet to jump and dance. But what we love most of all is that you can wash these rugs right at home in your regular laundry machines.

Not only are these rugs practical and safe, they’re also beyond stylish. Coming in a plethora of colors and styles, these rugs will match any nursery theme, from polka dots, skulls, angel wings, butterflies, numbers, letters, clouds, stars, flags and more. Lorena Canals rugs will accent your child’s room now, and are guaranteed to become a family heirloom which you use for many, many years.

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