gifts

DIY Baby Hats

See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru once again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. This time? A DIY baby hat and personalized fabric! Read on to get the details…

I’ve never been a huge fan of the hospital hats so these are a cuter way to keep baby’s head warm! There’s a cute little knot at the top and it’s stretchy and cute! And if you make it personalized, they are also a unique and adorable way to announce your baby’s name!

We have been using the DockATot every night since we’ve been home from the hospital! Baby Mae sleeps in it and she always falls asleep really well. We swaddle her and stick her in the DockATot inside her crib. The firm cushions all around the DockATot keep her nice and cozy. I think it helps her to feel secure as she sleeps and I’m not complaining about 5-6 hour stretches of sleep!

She’s been such a great sleeper so far, I’m giving some of the credit to this thing! I also love how cute they look in it! One of the best parts about the DockATot is the removable, washable cover! There are a bunch of color options and you can buy extra covers separately! I definitely recommend getting a second cover, we had a spit up episode the first or second night and a pee episode on another day. It’s nice to not have the pressure of keeping it nice when you can just throw it in the wash!

And this baby lounger is the only place baby Mae can get a decent nap! It’s really hard for her to nap with two other crazy wild kids around. We use the DockATot also as a way to keep the baby safe on the bed or floor when other kids are around. It’s lightweight enough to tote around the house and is probably perfect for traveling, though we haven’t traveled with the new baby yet!

These knotted baby hats are SUPER easy and fast to make! It’s a great first sewing project if you’ve never sewn and I always love a good quick sewing project that you can finish while baby is napping (maybe in her DockATot, ha!).

First I’ll show you how to make the hat, then I’ll show you how to personalize solid fabric!

Materials:
-1/4 yard knit fabric
–knot hat pattern download (this will fit about newborn to 2/3 months!)
–stretch needle

Instructions:

Print the pattern at 100% (do not scale) and trim off the edges. Tape the pattern piece together and cut out the hat pattern.

Pin the pattern to 2 layers of fabric and cut out 2 pieces.

Pin the pieces together with right sides together.

Sew around the hat with a 3/8″ seam allowance

Turn the hat right side out.

Finish the bottom edge of the hat with a zig zag stitch or a serger. Press under 1/2″ at the bottom of the hat. Sew to finish hem.

Tie a knot in the top of that, leaving about an inch or so at the top.

All done!

Personalize it! To make a name hat we’ll start with the fabric before you turn it into a hat. You can either use a square of fabric 12″ by 12″ or cut the pattern pieces out and just put names on the fabric you need.

Materials:
-baby hat fabric
-vinyl cutting machine, I used a Cricut Explore Air
-vinyl + transfer tape
-fabric paint
-foam brush

Create a vinyl stencil with your cutting machine. You’ll need 2 if you’re using a standard 12″ by 12″ mat. Use transfer tape to transfer it from the vinyl’s backing to the fabric. Stick it on, making sure to press well around letter edges.

Use foam brush to dab paint into spaces.

Let dry. Peel vinyl off and make sure you get all the middles from letters like “a” and “e”. Then use your fabric to sew the hat!

That’s it!

Something Unique: Roundup!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Looking for a unique baby gift, or something different to add to your own baby registry? Look no further, we have some great ideas for you!

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Personalized Birth Announcement Pillow from Finch and Cotter: Looking for the perfect, unique gift to celebrate a new baby? We’re loving this personalized pillow from Finch and Cotter. This pillow is totally customizable – from picking the fabric you want, to the color of the text, and obviously all the information. The pillow cover comes with a faux down insert, making this the ultimate personalized baby gift.

Lalu Wovens: If you’re a fan of baby wearing, you’re going to want to check out Lalu Wovens. These 100% cotton, breathable wraps are heirloom quality and provide the perfect amount of stretch, bounce, and support. Coming in gorgeous patterns and textures, Lalu Wovens are dedicated to giving back to the babywearing community; for every wrap purchased, they donate a portion of the proceeds to Lift Me Up, a non-profit program dedicated to providing ergonomic babywearing carriers to families who have children with special needs.

The Baby Box Co.: Inspired by the Finnish tradition of using a box for a baby bed, The Baby Box Co. has created a simple way for babies to sleep soundly, and most importantly, safely. The Bed Box serves primarily as a safe, comfortable place for infants to sleep, similar to a bassinet. Some parents keep the box next to their bed, while others use it in all rooms of the house to keep baby in while they clean, cook, or work. Once baby outgrows the box, it can easily be repurposed for clothing or toy storage!

QuickZip Crib Sheets: What’s worse than having to change crib sheets? Not much! Now, with QuickZip, all of your sheet-changing problems are gone for good! Simply drop the mattress in the base one time and never lift the mattress again. QuickZip is a patented two-piece fitted sheet with a base that stays on the mattress and a sheet that zips off and on in seconds. It is safer than traditional crib sheets because it always stays in place – no need to worry about it coming off while baby is sleeping! These would make a perfect baby shower gift for a new mama!

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.

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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!

Nicole Ryan’s Cause-Driven Baby Registry

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Gugu Guru is so excited to announce the launch of a baby registry which is close to our hearts. Gugu Guru and popular, nationally renowned Sirius XM Radio Hits 1 Morning Mashup host Nicole Ryan have partnered on a campaign to make thoughtful product choices for Nicole’s second baby due in September 2016. Gugu Guru has handpicked select baby companies and products that are tied to a charitable cause and/or are mission-driven for her Cause Driven Baby Registry.

Each Tuesday on the Sirius XM Radio Hits 1 Morning Mash-Up, tune in to “Tell Us Something Good” segment, where Nicole will introduce a brand on this registry for good and discuss how the company gives back. Gugu Guru is teaming up with Nicole to highlight each of these socially conscious brands over here on our blog, along with a giveaway each week!

Here’s a full list of companies which we’ll be highlighting:

Finn + Emma: Creates baby clothes, toys and gifts made from organic cotton and wood with modern stylish prints and colors. Do-goodies are lovies made from upcycled scraps of Finn + Emma products that are soft, hand-sewn in the U.S.A, and best of all — a portion of the purchase will be donated directly to KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids the childhood they deserve, filled with balanced and active play.

Loyal Hana is a collection of stylish comfortable garments that enables the modern woman to transition from the bump, the boob and beyond. Loyal Hana hearts baby2baby, which helps over 67,000 children a year in the greater Los Angeles area by distributing new and gently used items to over 50 organizations including homeless and domestic violence shelters, Head Start programs and hospitals.

Lorena Canals: Handmade machine-washable rugs that are stylish and practical. With the purchase of a Lorena Canals rug, a customer helps a child attend school in Nothern India through the company’s Sakula project.

Cuddle + Kind: Ethically produced, hand-knit dolls that help feed children in need. With the purchase of one doll, 10 meals are provided to children in need.

Owlet: The occurrences of healthy infants passing away at home in the crib due to breathing issues is far too high, and many of these deaths are preventable. Owlet hopes for a future where far fewer tragedies are happening to the infants we love so much. The ability to integrate medical technology in a baby sock is going to change that.

4Moms: Makes dramatically better baby gear by leveraging robotics, technology, and innovative design to solve parents’ problems. 4moms Cares is the charitable arm of 4moms. Our mission is to dramatically impact the lives of children and families in need through meaningful product donations, hospital discounts, and by supporting our local communities.

Naturepedic: Naturepedic handcrafts certified organic mattresses without questionable chemicals, providing a healthier night’s sleep for the whole family. Naturepedic supports dozens of organizations like the Environmental Working Group and One Percent for the Planet, promoting environmental stewardship and healthful wellbeing.

DockATot: DockATot is a multi-functional lounging, playing, and snuggling dock for baby and tots 0-36 months that was created with love in Sweden. DockATot will be donating $1 for each DockATot sold on our site during the months of June and July to Project Night Night, an organization that helps homeless children (ages 0-12).

TWELVElittle: TWELVElittle creates fashionable and functional diaper bags for the moms and dads who need it all. TWELVElittle dedicated one of their bestsellers – Carry Love Tote to Every Mother Counts, and for every bag sold, are donating 5%. For special occasions and holidays, they dedicate a month to a specific non profit organization for every product sold, donate 5% to the organization.

UPPAbaby: UPPAbaby makes high-quality baby products that fit the needs of your new life as a parent, while appealing to the sense of style you’ve always had. UPPAbaby is committed to giving back and supporting worthy causes and organizations that align with our mission and core company ethos.

Matimati Baby: Matimati Baby designs and makes stylish yet functional baby bandana bibs for all little ones. Through Matimati Baby’s “drooling for a purpose” campaign our brand donates a percentage of all sales to Chain Reaction, a non-profit organization that fights human trafficking in Asia.

Babies4Babies: Creates swaddle blankets with fashion forward prints and colors, made in America. Babies4Babies works with Saving Mothers to help prevent infant deaths in developing countries.

Follow Along!

To follow along week-by-week as Nicole introduces these products and companies, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook – and, as always, Gugu Guru will be posting on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, too!

Nicole Ryan's Cause-Driven Baby Registry

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Here’s a full list of companies which we’ll be highlighting:

Cuddle + Kind: Ethically produced, hand-knit dolls that help feed children in need. With the purchase of one doll, 10 meals are provided to children in need.

DockATot: DockATot is a multi-functional lounging, playing, and resting dock for baby and tots 0-36 months that was created with love in Sweden. DockATot will be donating $1 for each DockATot sold on our site during the months of June and July to Project Night Night, an organization that helps homeless children (ages 0-12).

Babies4Babies: Creates swaddle blankets with fashion forward prints and colors, made in America. Babies4Babies works with Saving Mothers to help prevent infant deaths in developing countries.

Follow Along!

Summer Travel Must Haves

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Now that summer is in full swing, it seems families are out and about every chance they can get! Gugu Guru has rounded up some of the best travel must haves for summertime. These also make excellent summer baby shower gifts for a new parent!

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Covered Goods Multi Use Nursing Cover, Bouquet: These multipurpose breastfeeding covers are perfect for travel; they’re lightweight and, as with any functional travel accessory, serve multiple uses! You can use these stylish covers to nurse your baby under, they’re stretchy, breathable, and cover mama in all the right places. Not nursing? These covers make a gorgeous scarf for mama when the weather turns chilly at night, as well as a grocery seat cover, and an infant seat cover. The Bouquet design is colorful for summer days on the beach and the perfect pop of color as a scarf for date nights on vacation! (Use code GUGUGURU15 for 15% off your purchase).

Babymoov Traveler Bag, Heather Grey: Looking for an all-purpose travel baby bag? The Babymoov Traveler Bag, designed in the heart of France, is a carry-all diaper/hospital/travel bag specifically designed with functionality and style in mind. The neutral color of the bag makes it perfect for either mom or dad to carry, and it features a changing mat, pacifier holder, insulated bottle pocket, and storage pocket. The changing pad is stored on the outside of the bag, which makes a quick change in a beach bathroom or airport a breeze. This lightweight bag is perfect for all of your summer adventures.

The Stair Barrier: Heading to a beach house or family vacation this summer? What do you do about all those steps in the house? The Stair Barrier has a solution! The stair barrier is an entirely new brand of safety gate product that is designed specifically for the bottom of the stairs. Made from high quality upholstery fabric, and super easy to install (no drilling!) the barrier is lightweight and easy to travel with. If you’re headed to a new location, simply roll up the Stair Barrier and carry it with you – installation at a new location is super easy, and protects both babies and pets from crawling up the stairs!

GoTo 2in1 Portable Travel High Chair, black: The GoTo 2in1 Portable Travel High Chair is the perfect companion for parents who love to take their baby out to restaurants when they travel. This chair holds an infant car seat at the perfect feeding height, as well as having leg room for a secure and effective highchair. Take it with you on vacation, camping or just use it around the house. The GoTo travel chair also has storage pockets for your baby’s silverware, bibs, napkins and pacifier. It comes with a handy carrying case that neatly fits your foldable high chair. It has a strap for easy carrying and you can haul it on your shoulder like a small duffle bag. It stows unassumingly in the closet or trunk so you can access it whenever you need.

Babyhome’s Emotion Stroller: Looking for a perfect travel stroller? With it’s large basket for trinkets and souvenirs, the Babyhome Emotion Stroller is the ultimate travel companion. With its large seat recline, babies as young as 3 months can use the stroller, which fits easily through all door ways and rides smoothly on even the bumpiest of streets. Most importantly, it is incredibly easy to fold up and stands up right, and out of the way when not in use. With its waterproof canopy, this stroller is wonderful for music festivals, picnics, and the beach!

b.box diaper wallet, mellow lellow: When traveling, quick diaper changes are a must! We’re big fans of the b.box diaper wallet because it is the only diaper wallet with a built in wipes compartment and dual access to wipes. Wipes can be accessed inside when it’s change time, or if you need to quickly clean little fingers, grab a wipe from the external hatch. The wallet comes with an easy to clean changing pad and plenty of room for storage for two disposable diapers or even a spare change of clothes.

Gift Idea Roundup!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Looking for some gift ideas for all those summertime baby showers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

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Kangovou Kids Dishware Set, Iced Mint: This nine piece food-grade stainless steel kid’s dishware set is free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. Each set includes a food grade stainless steel divided plate which keeps foods separated and provides a built in space for condiments, a flat plate, for larger items such as pizza or sandwiches, stainless steel cereal bowl, used for cold or hot cereal or even soup, stainless steel snack bowl, used for crackers, sliced fruit, yogurt, and a food grade drinking cup, which Includes pop-up drinking straw and Snap on lid to prevent leaks.

Petite Namaste, Damask 3 piece bedding set: This gorgeous aqua and coral colored damask cotton bedding set includes a quilt, fitted sheet and crib skirt. Perfect for any baby girl’s nursery, as it is full of color and pattern!

Belabumbum Ondine Mom & Baby Matching set: A soft 100% Pima cotton set which is sure to become a favorite for both mama and baby! A wonderful baby shower gift for a new mom, this set includes a soft robe and pajama set for mom and matching baby gown. The camisole has easy nursing access, and the pants are comfortable for after delivery and beyond. The baby gown fits 0-3 months, banded bottom for easy changing, and mitten cuffs to protect baby’s hands.

ergoCocoon Summer Swaddle and Sleep Bag, Coral Chevron: This organic cotton, original ergoCocoon swaddle takes all the confusion out of swaddling the baby! It is super stretchy to allow for natural movement and has a 2 way zipper for easy on and off. The coral chevron print is the perfect summer accessory and would match with any brightly colored nursery.

SOZO Little Sprinkler Weeblock: No longer do you have to “watch out!” when changing your baby boy! Underneath the super-soft 2-ply cotton jersey covering lies the secret weapon—an absorbing sponge. Simply place over baby during a diaper change and protect yourself from getting all wet! This machine washable protection is the perfect accompaniment to any baby shower present.

Babymoov Lovenest, Flat-Head Pillow: The Lovenest was created and patented by a French pediatrician to prevent flat-head syndrome, which can sometimes occur in the first weeks of life while the skull is still soft enough to be molded. The Lovenest pillow can be used in any baby bouncer, swing and stroller. The Lovenest can be used from birth to 4 months.

Product Discovery: Lulyboo Lights and Music Lounge

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Now that the weather is warming up, families everywhere are itching to head outside again – sunshine, grass, flowers! But…where do you put a baby when the family is lounging outside? We’re so excited about the LulyBoo Lights and Music Baby Lounge, a perfect companion for your baby, whether you’re inside or outside.

The LulyBoo Lights and Music Lounge is perfect for heading out to a day at the park; it features a waterproof bottom and adjustable shoulder straps. If you’re going to the beach or on a picnic, you can simply wear the LulyBoo like a backpack and have somewhere safe for baby to rest and play. The 3 position canopy means that even if the sun is strong, baby will be protected; and speaking of protection, this lounger also features removable netting, so you can rest easy around mosquitos! Don’t worry about getting the LulyBoo dirty, the breathable mesh fabric is removable and easily washable.

While your baby rests in their lounger, they’ll drift slowly off to sleep while you relax! The LulyBoo Lights and Music comes with a unique soothing unit that rests conveniently on the lounge wall to gently stimulate baby. The unit incorporates mild vibrations, various melodies, and ambient lights to encourage playtime or help baby drift off to sleep. The music box comes with 11 songs and nature sounds, three vibration levels and a rotating color light show to keep baby calm and happy. As baby gets older, they can play with the two toys which hang down from the activity bar.

All of these unique features make the Lulyboo Lights and Music Lounge a wonderful necessity on your next trip to the park, day at the beach, or even just hanging out in your own house. Baby can drift off to sleep with a canopy and netting protecting them, or they can happily play and listen to music in their lounger. Not sure what to bring to a baby shower? This is a gift which will be used and loved many times over!

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