gifts

Must Haves: Spring 2016

1. Easter Floral Bonnet ($30) available from TopKnot Girl. Our Easter Floral Bonnet is a beautiful piece to add to your bebe’s essential wardrobe. A soft, classic floral fabric in an easter blue is teamed with a coordinating binding, creating a classic and stylish piece.

2. Tie Tank in Peach Haze ($36) available from Ultra Violet Kids. Ultra Violet Kids Tie Tank This tank top features functional ties at both shoulders and is a perfect addition to every girl’s wardrobe. This tank pairs perfectly with everything. 97% Rayon and 3% Spandex jersey Made in the USA and Ethically Manufactured

3. Freshly Picked Moccasins in Salt Water Taffy ($60) This playful purple Spring moccasin is a fan favorite, brought back due to popular demand! Don’t miss out on this limited edition moccasin for your little lady!

4. Padded Vest ($24.99) available from H&M. Padded vest with lined, detachable hood with padded ear appliqués. Zip at front and flounce at hem. Lined.

5. Vintage Bunny Teether ($15) available from Oli & Carol. Original designs from the sixties in soft natural tones, these charming and nostalgic animals will soon become baby’s favorite. Size: 10-14 cm. Made from 100% natural latex from Hevea trees with safe natural dyes. Ecologic and biodegradable hand made products. Easy to wash. Designed in Barcelona. Made in Morocco.

6. Gap Bunny Face Sweatshirt ($24.95) available at Gap. Soft sueded jersey. Long sleeves with banded cuffs, hem. Crewneck, stitched V at center. Textural applique at front.

7. Oh Joy!® Backpack Diaper Bag ($39.99) available at Target. Features: 2 Exterior Side Pockets, 2 Interior Pockets, Back Pocket, Backpack strap, Handle, Stroller strap, Zip Closure

8. SAILBOAT LONGALL W/ HAT ($57.95) available at Feltman Brothers. We cannot get over this stunning cotton longall with a white hand stitched sailboat on the yolk. Not only that but check out the two color stripes on the sleeves,little pockets and macthing hat. The round collar has mother of pearl buttons coming down on both sides of the longall. Your baby is sure to win the hearts of everyone who see him in this set.

PacaPod Spring Collection

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PacaPod, founded and designed by a mompreneur, is a revolutionary twist on the modern diaper bag. PacaPod is cleverly designed so that a parent doesn’t have to rifle around their bag to find what they need, but has everything neatly organized in a simple three part system. The outer bag, designed with a stylish parent in mind, has the ability to hold your phone, pens, keys, clip on to your stroller, and be worn on the shoulder or cross-body. Within the bag is an insulated feeder pod, designed to hold bottles, breast milk, or food, and can be easily accessed either within the main compartment, or taken out and clipped onto your stroller independently.

Every PacaPod also comes with a changing pod, complete with room for diapers, creams, and a changing pad; because all of the diaper necessities are within their own pod, it keeps the rest of the bad clean and free of germs. No more struggling to find the diaper cream, baby socks, or tiny hats on the bottom of your diaper bag! Pack everything efficiently and neatly into your PacaPod and you’re ready to take on the world with your little ones. PacaPod offers handsome styles for dads, chic styles for moms, and travel bags as well.

Their Spring/Summer collection has just been released and we’re so excited to show you four new PacaPod styles:

Prescott: The Prescott Bag is perfect for both moms and dads, with its rugged cotton and canvas design, this sturdy and large bag is helpful for a parent who doesn’t always have time to switch to a work bag every morning. Sleek and handsome, the Prescott features a hidden padded laptop section, so you can drop the kids off with their feeder and changing pods in the morning, and head straight to work!

Richmond: A classic tote bag, in neutral tones with vegan leather trim, makes this bag a perfect accessory for any mom-on-the-go. With a handle made of thick webbing, this bag can be comfortably worn over the shoulder, or easily strapped onto your stroller. This stylish bag can also become your chic purse on those rare moments you leave the house without your baby!

Lewis: As a backpack and messenger bag rolled into one, this bag is the perfect parent travel companion, as it has multiple ways of being worn on your body. With a sleek silhouette and vegan leather trim, the Lewis also features front pockets with magnetic closure, making it easy for mom or dad to quickly access their necessities, as well as baby’s.

Hastings: Heading out for a long day of travel? The popular Hastings bag is now available for Spring/Summer in bold blue or sand stripe. Hastings is part of PacaPod’s collection of lightweight bags, and features their flat-pack-pods, which easily flatten when not in use. The Hastings is both a backpack and messenger bag and can be quickly switched from one style to the other, depending on what the parent needs.

Hers and His

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1. HERS: ‘Thistle’ Sleeveless Romper in Royal Blue, Magenta and Black on Mint ($78) available from Thief & Bandit. One of our newest designs for Fall/Winter 2015 is our ‘Thistle’ print. It features a variety of hand drawn thistles collected from our cottage in New Brunswick, Canada. This sleeveless royal blue, white, and gold on lavender romper is such a beautiful and unique piece. They wash beautifully and are very comfortable.

2. HIS: Chevron Graphic Romper ($32) available from Tea Collection. Classic chevron and few blue hues give this romper some serious standout style.

Always Close to My Heart: The Best Baby Carriers

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Baby K’Tan Breeze
The new Breeze from Baby K’Tan is a baby carrier that goes on as easy a t-shirt and finally takes the guesswork out of baby wearing. Baby K’Tan knows that one size rarely fits all, so they sized Breeze like clothing (it comes in XS -XL). Parents love the Breeze for its versatility and comfort. Half of the carrier is mesh, while the other half is a solid cotton. Depending on the season, you can switch it around for baby to be warm in the winter or cooler in the warmer months. The double loop design helps evenly distribute weight across the back and shoulders. Amateur baby wearers will love the usability of this carrier.

Wild Bird
The hipster mom’s choice of baby sling, these hand crafted linen and chambray slings perfectly meld fashion with function. Made for newborns through toddlers, these wallet-friendly slings look just right with a pair of vintage-y jeans and a perfectly worn in t-shirt.

Hotslings
These feminine slings are for moms who like to keep it simple. Hotslings offer an adjustable pouch that lets you wear baby three different ways. The straps and buckles on the shoulder allow you to adjust the fit according to your size, when loosened enough, these slings even fit over a winter coat. Without any heavy duty buckles or rings, you can easily store your Hotsling in a diaper bag when not in use.

Sakura Bloom – Cashmere
It doesn’t get more luxurious than swathing your baby in a veil of sumptuously soft Italian cashmere. This limited edition sling is woven to the ideal density for optimal snuggling with your little one. This single layer sling has built in temperature control and was made to insulate your little one in the winter and cool them down in the spring. Thanks to the chic gold aluminum rings, this sling is easy on/easy off. The best part?It gets better with every use.

Mompreneur Spotlight: Kathy Boyanovich of Petite Vigogne

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This week’s Baby Product Mompreneur Feature: Kathy Boyanovich of Petite Vigogne. Petite Vigogne, (who we featured in our trend report on Central and South American Influence), sources the finest materials and partners with boutique factories to craft the highest quality bedding, handmade gifts and accessories in timeless, elegant designs.

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Petite Vigogne.
I’ve been in the children’s business for over 10 years and was always passionate about sourcing luxurious fabrics for little ones. Their skin is so sensitive that they should only wear the finest materials available, especially when they are newborns. When my son was born, I wanted him to have the same quality bedding I did, but I couldn’t find it in the U.S. market, so I went to Peru, known for its long staple Pima cotton. Most high-end fashion brands manufacture in Peru. I found high quality linens and a fantastic factory with experience in luxurious baby bedding. When I saw the possibility was real, I decided to offer other parents in the U.S. the opportunity to provide their children with high quality baby bedding and accessories. Babies spend most of their day in bed, so I think they should be the ones with the better sheets at home! Petite Vigogne means little vicuña. Vicuña wool is the finest thread in the world and it’s original from Peru, so we thought the name represented well the concept of our brand.

GG: How do you balance work and family?
I think finding a balance in life after having a baby isn’t easy for a working or a stay-at-home parent. Your life changes and there is obviously less personal time, but the amazing thing is that the “family time” becomes your favorite time. I try to follow a routine, so when I’m with my family I don’t need to be looking at my emails all the time. When you have your own business you need to be available 24/7, but I think that a child deserves 100% attention and love, so keeping a structured day as much as possible is very important for me.

GG: What’s the best part of being a mompreneur?
I think the best part of being a mompreneur is to have the best of both the business and family worlds. I have the satisfaction and challenge of building a business, which is a dream I’ve always had, and, at the same time, I have the flexibility to organize my daily schedule so that I can be a mom every day and be present in my child’s life. The process has been incredibly difficult, as I continuously work many late hours, but his beautiful face when I put him to bed every night is invaluable. Being present in my child’s life when he needs me the most is my most rewarding achievement.

Spotlight on Belly Armor

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Earlier this year, we saw that Belly Armor – the definitive resource for expecting mothers and families to protect their children against the harmful effects of everyday radiation – launched a new line of infant hats with radiation shielding fabric. We couldn’t wait to get our hands on this adorable hat (available in either mouse or rabbit styles) and were incredibly impressed by the protecting features of the product, as well as its adorable, soft and snuggly construction.

We knew of the Belly Armor brand from some of their award-winning products like the Belly Blanket but wanted to learn more about the founder and the brand’s overall mission, so we sat down with Aileen Chen Co-Founder & CEO of Belly Armor for this week’s mompreneur spotlight.

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Belly Armor.
AC: When I became pregnant with my first child, I was a banking executive who was constantly connected to my various phone devices and laptop. Like most expectant mothers, I researched extensively on how to give my child the best start in life. All sources advised pregnant women to eat healthily, exercise, and avoid toxins like alcohol and certain chemicals – all of which I did diligently. However, one obvious component in my everyday life which concerned me, about which there was little advice, was the radiation-emitting devices that surrounded me at home and at work.

I wondered what their health impacts were. As I researched more into this “everyday radiation” exposure, I was shocked at what I discovered. Increasingly, research was indicating potential health risks from everyday radiation (non-ionizing radiation emitted by sources like cell phones, computers, wireless towers and power lines). Already it was well-accepted that this type of radiation can have a biological impact and there was much confusion and debate around how it impacts our health. The concern is greatest for young children and during pregnancy when DNA replication and cell growth are at their highest rates. Compounding the risk is the exponential growth in wireless technologies over the past decade – today’s children will be exposed to levels of radiation unprecedented in human history. There was an obvious gap between scientific knowledge and public awareness. As the health experts warned, if history is any indication, it can take years and even decades for scientific evidence to conclusively affirm health risks and then translate into policies to safeguard people. Such was the case with tobacco, lead, asbestos, and x-rays.

My co-founder and I started Belly Armor because we felt compelled to raise awareness about this emerging health issue and to design solutions to help people address it. Since then, we have launched products spanning maternity, nursery and fertility, enabling people to reduce their radiation exposure, while educating about the health issue in the US and our international markets. Our products have won several awards (like Pregnancy & Newborn’s Top Products of 2014 and The Bump’s Best of Baby 2012 and 2015), and are sold in more than 30 countries, a testament that many people around the world have similar concerns about everyday radiation. Belly Armor has been featured by The New York Times, The Doctors Show, People.com amongst others, and is a Trusted Partner of Healthy Child Healthy World, a leading non-profit addressing environmental hazards facing children. It’s the best feeling knowing that we are making a positive impact and empowering people with more knowledge and solutions.

GG: How do you balance work and family?
AC: I think work/life balance is very individualistic – everyone defines that balance differently and goes through their own journey to achieve that balance for themselves. But I think what is true for everyone is that striking this balance is a constant work-in-progress as careers evolve, as life happens and priorities shift. I believe a good balance is achievable when one is clear and realistic about what that balance means for them.

One of the benefits of running my own business is having the invaluable flexibility and control over my schedule that I need as a parent of young kids. I am also very blessed to have a husband who is a wonderful hands-on father and a strong supporter of my entrepreneurial pursuits. Day to day, I try to maintain work/life balance with some tactics:

Prioritizing the 3-4 most important things (work and personal) I must complete that day, and getting those squared away early in the day. There is less stress and overhang once those are done.
Clearly separating time for work and time for family, being okay with that designation, and being fully present when I am in either one.
Automating wherever possible and delegating to others the tasks that can be easily or best shared by others so I can dedicate my time for the most important things.
Choosing progress over perfection – It is better to get something to a very good point and move on, than to be stuck making something perfect if that marginal improvement will be insignificant. Basically, knowing when to let it go (it is sometimes still easier said than done!).
Making time for myself to recharge – This has been, by far, the toughest thing to do, but one that I’m finally finding ways that work for me. I learned that my preference for relaxing and clearing my head is not spa time or a walk in the park. It is doing relatively simple but productive tasks in silence – like cleaning or baking – which feel therapeutic, allow me time to think, and give clear results and a sense of accomplishment (even if it’s a small one).

GG: What’s the best part of being a mompreneur?
AC: I love being able to directly grow and drive the direction of a business that makes positive impact, while having the control and flexibility I need for my family life. Being my own boss has different types of stress and challenges than working for someone else, but the plusses have been immeasurably valuable and rewarding. It wasn’t apparent to me before I started the company, but looking at it now, this is the best type of working model for me at this point in my life.

Obsession X’s and O’s

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1. Valentine Set- One Tee and One Onesie ($25) available from LiveStyled on Etsy. Handmade and made to order.

2. Conversation Hoop XO Repeat on Etsy ($15) Wool blend felt, linen fabric, wooden hoop and embroidery thread.

3. XO Wall Décor from PBTeen ($169) Layer on bright design with this unique artwork. With bright pink over clean white, it brings near-neon and lovably chic style to your space.

4. Emily & Meritt XOXO Crib Fitted Sheet ($24) available at Pottery Barn. Transform your baby’s sleep space into a lovably chic, monochromatic destination with this organic cotton percale sheet. Imagined with fashion designers Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, it captures their adventurous aesthetic.

5. Levtex ‘Tic Tac Toe’ Accent Pillow ($39) available at Nordstrom. Add a playful, festive touch to your décor with a plush accent pillow, or make it a heartwarming gift for your favorite Valentine.

New Mom Series: Preventing Infant Congestion

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This is our third 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 Preventing Infant Congestion feature (or in layman’s terms – “how to unstuff a baby’s stuffy nose”), we have partnered up with new mama Ciera Hudson, Crane USA and Jennifer Bright Reich of Mommy MD Guides. MommyMDGuides.com and the Mommy MD Guides book series are filled with tips that doctors who are also mothers use for their own families.

Why Do Babies Get Stuffy Noses? Babies can get congested for a number of reasons, but this time of year the most likely culprit is a cold. There’s good reason we call it the “common cold.” In the first year of life, most babies have up to seven colds. This means that Mom is likely to have up to seven colds this year as well. “Babies’ immune systems aren’t mature yet, plus most babies spend a lot of time in the company of other babies and kids, who aren’t always so good about washing their hands,” says Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH, a family physician, mom of three, and coauthor of The Mommy MD Guide to Your Baby’s First Year. A cold is simply an infection of the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. Colds are caused by viruses. In babies, the most common signs of a cold are a runny nose and nasal congestion. Of these, the more troublesome symptom for babies is congestion—because they have to breathe through their noses. Babies are obligate nasal breathers meaning they breathe through their nose for the first 4-6 months. Here’s how you can help your baby breathe easier:

Run a humidifier. Moist air is easier to breathe. Humidity also makes it easier to get the mucus out of your baby’s nose. It’s an effective, natural alternative to medications for cold. The Crane Ultrasonic Humidifier is both quiet and effective. The extra humidity helps them to breathe easier, meaning they can sleep better and eat with less frustration helping them to be better equipped to fight off a cold. Babies also do not have the ability to clear their noses on their own so the humidifier helps with this as well.

New mom to her beautiful baby girl Marloe, Ciera Hudson selected the Crane Adorables Humidifier in the polar bear design for her daughter’s nursery. It fits right in with the on-trend pastel color palette and décor (we also spy a Lorena Canals machine washable rug in Hippy Mint in this chic nursery!)

What Other Things Can I Do To Help My Baby With Congestion?

Use a bulb suctioner to clean out your baby’s nose. She won’t like it, and neither will you, but it will help.
Spritz saline in your baby’s nose. “In my babies’ first years, I didn’t give them any drugs for a cold,” says Hana Solomon, MD, a pediatrician and author of Clearing The Air One Nose At A Time: Caring For Your Personal Filter. “To help to ease their nasal congestion, I’d mix up a saltwater solution in a clean glass. Then I’d gently and slowly insert 10 to 20 drops of the salty water into the baby’s nostrils while she’s in an upright position, let it sit for a few minutes, and then suck the mucus out really well with a nasal aspirator. After that, my babies would nurse better, sleep better, and feel better.”
Or you can buy an over-the-counter nasal saline spray. The devices with a quick squirt action are best because it’s over and done with before your baby has time to get upset about it.
Elevate the head of her crib but putting books or blocks under the crib’s legs. Do NOT put pillows or blankets or toys in your baby’s crib.
Give your baby lots of extra love! Cut yourself some slack too. It’s not easy to have a baby with a cold.

When Should I Call the Doctor? Besides being uncomfortable for babies, stuffy noses can pose more serious problems. Congestion can make it hard for babies to nurse or drink from a bottle, so watch your baby closely for signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, crying with few or no tears, fewer than four wet diapers per day, going four to six hours without urinating, or if the soft spot on your baby’s head looks sunken or flatter than usual. Whenever your baby is sick, keep a close eye for signs of infection, such as a fever or crankiness. These warrant a call to your pediatrician’s office.

Bios Jennifer Bright Reich is a mom of two sons and coauthor of The Mommy MD Guide to the Toddler Years, in Allentown, PA.

Ciera Hudson is a lifestyle and style blogger. Follow her and her adventures into new mommy hood on her Instagram at @YoursTrulyCiera

{Disclaimer: The information provided here by Mommy MD Guides or on MommyMDGuides.com is not intended to replace the diagnosis, treatment, and services of a physician. Always consult your physician or child care expert if you have any questions concerning your family’s health. For severe or life-threatening conditions, seek immediate medical attention.}

Spotlight on Christina Vargas + Bumbleride Indie

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Gugu Guru was so excited to be able to help the ultimate fit mama-to-be and professional athlete, Christina Vargas, with her baby registry. If you’re one of those people who regularly uses the #fitfam hashtag on Instagram, you’re probably very familiar with this I.F.B.B. and two time Olympian figure and bikini pro. If not, you can get to know her on Instagram here and follow her pregnancy and soon her postpartum fitness journey.

Here we talk about why the Bumbleride Indie is the perfect match stroller for Christina’s active lifestyle and her baby registry.

Christina was looking for a gorgeous, high quality, all-terrain jogging stroller to fit within her fitness-focused lifestyle that is also suitable for everyday use. Chock-full of must have features like air filled tires, a large canopy and more, Gugu Guru recommended the Bumbleride Indie for Christina’s registry.

Air-Filled Tires

Indie is equipped with 12″ air-inflated tires, including a lockable swiveling front wheel. The air filled tires make it perfect for on or off road strolls and the lockable swiveling wheel makes it appropriate for jogging or a trip to the supermarket. Christina lives in Las Vegas, which has various terrains from the city’s famous strip to Nevada’s beautiful national parks. She needed a stroller that can handle them all and Indie fits the bill.

Oversized SPF 45 Canopy
Indie’s large, SPF 45 sun canopy extends to protect baby from harmful UV sun rays. Seeing that Vegas is known for its sunny, desert climate, a large sun canopy is certainly a must for Christina’s baby’s ride.

Ample Storage
Indie’s over-sized cargo basket can store all of Christina’s essentials. Since Christina is on the move a lot, especially back and forth from her home to her second home (AKA the gym), ample storage – to carry her clothes, personal items and soon baby’s items – is a necessity.

Safety Harness
Top safety features are a must have for any stroller and are crucial for joggers, where baby is traveling at a faster speed than normal. Indie’s 5-point breakaway harness keeps baby safe and secure without tangling up their little arms.

Easy, Compact Fold
Indie folds easily and compactly, weighing only 20 lbs (not that Christina has to worry about heavy lifting.)

Eco Fabrics
Ever committed to reducing the environmental impact of their manufacturing processes, each Bumbleride stroller is made with post consumer plastic bottles blended into the exterior of the seat fabric (rPET) along with bamboo charcoal blended into the interior, offering temperature regulation, moisture wicking and an ultra soft touch for baby. Bumbleride makes gear for families to get out and do what they love, while doing their best to preserve the planet.

BYOBfit™’s Favorite Babywearing Exercises for the Home

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Here, certified personal training mamas, Missy and Anja of BYOBfit™, share their favorite babywearing exercises for the home.

Let’s be honest – even though us new moms and dads may have the best intentions to go to the gym for a workout or for a run outside, sometimes we simply do not have the time or the ambition to do so. Life happens, winter happens, sh*t happens. WE GET IT!! This is why we have come up with four simple, yet very effective exercises you can do with your child in the carrier in the comfort of your own home. It simply does not get better than this! Are you ready to get toned and entertain your baby at the same time? Here we go:

1. Deep Squats
Simply place your hands on your hips (or around the carrier if you like that extra snuggle and support for your baby), stand hip-width apart and point your toes slightly outward. Proceed to sink your butt back and down towards the floor as if you were sitting down in a chair. Once you have reached a point which you feel like is the lowest you can go, press back up through yout heels. Squeeze your glutes when you are standing up tall. Repeat 20x for 3 rounds.

2. Dips
Place your hands on a bench or the edge of your couch with your fingers pointing downwards. Step your feet out so you are in a table-top position (knees 90 degrees bent) and keep your butt close to the bench. (For a more advanced option, fully extend your legs.) Bend your elbows and sink your butt down towards the floor; with an exhale press back up and fully extend your arms. Repeat 10x for 3 rounds.

3. V-sits
Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and your hands on the floor behind you. Lean your upperbody back and elevate your legs (you can slightly bend your knees). Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat 3x.

4. Lunges
Step your right leg forward a lot and bend the knee to a 90 degree angle. At the same time sink your left knee towards the ground. If you have a big home, opt for walking lunges, which means you will step your back leg towards your front leg and then step forward with the opposite leg. If you have a smaller space, simply bring the leg back that you just stepped forward with. Now step forward with the other leg. Keep alternating. 20x each side for 3x.

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