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Brr-ing on the Snow: Creating a Registry for Your Winter Newborn

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

You’re about to welcome a winter newborn to your family in the next few months. What items should you add to your registry? What gear will make it easier to care for a brand new baby in the middle of the coldest and darkest months of the year?

We’ve put together a list of our top items that will make caring for your winter newborn feel like a breeze.

Newborn Smart Swaddle Sleepsack

Many newborns prefer being swaddled while sleeping. However, some babies end up waking up due to feeling too hot in the middle of the night. Try a Swaddle Ideal Temp from Halo to solve the problem. The swaddle features IntelliThread fibers which store the heat when your baby is warm and release it back to the baby when they cool off. It’s pretty fancy. If you are dealing with cooler sleeping space in general, we also love the Cocoon Swaddle Bag by ergoPouch which is rated 2.5 TOG and goes from swaddle to sleepsack for a seamless transition. 

Winter Newborn Hats

You’ll want to keep your newborn’s head warm when you head out and about during the winter months. There are a billion and one options, from homemade finds on Etsy to this adorable polar bear hat from Melange Collection. 

Humidifier

Get ahead of dry skin and congestion with a humidifier for your baby’s nursery. You’ll appreciate how the Crane 4-in-1 Cool Mist Humidifier doubles as a sound machine for your littles’ bedroom. Plus, the built-in light can change colors, making for both a relaxing ambiance and easy way to check on your sleeping newborn. Read more about our favorite humidifier, here.

Newborn Car Seat Cover

If you’ll be lugging your newborn’s car seat in and out of the elements, a car seat cover will help keep your baby warm and dry. The Multi-Use Cover from Copper Pearl will rise to the occasion in style. The cover comes in a wide variety of prints and colors, including seasonal options like this polar bear print. (As an aside, there are matching burp cloths, top knot hats, and more. It seems like a very cute, very slippery slope.) The reason we love these particular car seat covers lies with their multi-use. You can use it as a nursing cover as well or to keep germs away in the shopping cart!

Looking for something that will keep baby warm on the coldest days? Check out the Skip Hop Car Seat Cover, which stays safely on the outside of the car seat, but protects baby from snow, wind and cold!

Stroller with a Rain & Wind Cover Perfect for a Winter Newborn

When you’re feeling well enough to get out and about with your newborn, you won’t want the weather to impede on your energy level. A rain and wind cover for your stroller will help you get out and about when you can while keeping your baby warm and dry. Check out the Larktale coast Carry Cot Rain Cover which quickly snaps to your Carry Cot for the coast. The Carry Cot is perfect for sleeping newborns as well; just clip it on to the Coast Stroller, and you’ll be ready to go for all of your winter walks.

Add in some cozy blankets for cuddling together in your rocking chair as well as other items needed for all newborns, and not just those born in the winter, and you’re ready to welcome your winter newborn!

Filed Under: Newborns Tagged With: gear, newborn

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Registry Dilemma: Bouncer or Swing?

by Gugu Guru 3 Comments

Here’s a hint from the team at Gugu Guru: you might not need a bouncer AND a swing. Both bouncers and swings have a specific function and each fits a certain lifestyle and living situation. If you have the space to accommodate both, awesome! But babies come with a lot of gear and it really depends on if you have the space to accommodate both or not.

Take the quiz below to find out what’s the best choice for you…bouncer? or swing?

If you still want to shop all of the options, here are our unbiased pros and cons for both types of baby chill out styles from the team at Gugu Guru.

BOUNCER

What is it? 

A bouncer is usually lightweight and moves with baby’s own movements, or a nudge from mom and dad’s hand or foot. Bouncers tend to be more compact, low to the ground, and easy to store.

Pros

  • Many baby bouncer seats don’t require batteries and even if they do, your little one will still get the benefits of bounce, no batteries required.
  • If you have limited space, a baby bouncer only takes up a little bit of real estate.
  • Bouncers are portable. You can easily move it from room to room or throw it in the trunk to bring to grandma’s house.
  • They are generally less expensive than swings.

Cons

  • There’s typically only one motion with a bouncer—bouncing.
  • Some babies are less likely to drift off to sleep in a bouncer than in a swing.
  • Some bouncers can easily tip over and seem a bit less stable than swings. Take caution with where you place them and make sure not to leave baby unattended in one.

Our favorite bouncers:

  • Baby Bjorn Bouncers $199 – 249
  • Baby Delight Go with Me Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer $89.99
  • Fisher Price Bouncers $31.99 – 59.99

SWING

What is it?

A swing is often larger than a bouncer and is mechanically powered to rock baby back and forth or side to side. Many swings have additional features like songs, white noise, vibration, and more. 

Pros

  • Many swings come with toys and various settings with lights, vibration, music and other sounds, making them a one-stop-shop of entertainment for babies.
  • Swings have the magic ability of soothing most babies when they’re fussy.
  • The swinging motion is like an instant sleep inducer.

Cons

  • Baby might get accustomed to the back and forth motion and may have trouble falling asleep without it.
  • These things tend to have a big footprint. A swing can take up a lot of space in a small apartment.
  • Swings need a power source and/or they go through a lot of batteries.
  • Swings are heavy. Once you decide on a spot for one, it’s staying there until you can call for backup to move it.

Our favorite swings:

  • 4moms RockaRoo Cool Mesh $189.99
  • Munchkin Bluetooth Enabled Baby Swing $189.99

Can’t decide? Still think you need both? It happens! Here are some great hybrid options we recommend. These hybrid products offer parents the best of both worlds, and help you avoid a home taken over by too much baby “stuff”.

  •  4Moms Mamaroo4 Classic Grey $239.99
  • Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker $118.99

More playtime favorites:
Tummy Time & Play: Gugu Picks
Best Baby Activity Cards

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Baby Showers, Newborns, Nursery, Nursery Style Tagged With: baby, baby style, newborn, registry

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Spring Into Action: Event Announcement

by Christine Swearingen 1 Comment

Join Gugu Guru on Gugu Guru’s Instagram for a 5-day virtual event focused on must-have gear for spring and summer. From May 10th – 14th, we’ll be covering all you need to know about spring and summer for parents and baby, with some amazing panels and product demos, and GIVEAWAYS!

Grab your spot now (it’s free) for a digital goodie bag filled with exclusive discounts and freebies!

Be sure to join us on Gugu Guru’s Instagram starting May 10th at 10:00 am PDT / 1:00 pm EDT to kick off this spectacular event speaking about our hospital bag must-haves for 2021.

Event Schedule:

Monday, May 10

10:00 am PDT / 1:00 pm EDT – Instagram Live
Get Packing! Hospital Bag Tag & Checklist: Must-Haves for Mom in 2021
Hosted by Megan Harper (VP of Marketing at Gugu Guru and @girlgonechildinthecity)
Joined by Ashley of @mom_uptown, Erin @ Doulight NYC, Danila Davidson, and Jocelyn of @chicandsweaty
Sponsored by Kindred Bravely

Tuesday, May 11

10:30 am PDT / 1:30 pm EDT
Bumo Beats with Ms. Joyce – sign up here for FREE!
Sponsored and hosted by Bumo Brain

Wednesday, May 12

9:00 am PDT / 12:00 pm EDT – Instagram Live
Get Packing! Baby’s Firsts: Road Trip & Flight
Hosted by Brandi Jordan
Sponsored by comotomo

Thursday, May 13

9:00 am PDT / 12:00 pm EDT – Instagram Live
Rainy Day Activities: Best Way to Entertain & Sharpen Motor Skills for your little one
Hosted by Elina Furman, founder of Kahlmi
Sponsored by Wiwiurka Toys

Friday, May 14

9:00 am PDT / 12:00 pm EDT – Instagram Live
Carseats to strollers, how to get in gear with your gear. Best workout with your little one
Hosted by Rachel Nicks
Sponsored by Maxi-Cosi USA

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors,
without whom this event could not be possible!

Filed Under: Essentials, Labor and Delivery Tagged With: newborn, postpartum

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Stamp My Feet: The Keepsake that Lasts

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

We recently stumbled upon Stamp My Feet, a women-owned/grandma-owned business based in the Pacific NW. Stamp My Feet creates custom, beautiful, and stress-proof nursery keepsakes. We are pretty much obsessed with these kits. Just check out their Instagram feed and we know you’ll agree!

Stamp My Feet’s stamp kits contain a stylish gallery-wrapped canvas, letter and number stamps for personalization, and non-toxic ink. The canvases are erasable until sealed so you can get it just right, because wiggly baby feet and hands are inevitable. The kits even include a ribbon so you can hang your finished canvas on the nursery wall as soon as it’s dry!

Stamp My Feet says: Just ink your child’s hand or foot, stamp the canvas, and use the included stamps to personalize your little one’s name and birthdate. The stamps are clear so you can see exactly where you’re placing them. Easy-peasy, right? If you make a mistake or your baby wiggles and things get smudged, don’t stress, you can easily wipe off the entire print with a damp cloth or just touch it up with a cotton swab. It will be dry within 2-24 hours!

While Stamp My Feet kits are ideal for capturing a newborn’s footprints, they are also great for handprints at milestones like a first birthday or even the first day of kindergarten!  They are available in a variety of styles; so there’s a kit to suit any kind of event and every kind of décor, from minimalist to traditional.

This gift is especially perfect for any new or expectant parent. No guessing on size, gender, or wondering if they already have it — you’re all set! Order your kit here.

Filed Under: Baby Showers, Gift Ideas Tagged With: gifts, newborn

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Claire Holt’s Motherhood Must-Haves

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

We are so excited to have teamed up with Claire Holt again to highlight her favorite products now that her little guy has turned one! In the blink of an eye, her cutie has gone from infancy to rolling over, then eating and is now on the move! Here are some of Claire’s top must-haves that have helped her throughout her first year and beyond as a new mom! Plus, we love Claire’s social media posts about motherhood, especially as she gets ready to welcome baby #2– be sure to follow her on Instagram!

 

Fourth Trimester Must-Haves

Baby K’tan: I really loved using this wrap when James was a newborn. He instantly calmed when I wore him and it allowed me to actually get things done! It was so easy to put on (which was very important to me as I struggled with some of the other ‘rubix cube’ wraps), and I was able to pop it in the washing machine to keep it clean. Highly recommend!

Magnetic Me Onesies: These are a MUST!!! We tried many different types of onesies and these are the clear winners. They are so easy to snap, which is crucial for middle of the night changing and bath time fussiness. I love love love love this brand.

aden + anais Swaddles/Blankets: SO beautiful, soft, and very high quality. We really love these and they make great gifts!

Diaper Dékor Plus: The best part about this pail is how easy it is to empty. You simply cut the continuous liner on the side of the pail, tie a knot, and you’re good to go. It’s handsfree and really effective at trapping odors.

 

Travel Must-Haves

Doona Car Seat/Stroller: This is my absolute favorite baby product. We traveled with James from a very young age and this car seat/stroller made our lives so much easier. It’s lightweight, durable, very comfortable, and switches easily between the two modes. My only wish is that it came in a bigger size, as James grew out of it by 6 months. This is a MUST HAVE if you plan on traveling or just want to save a little space in your home!

Hatch Baby Sound Machine: Awesome product for home or on-the-go. It has such a wide variety of sound options and also works as a night light. We travel with it everywhere – it really helps to keep him in a deep sleep

4moms Breeze Playard: Really great for travel – so easy to set up and pack away. The mattress is super comfortable. We use this for sleep and for playtime.

Skip Hop Pronto Portable Changer: Really great for those times when you don’t want to lug around a large diaper bag. I found it very useful when I had to change him in places with limited space (like a plane bathroom!).

Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier– I really love this carrier! It’s so easy to use and James loves facing both inward and outward. It was invaluable on my recent trip to Australia – I walked up and down the plane aisle wearing him for many hours. It saved my back and my sanity. While I love the Baby K’tan for newborns, this worked better for me once James got a little bigger.

 

On-The-Go Must-Haves

Nuna Pipa: We brought James home from this hospital in this car seat and I used this when we weren’t traveling until he was around 6 months old. The Nuna Pipa is a great design and James always seemed very comfortable in it. Safety is obviously the main priority and I always felt confident that he was safe and secure.

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible Car Seat– Obsessed with this seat. Now that James is bigger he is much more comfortable in this style. It’s beautifully made, very secure, and easy to clean. Huge fan.

Artipoppe Carrier: Another of my favorite carriers. This carrier is SO gorgeous. The quality is incredible, the patterns are really unique, and when I’m wearing it, strangers always ask about it!

Silver Cross Jet: LOVE this travel stroller. It’s so simple to fold, becomes incredibly compact, and most importantly is super comfortable. It also looks really stylish. James even prefers this stroller over the larger version. So glad silver cross released this model!

 

Sleep Must-Haves

Colgate Natural I Crib Mattress: Love that this mattress is eco-friendly and all natural. It’s hypoallergenic, very safe, and very comfortable.

Magic Merlin Sleepsuit: This suit was really helpful when we transitioned James from the swaddle. He slept really well and most importantly was safe in his crib. We didn’t use it for long but it was a very valuable tool when we needed it.

Crane Humidifer: We use this in the winter months. I like that it dispenses a cool mist making it safe for infants. The design is stylish and it’s easy to use.

Breathable Crib Liners: This liner stops James from getting his arms and legs caught in the crib bars. Love that it doesn’t restrict airflow and is a safer alternative to crib bumpers.

 

Playtime Must-Haves

4moms mamaRoo4: An excellent infant seat option starting right at the newborn stage. This seat has multiple movement patterns and is a great way to keep baby calm during playtime!

Monti Kids: I am a huge fan of Montessori and love that this is an age-appropriate subscription service. The wooden toys are beautifully made and specifically designed for development. The subscription provides parents/caregivers with access to the Monti Kids Learning Centre, which gives instructions and shares research. I did have an issue with the Level 1 mobile. I couldn’t collapse it and took up a large amount of space. Upon checking their website, it seems that they’ve addressed this and the new mobile is adjustable! All of the other toys are really great.

Toki Play Mat: Really great for newborns, it’s made of very soft organic material and has a machine washable cover. It’s portable and comes in lots of great prints.

People Toy Company- Mochi blocks: James is obsessed with these toys! I love that they’re free of harmful chemicals and made from rice – makes me feel better when they spend most of the time in his mouth!

DockATot: The DockATot does an amazing job at keeping the baby cozy. Great for supervised lounging and playtime. Plus it is super portable.

 

Feeding Must-Haves

Comotomo Bottles: These bottles are the best! We tried glass at first, but they were heavy and I was always worried about dropping them. I love that the Comotomo is made of food-grade silicone, easy to clean, and the nipple mound is quite large, which resembles a breast. By far James’ favorite type of bottle.

Boon Lawn Drying Rack: Large, easy to clean, and keeps the bottles in place as they dry. It seems very simple but I tried a number of different racks and this was the best.

Inglesina Fast Table chair: This is so great for travel! He does much better in this than a traditional restaurant high chair. Easy to clean and very comfortable.

Wabi Baby UV Sterilizer: Another of my must-have items. Great design, highly effective, and easy to use. Sterilizes and dries toys and bottles very quickly. We love it so much that despite the size, we packed it in the back of the car and brought it on vacation with us. (Side note – the Wabi Baby UV Sterilizer is currently

Beaba Babycook: We make our own organic food for James when we can (it’s a little more difficult when traveling), and this product makes it very easy. It steams AND purees the food, which means less equipment and fewer dishes! We have transitioned to more textures so don’t use the puree function as much anymore, but we still use it to steam fruits/veggies.

 

 

Clothing Must-Haves

Saint Haven Clothing: I am in love with these clothes. They are so soft yet incredibly durable. James lives in the one-pieces.

Little Crowns NYC Hats: The most adorable little hats. Super stylish and adjustable as they grow. Most importantly, he never tries to rip them off!

 

Thank you SO much to Claire for all of her insight and photos of her little guy and his favorite items. 

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Baby Style, Car Seats, Cool Mom Picks, Essentials, Feeding, Gear, Gift Ideas, Nursing & Feeding, Strollers, Travel Tagged With: gear, gifts, newborn

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Claire Holt’s Baby Survival Guide: Newborn Phase

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We’re thrilled to share Claire Holt’s baby survival guide for surviving the newborn phase! Gugu Guru has recently had the pleasure of working with the beautiful actress and new mama Claire Holt. You may know Claire from the TV series The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars. Check out our recommendations for Claire here and be sure to follow Claire and her motherhood journey on Instagram.

Claire Holts baby swaddle

Claire Holt’s Baby Picks: In the Nursery & Around the Home

  • Diaper Dékor Plus Diaper Pail – Escape terrible smells with this fabulous diaper pail. It can be conveniently located next to the changing table without lingering diaper smells.
  • Love to Dream Swaddle – These swaddles are adorable and sleep savers! Baby will sleep the night away feeling cozy and snug while you rest for the next day’s adventures.
  • DockaTot – Absolutely must-have for baby lounging, a safe space to place baby and free your hands for a few minutes.
  • Joeyband by Sleepbelt – Skin to skin is essential for newborns and Joeyband makes it easy, comfortable and safe to relax while getting in your snuggles.
  • Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine/Night Light – This programmable sound machine and nightlight is an item that will grow with your baby for years. It will soothe your newborn to sleep, and when older, it will let your toddler know when it is time to rise. 
  • Puj Tub – Bathtubs are too big and sinks are just too slippery. The Puj Tub has the perfect incline to keep baby safe and keep you comfortable while you make bathtime memories.

Claire Holt’s Baby Picks: Feeding

  • Nanobébé Gift Set – Everything from bottles that preserve breastmilk nutrients, a non-electric bottle warmer and a microwave sterilizer… this gift set is really incredible. 
  • Boon Lawn – Avoid the avalanche of bottles with a trendy Boon Lawn drying rack. Plus, the add ons are absolutely adorable.

Claire Holt's baby on the go picks

Claire Holt’s Baby Picks: On the Go

  • Nuna Pipa car seat and extra base – We absolutely love the PIPA car seat and base because they not only exceed safety standards but they take it to the next level by ensuring all materials used are chemical-free. The perfect combination of style and safety! And, an extra car seat base is a must-have to save yourself from having to reinstall your baby’s car seat if you use to use a different vehicle. 
  • Skip Hop Portable Changer – Cute and handy, the Skip Hop portable changer slips right into your diaper bag and can be used anywhere, making on-the-go diaper changes quick and easy.
  • Baby K’ Tan Carrier – Baby K’ Tan carrier keeps baby snug and close while allowing you the flexibility to be up and on the move.  
  • Silver Cross Wave Stroller – The Silver cross wave stroller is extravagant, in both style and function. The marvelous perk to the wave stroller? It adapts to a 2 seat stroller! 

Claire Holt’s Baby Picks: For Mama

  • Belli Skincare – Belli Skincare products are the masterminds behind making luxury pampering in the shower a breeze. The fresh scents and all-natural ingredients are invigorating and will have you at your best to take on the day.

Claire Holt Baby Picks

Heads up – this post contains affiliate links. This means we may get a small commission from the retailer if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Gugu Guru!

Filed Under: Gugu Concierge, Inspiration, Newborns Tagged With: newborn

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Baby Safety Month Tips

by Abby Ludwig 8 Comments

Baby Safety Month is here! As parents, safety is our number one priority, especially as it relates to the world of baby products and gear. We are always looking to find products that will help enrich our children’s lives while making things just a little bit easier! In honor of Baby Safety Month, we have partnered with MAM as well as other brands that join us in keeping our babes and tots safe! These brands all keep safety at the top of their priority list, even as they create and update their product lines. Take a look at some of their favorite safety tips here:

Tip 1: Safe Sleep ABC’s

2016 was the last time the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their safe sleep recommendations. Many parents are unknowingly putting their little one’s down without following the safe sleep ABC’s: Alone. Back. Crib (or bassinet). We recommend an easy to use swaddle, like Love To Dream’s Swaddle UPTM from birth so you don’t have to worry about baby breaking out of a swaddle blanket.  Choose size according to baby’s weight, not age. Stop swaddling as soon as baby shows signs of rolling and transition to arms-free sleep, like the Swaddle UPTM 50/50 Transition Bag. Check out our favorite swaddle, Love to Dream’s safe sleep page, for more safe sleep tips!

For more of Love to Dream’s products, take a look here!

Tip 2: Crib Safety

Piggy-backing off of the Safe Sleep ABC’s, your crib set up is also extremely important in creating a safe sleep space. Keep it clean and simple. Remove any stuffed animals, blankets, or anyting with soft surfaces that could possibly block baby’s airway during sleep. Provide a firm mattress – like those from our friends at Colgate – with a fitted sheet. Do not put a blanket on the baby or in the crib and again, be sure to lay your baby on his/her back.

Tip 3: Pacifier Safety

Consider pacifier usage when placing baby down for sleep and remember that the pacifier may not be reinserted once baby falls asleep. Pacifier use is shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. MAM supports the AAP published guidelines for pacifier usage. Check them out here: https://bit.ly/AAPInfantSleepSafety

For more information about pacifiers and how they reduce the risk of SIDS, visit https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/5/1245

Tip 4: Wifi/Monitor Usage

Many parents use a monitor, which gives them peace of mind as their little one adjusts to his/her new surroundings. When setting up your monitor, be mindful of all cords! Keep them more than 3ft away from your child. As wifi monitors/nursery products become more popular, it is also important to keep the wifi products in your nursery secure from web intruders. Do NOT use wifi products that have default credentials or that run extra programs, otherwise known as “backdoors.” And only use wifi products with secure encryption. For more information on wifi monitor safety, check out the features on the Nanit Pro!

Tip 5: Helping Baby Sleep

The dreaded first cold often pops up at some point in the first year. Unfortunately, there aren’t so many ways you can help your little one feel better. However, cool-mist humidifiers are a safe and natural way to thin baby’s mucus when congested. They also alleviate symptoms that may be preventing your little one from getting a good night’s rest such as dry skin, bloody noses, sore throat and dry cough.

For some great humidifier and air purifier options, check out our friends at Crane-USA!

Tip 6: Out and About with your Carrier

Carriers are extremely helpful for new (and/or experienced) parents. They provide you with the option to be close to baby but still have your hands-free. This is especially helpful when you have an older child –i.e. toddler—running around the house. To ensure that you are using your carrier safely, keep baby visible and kissable! By keeping your little one’s head at a kissable height when in the carrier, you can easily monitor baby’s airway. Plus, the snuggles are LIFE!

Check out carriers by Baby K’tan here.

Tip 7: Toy Safety

When your little one is up and ready to play, it’s important to keep a close eye on his/her activities. Watch out for small parts as little ones tend to explore first with their mouths. Always double check the seams of soft toys to make sure no stitches have popped loose. Stuffing is a choking hazard. Opt for high-quality, well-made toys that will hold up to hours of daily use.

We love the toy selections from our friends at Mouse Loves Pig.

Tip 8: Car Seat Safety

While all car seats have to pass certain safety tests and standards, there are two main components to car seat safety: fitting the seat into your vehicle and fitting your child into the seat. A correctly installed car seat should not move more than 1” in any direction when testing tightness at the belt path. Always make sure you have the right seat for your child’s age and measurements, and ensure the harness is snugly tightened so that you cannot pinch the material over the child’s shoulders. For more information on car seat safety and for help with car seat installation, visit our friends at Tot Squad!

General Baby Safety

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) sponsors Baby Safety Month to help educate parents and caregivers as they go through product selection for their children. Always remember to read product labels and warnings before using any product. Continue to inspect your children’s items as they experience wear and tear over time and look out for any product recalls. Visit JPMA’s Baby Safety Month Page for even more tips and tricks!

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Baby Safety Zone, Breastfeeding, Budget, Cause Driven, Essentials, Safety, Sleep Tagged With: gear, newborn, safety, sleep

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Montessori Toys Subscription Service: Monti Kids

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

If you’re not familiar with the ideals of Montessori learning, here’s a little intro into the popular method of teaching. A definition from Wikipedia: It is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children. Its system focuses on natural interests and activities instead of formal teaching methods.

Monti Kids

 

The lessons are typically hands-on. Exploring and learning through discovery, instead of listening and memorizing words from teachers, is a big differentiating factor from traditional schooling. If you take this concept and box it up into a Montessori toys subscription service, you have Monti Kids! And with Monti Kids, learning can start at home from as early as birth, many years prior to the typical entry for preschool.

Monti Kids

So, how does it work? Monti Kids is an at-home Montessori toys subscription service for birth to age 3. Every three months, you receive a box of authentic Montessori toys tailored to your child’s age and developmental stage. It also includes videos showing how to use the toys and support your child’s growth.

Monti Kids

You also gain access to one-on-one support, online classes and an incredible community including Montessori experts. Founded by Zahra Kassam, internationally certified as a Montessori teacher (with two degrees, in psychology and education, from Harvard and 10+ years of teaching/school administration experience), this program combines the expertise of world-renowned teachers and lets you bring it to life in the comfort of your own home.

As the founder of Monti Kids, Zahra has been nominated for the Dalai Lama Unsung Heroes of Compassion Awards, and recognized by the White House, LEGO, Goldman Sachs and Harvard. That’s because this program is beyond brilliant, and we’re huge fans.

Monti Kids

What are some other parents saying about it?

“I would recommend Monti Kids program to all new parents…the advice I have received from Monti Kids has been invaluable.” – Judy

“We love the simplicity and beauty of the Monti Kids toys and we’re absolutely fascinated by watching our now 5-month-old grow with them.” – Vyana

“I’ve become really interested in Montessori, but felt a bit overwhelmed with how to ‘do it right.’ I finally found a really cool subscription service that sends you developmentally appropriate toys every three months!…it’s amazing. I love it!” – Andrea

Learn more by visiting Monti Kids today!

Take a look at Monti Kids toys in action!

Also take a look at our Village Reviews on Monti Kids!

Have you tried it or gifted it? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Thank you to Monti Kids for making this sponsored post possible.

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Books, Cool Mom Picks, Ecofriendly, Essentials, Gift Ideas, Multiples, Newborns, Toddlers Tagged With: newborn, toys

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Newborn Must Haves for Active Families

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Are you getting ready to welcome your little one? We were so thrilled to work with popular fitness influencer, Dasha Anderson (founder of Kettlebell Kickboxing) and her husband Dan as they prepared to welcome their first little lady! Fitness plays a big role in their household and we wanted to highlight that with our picks for this active couple. Below we teamed up with Dasha and Dan to look back on the past few months since welcoming Baby Ariana and highlight some of their favorite newborn essentials for active families.

Cybex Balios Stroller and Cybex Q Car Seat: Dasha has described this easy-to-use travel system as, “Sleek and comfortable! The car seat and stroller have been both hiking with me and strolling through New York City. The baby loves it and we feel stylish and secure in it. The safety features alone make this travel system a no brainer.” This travel system was an excellent choice for Dasha’s lifestyle both in and out of the city! Since Dasha lives just outside of NYC, weather can be a factor. We recommended she pair her stroller and car seat with the 7AM Enfant Poncho (great for the carrier or the stroller!) and Blanket 212 Evolution (also great for the stroller!) to help keep her little lady warm no matter what!

Joeyband

Joeyband by Sleepbelt: We love the Joeyband for new parents and Dasha’s family was no exception. When seated, the Joeyband offers hands-free support to baby, making those early days of skin-to-skin significantly easier. This was such an easy way to promote bonding between Dasha, her husband, and Baby Ari.

Fridababy Baby Basics Kit

Fridababy Baby Basics Kit: This kit is a must for any registry. The Nose Frida is now used in nearly every household with a newborn and the NailFrida makes nail clipping not so scary. The Cradle Cap brush will also help with those early baths. But the real must-have here is the Windi, which will help relieve baby’s gas in dire situations!

Diaper Dekor

Diaper Dekor: We loved this Diaper Pail for Dasha, because aesthetically it doesn’t scream “Dirty Diapers inside!” It does an excellent job keeping odors out of the room and comes in three sizes. It is completely hands-free, won’t dent or rust and can be converted to a regular trash can once you’re done with the diaper stage!

Love to Dream

Love to Dream Swaddle: Our favorite swaddles by Love to Dream allow baby to keep his/her hands up while still giving them that tight, womblike feeling. “Love to Dream Swaddles are the best because like most modern parents we spent some nights traveling to Grandmas or taking baby to our gym. The swaddle created a level of consistency no matter the crib or the setting!” These will help baby sleep well no matter where you are!

Belli Skincare

Belli Skincare Hello Glow Bundle: This bundle, which includes the Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator & Moisturizer and the Eye Brightening Cream is a favorite amongst our new moms. “Skin care is tricky when you have baby – you need the best products with the most natural ingredients. My skin was super dry and I had a hard time keeping up with my skin care routine. Belli made it easy! The consistency was great enough to have on all day and into night with no reapplication for a busy mom.”

4moms Breeze

4moms Breeze Playard: Having recently moved into a house and being a dog mom, Dasha needed somewhere that her little miss could play safely. “It is great to give your baby a safe and secure place in the home to move for tummy time or play time. It [also] really helps new moms actually run to the bathroom! Was anyone else scared to do this in the first few weeks?”

Baby K'tan Active

Baby K’tan Carrier: Since Dasha does so much work from home, we recommended the Baby K’tan carrier to use immediately after arriving home from the hospital. Also, we love the K’tan Active here for obvious reasons! “Baby K’tan was amazing for a working mom trying to get things done! It’s literally the only way I was able to type anything and the main reason I was caught up on my inbox. Plus the baby never felt like I was neglecting her.”

Crane Humidifier

Crane Humidifier: We love the Crane Humidifier for so many reasons! Dasha was due in February in New York, an extremely dry and cold time of year. To keep humidity up during the cold months, Dasha set up the Crane humidifier in the nursery. This is also super helpful when baby has his/her first cold, inevitable in the winter!

Stokke Tripp Trapp

Stokke Tripp Trapp w/ Newborn Seat: While it is an investment, this was Dasha’s top recommended product. “In all honesty, this was the BEST item on my list mainly because of the mileage we’ve put in this elegant chair. The newborn attachment allowed me to eat dinner, drink coffee, and answer email like a regular person – all while still being with my baby.”

Dasha is also the founder of Kettlebell Kickboxing and has created a series of fitness programs that are easy to complete at home with very little (or no!) equipment. Check them out today!

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Baby Showers, Babywearing, Beauty, Car Seats, Ecofriendly, Essentials, Gear, Gugu Concierge, Newborns, Nutrition and Health, Strollers, Travel, Working Mom Tagged With: baby essentials, gear, gifts, newborn, stroller, travel, working mom

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What’s New on Gugu: June 24, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

This week we are featuring a number of products from brands we love! A couple of these items will be great for summer activities and travel. A couple others promote independence for our little ones. There’s also an excellent budget-friendly convertible stroller to check out!

 

For a number of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page!

Copper Pearl

Copper Pearl – Asher: The newest addition to one of our favorite lines. Asher, a beautiful heather gray is the perfect gender neutral color, and comes in a multi-use cover, top knot hat, and knit swaddle blanket. Copper Pearl’s line never ceases to amaze us with it’s buttery soft fabric. These are a must-have for baby’s arrival!

Bbluv Arena

Bblüv Arenä: Perfect for summer trips to the beach with babe in tow, the Arenä will bring the fun to you! Great for keeping baby cool on a hot day, this allows them to safely splash around in a pop up beach pool. Plus, it sets up instantly and comes with it’s own ‘filling pail’ and travel case!

Skip Hop Infant Seat

Skip Hop 2-in-1 Infant Seat: Skip Hop has created an adorable 2-in-1 infant seat that easily transforms from play time to snack time. Giving baby a great amount of support, this seat gives baby a new perspective on the world! Plus, it’s easy to clean in the washing machine!

Evenflo Xpand Travel System

Evenflo Gold Pivot Xpand: This budget friendly convertible stroller offers a great push and easy-to-use modular system. Converting to a double without any extra adapters, this stroller offers 22 configurations and can be purchased as a travel system. Plus it’s sleek and can go head-to-head with far more expensive options on the market!

Grabease Toothbrush

Grabease Double Sided Toothbrush: Created to make this daily routine easier, the Grabease Toothbrush truly gives babes 6 months – 4 years the ability to independently brush. Simply place the Grabease Toothbrush in your little one’s hands and watch them quickly say ‘bye bye’ to plaque! Plus we love Grabease’s commitment to giving back. With each toothbrush purchase, they will not only give back but also help provide operations to children with cleft palates. ‘Grab’ one for your kiddo today!

 

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!

 

Like what you see? Check out some other What’s New on Gugu posts:

What’s New on Gugu: May 22, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 29, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 5, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 18, 2019

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Baby Showers, Baby Travel, Budget, Gear, Gift Ideas, Multiples, Newborns, Safety, Sleep, Strollers, Toddlers, Travel, What's New on Gugu?! Tagged With: gear, gifts, newborn, stroller, travel

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