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Gender Neutral Nursery Inspiration

As Zoolander might say, Gender Neutral is “so hot right now” and today we have some tips to create your most stylish and functional gender neutral nursery, along with some product suggestions and inspiration along the way.

Step 1a. Start with a focal point, like a crib or an eye-catching mirror. We love this Dream On Me 5-in-1 Convertible Crib.

Step 1b. Select your crib mattress. Bet you didn’t know that crib mattresses could come in different colors? Well the Lullaby Earth Breeze breathable 2-stage crib mattress does and for our gender neutral nursery pleasure, we love the gray.

Step 2. Build around your focal point with complementary but functional items. Don’t just add to add – trust us, you will regret filling your nursery with too much “stuff” later on. Your nursery should be as serene and uncluttered as possible. For storage and hampers, we love the whimsical bins from 3Sprouts.

Step 3. Choose non-toxic, high quality products that are built to last like a non-toxic, machine-washable rug from Lorena Canals. We are digging this gray ombre for gender neutral nurseries.

Step 4. Make sure you have a comfortable place to sit for those late night feedings. We are huge fans of the Nurseryworks Sleepytime Rocker – another high quality piece that will last.

Step 5. Invest in some good tech to ease your mind when both you’re present and not in the nursery. We’re big fans of the new Project Nursery baby monitor, which boasts the world’s smallest 1.5” audio and video Mini Monitor; perfect for taking with you around the house to keep a constant watch on the little one. Talk about multi-functional – the aden+anais Serenity Star includes a feeding diary, sound machine, room temperature indicator, night light and clock. If you’re a music lover, adding some modern lullabies and rhythms to the nursery helps to create ambience. We dig the VAVA Voom Bluetooth speakers that provide 360 degree surround sound. Lastly, air quality is key and Crane’s smartDROP Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a high tech humidifier that increases air moisture for easier breathing and a good night’s sleep.

Step 6. Keep in mind that diapering can now be stylish too. With brands like Ubbi, a diapering station in the nursery no longer has to be a disorganized, plastic eye sore! We love their sleek diaper pails (including the awesome black triangles featured above that’s coming soon) and caddy. Plus cover up a diaper changing pad – like this one from Munchkin – with a gorgeous cover from aden+anais and that corner may just be the chicest in the room!

Back To Sleep Day 5: QuickZip Sheets

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We’re finishing off Back to Sleep with one of our founder, Monica’s, must-haves: QuickZip Sheets. A new, improved, easy-to-change crib sheet that zippers on and off, QuickZip Sheets allow for fast changes. They’re included in our safe infant sleep feature because QuickZip wraps all the way around the mattress. This means it’s a safer alternative to traditional crib sheets that can pop off your baby’s mattress, which can pose an entanglement risk.

QuickZip earns Gugu Guru’s “No Fuss” label because its patented, two-piece crib sheet system allows parents to simply drop the mattress in the base just one time and the Zip-On Sheet zips off and on in seconds. This means there’s no more wrestling with mattresses or bumpers.

Plain and simple: when you’re a mom of multiples, you’re going to be looking for the most efficient way to do things around the house (especially since 80% of multiple births are c-section births.) This is especially true when it comes to those middle of the night mishaps. QuickZip sheets delivers that efficiency for parents of multiples – no more lifting up the mattress or removing bumpers.

While parents hail the QuickZip Sheets as lifesavers because they spare so many from the back pain associated with the struggle around changing standard crib sheets, C-Section mamas have something else to cheer about with the product’s ease of use. If you have a c-section, your doctor will tell you that you have to be EXTREMELY careful with household chores due to your stitches and incision for the first 6 weeks of recovery. QuickZip Sheets help you worry less about one thing that you’ll be doing a lot of: changing sheets!

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Note: all sleep tips are independent to all the products featured in Back to Sleep and Kim West is not endorsing these products unless otherwise indicated.

Cause-Driven Registry: UPPAbaby

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Next up on our Cause-Driven Registry with Nicole Ryan, we feature 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 the company’s mission and core ethos.

Nicole chose an UPPAbaby Vista stroller and Mesa car seat for her cause-driven registry. The UPPAbaby Vista truly grows with your family and includes a full size front and rear facing toddler seat with a one-handed multi-position recline plus bassinet. It also offers a new, easy one-step fold-with or without seat attached – key for when you have your hands full. The Vista’s large easy access storage basket fits everyday essentials and makes it easier to reach diaper bag and toys. The Vista’s large easy access storage basket fits everyday essentials and makes it easier to reach diaper bag and toys. This performance travel system is totally compatible with the Mesa infant car seat – meaning it’s a direct attachment and no adapters are necessary.

From easy installation to innovative safety features to one-button stroller release, the Mesa infant car seat has taken the guess work and hassle out of infant car seats.

Here’s how UPPA Gives Back:

Committed to giving back to families in need and providing safe transport for families. This includes monetary donations, product donations, and volunteerism
Created the UPPA Gives Back program to lift spirits by partnering with non-profit organizations that share the same mission of providing funds, services, and high quality and essential products to families in need.
Going in to the brand’s 5th year partnering with the TODAY Show Holiday Toy Drive – as of 2015, UPPAbaby will have donated more than a million dollars in strollers and car seats to families nationally. (The 5-year total is $1,000,000!)

Charitable partners include:

Good+ (Formerly Baby Buggy) providing education, essential items and resources to families in need
Safe Kids – dedicated to worldwide children’s safety, child passenger safety focus
National MS Society, Boston Climb to the Top- volunteerism, sponsorship and participation to
raise awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis

DIY Burp Cloth Tutorial

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Let’s get crafty! See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru once again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. We’re all about nursing in this post co-sponsored by Momsense.

I’m so excited to be here sharing a burp cloth tutorial today! I’ve never really needed burp cloths before, my baby #3 is a little bit of a spitter!

We partnered with Momsense for this tutorial for Breastfeeding Awareness Month! The Momsense Smart Breastfeeding Meter is a new product that tracks how much your baby is eating! The meter has a pair of headphones equipped with a microphone that safely sticks to baby’s neck. The microphone amplifies her sucks and swallows for you to hear. It also has a little animation that goes with it and it translates the swallows to give you a good sense of how much milk your baby is getting!

My older daughter loves to listen in and it’s so fun to involve the kids and dad in the breastfeeding experience. I needed this meter about 6 years ago with my first when I was struggling with milk supply, so I’m so glad it’s on the market now!

My favorite part about the meter is how inspiring it is to a breastfeeding mama! It’s so neat to see and hear how effective your breastfeeding session is and is pushing us to get the best and longest breastfeeding experience possible. Read my full review on SeeKateSew.com to hear all about my struggle with supply and how the Momsense Smart Breastfeeding Meter has been a game changer for us!

Today we’re making burp cloths lined with absorbent towel material! I thought lemon fabric would be cute since we’re talking about eating! The back of the cloths are made from a towel. You can either use a pre-made towel or terry cloth material for the backing. The only other thing you need is the pattern (provided below) and basic sewing supplies.

Let’s get started!

Materials:
–See Kate Sew Burp Cloth Pattern
-a store-bought towel or terry cloth material
-1/4 yard cotton ( lemon fabric source)

Print out the burp cloth pattern at 100% (do not scale). Cut off the overlap and tape the 3 pages together. It will look like this:

Use the pattern piece to cut out 1 piece from cotton and 1 piece from your towel material.
Put the cotton piece on top of the towel piece with the right sides together.
Pin and sew the front and back together 3/8″ from the edges, leaving a 2-3″ opening on one side.
Turn the burp cloth right side out through the opening you left. Press. Turn the opening edges in.
Topstitch around the cloth 1/4″ from the edge. The opening will be closed as you do this.

You’re done! A little stack of these make a really cute shower gift (maybe paired with a Momsense meter!).

Sleek & Chic Travel Picks

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We think that having great mom style isn’t just about what you wear, but also extends to your gear – especially when it comes to traveling! Today we’re featuring two of our picks for sleek and chic travel style – the guzzie + Guss Connect Stroller and the Skip Hop Highline Diaper Backpack.

The Skip Hop Highline Convertible Diaper Backpack has reinvented the diaper bag for women who refuse to compromise personal style and much-needed function. This gorgeous bag, with leather details, is truly a statement piece that can be worn as crossbody, backpack, or carried by its handles. The Highline Backpack is the ultimate convertible diaper bag because there’s a home for everything – a hidden pocket for bottles and a handy front pocket for lipstick, keys and other mama essentials. Plus, the bag comes with a tucked-away cushioned changing pad, making diaper changes on the go super easy! Fold-back magnetic top keeps bag open so you can easily grab what you need, further, it features one-handed, adjustable and removable stroller clips for on-the-go convenience. Perfect for a busy and stylish mama! This beautiful bag could easily double as a regular handbag or even a briefcase – no one will have any clue you have diapers, wipes, and pacifiers inside!

The guzzie + Guss Connect Stroller is not only handsome in every which way, but unbelievably functional, too! From adjustable handles to a reclining seat, the Connect Stroller by guzzie + Guss was designed with you and your baby’s comfort in mind. This versatile buggy comes fully equipped with high-performance tires so your family can cover all kinds of terrain. There are so many awesome features on this stroller, it’s almost hard to name them all! It has a 3-position reclining seat and 2 ways for baby to face; with so many options, baby is bound to feel comfortable and happy while you stroll. Furthermore, it has adjustable handles for the parent, so whether it’s mom or dad pushing the stroller, their back won’t hurt; with its large lower basket, you can fill up with goodies from all over or store travel accessories for on the go. Plus, the Connect Stroller is bassinet and infant carseat compatible, so you can start getting out and about in your stroller from the get-go! It’s a perfect accompaniment for traveling, shopping, or simply getting around town with your little one.

Thank you to our friends at guzzie + Gus and Skip Hop for making this sponsored post possible.

Daycare Must Haves Roundup!

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

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

Product Suggestions

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

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

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

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

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

Some final tips…

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

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

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Cause-Driven Registry: DockATot (+giveaway)

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Continuing our Cause-Driven Registry with Nicole Ryan, today we feature DockATot, the portable infant lounger designed with baby’s safety and comfort in mind.

Originally created in Europe, the DockATot is a completely unique, versatile and chicly designed product for babies to lounge, snuggle, or play in. What makes DockATot stand out from the crowd is the careful consideration the founder (a mom of two young boys) has given to the overall design, functionality and safety of the dock. The unique shape and design allow babies to comfortably lounge, play, snuggle and log in some tummy time. The idea is that your little one feels snuggled in a safe haven that feels a lot like the womb. The bumpers are made with a special air-permeable fabric that makes DockATot particularly worry-free. The DockATot is very lightweight and perfect for families who travel!

For the duration of June and July, DockATot has donated $1 for each DockATot sold to Project Night Night, an organization that helps homeless children (ages 0-12). Project Night Night donates over 25,000 Night Night Packages each year to homeless children 12 and under who need our childhood essentials to have a concrete and predictable source of security and an increased exposure to high-quality literacy materials during their time of upheaval.

Like what you see here? Enter to win a DockATot below!
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Newborn Lockdown!

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One of the reasons pregnant mamas love registering on Gugu Guru is that we simplify every product into a very real life scenario and category. We know that registering can be overwhelming, which is why we are here to hold your (possibly swollen) hand and walk you through all the different categories when it comes to new-parenthood. The first stop in newborn land is what we like to call “Newborn Lockdown” – Newborn Lockdown describes those very early few weeks when you literally don’t leave the house, whether it’s because you’re healing, breastfeeding, exhausted, or simply too nervous to take that tiny baby into the giant world! We’ve gathered together some of our favorite products for surviving those first few weeks on lockdown – and if you’re not registering or pregnant, we highly recommend buying some of these items for your new mama friend (you can thank us later!).

For Mama –

Nesting Days Carrier: In those very early days of newborn-hood, it seems like baby never wants to be put down! The Nesting Days Carrier is unique in that it can be worn two ways – wear it at home (and get a chance to use your hands again!) for skin-to-skin time with baby; it also helps pull in your stomach muscles and provide tummy support. Or, use it out and about over your clothing for a hands-free way to carry baby close to you.

Victoria’s Secret Hoodie and Sweats: We know all you want to do is lie around with the baby, so why not look adorable doing it? We are loving these super soft “Boyfriend Pants” and hoodie from Victoria’s Secret – plus, the hoodie makes whipping your boobs out for breastfeeding all day long so much easier!

Netflix: Don’t have a Netflix account? You need one now – you’ll be spending many, many long hours rocking, feeding, and shushing a baby, the least you can do is binge watch The Gilmore Girls while you do it! (We highly recommend Dawson’s Creek and Felicity, too!). A Netflix account makes a wonderful baby shower gift, as well – mama can even watch on her phone late at night!

Silverette Nursing Cups: Are you breastfeeding your newborn? Check out Silverette Nursing Cups, which are small nursing cups made out of 925 silver to help protect the nipples while breastfeeding. Silver is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory element and it heals and prevents cuts, wounds, cracks, soreness and infections. These cups are essential for anyone who is having problems with painful nipples or want to use them as a precautionary measure. They are completely easy to use and no creams or lotion are needed.

For Baby –

Owlet Baby Monitor: It’s nerve-wracking to bring home a newborn baby, especially for first time parents! It seems as though many parents are even too nervous to fall asleep because the baby seems so tiny and new – but, Owlet Smart Sock is here to help. The Owlet Smart Sock is a bootie which your infant wears, and uses hospital technology called “pulse oximetry” to monitor your baby’s breathing. The Owlet monitor relays the information and connects to your smartphone, so even if you’re cooking dinner downstairs, you can check on your baby’s breathing.

DockATot: The DockATot is a completely unique and versatile product for babies to lounge, relax, or play in. The unique shape and design allow babies to comfortably rest, play, snuggle and log in some tummy time. The idea is that your little one feels snuggled in a safe haven that feels a lot like the womb. The bumpers are made with a special air-permeable fabric that makes DockATot particularly worry-free. The DockATot is very lightweight and perfect for families who travel!

To register for these items, head over to our registry page and add them (and many, many other must-have items) to your personalized registry!

Cause-Driven Registry: Naturepedic

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Continuing with our Cause-Driven Registry with Nicole Ryan, this week we feature Naturepedic. Naturepedic handcrafts certified organic mattresses without questionable chemicals for babies, kids and adults, providing a healthier night’s sleep for the whole family.

Naturepedic mattresses are ideal for babies and kids because they are pure, natural and chemical free. Their waterproof organic cotton cover features a luxurious organic cotton fabric with a clear 100% polyethylene food-grade waterproof coating. Most importantly, the mattresses are allergen friendly and easy-to-clean (no need to worry about spit-up, diaper blow-outs or potty training toddlers!). However, what Naturepedic is known for is their innovative natural design and intelligent mattress construction, which allows for Naturepedic to pass all Federal and State flammability standards without the use of flame retardant chemicals or barriers. This is achieved through superior product design and the use of more natural materials.

Naturepedic supports dozens of organizations like the Environmental Working Group and One Percent for the Planet, which promotes environmental stewardship and healthful wellbeing. Through healthier materials and sustainable business practices, Naturepedic builds a better planet for our future generations.

Naturepedic financially supports organizations working to make the world healthier, cleaner and more sustainable. The following organizations have recognized Naturepedic for its efforts in using healthier materials, sustainable business practices and renewable energy. While these companies have not formally evaluated or certified Naturepedic or its products, they stand with Naturepedic in their desire for a better planet: Healthy Child Healthy World Partner, Allergy Kids Foundation, The Ecology Center, Debra Lynn Dadd Recommended Products, Kids for Saving Earth, and the Environmental Media Association.

Naturepedic is a member of the American Sustainable Business Council, whom advocate for stewardship, judicious use of resources, reinvestment, and attention to sustainability through the full product lifecycle. Furthermore, through its involvement with Green America and the Green Business Network, Naturepedic conducts its business according to standards that reach beyond contemporary practices in addressing the needs of consumers, employees, communities and the environment. Blue Cure Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information on cancer prevention and treatment. Blue Cure has reviewed the Naturepedic facility and the materials used and recommends Naturepedic products.

Peachy for National Peach Month!

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Life is peachy! In honor of National Peach Month (bet you didn’t know that was even a thing!), we’ve gathered some fun peach-themed baby items.

Clockwise from Top Left:

Sweet Peach Organic Nursing Pillow Cover from By George Baby Boutique on Etsy (starting at $45)

Crocheted Peach from Rainbow Happiness on Etsy ($4)

Crib Sheet from West & Arrow on Etsy ($44)

Sweet as a Peach Print from Bellberry Lane on Etsy ($5)

Custom Allman Brothers “Eat a Peach” Onesie from Fawn & Birdie on Etsy ($18)

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