registry

Baby Must-Haves from Dana Ivy

Hi! Dana Ivy here from I Adore What I Love! If we don’t know each other yet, it’s SO nice to meet you! I Adore What I Love is a mom blog showcasing ways to make life a little easier. While I don’t consider myself any kind of parenting expert, I do have lots of mom tips and tricks up my sleeve =)

What makes me qualified for that, you ask? Well, I have two rambunctious boys {Brody is 6 and Levi is 4} who keep me on my toes and a baby girl on the way! We are so excited to add on to our little family and I, in particular, hope this baby girl brings some calm to our crazy chaotic life! It probably will be just the opposite but a mom can dream, right?!

With all that being said, since it’s been over 4 years since I’ve had a newborn in my life, soooo many new products have come out on the market. It’s wild but awesome and I have had so much fun working with Gugu Guru, who helped save me time researching what products I will actually need for baby #3! I thought I would compile a list of all the must-haves I will be purchasing {or even putting on my registry} for the last little love in my life – and yes, she will definitely be our last baby!

Here we go…

1. BabyBjorn Bouncer Bundle with Toy Bar: While this isn’t new to the market, it’s definitely new to me. I know I will need a place for baby to get some R&R aside from being held and this is the perfect, cozy bouncer. It also allows for gentle rocking. YES!

2. Convertible Infant Car Seat/Compact Stroller System with Base: OMG – this genius car seat is an innovative game-changer!! It literally goes from a car seat to a stroller in seconds. You really just have to see it to believe it!

3. Bumbo Changing Pad: It comes in a ton of fun colors and is easy to clean! No laundry machine necessary. Need I say more?

4. Crane Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier: Yes!! I just said that it’s top fill!! No more having to take the whole thing apart and figuring the best way to put water in it, which used to be no easy task. SO smart!

5. Ruggable Rug: I purchased this <<machine washable>> ruggable rug because hello!! Baby’s are messy and there is no doubt it will get dirty! There are tons of variations but this one is plush and comfortable.

6. The Play Gym by Lovevery: Not your average play mat. This one grows with your baby and provides a whole year of play!

7. Angel Bib with Carrier Pouch: Basically the cutest big I ever did see, which is why these were my first purchase when I found out that I was having a girl! Not to mention, it’s waterproof and super easy to wipe clean!

8. Babyletto Kiwi Power Recliner Glider: These types of gliders were not around when I had the boys! As soon as I heard that this one featured a hidden control panel in the armrest with buttons to recline + a USB port, I knew I had to have it for baby girl!

9. Eufy Spaceview Pro Video Baby Monitor: I might be in the minority, but I am not someone who likes a WiFi baby monitor. I know if I had that, I would be looking at it 24/7 when out of the house. SO, in lieu of that, I have done lots of research and can’t wait to use this one. It has big screen viewing, long battery life, awesome night vision, and whole room coverage. YES!

10. Portable UV Sterilizer and Sanitizer Box: For things like a pacifier, I will be prepared to keep it sanitized and clean. In 59 seconds, this little box eliminates 99.99% of bacteria & viruses from pacifiers, bottle nipples, teethers, small baby items and more at home or on-the-go!

11. Oxo Tot Bathtub: The perfect bathtub that can be used for newborns to babies ages 18 months. It’s easy to store {collapses into a flat surface}, easy to clean, and comfortable for baby!

12. Hatch Rest Plus Sound Machine: This is a sound machine like no other. Controlled from your phone, and provides soft light for those middle of the night diaper changes!

13. Magnetic Me Footies: Footies that close magnetically, need I say more? No buttons to annoyingly close up, no zippers, just a simple magnetic closure. YES.

14. Strawberry Ice Cream Teether: Besides being ADORABLE, this teether is made with 100% food-grade silicone, is BPA, lead, cadmium, and phthalates free, it’s textured design eases teething pain, can be chilled, and comes with a silicone clip. It’s everything you’d want in a teether and more!

And there you have it! I hope this is helpful for you and if you like what you read, be sure to head to my blog www.iadorewhatilove.com and follow me on Instagram, too! I’m @danaivy. We have fun over there! Xox
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BLOG / iadorewhatilove.com
INSTA / @danaivy
SHOP / my faves

Our Favorite Shark Tank Products for Baby

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Is anyone else guilty of extra impulse shopping this year? We at Gugu Guru are more than responsible for a few late-night purchases. Add in the critically acclaimed and multi-Emmy® Award-winning show Shark Tank, and it’s so easy to be convinced to hit buy now on all of the innovative products they feature!

However, sometimes buying blindly from TV for your baby can be tricky, as you don’t get to actually touch the product or see if it’s something that you and your little one will love. To help, we have compiled a list of our favorite baby products from Shark Tank that we’ve tried and know you will adore too.

First up, is one of the newest Shark Tank baby products, the Busy Baby Mat. This mat has everything you could need to keep your little one engaged without having their toys end up on the floor. Stop the constant cycle of the “toddler toss” aka picking things up, rinsing them off, only to give them back to babe, and repeat.

This mat is made with food-grade silicone, meaning it’s safe for your baby to chew, and safe for you to throw it right in the dishwasher to get it clean and sanitized. The non-slip suction allows you to stick the mat to any flat surface, giving your little one hours of fun. With the silicone mat straps, it attaches to almost any toy and keeps a tight hold to keep the toys off the floor. The best part is that it’s easy to take on the go. Even if you’re an active, busy parent, the silicone mat and toy straps can be rolled up and stuck into the fabric sleeve provided, which fits into almost any diaper bag. Make sure to also check out the newest Busy Baby product, the teething and training spoon.

Squid Socks, are the socks that stick to your kiddos’ feet without any hassle. These are hands-down the best baby socks we’ve tried! They are great for any mama whose little one is constantly taking off their socks or for kiddos who have chunkier feet that socks never seem to stay on. These socks have ‘squiddy dots’ that hold the socks onto all little ones’ feet. This super affordable and cute choice will have you wondering why you didn’t think of this idea. Never have missing socks in the car or crib, again.

Dreamland Baby Co., offers the best quality weighted sleep sacks on the market. The tranquil colors help babies achieve the best sleep while keeping them safe in those first months of life. Dreamland is the only company with Cover Comfort Technology designed to help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Created by a fellow mama who couldn’t find a weighted blanket that her baby could wear, she came up with this product that is guaranteed to be safe for sleeping babies.

These are just a few of the innovative products on the market for your little one. All of these Shark Tank featured options have been designed with your little one in mind by parents who saw a need and invented something to help!

The Best Pacifiers, Teethers & Lovies to Check Out

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Looking for the best teethers, pacifiers, and lovies for your baby? We’ve got you covered. From the budget parent to the minimalist and more, in this guide we’ve rounded up the best teethers, pacifiers, and lovies in 2018 for all types of parents according to Gugu Guru’s experts.

1. Hevea Pacifiers:

Danish designed, Hevea pacifiers are made from 100% all natural rubber latex. These pacifiers are made with a solid design so there is no concern about bacteria building up or pieces breaking off. Hevea pacifiers are soft and gentle on baby’s face thanks to the ergonomic shape and ventilation holes.

2. Mam Perfect Pacifiers:

Mam works closely with dentists and orthodontist when designing each of their pacifiers to ensure the reduced risk of misaligned teeth. The Perfect pacifier is extra thin and super soft and features Mam’s ultra soft silicone nipple so it is comfy in baby’ mouth. Thanks to the extra large ventilated holes baby’s skin won’t get irritated from use.

3. Philips Avent Soothie:

These pacifiers are ideal for baby from birth through 3 months and are designed with a baby’s developing mouth in mind. This pacifier is one piece and can be washed in the dishwasher and is safe for sterilization. The Philips Avent Soothie is the pacifier given out at more than 2000 hospitals nationwide.

4. Sophie la Girafe:

The design of this teether has not changed in over 55 years and veteran moms have been trusting it for all those years. Thanks to the contrasting spots, squeaky sound, soft feel and perfect size for their little hands, babies love to stick Sophie against their gums for relief. Sophie is made from 100% natural rubber and foot paint so there is no strong smell or taste.

5. Wubbanub Pacifiers:

Thanks to the unique style of the Wubbanub it will help ensure the pacifier stays close to baby and will allow baby help to reposition it into their own mouth. Designed for birth through 6 months the Wubbanub is a one-piece pacifier that is made with medical grade silicone. Baby will love seeing their favorite animal and will be able grasp and manipulate the pacifier.

6. Jellycat Lovey:

These beautiful loveys by Jelly Cat are so unbelievably soft you are going to want one for yourself. Available in almost 20 animals and color varieties, the Jelly Cat Loveys can easily be matched to your nursery design. Suitable from birth these loveys will help keep your baby calm and happy as they soothe themselves against the soft fabric.

Check out more top Gugu Picks:

10 Best Baby Books & Music To Check Out

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Our Gugu Concierge expert, covers some of our favorite baby books and music that you should definitely check out for your registry. Plus they make great gift ideas too.

BabyLit: For any parent who is a fan of classic Literature, BabyLit is a must have to start off the nursery book shelf. From Pride & Prejudice to Romeo & Juliet to Moby these beautifully illustrated board books will keep you and your little one entertained with their simple but clever text.

Goodnight Moon: Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon is simply a classic for any nursery. This ode to bedtime is soothing and gentle and the perfect way to end the day with baby.

Guess How Much I Love You: Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney is a gorgeous story of love and the bond between a parent and child. This warm, soft story and its illustrations are the perfect addition to any nursery design.

Sandra Boynton’s Greatest Hits: Volume II: But Not the Hippopotamus, The Going to Bed Book, Horns to Toes and Opposites by Sandra Boynton are all perfectly cheery and full of simple illustrations that will delight baby. The simple rhymes of these books can be perfect for playtime or bedtime.

On the Night You Were Born: On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman is a beautiful story of magic and unconditional love. This book may just leave you in tears as it you walk down memory lane sharing it with baby.

Look, Look: Look, Look by Lienthal is a high contrast black and white book that even the youngest babies can see and appreciate. This board book which just has a few words on the page introduces baby to the world around them in a super stylish way.

We’re Going On a Bear Hunt: We’re Going On a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen is a beautiful story of a brave family’s adventure. This simple, repetitive rhyme has been loved by kids for more than 30 years and the soft illustrations keeps baby and parents wanting more.

Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition: The Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition is a great way to ensure you always have music at the ready for your little one. Whether you want to have a dance party on a tough night or have lullabies ready for bedtime, the Echo Dot will easily play thousands of songs. As your baby grows, the Echo Dot Kids Edition will allow you to put on parental controls for daily time limits and review activity.

Spotify “New Baby” Playlist: You can play sweet, soothing music for your baby straight from your phone using Spotify. Using playlists such as “New Baby” will give you hours of classical music and lullabies that will fill the nursery with music perfect for baby.

Rockabye Baby: Rockabye Baby makes rock music baby-friendly and kids music adult-friendly by taking the rock music parents love and transforming it into soothing instrumental lullabies. Available in CD or MP3 versions parents can choose from everything from Tom Petty to Laga Gaga to Johnny Cash.

Gugu Picks: Best Baby Care Essentials

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Looking for the best baby care essentials for your baby? We’ve got you covered. From the budget parent to the minimalist and more, in this guide we’ve rounded up the best baby care essentials for all types of parents according to Gugu Guru’s experts.

Best Baby Care Gugu Pick for Best All Around: Burts Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash

This all-natural, plant based shampoo and wash is gentle and tear-free while still being super effective in getting your little one clean. Burts Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash is free of phthalates, parabens, petroleum or SLS and is hypo-allergenic. This shampoo and wash is packed full of natural moisturizers that will leave your baby’s skin silky smooth. The light fragrance will make bath time with baby a bit more relaxing.

Best Baby Care Minimalist Pick: Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash comes in a 16 oz pump bottle and it doesn’t take much of this luxurious cleaner it to get your little one clean. This shampoo and body wash is hypoallergenic, toxin free, tear free and never tested on animals. Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash includes sea salt that will naturally purify and hydrate your baby’s skin.

Best Baby Care Budget Pick: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is a gentle, tear free wash that is moisturizing and safe for even the most sensitive skin. Made with organic calendula this wash will sooth dry skin while getting your little one squeaky clean. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo has a nice lather so you won’t need to use too much and when you do need to replace the bottle it is easy on your wallet.

Best Baby Care Multiples Pick: Mustela 2-in-1 Cleansing Gel

Mustela 2-in1 Cleansing Gel is gentle for even the smallest babies and the babies with the most sensitive skin. This tear free gel uses plant based ingredients that will clean baby’s skin and hair without stripping away natural oils. The hypoallergenic formula in Mustela 2-in-1 Cleansing Gel is specially formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Best Baby Care Eco-Friendly Pick: Earth Mama Natural Non-Scents Baby Wash

Earth Mama Natural Non-Scents Baby Wash has no artificial fragrance, triclosan, phthalates, parabens or sulfates and has been dermatologist tested and clinically tested for irritation. This baby wash is super gentle and mild on baby’s skin and hair but still effective in getting baby clean. The Earth Mama Natural Non-Scents Baby wash is made with organic herbs and oils including soothing calendula.

Check out more top Gugu Picks for Baby:

Must Have Essentials: Fisher-Price Baby Gear

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We know that it can seem overwhelming to register for everything you may need for a baby; so, we’ve broken all the necessities down into your Top Must Have Essentials for every category you may need. Today we’re covering the Top Must Have Essentials from Fisher-Price!

1. Rainforest Jumperoo: The Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo is a must-loved item on the Gugu Guru team and fantastically interactive for baby, as well. Everywhere baby looks, (in the spinning seat, baby can see all around), there’s something fun to do. Busy toys, including a bobble elephant and swinging monkey, captivate baby’s attention and keep them entertained. Folds for easy storage and portability.

2. Kick and Play Piano Gym: With four ways to play, this musical toy grows with your little one! From laying and playing, to tummy time and sitting up, busy activities at each stage are just the beginning of the fun. Baby’s in charge of the action as her little kicky feet activate music. Moveable toys overhead encourage batting and grasping, including a hippo teether, elephant clackers, rollerball frog and more. When it’s time to change modes, move the arch down for tummy time or let baby sit up and entertain you with a piano concert. Remove the piano and take the fun on-the-go. Includes long and short play modes with up to 15 minutes of music. This is also a great way for older siblings to interact with the new baby!

3. On-The-Go Baby Dome: We love this baby domefrom Fisher-Price for so many reasons! It essentially has two functions – a play space and a comfy napping spot, perfect for when you and baby are on the go! This is ideal for families who love to travel, as it folds up flat and can be stored under a hotel bed or in the back of a car. However, this is also an ideal piece of baby gear for small-space living, as you can easily move it around the house and it folds up when not in use. Plus, we love the modern look of it!

Also seen in: Budget Baby Registry; Minimalist Baby Registry

4. Baby’s Bouncer: A must have for all busy parents! The Fisher-Price® Baby’s Bouncer gently bounces along to your little one’s natural movements and features calming vibrations at the touch of a button. When your baby’s in the mood to play, the overhead toy bar with three animal friends offers plenty of bat-at fun!

Gender Neutral Baby Must-Haves

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

When it comes to buying stuff for baby, one of the questions we get asked all of the time is for our gender neutral must-haves baby product suggestions. We’re huge fans of gender neutral baby products for so many reasons. One being that many families choose to not find out the sex of their baby before birth, so it’s a great way to stock up on what you need without knowing the sex beforehand. And, gender neutral baby stuff is a fantastic investment as you can use it for the next baby to come along, too! Here are some of our top picks for gender neutral baby must-haves:

Diaper Pail: We’re huge fans of the Dékor Hands-Free Diaper Pails for so many reasons. Their sleek design comes in gender neutral colors and looks great in any nursery. Plus, unlike other traditional diaper disposal systems where you have to bend over, operate a lid, or even shove a soiled diaper inside the diaper pail, Dékor diaper pails are 100% hands-free. Are you cloth diapering? No worries, Dékor has you covered! Dékor Plus has the largest opening so it is great for cloth diapers with the addition of the Dékor Cloth Diaper Liner, which can be thrown right in the washer.

Highchair: When it comes to high chairs there are many factors to consider, which is why we’re huge fans of the Nomi because it is the ultimate investment high chair piece for your family. Nomi is the next generation high chair that seamlessly adjusts without tools, and evolves with children’s changing needs from birth all the way through the teenage years! It comes in neutral colors that will seamlessly blend in with the aesthetic of your house.

Bedding: There’s nothing cuter than baby bedding, and it’s ideal to receive baby bedding before baby comes along so you can have it all washed and dried for the new addition. We love the gender neutral baby bedding from NoJo. The sweet designs are sure to fit any nursery style and the colors are gender neutral and warm.

Nursery Rug: Lorena Canals are eco-friendly, machine-washable rugs that come in a variety of stylish and neutral styles that are must-haves for any nursery.

Swaddle: It’s no secret that babies love to be swaddled, as it helps them feel snug, as if they’re still in the womb. The Love to Dream Swaddle UP was invented by a mother who couldn’t find the perfect swaddle blanket on the market, so she took to creating one herself. The Swaddle UP is a totally unique design, and parents love it for so many reasons. Its features are lengthy, and Love to Dream considered not only the baby’s sleepytime needs, but the needs of the entire family, as well. We love their designs for babies and toddlers – these make a perfect gender neutral baby shower gift, as well!

Baby-wearing: When it comes to babywearing, we’re huge fans of the Baby K’tan Carrier. The Baby K’tan ergonomic baby carrier is one of our work-from-home essentials, and many members of the Gugu Guru team have been using Baby K’tan for years. The Baby K’tan Carrier comes in a variety of gender neutral designs and can be used comfortably for mom or dad!

Teethers and Pacifier Clips: We are smitten for the neutral teethers and pacifier clips from Pretty Please Teethers; they would make a perfect baby gift and we love their subtle colors and classic designs.

Clothing: Some of our favorite baby clothing brands for little ones are Yinibini Baby, Magnetic Me, Babysprouts & Co, L’oved Baby, Primary.com, and Ice Cream Castles.

Some of our Gender Neutral Blog Posts for inspiration:

Gender Neutral Baby Shower Gift Picks
Gender Neutral Nursery Decor Ideas
Gender Neutral Baby Style
Gender Neutral Nursery Inspo
Also, here’s a great blog post to check out from GG’s blogger friend Shelby Simone!

Meet the Team: Which “guru” are you?

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Gugu Guru Team Picks

Today we are bringing you our team members’ all-time favorite baby and toddler products. Have fun learning about our team and deciding which “guru” you are most similar to!

Katie is a “working from home” mom of a two-year-old daughter (with a 2nd baby girl due any day!), living in suburban New Jersey, 30 minutes from NYC. She spends her time taking long walks in the summer, at times on the train commuting to the city and putting together activities in her house. She has a french feminine style in baby’s room (check out the image of her nursery at the top of this blog!) but a modern farmhouse style in the home.

Katie’s top 3 must-have products are:

Krysta lives in New Jeresey and is a mama to two – Liliana (4) and Liam (almost 2), with baby #3 on the way – who requires a schedule to keep her running. Side passions include anything Disney related, figuring out skincare products and activities that bring her to the ocean.

Krysta’s top 3 must-have products are:

Chelsea is a mom of two energetic boys, ages 7 and 3, living in California. She enjoys getting outdoors, loves a minimalistic style, and avoids the build-up of “kid clutter”.

Chelsea’s top 3 must-have products are:

Abby is a double twin mom in the Midwest (Chicago) – one set of identical twins (3 years old) and a set of fraternal boy/girl twins. She works from home and loves to cook and watch reality tv. She prefers neutral style with pops of color!

Abby’s top 3 must-have products are:

FridaBaby Products: FeverFrida, NoseFrida, Windi
Easy to use and lightweight bouncer – Baby Bjorn and Bloom are her favorites
A great travel system

Monica is the quintessential suburban “soccer mom” of a 9 year old boy and a 7 year old girl who tries to balance running a business from home and running around like a maniac for all her kiddos’ activities. The products she loves and used the most are versatile, multi-taskers or just plain genius! She appreciates anything that makes her crazy schedule a bit easier to handle.

Monica’s top 3 must-have products are:

Christine is a former military spouse living in Tremonton, Utah. She has a two year old daughter (with her a 2nd due in October) and works from home. She loves to get outside and explore and believes in simplifying life and minimizing clutter, quality over quantity. She prefers a neutral, classic, and minimal style.

Christine’s top 3 must-have products are:

Hatch Baby Rest Plus
Baby Carriers, a wrap and traditional carrier – Baby K’tan Wrap Carrier and LÍLLÉbaby Complete are her favorites
Lovevery Play Mat & Play Kits

Liz is an on-the-go minimalist living in New England. She loves year-round outdoor adventures and has two fur-babies in the mix. She prefers an eclectic, boho, Scandi style.

Liz’s top 3 must-have products are:

So tell us, which “gugu” are you? What are YOUR must-haves? Comment below to let us know!

The Ultimate Target Baby Registry

by Gugu Guru 3 Comments

Today we are bringing you the ultimate Target baby registry. We searched Target for our favorite baby products and collected them for you. The best part of the Target baby registry is the fabulous welcome kit full of goodies for mom and baby that you can pick up at Target Guest Services when you create a registry in-store or online. Target also has an awesome 15% completion discount on everything left on your registry (the only kicker is it’s only good until eight weeks before baby’s expected arrival).

Let’s start with the nursery. Likely a room you will be spending a lot of time in as baby grows, it’s important to make sure this is a functional, comfortable place.

Next up is feeding. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or a combination of the 3, Target has what you need.

We love to keep it simple for Health & Wellness: a bath tub, bathing essentials, a grooming kit, and simple diaper needs.

Baby Gear is a category that is worth the splurge! These items will help you manage the chaos of life with a newborn, making life simpler and easier.

Clothing is the most fun baby product category and one of our favorites! Target is full of amazing options to fit every stage of babyhood.