registry

Must Have NYC Mom Essentials

One of the reasons mamas love Gugu Guru is that our style quizzes give personal recommendations based on where you live – because we understand that suburban mamas need different items than urban mamas! Today’s guest post is from a NYC mama who takes her two littles all over the five boroughs and back again, without even breaking a sweat. Megan is the mama to two kids under four years old, and has some great tips for surviving NYC life with little kids. You can find Megan on Instagram – and let us know in the comments what your favorite products for urban parenting are!

Adorable dinosaur clothing from Mitz Accessories

Being a new mom is hard. Being a new mom in NYC is borderline insane. As hard as navigating the trains with a stroller can be at rush hour, living in a space that is the size of most Americans living rooms, and paying what many people consider a mortgage on preschool but it has it’s perks too. Your kids can literally sleep through anything. After a few licks on the subway their immune systems are made of steel that no suburban kid could even dream of. Their palates have tasted the finer things of life since we have access to the best restaurants in the world and my three-year-old son might not know what a lawnmower is but can navigate the MTA without batting an eye.

I’m Megan @girlgonechildnyc, I’ve birthed two babies in this concrete jungle and I’m currently still keeping alive a 3 and 1-year-old here. So here are my top 10 registry items from a NYC Mom.

1. Original Ergo Carrier: I’ve tried a lot of different baby carries and I always go back to the original Ergo. It’s the one carrier I can wear seven hours straight and doesn’t hurt my back. I also can nurse discreetly on the train in this carrier with out a flashing my boob to the entire subway car.

2. phil&teds Lobster High Chair: You’re meeting friends in a tiny restaurant in the West Village and they don’t have high chairs? Boom! The Lobster has you covered.

3. A Noise Machine: While yes, most NYC babies can sleep through about anything, why risk it? You want your baby to still be asleep when that fire truck goes by at 4am.

4. The Pello: As my husband and I used to joke “Praise be to the Pello,” since our daughter had a pretty bad case of colic and this is the one place we could sit her as an infant and it was so ridiculously soft she wouldn’t cry. It acts similarly to a DockATot, and you can also set it up anywhere in the apartment.

5. NYC Décor: Almost every kids room in NYC I’ve been in has at least on piece that reminds you they’re a NYC baby. We’re proud of our New York Babies’, as it’s not easy raising kids here. It’s something they will be able to tell people the rest of their lives that they were born here. My favorite pieces are the interactive wall art by local NYC mom Kate Durkin.

6. Zoe Stroller: Strollers with infant seats are great, but they’re heavy and to be honest, I never used them because hauling a bulky stroller up two flights of subway stairs just wasn’t something I found fun just a few months shy of having a baby. You’re way more likely to wear your baby around NYC and get a decent umbrella stroller at 6 months. The Zoe stroller is perfect for commuting up and down subway stairs at just 10 lbs and still tons of storage.

7. Skip Hop Changing Pad: I’m not saying I’ve never had to change my kids diaper on a subway bench when poop literally hit the fan but I’m not saying I haven’t.

8. Stroller Bunting: Because as much as I wish I lived in 60 degree year round weather, I don’t, and if you think your sweet little 6-month-old baby will sit there with a blanket over him without throwing it on the street, he won’t.

9. Buggy Hooks: The one good thing about strolling around NYC with a stroller is you have a place to actually store all your bags. Think King Mighty Buggy Hook for Strollers lets you ad these on to your stroller and you can hang your stuff. Amazing.

10. Taga Bike 2.0: The best and safest family bike out there. It’s pretty cool looking too. Perfect for neighborhood rides or commuting with the kids when the MTA poops the bucket.

Not a NYC mama? Don’t worry, we have you covered:

Reinventing the Everyday Essentials with Babymoov

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Selecting everyday essentials for your baby registry does not have to mean selecting from boring products. French brand Babymoov reinvents the everyday life of parents by providing reliable, highly designed and technologically advanced products driven by parents input. Since 1998, Babymoov creates products to simplify and enhance the life of parents so they are able to spend more happy moments with their babies.

Read on to learn more about some of our favorite everyday essentials reinvented by Babymoov.

Everyday Essentials 1: Lovenest

The Lovenest pillow is pediatrician designed for ultimate ergonomic head and neck support. It distributes pressure evenly over the skull while baby lies on his or her back. The pillow creates a cocoon-like holding effect that soothes and reassures the baby, while helping to promote healthy skull development and proper head shape.
The patented tilt and heart shape of the Lovenest’s memory foam covered with soft, luxurious, breathable cotton fabric, provides style and comfort.
Portable and easy to use with all your baby gear, the Lovenest can be used from birth as an insert for a swing, bouncer, baby gym, stroller and more to maximize the head and neck support babies need.

Everyday Essentials 2: Duo Meal Station

The 5 in 1 Duo Meal Station was developed with parents to bring healthy nutritious meals for your baby quickly and easily. Perfect for minimalists, the 5 in 1 appliance steams, blends, warms, defrosts and sterilizes.

The Duo Meal Station makes up to nine cups of food and up to 25 meals. You can steam and blend simultaneously, making preparing nutritious vitamin-rich foods easy. Three speeds and a multipurpose blade creates just the right texture for each stage of eating. It also offers 10 programmable settings and a helpful audible alert when done.
Babymoov offers recipe suggestions for each stage on the blog and free app: Cooking Babyfood. With over 400 recipes and 150 cooking tips, there’s something for everyone.
Register your Duo Meal Station on Babymoov’s website to benefit from a lifetime warranty.
Don’t be fooled by its name, because the Duo Meal Station is not just for meals. It can also be used for sterilizing baby bottles, pacifiers,etc., as well as warming up formula and defrosting your previously prepared food.

Everyday Essentials 3: Dream Belt Sleep Positioner

The Dream Belt sleep positioner is an ergonomic support belt that offers comfort while sleeping on your side. It’s the ideal solution for pregnancy-related sleep discomfort.

The two-sided support made of memory foam allows for optimum comfort while sleeping or just lying down. With the Dream Belt you can sleep comfortably on your side; the side supports fill the gap between the mattress and the belly, allowing for comfortable sleep.
Elastic straps offer additional support for the growing belly and proper belly support is shown to relieve back pain and stress that can be experienced in 2nd and 3rd trimesters. The Dream Belt grows with you during each trimester, with the velcro system in the back allowing for easy closure.
The machine washable Dream Belt is one size fits most and is designed with soft comfortable and stretchy fabric. It easily folds, is compact and portable for travel.

Everyday Essentials 4: Mom & b pillow

Mom & b is the first compact, adaptable maternity pillow. It is compact enough to bring it to work, to a friend’s or anywhere you go. Filled with microbeads for greater comfort and shape, it is used during pregnancy to comfort moms-to-be and after baby’s birth when nursing. The changing body shape of moms-to-be may cause pregnancy-related discomfort while sleeping, backache, restless sleep. When the pillow is teamed up with the Dream belt, you will have the perfect combination for even greater comfort.

This pillow features a luxuriously soft cotton fabric filled with microbeads for optimum positioning, comfort & support. Its unique shape makes it versatile; whether you use it between your legs while you sleep or behind your back when sitting.
It also converts to a nursing pillow. Since it is multi-positionable, it is perfectly suited to all feeding positions, whether breast or bottle-feeding.
The removable machine-washable cover makes it very easy to always keep the Mom & b pillow clean. Separate covers can also be bought separately.

Everyday Essentials 5: Hygro+ Humidifier
The Hygro+ Cool Mist programmable Humidifier, 360 degree rotation, 7 color soothing night light, easy to use touch screen and essential oil diffuser will help keep baby comfortable.

The Hygro+ humidifier will put moisture back in the air allowing for better air quality for baby. The whisper quite cool mist technology provides relief for cough, cold, nasal congestion, dry cough and sinus irritation and dry skin.
The 360 degree mist nozzle and essential oil diffuser gives the option to add your own favorite scent ( for rooms up to 215 sq ft.)
It’s adjustable and easy to program. The backlit touchscreen makes the Hygro+ very easy to use. The panel displays the humidity and temperature levels in the room.

Thank you to babymoov for making this sponsored post possible

Nanit Pro Baby Monitor Video Review

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Baby monitors are considered a must-have for many baby registries. The team at Gugu Guru is just raving about the Nanit Baby Monitor. This monitor is so cutting-edge with its plethora of features. It’s very well suited for gadget geeks in general but its features also address specific challenges of working parents, parents of multiples and more. The Nanit is pricier than other monitors out there but when you see what it has to offer, you’ll understand why this is a great investment piece. Watch the video review from Julie of Babynav Baby Planners (one of our experts) to find out why we are so crazy about this state of the art monitor.

In sum, here’s why we love this monitor at Gugu Guru and why you should consider adding it to your baby registry:

The Nanit Pro Baby Monitor delivers real-time HD quality video, right to your phone or tablet. It’s the next best thing to being there.
From the unique directional antenna that keeps wi-fi signals away from your baby to the stable camera stand, every hardware detail was crafted with safety in mind. And Nanit’s videos and images are protected completely on the company’s secure servers.
Studies show sleep is a leading indicator of newborn health and development. Nanit Insights understands how your baby’s sleep quality changes from night to night, and compares it to healthy averages.

Nanit Pro provides a single place to track events of the day, making handoffs for parents and caregivers a breeze. Plus, Nanit makes it easy to share videos, and even digital scrapbooks, with family.
Your baby’s world stretches beyond the crib. With Multi-Stand, so does Nanit. Drop Nanit into the Multi-Stand for a perfect view of the bassinet, the whole nursery, or even grandma’s house.

Read this Real Dad Review of the Nanit Pro

Gugu Pick: MAM Perfect Pacifier

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Gugu Guru loves the MAM Perfect Pacifier. When it comes to safe sleep, industry experts consider pacifiers an absolute essential. A study conducted in 2005 determined that use of a pacifier during naps and nighttime sleep reduces the chances of a baby suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by 90 percent. With all nipples, there is a chance your baby may not accept a certain shape. This can be especially frustrating with bottle feeding and pacifiers, and may force some trial and error before you discover the nipple your baby prefers. This is just one of the reasons we love the MAM pacifier line; the pacifier’s unique nipple with MAM’s SkinSoft™ silicone surface is so soft and feels more like mom that it is accepted by 94% of babies.

MAM has just introduced new designs for the brand’s signature MAM Perfect Pacifier including a new glow in the dark night range. We can speak from real experience on our love for the MAM Perfect Pacifier because Gugu Guru’s founder, Monica, was a loyal customer to the pacifier for both of her babies. You can see what Monica has to say about the Perfect in this video overview:

This launch comes with the announcement that recent clinical studies prove that the MAM Perfect Pacifier supports healthy teeth and jaw development, and in a recent study, the MAM Perfect Pacifier was shown to be the tooth friendliest of any pacifiers tested.

Why is this the case? The MAM Perfect Pacifier’s ultra-thin neck is 60% thinner and four times more flexible, making it the thinnest and most flexible pacifier on the market. Therefore, teeth have more room to grow and the risk of misalignment is reduced. The ultra-flexible nipple also makes soothing easier for baby.

The new designs for the MAM Perfect Pacifier are available exclusively at Babies R Us stores and online.

Sleep Must Have: Weighted Blankets for Baby & Parents

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Weighted blankets are proven in clinical studies to alleviate stress or anxiety and help promote a deeper, longer sleep. The reason why? Weighted blanket therapy can help increase Serotonin and Melatonin levels overnight. Sleep is the holy grail for new parents and babies alike. Parents want babies to sleep well because a good night’s sleep is imperative to baby’s health and development. Of course, we as parents want babies to sleep because parents also – sometimes desperately – need sleep. Weighted blankets can be game changers for your household slumber. We’re excited to tell you about two weighted blankets – one for parents and one wearable swaddle / blanket for baby – that will help the whole family get the sleep they need.

First up: baby and the Nested Bean Swaddle. Because of the clear benefits, Nested Bean identified that babies tend to sleep better in your embrace or with your palm on their chest. They also understand that this is obviously not always possible so Nested Bean created a one of a kind, award winning swaddle for babies – the Zen Swaddle. The Zen Swaddle simulates the pressure from your touch with lightly weighted pads on baby’s chest and sides.

There are two options for the Zen Swaddle – The Zen Swaddle Classic is one layer of fabric, which means it is perfect for warmer months. At a very affordable price, you can have many of them, so baby won’t miss one night of sleeping well! The Zen Swaddle Premier has a double layer construction, which makes it perfect for cooler months. The Classic Swaddle features traditional baby light baby colors, while the Premier has more of a modern touch. The Swaddle is longer than most swaddles, making it most cost effective, as it will last your baby well into 6 months. They are 100% cotton and machine washable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

But, the best part of the Zen Swaddle? Parents who’ve tried the Zen Swaddle report their babies fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer within 1 to 3 nights. Win win for everyone! (Head over to Nested Bean to purchase a Zen Swaddle and receive 15% off with the code GUGU15.)

Next up: parents. Super, super important note that we have to stress here first – the weighted blankets shown here are intended for adult use. Do NOT use these blankets when you have an infant in the bed with you, especially a child under 20lbs.

The Weighted Blanket from Brookstone uses the same comforting pressure as a loving hug to elicit sensations of calmness and relaxation. Evenly distributed weight provides optimal coverage and a safe, snug feeling for any individual.

Colgate Crib Mattress: The Best Investment A Parent Can Make

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-Sponsored Post-

When it comes to buying baby and nursery items, it sometimes seems as though the list is beyond overwhelming – that’s why we, at Gugu Guru, understand the importance of personalizing your registry. Not everyone is going to need all of the same products, and we understand that! However, there is one item which is universal for all babies, and we think it’s the best investment you can make – a crib mattress. When it comes to picking a crib mattress, many times parents get totally overwhelmed by all the options, but one company has risen the ranks and proven to be the best investment a parent can make in their child’s future, Colgate Mattresses. While it may seem like a mundane item to buy, either for someone else, or for your own nursery, a crib mattress is the most important purchase for your baby, your family, and your future.

We’ve featured Colgate for Back to Sleep, Innovative Sleep Products, and as a Nursery Essential for Mother’s Day, plus Meet the Makers Behind the Mattresses

In 1955, Sol Wolkin and his wife Anne took over the Colgate Mattress Factory in Atlanta. Colgate expanded several times before relocating to its present 60,000 square foot location in Georgia. Colgate was founded on the values of integrity, loyalty, and honesty; Anne and Sol passed these principles onto their three children, Alan, Joan, and Richard, their five grandchildren, and their four great-grandchildren. Sol and Anne’s memory lives on, as do their family and business values. We’re huge fans of family owned businesses, and when you’re going to buy a big ticket item, such as a mattress, we always recommend going for the company with exceptional customer service!

Colgate Mattresses are truly a fantastic investment for many reasons. Colgate was the first to create light weight mattresses, which makes lifting the mattress to change the sheets a much easier task than traditional mattresses. Colgate mattresses are cleverly designed to accommodate baby as she transitions to the toddler phase with a simple flip of the mattress. One side is firm and supportive for infants while the other is slightly softer for toddler comfort. You’re investing in time! Not only is your time precious as a new parent, and you don’t have lengthy pockets of time to heave a heavy crib mattress up and down (hello, super lightweight mattress!), but investing in a mattress which will transition from newborn life to toddlerhood is truly a smart decision.

When it comes to Colgate, you’re also investing in the health and wellness of your baby. Colgate is committed to the health and safety of babies, and introduced the use of organic materials in crib mattresses, such as coconut coir, organic cotton and other plant-based materials. Furthermore, Colgate was also the first to manufacture a foam mattress, manufacture a dual-firmness mattress, and manufacture a mattress using organic materials. A crib mattress is the place your baby will spend the majority of its early days, so it is imperative to know all about the mattress you are buying. When you invest in Colgate, you invest in safe and healthy sleep for your little one, which will keep your mind at peace – bringing health and happiness to your home. Now, we think that’s a pretty good investment!

Thank you to Colgate for making this sponsored post possible.

Announcing the Launch of EXPLORE

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We are so excited to announce the launch of EXPLORE! Watch this short overview video from our founder, Monica, show why this is such a big deal and then swing on over to EXPLORE our product picks for Whitney Port.

With EXPLORE, Gugu Guru has now opened up our massive database of products so that users can search, sample the goods (without creating a registry) and easily see what’s new.

A Taco Themed Baby Registry (+ giveaway)

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“Taco Tuesday sends a terrible message to our children. They need to know that tacos are always an option no matter what day it is.” – Unknown

Gugu Guru has now added tacos to its product recommendations for parents. Taco enthusiasts who plan on passing on their love of burritos and chalupas to their offspring, can now add Taco Bell gift cards to their personalized Gugu Guru registries.

We saw that our community is always engaged and excited about our #TacoTuesday content. With brand loyalists getting married at Taco Bell, it just made sense that couples might want to include similar brand experiences in the next big milestone of life – having a baby.

In addition to Taco Bell gift cards, taco enthusiasts can add a number of Mexican food-themed items to their registries such as taco maternity t-shirts, Burrito Baby Swaddles from Mirando Brand Baby and taco truck playhouses for a growing taco-loving toddler. Now everyday can be Tuesday with this taco lover’s baby registry.

We are so excited about our Taco Baby Registry that we have a giant giveaway to celebrate! One winner will receive the grand prize – ALL the items pictured above, including $25 to Taco Bell, $25 to BuyBuyBaby, $100 to Uncommon Goods, and a First Birthday Taco Smash from Little Nest Photography! Three runners up will each receive a $25 Taco Bell Gift Card and a $25 Buy Buy Baby Gift Card.

Pictured above: Taco Beaded Bracelet Stack, Hole in Her Stocking; Taco Baby Blanket, BizyBelle; Burrito Swaddle Blanket, Hat, and Doll from Mirando Brand Baby; Cilantro-Lime Candle, Baitx Made; Feed Me Tacos Baseball Top, Deloom; Taco Carseat cover/nursing cover, Solchan Covers; Whatever, I’m Getting Tacos T-shirt, Seriously Happy Tees; Newborn Taco Set, Cuddle Sleep Dream; Let’s Taco ’bout Me Onesie, Sprinkles + Jam; Rock Out With Your Guac Out Tote, Brittany Garner Designs; Sleeveless Taco Twirl Dress, LookieLooLoo; Nacho Average Baby, The Little Ham; The Original “You Better Have Tacos” doormat from Shop JosieB

Taco Baby Registry

Gugu Concierge: FAQs

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Curious about Gugu Concierge and want to know more? We’re here to help! Imagine…your very own affordable baby industry expert to plan and create your registry, and even do an in-store walk-through with you. That’s Gugu Concierge!

FAQs

What is Gugu Concierge?
Your very own affordable baby industry expert to plan and create your personalized registry, and even do an in-store walk-through with you.

How much does it cost?
We offer three different packages to fit your budget.

How does Gugu Concierge work?
Choose your package, take the Gugu Guru Questionnaire, then receive your registry consult.

Who are your Baby Planners?
Our team of experienced, expert baby planners is located across the US and expanding every day. They are knowledgeable and personable, and above all, excited to help you plan for your new arrival and beyond!

Why should I use Gugu Concierge?
You would hire a wedding planner, so why not hire a baby planner for the next big milestone in your life? Cut through the noise and get the right things for your family the first time.

Watch this short video to learn even more:

Gugu Concierge: Baby Planner Spotlight

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Latina Baxter
Marley & Moo Maternity
Houston, TX
Service Area: Houston Metropolitan Area

How did you get into maternity consulting/baby planning?
I have always had an interest in women and the birth process. In high school I actually wanted to be an OB/GYN, but I knew from a young age that family and being with my family was more important than any job. After I had Marley, I became intrigued by the birth process and wondered why more women did not choose to take a more natural, friendly method to birthing. Thus, Marley and Moo was born with the mission to educate and prepare the mothers of Houston to rock their pregnancy, labor and motherhood “like a boss”.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
Knowing that my team plays a role in positively impacting a mother’s experience with birth and motherhood is the most gratifying thing in the world. All women deserve to look back and feel confident and empowered by their experience. If we can help just one woman experience that feeling, then our mission has been fulfilled.

Are there any local businesses or individuals who offer services for new parents that you’d like to give a shout-out to?
Innate Potential Chiropractic and MommaStrong.

What is one essential product that you find yourself recommending to almost all parents for their baby registries? Why do you love it?
The 4moms Infant Tub because no baby likes to bathe in nasty water!

Top Product Picks
1. 4Moms Infant Tub
2. Dr. Brown’s Glass Bottles
3. Boon Drying Rack and Feeding Essentials
4. Peg Perego Stroller
5. 4Moms mamaRoo

Need help planning your baby registry? Learn more about Gugu Concierge: click here.

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