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Beyond Nutrition: Beech-Nut’s Goal to Provide Safe, High Quality Foods through Heavy Metals & Metalloid Testing

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

As parents, we strive to give our babies the best in life —and the best includes high quality foods to help babies thrive and grow. 

As your baby grows, providing healthy, nutritious foods becomes more complex, so choosing the right foods for your baby can be difficult. Should you trust store-bought? Shop organic? Make it at home?

There’s a ton of research and information available, but you have to know where to look and who to trust. 

Beech-Nut Nutrition Company has been testing for heavy metals & metalloids in our ingredients for over 30 years. 

They’re dedicated to creating safe, high-quality, and nutritious foods for babies and toddlers. They have implemented rigorous testing procedures to help minimize exposures to heavy metals and metalloids taken up by fruits, vegetables, and grains during the growing process. As of 2022, they began testing finished goods. This means, they test both samples of ingredients before creating their products and then again after they have been sealed, before they are shipped out to customers.

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Read on to find out more about their rigorous baby food testing process and their commitment to providing nutritious baby food. 

Understanding Heavy Metals in Baby Food

We’ve all seen the headlines broadcasting heavy metals in baby foods. They can be scary and stressful as a parent wanting the best for your baby.

Heavy metals in our food is not a new– levels of heavy metals and metalloids have increased in our food supply system since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Thankfully, advancing technology helps us understand the precise, miniscule amounts and impacts these metals have on our food. 

The FDA is currently drafting guidelines for heavy metals & metalloids found in baby food as part of their Closer to Zero[1] Action Plan. These include lead, cadmium, inorganic arsenic, and mercury. Beech-Nut is committed to working with the FDA on this plan.

Heavy Metals and metalloids get into foods through the soil[2]. Some occur naturally and build up in soils over time. Others have seeped into the soil through pollution–wind, water, and fog carry pollutants from all over and can deposit them into the soil where our foods grow. 

Ingredient Testing: The First Line of Defense

Safety at Beech-Nut starts with the ingredients they select to make their delicious baby food. Their in-house testing lab tests ingredients for heavy metal and metalloid levels using state-of-the-art technology. The internal testing lab has gained ISO 17025 Certification, a global accreditation for scientific testing labs. This means that Beech-Nut’s lab is qualified to perform heavy metal & metalloid testing for other companies’ ingredients and products.

Our innovative technology lets us detect miniscule amounts 

We test all ingredients in our purees for up to 255 pesticides, toxins, heavy metals, metalloids, and other environmental elements, often down to <5 ppb (parts per billion) level 

We source our baby food ingredients from farms that meet food quality standards. We work with farms that can trace individual crops to a specific field and provide prior land usage disclosures.

Baby Food Testing in the Finished Product

We start by testing the ingredients we use to make our baby food, but our testing process doesn’t stop there. 

In 2022, we began testing our finished goods to validate our ingredient testing results. 

In action, this means collecting random, representative samples of our packaged jars, pouches, cereals, and snacks before they are distributed to consumers. Then we test and compare those results to the results of their ingredients for consistency. Our finished goods process consistently verifies that our raw material testing is accurate.

We want to ensure the high-quality results we saw in the first step stay true throughout the process. 

Feeding the Rainbow: A Colorful Approach to Nutrition

“Feeding the rainbow” is more than just a catchy phrase. It’s a nutritional philosophy that ensures your baby receives a variety of vital nutrients. By incorporating a wide range of fruits and vegetables into our baby foods, Beech-Nut offers new tastes, nutrients, and textures for your little one to explore.

More than that, by exposing your baby to the 40+ ingredients used across our products, you can help serve a diversified diet to your little one. According to the FDA, this type of diversity helps to minimize a child’s exposure to heavy metals and metalloids. 

Avoid the Peel

Vegetables that grow underground are the most susceptible to heavy metals and metalloids. But that doesn’t mean these foods should be avoided. On the contrary, foods like sweet potatoes and carrots are some of the most nutrient-dense options, not to mention, some of the tastiest! In fact, babies’ developing brains and bodies need the nutrients that these nutrient-dense food provide. 

Heavy metals and metalloids tend to accumulate in the peel of root vegetables, according to a McGill University study. The amounts of these metals were significantly lower in the flesh than in the peel.

Because of this, the carrots and sweet potatoes used in our purees come pre-peeled. We avoid the peel to help reduce levels of heavy metals & metalloids.  

Rice-Free Philosophy

Since 2022, Beech-Nut has created baby foods that are rice-free.

We decided to stop using rice as an ingredient in our Beech-Nut foods, due to our concern about the ability to consistently obtain rice flour well-below the FDA guidance level and our specifications for inorganic arsenic.

Making safe baby foods available for everyone is our #1 goal at Beech-Nut. We will continue to evolve and improve our rigorous testing procedures and partner with the FDA.

Read more about Beech-Nut baby food testing processes here:

https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/closer-zero-reducing-childhood-exposure-contaminants-foods#understanding-approach

https://www.beechnut.com/high-quality-foods/test-auditing/

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Filed Under: Nursing & Feeding Tagged With: feeding, safety, toddler, wellness

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Top Picky Eater-Approved Food Hacks to Make Mealtime the Best Time

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Feeding a picky eater is something nearly all parents can relate to. At some point, parents will hear from their toddler or preschooler, “I don’t like that.”

We’ve all experienced the struggle of kiddos insisting they don’t like something before they’ve tried it. Luckily, there are tons of food hacks for picky eaters to help make mealtimes run a little more smoothly. 

Try out each one to find what works best for your little picky eater.

We Eat With Our Eyes First

Food hack #1: Make your food presentation appealing.

No one, especially a picky eater, wants to eat something that doesn’t look delicious at first glance. 

Try these fun food hacks to get your little one excited to eat.

  • StickyLickits Edible Stickers. Your child’s eyes will brighten and go wild with curiosity when they see their favorite characters decorating their lunch. And they’re not just there for looks. StickyLickits are 100% edible and automatically make eating more fun. How can any little one resist chowing down on their favorite Paw Patrol or Ryan’s World characters?
  • Shape it up. Cutting food into different shapes guarantees a more interesting meal. Use cookie cutters to cut out fruits, vegetables, protein, and sandwiches. You can use cutters to match their interests, holidays, seasons, or letters in their name. They’ll love the variety and interest the new shapes bring to their food. 
  • Theme-based meals. Preparing foods according to a theme makes the entire plate more appealing. And kids are less likely to be picky about individual parts if each food works together as part of a theme. Themes can include colors, places, countries, TV shows, books, characters, and so much more. 

Focusing on food appearance takes a little more work on your end. But when you see your little one eating everything you serve them without fussing, you’ll know it was worth it. 

Call in the Sioux Chef

Food hack #2: Let your kids help you cook.

Kids love getting the chance to be in control. Let them take charge of something in their life by helping you in the kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how your picker eater suddenly loves everything. 

Start by asking your little one to help with simple steps in their favorite recipe. Let them mix, pour, mash, add, and stir. They’ll feel like a chef making a delicious meal they can’t wait to serve and eat. Give them more responsibility as they become comfortable in the kitchen.

Honor the power of choice. Sometimes picky eaters are picky because they aren’t in the mood for what’s in front of them. Let them choose the vegetable or side to go with the meal. Letting them choose means they’re interested and excited to eat what’s served.

The more you can involve your child in cooking, the more likely they are to eat and enjoy their food. 

Play with Your Food

Food hack #3: Make food more fun.

What kid doesn’t try to play with their food? As parents, we’re used to telling our kids to quit playing with their food. 

When you’ve got a picky eater, it may be time to flip the script. Instead, tell them they need to *START* playing with their food!

  • Offer interactive foods. With a little bit of creativity and imagination, almost any food can be a way to play. Encourage your little one to stack, build, and create. Foods can become tall towers, rocket ships, racecars, patterns, mosaics, flowers, and more. Spark their curiosity and watch as their creative juices get flowing. Don’t forget to encourage taking bites out of their creations every so often. 
  • Tell a story. Put on your thespian hat and spin a tall tale. Use whatever you’re serving to create a fun story for your child. Incorporate their interests to make it meaningful for them. Children love hearing stories about their favorite characters. StickyLickits Edible Stickers are an easy way to bring their favorite characters to life while getting them to eat. Check out the store locator to find StickyLickits near you and add them to your next grocery pickup. 
  • Reinforcements. Sometimes a little bribery doesn’t hurt. When your picky eater is determined not to eat, it’s time to bring back the timeless tradition of positive reinforcement. Encourage your child to take bites and reward them each time they agree. Gradually increase the number of bites they take before they earn a reward. Rewards can be anything that motivates them: minutes of game time, stickers, praise, high-fives, or points toward a bigger reward. The possibilities are endless. Use what they love to your advantage. 

Help your child see the joy in eating by letting them have fun.

Understanding Picky Eaters

It’s important to understand why your child is a picky eater. And for many kids, the reason could change based on the food or how they’re feeling. 

These food hacks are here to help, but they’ll give you the most benefit if you understand why your child is being picky. Before jumping in, try to understand the root cause of your picky eater’s behavior. This should help you decide which food hack is right and if one is needed at all. 

There are a few common reasons why children turn into picky eaters. 

Reason #1: Independence. Young children go through a stage of understanding their independence and testing their boundaries. If your child is suddenly a picky eater because they’re learning how to make choices for themselves, this is not a power struggle you want to get into. 

Give your little one the freedom to make their own decisions. Offer a variety of options and don’t force them into choosing what you want. Often, they will fight your pick simply because they aren’t the ones who chose it. 

Reason #2: They don’t like what you’re serving. Sure, many times kids will tell you they don’t like something without trying it. But that’s not always the case. Like adults, kids have food preferences.

Let your child try a food a few times prepared in different ways. When they shy away from it or refuse to eat it time after time, it’s safe to assume they don’t like it. You don’t want to eat foods you don’t like. Don’t expect anything different from your little one. 

Reason #3: Texture. Food texture is a huge reason preschoolers turn into picky eaters. When food is squishy, slimy, gritty, or stringy, it might be uncomfortable in their mouths. Whether they like the taste or not is irrelevant because all they’ll notice is the texture. 

If you notice a picky eater coming out in your child, take note of the food texture. Try to prepare the food differently so they can get the flavor without the texture that bothers them.

Reason #4: Emotions. Toddlers are a fountain of unexplainable emotions. They’re trying to navigate through life while being slammed with emotions they don’t understand. This is when we see the famous toddler tantrums. 
Sometimes the inability to express emotions comes out during meals. Your happy-go-lucky little one may turn into a picky eater in an instant. Recognize that it’s an outpour of misunderstood emotions and move on.You can always try again another time.

Make Mealtime Enjoyable

Food hacks are a fun way to encourage your picky eater to get outside their comfort zone. 

But making mealtime a comfortable, stress-free space should be the top priority. Remember, young children can become overwhelmed by change and pressure. 

Follow these tips to make your mealtime a safe place.

  • Create an atmosphere of trying new things. If everyone tries something new, it won’t be so scary for your little one.
  • Watch your tone. Eating should never feel like a punishment, especially for picky eaters. Remain calm and patient with your child.
  • Listen before accusing. Have you ever asked your child why they don’t like something? Take time to talk with them and understand what’s causing them to not want their food. 
  • Don’t force it. Don’t insist on your child eating something until the point of tears or frustration. This takes away all the peace of mealtime and turns the kitchen table into a scary place for your little one. 

Most importantly, use your family meal time as a way to bond with your children. Accept them as they are and embrace their uniqueness. 

Enjoy using these food hacks to help make meals with your picky eater a little easier. Have fun and happy eating!

Filed Under: Nursing & Feeding Tagged With: feeding, toddler, wellness

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The Toddler Dilemma: Potty Seat or Potty Chair?

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

When it’s time to start potty training, the options can feel endless. Do you go with a toilet seat or a potty chair? If you choose one over the other, which brand do you choose? And which ones work best? It can feel overwhelming before you even get to the task of actually helping your toddler learn to use the bathroom.

Never fear! We’ve looked at the options and come up with some pros and cons as well as some suggestions for each type.

Toilet Seats for Toddlers

Using a toilet seat, sometimes referred to as a trainer ring, provides a number of pros. First and foremost, you’re teaching your toilet trainer not to fear the big toilet. As they will start using it from the get-go, they’ll always associate it with safety. This means that there’s less fear when you’re out and about and need to use a public restroom. Additionally, a toilet seat–especially the ones that fold–provide an extra convenience factor. Your trainer will be able to go in any bathroom.

Cons include some of what you’d expect with any toilet training: As they don’t always fit every toilet, there can be messes involved. Additionally, if you do have a child who shows fear of the bigger potty, they may still show hesitancy even if this is the route you choose.

Delta Children Little Jon-EE Adjustable Potty Seat and Step Stool – $34.99

Adjustable potty seat

This toilet seat features a wide array of benefits. The adjustable height feature will grow with your toddler. The splash guard is a must-have as well. You can also use the step stool at the sink to help your little one learn how to wash their hands after using the toilet. It really is the perfect addition to your home bathroom.

Jool Folding Travel Potty Seat – $14.99

Folding potty seat

For potty training on the go, we love the Jool folding potty seat. The suction cups on the under side help keep it attached to any toilet. It will help keep it from slipping and keep your little one secure as they go. This toilet seat folds up easily and even comes with a travel bag for easy transport. If you’re potty training and traveling, you really need to have this on hand.

Potty Chairs for Toddlers

Potty chairs are miniature versions of the real thing. You can plop them down in your bathroom, or–one of their biggest pros–just about anywhere. That’s right: You can set the potty chair in your home office, their playroom, or take it on the go with you to the park.

Cons include a little more mess than a toilet seat in that you have to dump the contents of the enclosed bowl and clean it out. Some kids might also find it difficult to transition to a bigger toilet after getting used to the smaller version.

The First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty Seat – $39.99

Winning potty chair

This potty chair was the winner in the feeding Feeding/Bathing/Changing category of the JPMA Innovation Awards last year. Why? It encourages your toilet trainer to sit in the proper position for going, complete with a foot lift. It looks like a miniature toilet as well to encourage familiarity with the real deal.

BabyBjörn Smart Potty – $24.99

Most portable potty chair

The BabyBjörn Smart Potty is a very simple potty chair. It’s easy to clean, but the best selling factor is how easy it is to take along with you wherever you’re headed. Set it out on the deck for evening playtime to ensure your toddler can make it to the potty in time. Toss it in the back of the van for your upcoming trip. Just bring along some bleach wipes and you’re good to go!

The Best of Both Worlds

Instead of buying both a potty chair and a toilet seat, why not get both at the same time?

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty – $31.49

All-in-one potty chair and toilet seat option

Not sure if you want to invest in a toilet seat or a potty chair? Why not both? This option gives you a trainer ring to use with your toilet or ones in public restrooms, a potty chair for home use, and a step stool to encourage that hand washing with ease. You can cover all of your bases with one purchase.

My Size® Potty Lights and Songs Transitions – $44.99

Another all-in-one option, the Lights & Sounds Transitions is a potty chair with a potty seat that can move over to your toilet. Additionally, kiddos will love the six different songs it plays each time you “flush” the potty chair. It makes potty training feel fun and rewarding. (You can read more about this potty chair on our site.)

No matter what you choose, your little one will benefit from the research you’re putting into helping them make this next life transition. It will take some patience, but you’ll both get there!

Check out more posts for toddler parents:
25 Gift Ideas for a 2-Year-Old
The Scoop: Aden + Anais Weighted Blanket
Creating a Strong Immune System in Infants and Toddlers


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Filed Under: Toddlers Tagged With: toddler

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Real Mom Reviews: Gladly Family Merritt Portable Playard Suite

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

When Gladly Family set out to create the ultimate playard, simplicity was key. Safe for newborns – 50 lbs, this playard is perfect for your growing family. It folds in a flash and includes a changing station, great for long-term use. The included backpack storage makes travel a breeze, and everything is machine washable. Check out what some of our families (check here for current opportunities) had to say after testing the Merritt Playard with their littles.

Ankita

The portable playard is well made, it is sturdy yet the design is sleek and modern and easy to move. I have used it on a hardwood floor and carpeted floor and it works great with both. It does not skid on either of the surfaces. The weight limit on the playard is comparatively larger than many other products in the market which is a huge benefit as it could be used for a longer duration. The assembly is easy as well as the instruction manual is well explained. I love how well the changing station holds on the playard, absolutely perfect to have and saves space with its design. The mat on the changing table is waterproof for surprise moments while diaper changes. The mattress is very comfortable and sturdy, they have considered the needs of newborns and infants while designing it which provides the needed support to the baby. 

Love that the fabric is machine washable or it could also be easily cleaned with a wipe. The mesh provides great ventilation to the baby. It provides a safe play space to my baby while I work and watch him play. The diaper caddy is big enough to hold everything you will need. The best part is the fast, one-hand fold. Truly amazing. The color is gender neutral and perfect to go with the aesthetics of any decor and its backpack is great to store and carry along. We absolutely loved the product and highly recommend it. 

Christine

As a two-under-two mom, having a portable playard that is versatile enough to work for both my newborn and my toddler is a must. I really liked knowing this playard works from birth to 50 pounds, so we can use it for a long time! I also quite often find myself only having one hand free, so many other portable products are too hard for me to assemble or disassemble on my own. With this playard, I can set up and tear down with literally one hand. Definitely great for moms that are on the go with multiple kids!

Jillian

We are pretty big fans of the Merrit Playard after testing it out. I was a bit skeptical when the package first arrived because it has “HEAVY” written all over it, It was pretty heavy when we brought it in, too. However, once we opened it up, we noticed the backpack carrying straps. We were no longer concerned because we knew it’d be easy to transport, and it was.

Setting it up was a breeze! Significantly easier than using a traditional pack and play, it basically popped into place. The clips for the bassinet take some coaxing to get on the top railing, but the bassinet is pretty stable and the changing table works great. I would recommend this over any other playard I’ve seen in the market.  My only complaint is that the accessory caddy is going to be challenging to keep organized as each section is pretty big, but with a small opening – however, that won’t deter me from using this!

Looking for more Real Mom Reviews?

Real Mom Reviews: Belabumbum
Real Mom Reviews: Nanobébé’s Flexy Silicone Bottles
Crane’s Deluxe Cordless Breast Pump: Our Village Weighs In

Filed Under: Gear Tagged With: diapering, gear, review, toddler, travel

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Simplify your Life with Kids? 3 Common Mistakes

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

We all have the best of intentions when trying to simplify. We want to clear our minds, our homes, and our drawers of all the junk. Come on in minimalism, and help me parent! The truth is, though, that it’s really common to make some simple mistakes when trying to simplify your life with littles.

Purging Everything

It happened. You stepped on a Lego and start screaming about “getting rid of every toy in this house.” We’ve been there. We’ve done it. We’re embarrassed too. The fact is, that you don’t have to purge everything to simplify your life. Instead, take it easy and take it slow. Start with one toy bin. Every weekend, pick 3 bins to go through and sort the items into 3 categories; Keep Out, Store Away, and Donate. Rotate through your toys/games/books instead of leaving all toys accessible. By rotating your toys, your little ones will actually play more creatively with the toys on the shelf.

If you purge everything too quickly, it’s more likely that you’ll end up purchasing items to replace. Donate the items that your little ones have grown out of and store away things that they may still use. Bring these items out on playdates or days off of school. If they still aren’t used, then it’s a good time to donate!

Hours of Research

You want to get started, but you have no idea where to start. Of course, you reach for your phone and google “How do I simplify my life with kids?” 3 hours later, your little one is awake from his nap and your head is spinning with ideas. Repeat after me – start small. You don’t need to have a whole plan in place when you begin simplifying. We live in a world where it has to look ‘perfect’ or it isn’t complete. This isn’t true!

Instead of scrolling for the perfect solutions, just get started. If you have a toddler, put away the soft infant toys. Once you have a preschooler, you can safely put away the activity table that she no longer sits in. Let your little one be part of the process and just get started. You’ll thank us later!

Organization Overload

We’ve all seen the accounts on Instagram. The perfectly organized playroom or color-coded drawers. Yes, I binged the whole season of The Home Edit immediately after it was released. I spent weeks (ok… months) trying to find the perfect storage bins for our play area and the perfect organizational tools for my kitchen. As I got started organizing these spaces, I realized that while the containers were great for my space, they weren’t great for my brain. Take a step back and think about what actually makes sense for your daily needs. Do snacks need to be easily accessible? Should certain toys be stored out of sight?

I realized pretty quickly that having the right items accessible for my kids simplified a great deal of my life. Even something as simple as putting my toddlers’ socks in the bottom dresser drawer, so they could pick out socks (a daily struggle with my twins) changed our mornings. Work smarter, not harder!

Starting from Scratch?

Everything you need for a Minimalist Nursery
Minimalist Baby Registry Must-Haves

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: books, toddler, toys

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Teaching Littles About Diversity

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

While we live in a very diverse world, teaching our children about diversity can feel daunting. How do you even begin to explain differences in skin, race, ability, family, and more? And should you? (Spoiler alert: You should!) Our differences are what make us human. By exposing your child to diversity — both in concept and in person — you will be raising children who embrace those differences rather than turn away from them in their adult life. 

Read Diverse Books

The easiest way to expose your child to diversity is through books. This is especially handy if you live in an area that lacks in overall diversity. By reading a wide and varied library to your toddler, you can show them that people and families may look different but are all valued. Be sure to include books that feature children who don’t look like your child as the main character. 

Some great suggestions include:

  1. Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers — not only does this book depict a wide range of diverse people, it also includes a variety of ways to become a family, including adoption, single parents, LGBT families, and even grandparents raising children. 
  2. Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer — The colorful illustrations and simple message of this book make it a great early pick for introducing the concepts of diversity and kindness. 
  3. All Kids Are Good Kids by Judy Carey Nevin — This book reinforces the concept that while we may all be different, we’re all good. 
  4. Girls Like Me by Valerie Thompkins — Not only does this book center a diverse main character, but the message of the book introduces our youngest readers to a variety of careers they can choose. It’s a great conversation starter in many regards. This book has paper pages.
Diverse Books for Toddlers

Encourage Curiosity and Critical Thinking

Children notice differences in people. Toddlers especially haven’t yet been conditioned to filter their thoughts, observations, or questions in public. They may ask questions that make you feel uncomfortable. Examples include questions about skin color, disabilities, or family makeup. Instead of shushing your curious toddler and making them feel like the subject is taboo, encourage curiosity by responding positively. Follow up with questions to continue the conversation.

As an example, your child might ask why someone is in a wheelchair. Follow up with a question about how your toddler moves through the room. Ask them what they think a wheelchair might help that individual accomplish. Point out your eyeglasses and ask if they can think of anything else that might help someone through their day. Asking more questions and connecting topics to ones they might already understand expands their critical thinking skills. Allow for recognition and discussion of differences without making it feel like your child is wrong for wanting to know more. Becoming comfortable yourself talking about these topics will help your child become more comfortable as well.

Embody Kindness

Your toddler will soak up not just every word you say but every action you do. If you tell your child that people with differences are just as good as we are, but you speak or act unkindly toward someone who appears differently, they’ll recognize the dissonance even at a young age. Practicing kindness at the grocery store, daycare drop-off line, and at playgroup will encourage your child to do the same. 

Expose Them to Diversity

Again, if you live in an area where diversity is lacking, the onus will be on you to step out of your comfort zone. Do you live within driving distance of an area that does offer a more diverse population? Can you go there every so often to shop, eat lunch, or play at a different playground? Additionally, can you attend a library class there? Or even mommy and me music class in that location rather than in your hometown? Exposure to the arts via age-appropriate live theater and dance is another way to welcome diverse people into your life. But it starts with you actively seeking out ways to incorporate diversity into your lives. 


Filed Under: Toddlers Tagged With: books, parenting, toddler

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5 Mom Hacks you NEED to know!

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

We pooled our Gugu Guides for their top Mom Hacks. The secret products that make life with littles significantly easier. We cover it all! From time savers to problem-solvers, take a look at what our Guides ranked as their ‘need to know products.’

Toni’s Review of Busy Baby Mat

This is one product that Toni “cannot live without.” The Busy Baby Mat will make meal time and play time so much easier. Looking for something to keep your little one distracted while you prepare lunch? Need something to keep them busy so you can fold laundry? Simply looking for a new toy? Busy Baby Mat can do all of this and more. Shop more of Toni’s reviews here.

Rachel’s Review of Bonsie Baby

“It was totally my favorite! I remember emailing the company and asking them if they could make bigger sizes because I loved it so much.” The extremely soft baby bag and hat is not only easy to use, but also promotes the benefits of skin-to-skin with your newborn. They even have an amazing resource guide (a true mom hack) that comes with each adorable set. Shop more of Rachel’s reviews here.

Abby’s Review of Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths

“I cannot say enough good things about them!” The Green Sprouts muslin burp cloths are incredibly soft, absorbent, and will hold their shape after 100’s of washes. They come in simple colors, fold up nice and small, and will stay put covering your entire shoulder. Spread these out amongst every nook and cranny of your feeding area and diaper bag. After your little ones stop spitting up, you can even use as rags or hand towels around the house. Shop more of Abby’s reviews here.

Ashley’s Review of Little Spoon Toddler Plates

“These toddler feeding plates are so convenient. Whether you’re feeding your own kids or looking for a gift for someone else.” Little Spoon offers non-GMO, organic, and nutritious meals for your little ones. They even offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, making this a great mom hack for any family. Shop more of Ashley’s reviews here.

Dominique’s Review of Green Sprout Feeding Essentials

“This set will be able to grow with her, which I really like.” If you’re looking for a one-and-done feeding set for your littles, Green Sprouts has you covered. Including two spoons, one silicone-divided bowl, and 3 bibs, you will have everything you need to feed your baby or toddler. The bib had an excellent storage pocket, which will also keep messes at bay. Another excellent set of essentials from Green Sprouts. Shop more of Dominique’s reviews here.

Interested in becoming a Gugu Guide? Apply today!

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Celebrate Feeding, Ecofriendly, Essentials, Feeding, Gift Ideas, Newborns, Nursing & Feeding, Toddlers Tagged With: feeding, toddler

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5 Activity Center Options that Grow with Your Baby

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

Your baby is growing leaps and bounds and seems to be ready for something more than their play mat and activity gym. But what? The next milestone step would be an activity center. Like the mats and gyms, the options can feel a little overwhelming when you’re first researching. That’s why we’ve rounded up a few of the best to help you make an informed decision.

Best Grow With Me Activity Center

Skip Hop Baby Activity Center –

Starting around four months of age, your baby will love the Skip Hop Activity Center. They can keep on enjoying the many bells and whistles for years to come as it grows with them. Stage one has a 360-degree rotating seat in the middle to keep them busy and entertained. As they begin cruising, you can use it as an activity center where they can learn and move. Lastly, the center converts to a sturdy table on which your toddler can play with any toy, eat or create beautiful masterpieces.

Best Jumper 

Fisher-Price Animal Wonders Jumperoo –

If you’ve got a happy legs baby—you know the kind whose legs are always pumping and jumping—this jumper is for you! It has three height adjustments to grow with your baby. The seat also turns 360 degrees, allowing them to play with all of the toys and keep an eye on you. You’ll appreciate that the seat is removable and washable for life’s inevitable mess. Another version of their Jumperoo made our must-have baby gear list from Fisher-Price as well.

Best Wooden Activity Center

Manhattan Toy Deep Sea Adventure Activity Center –

This activity center is a stunner. The underwater theme combines beautiful imagery with lots of things to move, play with, and learn. You’ll appreciate how it fits into almost any room. Your little learner will love cruising around the circular table and maneuvering the 9 tracks and 21 gliders. 

Best Musical Activity Center

LeapFrog Little Learning Center –

We could also dub this one our Best Table on a Budget! This classic activity center has had little kids moving and grooving for over a decade. You’ll end up humming the tunes as your toddler waddles around, pressing buttons. They’ll learn everything from colors to shapes to numbers, all set to cute little tunes. 

Most Unique Design

Baby Einstein Around We Grow 4-in-1 –

This unique design sits your baby on the outside of the activity table and they can maneuver the seat in a circle to play with the toys. It’s a different perspective on the concept. Your little one can learn and play for years as the seat is removable once they can walk on their own. We love toys that grow alongside our babies!

No matter what you choose, your growing baby will enjoy the new sights and sounds offered by an activity table. You’ll enjoy watching them learn, play, and experience their expanding world.

Looking for more Product Must Haves?
Registry Dilemma: Bouncer or Swing?
Diapering Station Must Haves
Swaddle Blankets? Wearable Swaddles? Sleepsacks?

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Gear Tagged With: toddler, toys

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Gamechanger for Bathtime: Moms Love Bubbsi

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Looking for a bath routine to top all others? We had five moms test out Bubbsi’s Newborn Starter Set with their little ones. Bubbsi is revolutionizing the bath game. Utilizing coconut oil, they have created a line of bath products safe for newborns battling a variety of skin concerns. Eczema, Diaper Rash, and Cradle Cap be warned, you are receiving your eviction notice! Keep your little one’s skin nourished this winter with Bubbsi.

Abby, 4 year old twins, 17 month old twins, Chicago IL

Having 4 kids with sensitive skin, I am always on the hunt for new skincare lines. Generally, we look for things that are fragrance-free (and sesame-free, thanks to allergies!), tear-free, and easy-to-follow. Some of the skincare lines I’ve tried with my kids have had up to 8 steps, making them nearly impossible to complete daily. Our pediatric dermatologist has always spoken about the benefits of coconut oil, but when I tried putting this on my kids directly, we all ended up greasy and miserable. Enter Bubbsi! The answer to our daily struggles! First off, the bottles are adorable! Quite honestly, they became a nice distraction for my babies during bathtime. Next, they are refillable. No more spending $$$ on new bottles every time you need a replacement, and with 4 kids, it’s often! Lastly, they work! My kids’ skin was nourished, moisturized, and the steps were easy enough for my 4-year-olds to follow without any help. I will definitely be recommending this to my friends!

Anya, 1 year old + 3 year old, Rhode Island

I was so excited to try Bubbsi. I’m always looking for all natural products for my girls. They have super sensitive skin and sometimes get eczema from food allergies and colder weather. I love the fact that Bubbsi is almost fully naturally derived and I don’t worry about putting that on their skin. Both my girls have full heads of hair and I have been looking to try a shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo really cleans well but left their hair a bit dry so you definitely need to use the conditioner with it. The conditioner left their hair super silky with no knots and made it easy to brush out. As for the cream I was shocked. My younger daughter has little spots of keratosis on her arms and they almost went completely away after only one use and the diaper cream left her super smooth and protected. So excited to find Bubbsi and will continue to purchase in the future!

Katherine, 5 year old + 10 month old, North Carolina

I was given the Bubbsi head-to-toe set to try. First off, the packaging was super cute. I love that the packing peanuts dissolve in water! What a great way to help the environment. The products all smell wonderful. It’s a light scent, so it isn’t overpowering at all. My son and I both love the squishy feel of the bottles. The shampoo/body wash, lotion, and balm are soothing to both mine and my baby’s sensitive skin. We also appreciate that it is peanut and tree nut allergy friendly!

Overall, I give it a 5 out of 5! We will definitely be Bubbsi customers for a long time!

Erica, 2 1/2 year old + 9 month old, San Diego CA

I received the Bubbsi product via Gugu Guru and was so excited to try it out. Upon opening the box the smell was wonderful. I tried the body wash and lotion with both of my boys, age 9 months and 2 ½ . 

Packaging: Absolutely love the packaging, design, and colors. Both of my boys immediately took to playing with the packaging. With that, I also had to make sure they didn’t have anything without supervision ☺ 

Feedback: The biggest thing I noticed was due to the consistency of the product and because it is cream-based, the water in the bath got murky. It’s inevitable that my kids put bathwater in their mouths, but this time I was careful to make sure they didn’t. I ended the bath a bit early so I could drain the tub. 

Although I LOVED the packaging, smell, and overall look I wasn’t a fan of the creaminess and the residue it left in the tub. The lotion was great, but I found the small was just a bit too much for my kids and I used it on myself.

Thank you to Bubbsi for letting our moms test their products!

Looking for more Real Mom Reviews:
Real Moms Review: Territory Foods
4 Real Moms Tell Us Why Larktale Strollers are a Gamechanger
Real Moms Tell Why The Boon GRUB is a Gamechanger

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Ecofriendly, Gift Ideas, Newborns, Toddlers Tagged With: bathtime, review, toddler

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25 Gift Ideas for a 2-Year-Old

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

So, your favorite toddler turns two in a couple of weeks. What do you get for them? We’ve got a list of 25 gift ideas that will appease the tastes of all different kinds of kiddos. Whether you have a 2-year-old who loves imagination play, one who loves to dress up, or a quiet reader, you’ll find a suggestion that will make their day.

Toy Gift Ideas

Melange Collection Elephant in Sweater, Blue – $40.00

25 gift ideas: Melange Collection

Every child needs a beloved stuffie. This elephant brings whimsy and fun to all of your kid’s play. As an added bonus, Melange Collection works closely with organizations dedicated to empowering women through income generating projects. You can feel good about giving this gift (or any of the other cute options, like a fox, bunny, dog, and more).

Mouse Loves Pig Portable Car Carrier – $39.99

For the all-things-that-go lover, this portable play mat will carry a variety of cars and gives them a place to use their imagination and play. This is perfect for trips and outings to keep your toddler entertained.

Babymoov Indoor & Outdoor Tipi – $59.99

25 gift ideas: Babymoov Indoor Outdoor Tipi

This cute tent gives your child a safe, imagination-rich place to play, indoors or out. Our favorite part about this teepee, in addition to quick setup, is that it offers your toddler sun protection with anti-UV UPF50+ material. Set it up in the back yard, at the park, at the beach, or in your living room.

Plan Toys Doctor Set – $30

25 gift ideas: Plan Toys Doctor Set

Is your little one always taking care of everyone? Do you want to nurture their spirit while encouraging more imagination play? Get them this doctor’s set from Plan Toys! Maybe you’ll inspire them to become a doctor when they’re grown. (Note: If they’re fascinated by teeth, the dentist set is also a fun option.)

Mouse Loves Pig Hand Kite Set – $54

Get moving and grooving with this set of six hand kites in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. You’ll inspire hours of imaginative play while also helping improve their gross motor skills. Win-win!

TROJOY Stacking Dinosaurs – $15.99

25 gift ideas: Stackable Dinosaurs

If you have a budding paleontologist, these stacking dinosaurs will provide lots of joy and hours of fun. As an added bonus, you’ll help solidify their knowledge of colors while they teach you about everything from the ankylosaurus to the triceratops.

SEREED Baby Balance Bike – $52.99

25 gift ideas: Balance Bike

Recommended for ages 12-36 months, this baby balance bike will get them wheeling around in no time flat. You’ll help them develop balance skills and get them ready for their first pedal bike.

Clothing Gift Ideas

Clover Baby & Kids Monstera Short Set – $30

25 gift ideas: Play and Sleep Clothes

Whether they’re going to wear these to bed to dream of running through luscious monsteras or to play around the house, hiding behind their parents’ gorgeous plants, these comfy clothes will sure be a hit for parents and kids alike.

Gabri Isle Bunny Sweatshirt – $38.00

25 gift ideas: Rabbit Ear Hoodie

Hoodies with ears are always a hit. This bunny ear sweatshirt from Gabri Isle is the cutest thing. Ever.

Squid Socks Camping Edition – $24.00

25 gift ideas: Fun Socks

Well, these are the cutest socks for your summer adventures. They feature woodland creatures, camping accessories, and some creepy crawlies. These socks have silicone dots at the cuff to keep them in place as well as grippers on the bottom to keep little feet from sliding on the floor.

Custom Hand-Dyed Pullover Hoodie – $36.00

25 gift ideas: Tie Dye Hoodie

Make sure they’re rocking the biggest trend of the last year: tie dye! You can pick your primary color and set them up in the latest trend.

Pull-On Rainboots, Cat & Jack – $19.99

25 gift ideas: Rain Boots

If you give a two-year-old a pair of rain boots, you’re gonna have to ooh and ahh over them as they’ll be sure to show you their boots over and over and over again. That’s okay when it’s these tiger cuties from Cat & Jack at Target.

Corduroy Overalls from H&M – $29.99

25 gift ideas: Corduroy Overalls

Hit both the neutral color palate trend as well as the texture one with these corduroy overalls. They’ll be stylin’ more than you, and that’s a-okay.

Stripe 5 Panel Trucker Hat – $38.00

25 gift ideas: Trucker Hat

But imagine this hat paired with the corduroy overalls and a black long-sleeved t-shirt. Seriously. Toddlers today have all the fashion luck.

Unisex Stretch Jean Jacket – $22.00

25 gift ideas: Denim Jacket

This stretch denim jacket fits comfortably while looking uber-cool. It also comes in a light wash to mix up the look a bit.

Distressed Toddler Jeans – $14.99-19.99

25 gift ideas: Distressed Denim

Not only are these the cutest things ever, but they’re comfortable due to that elastic waistband. Whether you’re still changing diapers or working on potty training, easy on and off pants are key, even if they’re Cool Pants.

Training In Unders Organic Cotton 5 Pack – $35.00

25 gift ideas: Training Underwear

Whether they’re ready right this second or have no clue about the potty just yet, some absorbent training pants are good to have on hand at this point. There’s also a five pack with cats, unicorns, and more if that’s their thing.

Gear Gift Ideas

Larktale caravan Stroller/Wagon – $449

25 gift ideas: Larktale Stroller Wagon

Need a little more room now that your two-year-old takes up more space? The Larktale caravan Stroller/Wagon has room enough for two, perfect for playdates and more. They’ll be rolling in style. (PS: It has a really awesome rain and wind cover that you can buy to keep your little riders dry.)

CamelBak Eddy 14oz – $13.99

25 gift ideas: Water bottle

Since toddlers are always on the go, it can be hard to keep them hydrated. Make it feel fun by giving them their own water bottle like yours.

Bodhi Toddler Standard Bed by Karla Dubois – $239

25 gift ideas: Toddler Bed

Upgrade their bedroom from nursery to toddler by replacing their crib with a toddler bed. This one from Karla Dubois is modern and unique, allowing you to do so much with their newly redesigned space. While the bed comes in six colors, this neutral Pebble would suit any room.

Book Gift Ideas

Ekaterina Trukhan 5-Book Set from Workman Publishing – $29.75

25 gift ideas: Book Set

These books from Workman Publishing are printed on an indestructible paper-like material. Your little reader won’t be able to rip, tear, or puncture the pages. This set lets them learn about numbers, colors, shapes, and more.

Families Can by Dan Saks – $7.99

25 gift ideas: Families Can Book

The main idea of this 2021 book is that “a family is love no matter how it looks.” This important message is aimed at our youngest readers in this beautifully illustrated book. Additionally, Dan Saks has a number of other great books for this age group, including Families Belong and Families Grow.

Mrs. Peanuckle’s Hiking Alphabet – $7.99

25 gift ideas: Hiking Alphabet Book

If you’re a hiking family, already traipsing through wooden trails with your toddler strapped to your back, this is an alphabet book you simply must add to your library. “A is for Air; C is for Compass,” and so on. Teach your kiddo to speak your outdoor language now!

Nerdy Babies: Dinosaurs by Emmy Kastner – $7.99

25 gift ideas: Nerdy Babies book

Next up, we have the newest book in the Nerdy Babies series explores all things dino. They’ll learn about shapes, sizes, and yes, dinosaurs in the Mesozoic Era.

Maddie Frost Collection from Workman Publishing – $35.70

25 gift ideas: Book Set

Another set of indestructible books rounds out our list. This one includes six books from Maddie Frost and brings three nursery rhymes and three explore-your-world type books to your library. They’re sure to be a hit.

—

Well, there you have it. 25 gift ideas for 2-year-olds that are sure to bring a smile to your favorite toddler’s face. Be sure to let us know which items were a hit!

Check out some of our favorite gift guides:
Ultimate Gift Guide: Ages 0-2
Ultimate Gift Guide: Ages 2-5
Reima Baby Kit: The All-in-One Baby Gift
Work from Home Gift Guide

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Toddlers Tagged With: books, gear, gifts, toddler, toys

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