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We are so excited to be talking about On the Go products from Neat Solutions to Gugu Guru’s audience! These products are must-haves for any parents who plan on leaving the house with baby – whether for a trip to Starbucks or traveling. Check out Gugu Guru founder Monica’s video overview here:
Thank you to Neat Solutions for making this video possible.
View more of our video overviews here:
We had to review SnoofyBee! We first saw this awesome diapering invention popping up in our Facebook newsfeeds and then this past November, we saw the founders on Shark Tank and we just had to get our hands on one to try. Why was our interest piqued? Ever try to change a wiggly baby? It’s no fun. Add a wiggly baby who likes to explore the nether regions during diapering and it can be a really crappy experience for a parent (yep, pun 100% intended.) That’s why we were so excited to try out the Clean Hands Changing Pad from SnoofyBee.
First off, let’s talk about what this product is. As the site explains, the SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad provides all the benefits of a standard portable changing station and diaper clutch. Aside from the 3-in-1 multi-purpose design, what is so genius about this product is its patent pending barrier to hang toys from and gently redirect your child’s curiosity away from the mess. 
Here’s what Gugu Guru registrant and new mama, Sonny, says about her awesome experience with the SnoofyBee:
Pros
Con
Interested in seeing the SnoofyBee in action? Check out this video:
Check out these other Real Mom Reviews on the Gugu Guide:
It’s no secret that once baby comes along, there is just so…much…stuff! It can be overwhelming to find a diaper bag which not only fits all of baby’s gear, but also fits your personal style. Worry no longer, mamas – Golden Child is here to solve all of your problems! Golden Child are structured modular inserts which turn any bag (seriously, any handbag of yours) into a well-organized diaper bag. Combine the 3 modular pieces to fit any bag shape – from a small zip tote, to a large shopping bag, to a backpack. So easy to swap in and out! Read on to learn more plus enter to win one of your own!
Founded by two sisters with a background in design and product development, they wanted to solve the major problem moms have – even though you may have a bag or diaper bag you love, it has to evolve with the baby, and with your lifestyle – due to the modular, clip on, structure of Golden Child, you can create the diaper bag of your dreams.
We wanted to test it out, so we turned to an uber-stylish mama, Cristina of Cristina V. Jewelry; Cristina has an adorable 1 year old daughter and works from home, so she’s always on the go go go. Here’s what she had to say about the Golden Child inserts:
I love that I can now see everything in my diaper bag and that it had more than enough compartments for both Paige’s things and mine. In less than 10 minutes, I went from not knowing what was in my bag to seeing where everything was. It sounds silly, but I also feel better knowing I will not be scrambling the next time Paige needs a snack or I need to find my wallet.
Like what you see? Enter to win a Sunny Diaper Bag Insert for yourself in our giveaway:
You can find Golden Child LA on their website, Instagram, and Facebook
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Looking for more diaper bag help?
With the holiday season upon us, many families will be traveling to see loved ones; our urban mama, Megan, is back today sharing tips on breastfeeding while on-the-go, and in random places – read on to hear her helpful travel tips and learn all of the interesting places she’s breastfed! Where is the most interesting place you’ve breastfed or pumped?
See Megan’s NYC Mom Essentials, and her review of the BabyBjorn Carrier One Air. You can find mama Megan over on her Instagram, @GirlGoneChildinNYC and her blog, Girl Gone Child in NYC.
Just last month I nursed my daughter while we were on a tug boat racing down the Hudson River. The water was not smooth that day and trying to get my balance while standing on the bridge of the boat was hilarious. I’ve nursed on over 50 flights. I nurse riding the NYC subway on the daily, no one cares. When my youngest had colic I once nursed her all the way from NYC to West Virginia with a boob dangling over her car seat for 9 hours. Let’s just say when your kid refuses a bottle it forces you to nurse in some strange places.
Nursing is hard it takes a toll on your body, your social life, your sanity sometimes. It can be tough when your baby eats every four hours, but your boobs fill up in three. The timing feedings alone can make any woman insane. All these little things I never even thought about. Oh, sorry I can’t go to your wedding and stay 6 hours without considering if my boobs will explode. Once on our first outing six weeks after our first born arrived my husband wanted to go for drinks after dinner and I had to break it to him that unless he wanted to partake in a little Le Leche in the bathroom we had to go. Needless to say, he called it any early night.
To be honest I didn’t think much about nursing while I was pregnant. Yes, I planned on doing it. Yes, I bought all the accessories the internet told me I needed. I had no idea how hard it could be. In the end, I convinced myself it was part of nature and would come easy. Just like natural birth… Well, guess who had an emergency C-section. It’s like some General said, “Even the best laid plans don’t survive first contact with the enemy” or in this case my beautiful, hungry baby. I spent the first few weeks pumping because my son and I couldn’t get in sync. Eventually, after many frustratingly fruitless attempts, a lactation consultant verified what my husband had been cautiously mumbling all along, “Girl you need to chill! That baby isn’t going to take your boob when you’re a stressed-out mess.” I took a few deep breaths, got to my happy place and he latched right on.
I junked half the gimmicky crap I bought and focused on a realistic problem-solving approach. I realized that breastfeeding is different for every mother and I had to stop trying to solve problems that weren’t there to find what worked for me. Of course, there were a few bumps in the road, a clogged duct or two here and there, but I still look back on that time as one of the more rewarding aspects of parenting in those early years.
Enough about me. Back to nursing on the go. Here are my top traveling breastfeeding products.
H&M’s MAMA Line Nursing Bras: Nothing can make your life easier as a breastfeeding new mom than a decent Nursing Bra. H&M’s latest nursing friendly line MAMA is super soft and they have everything from comfy nursing bras and tops to even a Lace Nursing Dress.
Milk Snob Nursing Covers: It’s worth to stress you can breastfeed anyway you want too. It’s your boobs, your body and your baby. If you do choose to cover up I’m in love with these beautiful covers that also can be used for car seat covers, highchairs, shopping carts infant swings and more. They’re light weight, super soft and made of breathable rayon blend fabric. They have super cute designs too.
Bamboobies Milk- Proof Regular & Overnight Washable Nursing Bra Pads: Nothing sucks (ha) more than being out and hearing even another baby cry and next thing you know you’re soaked. As my oldest son put it one day “Mom why are your boobies crying” These Bra pads keep you from the embarrassment of crying boobs and keeps you dry.
Swing Breast Pump by Medela: This on the go battery powered pump is a traveling moms best friend. Which means you can still pump without an outlet in site. It’s small compact and fits easily into the diaper bag.
Ergo Original Carrier: I love this carrier, I’ve tried a lot and I always come back to this guy. I can wear it all day without it hurting my back and it’s so easy to nurse in this carrier. They even has a hood so you can nurse discreetly.
Medela Quick Clean Wipes: These Wipes allow you to clean your pump parts quickly on the go. They also work in highchairs and changing tables!
Milkmakers Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies: Who doesn’t like cookies? These little guys help new moms boost their milk. They’re perfect to grab on the go and delicious.
Nurgo Traveling Nursing Pillow: Tired of killing your back while traveling on the plane or train while nursing your baby with out a boppy or nursing pillow. No problem, the Nurgo’s compact design allows mothers to feed on the go anywhere. The pillow is non-toxic, odor free, Eco-friendly, antibacterial, and hypo-allergenic. The unique carrying case is attached and allows the pillow to compress to it’s ultra portable size making it perfect for travel. The handle while carrying doubles as a Bottle Band to hold your water, coffee, wine, whatever.
See more on traveling:
This post may contain affiliate links.
All photos courtesy of Megan Harper.
Back to Sleep week is focused on safe and healthy sleep for baby. Today’s post features the 4Moms breeze GO Playard, which is a must-have for traveling mamas, minimalist parents, tech-loving moms and dads, and small space living, too. Plus, head to the bottom of the post to enter for a chance to win one!
Introducing the 4moms breeze GO! Anyone who knows Gugu Guru knows that one of our all time favorite brands is 4moms. 4moms is best known for their innovation, technology and modern, sleek style. In the past couple years, we have showcased 4moms breeze playard as a best-in-class product in our Back to Sleep safe sleep event. This year, the company has released the 4moms breeze GO – a slightly lighter and one less frill (no bassinet) version of the breeze. If you’re on the market for a playard, whether for a room in your home, for grandma’s house, for frequent traveling families – or all of the above, here’s why we think you may want to check out the 4moms breeze GO.
Playards are typically laborious things to put together. You have to pop the sides a certain way and then push the button and it can get really, really confusing. The 4moms breeze GO playard (and the breeze classic, for that matter) was created based on the belief that playards don’t have to be that complicated. The breeze GO is super intuitive and simple to use; it opens or closes in just one step. You heard that right – just one step.
The breeze GO is slightly more compact than the breeze classic, measuring at 43″L x 30″W x 29″H and also slightly lighter at 23 lbs.
We also love that like the breeze classic, a convenient travel bag is included. And if you’re asking yourself why you should consider bringing your own playard when so many hotels have them on loan, here’s what our safety expert, Alison has to say:
2 weeks ago I went on my “babymoon,” which is something I:
a) didn’t think I would ever do (or want to do)
b) now that I’ve done it, can’t imagine NOT doing
My hubby and I struggled with the idea of a “babymoon”- it sounds so cheesy and excessive. It’s just a vacation! Call it that!! And it’s such a #thing, especially here in LA, that I rolled my eyes at the idea. And then there’s the issue of WHERE??? I had always envisioned jetting off to Cabo or Puerto Vallarta for a few romantic days. But now with the threat of Zika, Mexico is off limits. Then I was toying with the idea of something local, but I know me and my hubby, and we do not relax unless we are out of our area code. So I knew we had to get outta dodge.
I was talking to my Mom about her pregnancy with me, and she kept going on and on about the beauty of Hawaii (I was born in Honolulu)— the sweet air, afternoon rain showers, swimming in the ocean all day, the fresh fruit and chill vibe of the Islands…
And just like that, I was sold.
It made sense– to go back to my birthplace, carrying my own daughter, and complete this circle of life. I’m so #emo (not just now during pregnancy, but always) and it made me bawl just to think of it. I looked at all of the islands and what they have to offer, and decided on Kauai. It’s the most northern of the islands, and the most rural and untouched (besides Molakai which tourists aren’t encouraged, and Lenai, which was too remote for us). They call it The Garden Isle ’cause it’s so lush, and who doesn’t love a garden?
We stayed at the St. Regis in Princeville, which was stunning. I’m not a big spender (I clip coupons and love a bargain), but had gotten a deal there so I splurged. Just this once. And boy, was it worth it. The room, our view, the hotel – everything about it was decadent and stunning and traditional “Old Hawaii” which was exactly what I was looking for.
Now even though it was amazing, the fact still remains that my husband and I aren’t great at relaxing, so it took us a good 2 days out of 5 to chill out. We were up every morning before 6 am (3 hour time change is reeeeeal tricky), went to the gym, hiked around the property, went out for breakfast, and were at the beach by 9 am. We explored the entire island (note: rent a car, totes worth it!!!), went on an incredible helicopter tour (most of the island is unreachable by car so it’s the only way to see it!!) and ate alllllll of the shaved ice. And we were in bed at 9pm. Nailed it!
And the whole time, I was just kinda treating this like a normal vacay, (without all the beverages LOL). I was very good at ignoring the elephant in the room which was: THIS IS OUR BABYMOON! The last vacay just the two of us! Before our lives change forever! Before baby comes! It was all too deep and immense to think about, so I compartmentalized it, which I am very good at.
But then, on our last night there, I lost it. On our way to dinner in our tiny rental car, I was sweating and crying and snotting everywhere. I sobbed and wept like I never have.
Through snots, I was able to articulate all I had been keeping bottled up for…. maybe this entire pregnancy: I was going to be a Mom. And all of my thoughts and energy were going to go to this tiny person we created, whom I have yet to meet, but whom I already love more than anything. And I am already mourning NOT being pregnant. I’ve gotten so used to her being with me, taking her everywhere I go, protecting her from the outside world. She’s my bestie! And in a couple of short months, I she will be outside of me, and I will be empty, and I won’t be able to protect her anymore. And am I ready….? Can I do this….? It’s just too much to think about, so I hadn’t really until then, and my heart (and tear ducts) just burst open.
Jason, as always, is my rock, and stroked my hair and hand and told me all the right things: that it was all going to be ok, and that I’m already the best Mommy to our Baby, that we are ready and going to be great parents. He shared his own concerns and thoughts, and for the first time, I saw him as a Daddy, a man who will protect our daughter and love her unconditionally.
I took a deep, deep breath, and I felt so close to him, to our baby, to our new life that we are forging together. And as I wiped the snot away, I felt a sense of relief; to get all that off my chest and be honest with where I am at, and to know that I’m not alone in this.
And you guys – that was the babymoon! Not the vacation and the fancy hotel or the mocktails. That moment of bonding, meeting each other, hearing each other. That was it.
To all you out there who are expecting and are toying with the idea of a “babymoon,” I would encourage you to GO! Go somewhere and take a moment. It doesn’t have to be a fancy trip, or a huge vacation… it can be anything, even just a moment in your backyard. But, take the time. Carve out a special moment for you and your partner to check in, really see each other and hear each other. After all, you’re in this together and all you’re got is each other, so honor that.
Time goes super fast during pregnancy, and we are so swamped with doc appointments and registry stuff and baby showers and unsolicited advice from people, that we miss the big picture: this is about you and your partner and your Baby. That’s it. So take time for the 3 of you somehow, some way. You won’t regret it. I feel like it changed everything for me and Jas, and we came back excited and refreshed and ready to dive in. Here we go!
Some more you may have missed:
-Sponsored Post-
Now that it’s summer, parents love to get outside with their little ones as much as possible; however, it’s not always easy to figure out what your baby should wear in the heat, right? We’re excited to introduce you to Lark Adventurewear – activewear for babies!
You can find Lark Adventurewear on their website, Facebook, Instagram.
Lark Adventurewear is the first and only activewear brand created for active parents and adventurous babies. Founded by an active new mom that wanted to enjoy the outdoors, but was frustrated that regular cotton baby clothes would leave her little one sticky, sweaty and uncomfortable while she was dry in her own workout gear. Like most inventors, she knew there had to be a better way, so she figured it out herself!
Lark Adventurewear is devoted to keeping infants and toddlers sweat-free, cool, protected and happy so that they (and you) can enjoy each day to the fullest. Their mission is to make quality baby clothes that can easily endure the daily life of an active infant or toddler — from the sandbox to a birthday party to dinner with the grandparents– wash and repeat. They believe in quality over quantity… and baby clothing is no exception. Lark Adventurewear is functional, fashionable, environmentally friendly, and totally safe for your little one’s sensitive skin. Getting outside is a great way to spend quality time with the whole family. We make baby clothes so parents and babies can stay active and explore the world around them in comfort.
Adult activewear is made with synthetic fabrics and chemical finishes in order to create moisture wicking properties. These synthetic fabrics and chemicals aren’t something anyone would want for your baby’s delicate skin. Lark Adventurewear has developed a proprietary natural, eco-friendly moisture wicking fabric. Using capillary action and benefits inherent to the natural fabrics they have chosen (cotton and bamboo), moisture is drawn away from a baby’s sensitive skin. Their activewear is Oeko-Tex® 100 Certified, whose standards ensure that our fabric is made with environmentally friendly processing. Lark Adventurewear also features easy-open tops and bottom-to-top zippers to make clothing and diaper changes as easy as possible. If you’re heading on an adventure with baby, be sure to stock up on Lark Adventurewear today! This also makes a perfect baby shower gift for an adventurous mama.
Need some tips for getting outdoors with baby? Head to this post to find out why we’re loving the BabyBjorn for hikes with baby. Plus, Summer Travel must have items for traveling with baby.
Thank you to Lark Adventurewear for making this sponsored post possible.
This week we are so excited to be featuring amazing products ideal for traveling with baby. Today we’re highlighting an essential sleep and safety item for traveling, the 4moms BREEZE Playard!
When traveling with a baby, one thing to keep in mind is: sleep. It’s an essential part of the whole journey. If baby is grumpy, no one will enjoy their time! We’re big fans of the 4moms BREEZE Playard because it’s a safe, comforting place for baby to sleep while traveling and super easy to transport. Often times playards are hard to collapse and transport, so it can become frustrating, but the 4moms BREEZE Playard opens and closes in one easy step! No more fumbling and fiddling with the Playard to close while worrying about missing your ride to the airport; this playard is a one-step-wonder and even comes with a convenient carrying case.
While the Gugu Guru team loves the fact that the Playard is so easy to use and carry around, we also are fans of the fact that it can take the rough and tumble of traveling. The 4moms Breeze is so sturdy and well made that it is sure to withstand the beating that traveling baby gear typically takes. From being stacked on to thrown on a conveyor belt, rest assured that the 4moms BREEZE Playard can take it and will still provide a comfy, familiar place for baby once you arrive at your destination.
The fact that both the play yard and bassinet attachment wipe clean with a damp cloth is also a bonus when you’re on the road frequently. The Playard is also incredibly versatile and can be used with infants, babies, or toddlers (up to 30 pounds). It comes fully equipped with a bassinet for infants! Plus, the Playard is easily cleanable and can be wiped down with a damp cloth. If you’re traveling by car, train, plane, or boat, you don’t want to leave this amazing Playard behind at home!
You can follow 4moms on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
This week we are so excited to be featuring amazing products ideal for traveling with baby. Today we’re highlighting the ever popular DockATot, the ultimate lounger for baby!
DockATot is a multifunctional and ultra stylish baby lounger. The unique shape and design allow babies to comfortably lounge, play, snuggle and log in some tummy time. The idea is that your little one feels snuggled in a safe haven that feels a lot like the womb. The bumpers are made with a special air-permeable fabric that makes DockATot particularly worry-free. If you’re traveling, the DockATot is the ultimate piece of baby gear to tote along because it’s a wonderful place for baby to lounge and relax while you’re on your journey.
Airplane Tips with Baby
Fear of airplane travel with a baby is definitely a thing for new parents. If you’re well prepared then all will be ok. Here, some of the best plane tips for traveling with baby courtesy of DockATot:
Dealing With Nap Time While On Vacation
While it’s tempting to stray from baby’s nap schedule while away from home, don’t do it. Proper sleep time is so important to their growth and development. Rather than sending your entire family back to the hotel room for each nap time, here are some ways to still enjoy your trip while making sure baby gets proper sleep.
Traveling with baby may seem daunting at first, but knowing you have a safe and cozy place for baby to rest will keep everyone calm and happy.
You can follow DockATot on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
