Mommy Moments with Sasha Marina is BrownStyle Magazine‘s new column that encourages moms to practice mindfulness and create a soft life that speaks to their souls. From adventurous family trips to products that make parenting a little easier, learn how the mother-of-two is navigating motherhood one day at a time.
If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that the tiniest comforts can completely shift the energy of a home. I noticed that this is especially true during bedtime, sick‑day, and sensory overload moments that sneak up on everyone.
As a way to keep the peace in my household, I love to find soothing toys that bring my young sons joy. Ahead, find out why HUGZ Plushies and Pirouette Kids have become a must-have in our daily routine.
HUGZ Plushies: A Hug They Can Feel
Ray the MantaRay and Rex the Dino are not your average stuffed animals. Each HUGZ plushie is gently weighted with tiny glass beads to give kids the comforting, grounding feeling of a soft and warm hug.
My young sons Massimo and Marcel are obsessed. Ray and Rex are now part of their rest-time routines, whether it’s snuggling on the couch during cartoons or winding down before bed.
Even better, HUGZ are versatile—cool them in the freezer (I always use a clean bag) or warm them in the microwave after a quick disinfect. They’ve been perfect for warm nights, fevers, and those moments when my kids simply need extra comfort.
For me, the biggest win has been bedtime with Massimo. Since he still sleeps in our bed, placing his plushie by his legs gives him something to cuddle—so he’s no longer digging under me. It’s a small shift, but a total gamechanger for both comfort and safety.
Pirouette Kids: Where Storytime Meets Music
Soothing doesn’t stop with cuddles— it also flows beautifully through sound. That’s where Pirouette Kids comes in. Known for blending children’s books with real music, they’ve completely elevated our storytime experience.
The books feature sturdy pages with easy-to-press buttons, making them accessible even for Massimo’s tiny fingers. Their collection introduces children to classical and world music—genres not always found on our everyday playlists, but ones that have brought a surprising sense of calm and curiosity into our home.
Massimo is in that magical phase where anything that makes sound is fascinating, and Pirouette Kids delivers melodies instead of repetitive beeps. Marcel has been equally intrigued, happily listening to Blues, World Music, and Classical selections. Watching both boys discover new sounds together has been such a joy.
And these books aren’t just for bedtime. They’re perfect for midday quiet moments—engaging enough to hold attention and soothing enough to reset the mood.
Together, HUGZ plushies and Pirouette Kids have become our go-to soothing duo. A weighted hug paired with gentle music creates a calming atmosphere that helps my kids—and honestly, me— feel at ease.
Sometimes, the smallest comforts make the biggest impact.
