Need (or just want) a new diaper bag? These recent releases are full of clever features, handy pockets and chic style. Read on to find the latest and greatest diaper bag that’s right for you and your little one.

Ayla Diaper Bag

Ayla & Co.

Add on a mini vacuum!
This stylish vegan leather diaper bag is designed to simplify your life, thanks to the included stroller straps, silicone snack bag, changing pad, insulated bottle/snack pouch and a removable and washable inner liner. The company even makes a sleek portable, cordless mini vacuum ($60) that complements the bag perfectly and tackles all of your on-the-go messes. The bag comes in this gorgeous green, black, brown, gray and ivory.

Available at aylabag.com, $195.

Monaco Diaper Bag & Snack Bag from Luli Bebé

Luli Bebé

Color-coordinated bags!
Sleek styling with a roomy interior and gorgeous quilted accents set these Luli Bebé bags apart. The Monaco diaper bag ($169) has nine pockets to keep your gear organized. Carry it by the top handle or wear it cross-body, on your shoulder or as a backpack. The coordinating Monaco snack bag ($79) has a padded, insulated interior to keep food and bevvies cool. Fill it with pouches, baby bottles, fruit and more. We love this latte brown color, but both bags also come in black, white, gray, caramel brown and pastel pink. 

 

Kibou Deliberately Minimal Diaper Bag

Kibou Bag

Minimalist style
If you think you could never leave the house with just a small bag, check out everything you can fit in the Kibou! Here's why it works: There's a waterproof pocket for storing 20+ wipes (or soiled or wet items you want to keep separate), and a fold-out changing pad tucked into an exterior pocket. The changing pad is detachable for easy cleaning, and once your child is out of diapers, you can replace it with Kibou's first aid kit. Wear this ingenious bag around your waist or on your shoulder.

Available at kiboubag.com, $80.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Pivot Pack

Petunia Pickle Bottom

Multi-functional with great longevity
You're ready for any adventure with the Pivot Pack, thanks to insulated compartments that wipe clean; well-thought-out pockets for your phone, bottles, toys and more; and travel-friendly features like a luggage strap and backpack straps. You can carry this stylish bag as a backpack or tote, and once your diaper days are over, you can bring it to the gym, office or on an airplane. A washable, removable changing pad is included, and this durable bag is water-resistant and easy to clean.

Available at petunia.com, $159.

Pretty Pokets Diaper Bag Handbag

Pretty Pokets

For quick clean-ups
This may look like a traditional diaper bag, but it has a clever way to snag a diaper without having to dig through your purse. Store a stack of diapers in the bottom of your bag, and you'll just need to unzip a special zipper to grab one. There's also a pocket just right for wipes and a special pocket for storing trash bags (for wrapping soiled diapers or even picking up dog poop while you're at the park). The vegan leather exterior is wipeable, and the interior fabric is spill-resistant. This bag boasts 11 pockets and an adjustable cross-body strap. It comes with a nylon changing pad, small purse for money and credit cards, and an insulated bottle holder, all in the same color as the bag exterior. Pretty Pokets also makes totes and backpacks. 

Available at prettypokets.com, $109.

Humble-Bee Free Spirit SP Diaper Bag

Humble-Bee

For all-day adventures
This ultralight backpack (just .8 pounds!) is ready for wherever the road or trail takes you. It features a padded back and shoulder straps for your comfort and comes loaded with interior and exterior pockets so your essentials are easily accessiblecheck out the wipes window that lets you grab a wipe from the outside. The durable ripstop fabric is water-repellent in case of rainy outings, stain-resistant and machine-washable. With purchase, you also get a changing pad, changing kit, a hot/cold gel pack and two detachable reflective stroller straps. The bag comes in three unisex colors: black, gray and olive green.

Available at humble-bee.com, $70.

Momkindness Carry-All Tote Trio

The customizable multitasker
This tote, organizer insert and diaper clutch can handle all of life's adventures. The tote sports eight pockets and a laptop pocket and comes with an extra strap to convert it into a messenger bag or backpack. Slip the organizer insert into the tote or use it on its own; it has carry handles, a snap closure and seven handy pockets. The vegan-leather diaper clutch can also be used solo; add the removable crossbody strap to keep your hands free. The clutch fits the included wipe-clean changing pad, diapers, wipes and more. Best of all, with each purchase, Momkindness donates a portion of the proceeds to nonprofit organization Every Mother Counts, which works to bring safe maternity care to mothers around the world.

Available at momkindness.com, $140.

Paperclip Changing Bag

Paperclip

The perfect meld of form and function
These sleek bags come in four styles, all of which feature an innovative fold-out changing station to simplify diaper changes. When duty calls, unfold the anti-microbial, liquid-repellent padded changing station. There are fabric sidewalls for privacy and to keep baby from rolling off the mat. For cleaning, just remove the pad and throw it in the washing machine. The bag has customizable cubbies for diapering items, as well as lots of space for your and baby's items. Whether you'll looking for a shoulder tote, comfortable backpack or a carry-on bag, you'll find it here. 

Available at papercliplife.com, $79 to $199, depending on style.

Bodomint Diaper Bag

Bodomint

Leather-free and full of flexibility
These roomy vegan bags can be used as a backpack, messenger bag or stroller bag (clips sold separately). There are six interior pockets and five exterior pockets to help you stay organized, and a diaper bag for changes on the go. The cotton canvas exterior is water-resistant, and faux-leather trim adds great style. Comes in black, grey, olive green, and black-and-cream stripes.

Available at bodomint.com, $160.

Colugo On the Go Organizer

Colugo

For quick trips and traveling light
Don't be fooled by the compact size. This tiny wonder can fit pouches, wipes, bottles and your phone and wallet, all organized thanks to two cup holders and three zippered pockets. The bag is waterproof, machine-washable and easy to wipe clean so it will retain its good looks through multiple uses. Attach it to your stroller or wear it as a crossbody bag or fanny pack. It also clips onto the Colugo stroller for use a stroller organizer. 

Available at hicolugo.com, $45.

The Vianetic Diaper Backpack

The Vianetic

The roadtrip must-have
The portable diapering station on this backpack is a game-changer. Through the clever use of a magnetic pull-release lock, you can open a diaper pad and reveal a smartly organized main compartment that houses tons of diapering essentials. Change that diaper efficiently in tight spaces (like the backseat) or any flat surface, thanks to the backpack's bag feet that let it stand upright on a flat surface. For on-the-go convenience, magnetic straps help you secure the bag to a car headrest or a stroller. The bag includes the detachable diaper pad, thermal pack to keep food cool, wet/dry compartment, pull-out caddy, external USB charging port, and lots of well-designed pockets for a laptop, water bottles and more. This handsome backpack comes in two unisex colors, heather gray and dark mica, and two sizes: standard (20L) and mini (16L).

Available at thevianetic.com, $189 (mini) and $259 (standard).

Alf Diaper Bags

Alf the Label

Clever pockets and smart style
Coming to the US from Australia, Alf bags are made from soft leather with cowhide details. The Stella tote features a detachable, adjustable crossbody shoulder strap, nine internal pockets and two external pockets to keep you organized. It also comes with a changing pad and insulated bottle holder. 

Available at alfthelabel.com, $460.

7AM Enfant Plaza Diaper Bag

7AM Enfant

Comfort and convenience
The rectangular shape of this bag hides the fact that it's a diaper bag and gives you lots of room for taller items, like books, a laptop, blankets, stuffed animals and more. The bag contains five elasticized interior pockets and an exterior front pocket with zippered closure. The handles are cushioned for your comfort, and there's a fleece-lined, padded changing pad to keep baby comfortable during diaper changes. Use the included strap to attach the bag to a stroller. Comes in silver, black and camo. You'll be using this bag long after your child is done with diapers.

Available at 7amenfant.com, $90.

For more on how to choose the right diaper bag, check out our Smart Moms Guide to Diaper Bags.

Eva Ingvarson Cerise

 

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Most pregnant people spend a lot of time Googling. You might wonder if your symptoms are normal, what your baby looks like at different weeks gestation, what labor feels like and what exactly you’re supposed to do when you can’t reach your feet to put on shoes anymore. While the answers to some questions can be found easily through an online search, it can be hard to find accurate information about one of women’s biggest concerns today: pregnancy and COVID-19. Luckily, the experts at Kaiser Permanente have answers to your most pressing questions. 

Whether you just saw that second line, are starting to feel flutters or are days away from your due date, we have answers you need to know. Read on to find out what Dr. Emily West, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Kaiser Permanente Northwest, has to say.

Kaiser Permanente has an entire team of doctors, midwives, nurses, lactation consultants, and pediatricians—including 13 pediatric specialties—each of them working together, all for you. Learn more about what sets Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care apart.

 

Is COVID-19 More Dangerous for Pregnant Women?

Pregnant patients that develop symptomatic COVID-19 are at increased risk of more severe illness compared with people who are not pregnant and have a higher risk of ICU admission, need for mechanical ventilation and death. COVID-19 in pregnancy makes the risk of maternal mortality 10 times higher. Pregnant women who have other underlying conditions such as diabetes or obesity are at an even higher risk of severe illness. Pregnant patients with more severe COVID-19 illness have also been found to have a higher risk of perinatal complications such as: developing blood clots, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, stillbirth and preterm delivery.

Is It Safe to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine If You’re Pregnant?

Yes, all three vaccines are safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding and those who wish to conceive. Thousands of pregnant individuals have received the vaccines and a vaccine registry (v-safe) thus far has demonstrated no increased risk of adverse outcomes for pregnant women or their babies.  COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy is strongly recommended by the CDC, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) among many other medical organizations. 

Will Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine While Pregnant Harm the Baby?

No, there is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines given during pregnancy harm the baby. The vaccines do not alter human DNA and cannot cause any genetic changes. In fact, current data shows that babies of patients who receive the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy are born with protective COVID-19 antibodies and can continue to receive these antibodies through breastmilk. This can be an important way of providing protection from COVID-19 to newborns.  

Kaiser Permanente has a Level III NICU, meaning they have the ability to treat critically ill newborns. Learn more about Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care.

 

Kaiser Permanente has a Level III NICU, meaning they have the ability to treat critically ill newborns and those as young as 23 weeks. Learn more about Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care.

Is There a COVID-19 Vaccine That Is More Effective Than Others for Pregnant Women?

Each of the available COVID-19 vaccines is felt to have the same efficacy in pregnant and nonpregnant individuals.  

What Advice Would You Give to Pregnant Women Who Are Still Deciding on If They Should Get the Vaccine or Not?

Choosing whether to receive a vaccination is always a consideration of risks and benefits. I recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all my patients. The data is clear: those who contract COVID-19 during pregnancy are at increased risk of complications, including death. In addition, the vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective for those who are pregnancy, breastfeeding or wish to become pregnant. Masking and vaccination are the best ways for a pregnant patient to protect themselves and their babies. 

Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care has hydrotherapy tubs, lactation consultants, free Wi-Fi and even room service. Learn more

If I Am Vaccinated When I Deliver Can I Bring My Baby around Other Vaccinated People?

To protect a newborn from infection from COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases such as whooping cough, I recommend a strategy called “cocooning.” Cocooning protects the baby from infection by ensuring mom gets vaccinated during pregnancy and that all family members and close caregivers get vaccinated prior to delivery. In addition to cocooning, parents should continue to follow local public health recommendations on distancing and masking. 

You’re pregnant—congratulations! With all the excitement that comes with the anticipation of meeting your new baby, there are so many things to think about, from your registry to names and beyond! Deciding where to have your baby is one of the most important choices you can make. Frequently moms think about comfort factors like private rooms and amenities and skip one colossal detail: Is the hospital equipped to care for you and your baby if something doesn’t go as planned during the birthing process? For all of these reasons, we love MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital because of their maternity and pediatric sub-specialists available 24/7. With everything you and your baby need under one roof, you can rest assured that no matter the circumstance, you will have the absolute best care at all times. Read on for five reasons why you need this hospital on your radar now.

Learn more about MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.

1. From High-Risk Pregnancy To Unexpected Complications, They Have Your Back

MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach is the only regional hospital that delivers comprehensive maternity and pediatric care under one roof. Miller Children’s & Women’s has maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists on-site 24/7. The Cherese Mari Laulhere BirthCare Center is equipped to handle routine to high-risk pregnancies, so if delivery isn’t routine, your baby is moved just down the hall to the level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to receive specialized care.

At other hospitals without these capabilities, your baby would need to be transported—separating you from your newborn. Miller Children’s & Women’s is home to the largest Small Baby Program in the region and cares for the tiniest premature infants, often weighing less than 2 lbs., in a serene environment that mimics a mother’s womb. If you do give birth to a premie at another hospital, Miller Children’s & Women’s Access & Transport Center is available 24/7 to bring expecting mothers and premature infants to Miller Children’s & Women’s from surrounding area hospitals.

2. All-In-One Comprehensive Care

Miller Children’s & Women’s has sub-specialty physicians who underwent additional training to handle the complexities of high-risk pregnancies, prematurity and neonatal care, including maternal-fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists and OB hospitalists, that are available 24/7. The peace of mind that comes with knowing that you and your baby will get the best possible care, no matter the situation, takes all the "what-if's" out of the equation so you can enjoy your pregnancy and newborn! In addition, Miller Children's & Women's has been recognized by the California Health & Human Services Agency, Hospital Quality Institute and Cal Hospital Compare with the 2020 Honor Roll Award for Maternity Care for achieving the statewide cesarean section rate of 23.9% or lower for low-risk, first-birth deliveries.

3. For Postpartum: A One-of-a-Kind Children’s Care Center

Miller Children's & Women's care extends beyond babies to kids of all ages, including NICU graduates. The High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Program at the Stramski Children's Developmental Center provides extensive follow-up care to infants discharged from the NICU. This program allows parents to learn more about their baby and ways to help their baby develop. Earlier this year, Miller Children's & Women's opened the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village, which is the only building of its kind in Los Angeles and Orange Counties with a one-stop-shop approach to outpatient specialty care for kids. In one kid-friendly location, families have access to 30 different types of specialty physicians, a pharmacy, laboratory, imaging services, rehabilitation gyms, family resource center, education center and more.

Learn more about MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.

4. Highly Specialized Care—With a Proven Track Record of Success

MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach provides specialized pediatric care for children and young adults, as well as maternity care for expectant mothers. Miller Children’s & Women’s is one of only eight free-standing children’s hospitals in California—treating more than 14,000 children each year—and has become a regional pediatric destination for more than 65,000 children who need specialized care in outpatient specialty and satellite centers. The BirthCare Center helps more than 5,500 families welcome babies into the world each year and cares for more than 1,200 babies in the NICU.

5. All of the Birthing Amenities You Could Want

Not only is Miller Children's & Women's hospital top-notch care for your newborn, but they make sure parents feel supported in a family-centered care environment—which is so important. They offer all private rooms for the entire birthing experience and other comfort amenities, like allowing your partner to stay the night, to make your hospital stay welcoming your new baby the absolute best experience. The private rooms are spacious with large windows bringing in natural light, bringing quality and comfort under one roof. Not to mention, they have expert physicians and comprehensive lactation support. 

Learn more about MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.

 

—Jamie Aderski

 

Every new mom looks forward to welcoming their newborn into the world and all the “firsts” that follow. Having a baby is a magical time. But taking care of yourself and your baby during pregnancy is just as important as when the infant arrives. That’s why it’s so important to have the right prenatal support, and UW Medicine offers top-notch maternity care.

UW Medicine has been serving Seattle-area families for 75 years, and offers a full spectrum of services for low- and high-risk pregnancies, from prenatal care to labor and delivery. UW Medical Center’s obstetrics & gynecology program is recognized as #23 in the nation and is the only nationally ranked program in Washington. As a pregnant mom, you’re given a care team that will partner with you to plan for the big day with personalized care for you and your baby. Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to turn to UW Medicine:

Pregnancy can be a stressful time and in today’s climate, many people want to stay as close to home as possible. UW Medicine’s Center for Women and Children offers maternity care at multiple locations throughout the Puget Sound region. All of UW Medicine’s birthing facilities have earned Baby-Friendly designation, which is awarded to facilities that uphold the highest standard of infant feeding care.

UW Medicine’s maternity experts and midwives provide safe, personalized pregnancy care so you can have your best birth, your way. You can also access maternity care at home with UW Medicine’s TeleOB program, and their secure video-based appointments provide safe prenatal care for you and your baby.

UW Medicine wants to make sure your family has all the resources it needs for baby’s arrival. That’s why they offer several childbirth and parenting classes, breastfeeding support and genetic counseling. And because UW Medicine believes in supporting moms after they’ve given birth and left the hospital, they also offer a host of postpartum resources and support groups—with parenting classes held virtually via Zoom.

UW Medicine believes that when you take care of you, you take care of baby. With regular check-ins and lifestyle support, UW Medicine helps you maintain good health that benefits your baby too.

Learn more about UW Medicine’s Center for Women and Children today!

—Leah R. Singer

Congratulations–you’re expecting! And one thing every pregnant woman expects? A whole lot of doctors appointments. But heading to the doctor—during current times, or any time—isn’t always a picnic. Which is why UW Medicine provides virtual visits to meet your prenatal care and wellness needs without having to set foot in a doctor’s office. Read on to learn all about it. 

UW Medicine’s TeleOB program was created to reduce the number of in-clinic appointments required to monitor the health and development of your baby. Before your first video-based appointment, your UW Medicine doctor will give you equipment and teach you how to take your own blood pressure and find your baby’s heartbeat using a doppler. All UW Medicine OB/GYNs can provide TeleOB appointments, so rest assured you can still count on your go-to MD throughout your pregnancy journey!

By using your computer, tablet or smartphone and monitoring equipment, you can easily access expert maternity care when you need it and between in-person office visits. You can also expect the same privacy and personal attention with UW Medicine’s secure video conferencing. UW Medicine OB/GYNs help you manage your pregnancy with much less time stressing in the waiting room. Virtual hugs to UW Medical for this one!

As an expecting mom, you’ve got enough on your plate. Now, you don’t have to worry about your safety or all the scheduling switcharoos that come with the abundance of OB/GYN prenatal appointments. Learn more about the UW Medicine TeleOB program.

—Jamie Aderski

All photos courtesy UW Medicine 

You’re having a baby! Now it’s time to tackle that to-do list, which includes everything from picking out a crib to choosing a name. What might not be top of your list right now is taking a hospital tour. But, did you know a hospital tour can help you get a better sense of how you might labor, deliver and recover with your new bundle of joy? So before the big day, schedule a tour and be sure to ask these key questions so you’re as prepared as possible.

Who will be with me when I’m in labor?

Everyone deserves the comfort and reassurance of having someone they can trust with them while going through labor. With Kaiser Permanente, you can expect access to a team of highly trained doctors, midwives and nurses. Rest assured that you’ll be in the careful care of a dedicated nurse during your entire labor experience. In fact, Kaiser Permanente birth centers are staffed 24/7 with labor and delivery doctors, anesthesiologists and other key team members who are well qualified to make clinical decisions, such as pivoting to a cesarean section delivery when necessary.

If this is your second, third or beyond(!) baby and you’re hoping to deliver vaginally, you’ll be thrilled to learn that the VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) rate is 15% higher than the national average.* That’s reassuring for moms-to-be who want to try for a vaginal birth after a previous C-section.

What resources do you provide for moms before the big day?

As your belly grows, so does the need for consistent and quality prenatal care. And the team at Kaiser Permanente is available to ensure you have as healthy a pregnancy as possible with each prenatal visit, test and ultrasound. From nutrition and fitness to relationships and emotional health, you’ll have your care team, articles, videos and resources to help guide you through each trimester.

Kaiser Permanente also offers birth planning and childbirth classes, so you can go into your delivery empowered with the confidence and knowledge you need. You can know that you’re receiving high-quality prenatal care up to and during delivery day, with highly trained professionals and state-of-the-art facilities leading up to and during delivery day.

What resources do you offer once I give birth?

Once your adorable baby is cozy in your arms, it’s time to get some rest and let your body heal. Postpartum care is just as important as all of those prenatal check-ups! And Kaiser Permanente makes an extra effort to help mom and baby thrive. Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to treat critically ill newborns. And every Kaiser Permanente medical professional is on your team to support breastfeeding and bonding after the birth experience.

Comprehensive follow-up care includes postpartum classes, lactation consultants and your care provider who already knows your baby. Whatever you may experience physically or emotionally, your Kaiser Permanente care team is there to support and guide you.

To learn more about Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care, visit kp.org/maternity/nw.

—Whitney C. Harris

All plans offered and underwritten by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest. 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. 2019 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest

*Kaiser Permanente internal data, data covering the period from January 2015 through March 2018; “VBAC Rates by State,” cesareanrates.org/vbac, accessed August 12, 2019.