1. Drop-down cups
This is the most common type of nursing bra. Drop-down cups have clips, hooks, or poppers at the top that allow you to “drop” them down from the strap and feed your baby with ease. Some designs have flaps, so only part of the cup comes off the strap – this is ideal if you’re self-conscious about breastfeeding in public.
2. Stretch fabric bra
This type of nursing bra crosses over at the front – this way, you can pull a cup down over your breast during feeding time.
3. Front fastening between cups
The clasp in this nursing bra is at the front. Some models may not be particularly popular as both breasts can feel exposed when you open the bra.
4. Night bra
Night bras are designed to be lighter and comfortable, with no hard seams or hooks.
5. Zips under each cup
Some nursing bras feature zips under each cup to save you the hassle of unfastening clasps each time you have to breastfeed.
It might be tempting to go out and buy a nursing bra early in your pregnancy so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting about it, but the best time to get a nursing bra is in your last trimester of pregnancy (at around 36 weeks/8 months) This is because the size of your breasts will drastically change during and after the pregnancy, so a bra that may have fit you in the first or second trimester may be too small later on.
If you’re looking for support and a shapely fit, your best bet is to get yourself measured and sized for a structured bra by a professional at your local maternity boutique or department store. Many high street shops even offer a free fitting service. Consider doing this at around 36 weeks, as this is the approximate size you will be from 6-8 weeks postpartum (when your breasts stop changing in size seemingly every other day).
Alternatively, you can wear a soft bra for the first two months so that you don’t go for a bra that ends up being too big.
Consider investing in a nursing bra that has 4-6 hooks and eyes on its back band. A good rule of thumb is to go for a nursing bra that is comfortably snug on the loosest hook, but not too tight to the extent that it leaves red marks. That way, when your rib cage starts to shrink postpartum, you can tighten it up. The back band will provide around 80% support of your nursing bra, so this is crucial.
Choose a nursing bra that features wide, non-slip shoulder straps and broad sides and back, as well as a deep center at the front to provide extra support.
A lot of women opt to go for nursing bras that have extra room in the cup. This is not advisable – an ill-fitting cup will not provide the much-needed support that your breasts need. A good nursing bra should have stretchy fabric on the top of the cup so that there is still movement in the breast as it produces milk. You might also want to consider going for cups that allow you to expose and conceal your breast with one hand for added convenience.
Choose a nursing bra with a cotton lining. This is especially important if you’re exclusively breastfeeding; nursing affects your hormones, suppressing ovulation and putting you in a premenopausal-like state. This can cause hot flashes and night sweats, which is why you need to invest in breathable materials like cotton when looking for nursing bras.
It is of utmost importance to wear the correct size nursing bra. Your breasts should never uncomfortably bulge out of the cups, so if this is happening, you may want to look for larger cup size. Additionally, a bra that is too tight might interfere with your milk flow and even lead to blocked ducts.
Nursing bras come in varying designs, styles, and fabrics. Standard, day-to-day models are usually plainer, featuring easy clasps and made from practical fabrics that are machine washable.
On the other hand, special occasion bras are often embellished with frills, lace, and ribbons, and some designs are even made for wearing under low-cut dresses or tops. The straps are relatively thinner, the front V-shape between the cups is lower, and the tops of the cups don't come up as far. While they look exceptional, they are not as comfortable and sturdy as plainer models and might provide the same level of support.
There is no evidence that underwires are bad for you. However, many lactation consultants agree that it’s best to wait six weeks postpartum before wearing a nursing bra with one, to allow your milk supply to find its rhythm. If the bra is too tight, the underwires will affect blood circulation to and from the breast, potentially leading to pain, blockages, and infection.
A few days after you have your bundle of joy, you may notice that your breasts become engorge and might even leak (especially at night), and you will likely want your breasts supported at all times. Therefore, it may be worth investing in several stretchy night bras that don’t dig into your skin and will accommodate your breasts postpartum.
Every breastfeeding mum is different, so you must do a bit of research into your own needs and preferences. You want to go for a nursing bra that will not only be comfortable for you to wear but also one that will allow you to feed your precious little one with ease.
]]>1. Type
Like purses, diaper bags in different styles. Here is a look at the most common types of diaper bags.
Messenger bags are popular with parents, and with good reason. The cross-body strap – most of which can be adjusted – allows you to hold onto the bag securely. This design also makes it easy for you to open up the bag and grab items while you’re on the move.
Additionally, a messenger strap has great functionality, as you can wear the bag behind you, and with a simple pull, twist it around to your front. Messenger diaper bags also tend to have several pockets that make it easy to organize essentials for a day out with your little one.
Because lugging around all that baby stuff can get tiring, a lot of families choose to go for backpack diaper bags This is because a backpack will stay securely behind you with no chance of it falling off your arm or getting in the way of your legs.
Additionally, the weight of the items you're carrying is evenly distributed across your back, so you don't have to worry about having to switch it to the other side of your body now and then. Backpack diaper bags also grow with your family – even when your children get older, you can still use them for other purposes.
A tote diaper bag is as functional as it is fashionable. It’s easy and convenient to use; simply sling it over your shoulder, just like you would with a tote purse. Totes don’t look like diaper bags, so you can get away with them in a variety of settings. Totes come in a wide variety of designs and materials, which make them even more versatile. In addition to their spacious interiors, many tote bags also offer several exterior pockets and a changing pad.
Some diaper bags can serve as a messenger, tote, or backpack, depending on the design of the straps. Convertible diaper bags are a great choice if you want to be able to have the option to carry your baby gear in a variety of ways.
2. Fabric
Fabric choice is an important consideration when choosing a diaper bag. The fabric needs to be:
Some fabric options you might want to consider include:
These are specially treated fabrics that are waterproof and durable. Glazed and coated fabrics are also lightweight in nature and scratch-resistant.
Nylon is lightweight and durable. Varieties such as cotton-nylon blend are easy to clean, with some brands offering machine washable designs.
Bags made of this fabric are easy to spot clean or hand wash.
3. Size
You need to consider how big a diaper bag is. Initially, you may want to go for a smaller diaper bag that won't affect your mobility, but if it has no space for all your baby essentials, then you need to scale up in terms of size.
Keep in mind that you need to bring along diapers, wipes, extra clothing, and more when going out with your baby.
4. Pockets and compartments
Because you’ll be hauling around all sorts of baby essentials, it is important to choose a diaper that will allow you to keep all your things organized. Ideally, your diaper bag should have several pockets and compartments.
Some diaper bags have insulated pockets for baby bottles, specialty pockets for phones, compartments for wipes, as well as pockets where you can temporarily stash dirty burp cloths.
5. Stable base
The last thing you want is a diaper that will be flimsy and unstable. Look for one that has a stable base, especially if you’re going to have to carry your little one hand and a bag in another.
6. Straps
You’ll be walking around with your diaper bag for most of the day when you’re out and about with your baby, so it’s important that you choose one that has strong, padded straps that you can adjust with ease.
7. Changing pad
Some diaper bags come with a changing pad that is either removable or can be folded from the bag for a makeshift changing station. Varieties that come with this handy feature save you from having to buy a changing pad, and can also come in handy if you forget your main changing pad at home.
8. Stroller clips
If you use a stroller, then it would make a lot of sense to choose a diaper bag that features stroller clips. This way, you can easily attach the bag to your stroller when on the move. That said, if your stroller has a large storage basket, you might not need to consider this feature.
9. Color and design
If you intend to share the diaper bag, choose a color and design that everyone won't mind. To avoid having to buy several diaper bags, consider looking for a gender-neutral design.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right diaper bag comes down to personal preferences. What works for you may not work for someone else. But no matter what kind you go with, ultimately choosing the right diaper bag means finding one that allows for convenience, comfort, and functionality on a day out with your precious little one.
]]>Read on to discover how kids fashion has changed over the years, from 1960 to 2020.
Trends in the 60s
For boys in the early 60s, corduroy slacks and denim jeans were popular. These trousers would be paired with a matching blazer, sweater, or jean jacket. Girls on the other hand were all about collared dresses, pleated skirts, and bib-front dresses.
Earth tone plains and olive green shades were all the rage, especially for fall. In the late 60s, navy blues and pale yellows became the main focus for boys. Sports jackets and simple understated plaids also gained popularity as the go-to casual looks. Girls leaned towards bright pink and yellow shades, as well as tent dresses, puffy sleeves, and longbow collars.
Trends in the 70s
In the 70s, boys commonly wore three-piece sets that were modeled after the outfits that men were wearing at the time. Other separates that were popular during this era of fashion include sweater vests with funky patterns and colors as well as pullover sweaters that featured buttons or stripes. Flared pants were all the rage as well, and would often feature solid colors, colorful plaids, and stripes.
Girls would commonly wear pale pastels with prints and rich colors with unique patchwork pieces and other prints. Boldly colored coordinates that would be popularly seen included flared slacks with matching shirts and jackets as well as overalls paired with printed bibs.
Trends in the 80s
The 80s in fashion is known for its colorful and over-the-top aesthetic. Popular boys' clothing in the 80s included tapered pant, boldly patterned sweaters, collared shirts, plaid blazers, cuffed pan, dyed canvas pants, patterned jeans, and jacquard cardigans. Acid wash denim jeans were a must-have in every little boy's closet, and pants sets that featured popular TV characters, as well as Nike athletic coordinates, also couldn't be missed.
Girls preferred to wear fun patterned and brightly colored leggings, drop-waist dresses, oversized sweatshirts (often paired with acid wash denim jean skirts), and cuffed bottom pants.
Trends in the 90s
The most notable kids’ fashion fad in the 90s was fluorescent clothing. Popular shades for girls included bright mint, hot pink, coral, turquoise, orange, bright red, and yellow. Girls wore calf dresses paired with leggings, oversized t-shirt, slouch socks, crew-neck t-shirts, laced trimmed bike shorts, pantywaist tops paired with skirts or jeans, and leotards. It was also quite common to see mothers match outfits with their daughters.
Fashion trends that were popular with boys included jean jackets, soccer shorts, sweatpants, tartan shirts, cargo pants, colored jeans in purple, red, and bright mint green colors. In the mid-90s, both boys and girls preferred to wear simple clothes such as flannel shirts overalls, and grey knitted sweaters.
Trends in the 00s
2000s kids fashion was heavily influenced by earlier eras. Girls in the early noughties gravitated towards box-pleated skirts, halter tops, sequined pants, satin skirts, mid-rise jeans, chunky sweaters, hot pants, flare jeans, cargo pants, daisy dukes, hoodies, hip-hop inspired sweatpants, floral print summer dresses, and solid bright-colored tights.
Boys on the other hand could be seen in tracksuits, leather coats, puffy jackets, ripped jeans, light-colored polo shirts, khaki chinos, corduroy pants, cargo pants, trucker hats, and tartan lumberjack-style shirts.
As the era came to a close, girls began to wear boho-chic dresses, tank tops, boot-cut jeans, denim miniskirts, and cropped jackets. There was also a brief revival of items worn in the late 1980s, with sundresses, pale denim jeggings, acid wash skinny jeans, neon leg warmers, and geometric pattern tops all coming back into fashion.
Boys in the late 2000s wore slim and straight leg jeans, knitted V-neck sweaters, windbreakers, Hawaiian shirts, ski jackets, and roll sleeve flannel shirts paired with white T-shirts.
Trends in the 10s
The 2010s saw the dominance of Athleisure, hipster fashion, and a revival of alternative fashions. Subdued colors such as mustard yellow, olive green burgundy, blush pink, and mauve saw a surge in popularity.
Popular trends for girls included T-shirt dresses, baby doll dresses, oversized coats, loose Capri pants, puffer jackets, yoga pants, leggings, cardigan sweaters, baggy pants, denim jackets, multi-colored tie-dye skirts, floral maxi dresses, white peplum dresses, and dusky pink midi-dresses.
Boys on the other hand favored graphic print hoodies, shirts that featur3 Mayan and Aztec patterns, flannel shirts, sweatpants, tracksuits, camouflage jackets, baggy cargo pants, brightly colored hoodies, bomber jackets, slim-fitting jogger pants, denim jackets, drop-crotch pants, grunge style tartan over shirts, and shawl collar cardigans.
Trends in 2020
This era has seen a lot of vibrant popup colors such as yellow and bright red, with past favorites such as pastel and earth tones taking a back seat. Prints, tie-dye, and stripes have also made a comeback in a big way, with both boys and girls rocking these designs.
Tencel has been the “it” fabric of 2020 thanks to its silky smooth feel and wrinkle resistance. The eco and sustainability approach that a lot of brands have adopted has also helped to boost this natural fabric’s profile. Toweling fabric has also been considerably popular, especially due to the sport-chic craze that is still going strong.
Find trendy outfits for your little one on hingebrigtsen Baby
On hingebrigtsen, you will find a wide variety of fashionable pieces to choose from whether you have a newborn or a preschooler.
Final thoughts
The history of kids’ fashion is long and colorful. Certain looks or outfits have come to define a specific period – plaids are associated with the 1960s, just as scrunchies were part of the signature look in the 1980s.
You can recognize some elements of fashion trends from the past in the clothes that kids wear today, so don’t be afraid to experiment – as long as your kid is comfortable and happy to try out some past favorites.
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