We can always count on an Australian fitness Instagram celebrity to school the masses on diversity in pregnancy experiences and this time, fitness pro Emily Skye shared two side by side shots to show how earlier a baby belly “pops” after a second pregnancy compared to the first.
“Last pregnancy vs this pregnancy – both at 19 weeks along!” she captioned the photo of herself at 19 weeks pregnant for baby #1 and the same gestation for baby #2 with a much larger bump. “EVERY PREGNANCY IS DIFFERENT!!”
Indeed at South Florida Morsani College OB-GYN maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Stephanie RostoldInsider, it’s “totally normal” because the stomach muscles and tissues around them get stretched out during the first pregnancies.
“In future pregnancies, it doesn’t take much pressure to get those tissues to allow the growing uterus to push forward,” Ros said, adding that women may also find their baby bump sinks lower after the first pregnancy since the pelvic muscles are looser too.
Midwife Clare Herbert wrote in The BabyCentre., a second pregnancy (or any pregnancy after the first) may also look bigger sooner because the future child actually is bigger, which is common for second children.
It’s also possible for women to look bigger because they’re actually further along than they think they are, Herbert added, especially if they were still breastfeeding when they became pregnant. That’s because breastfeeding can interrupt the menstrual cycle, making tracking when the pregnancy occurred more prone to error.
Getting married before a baby arrives is traditional but not that common among Hollywood celebrity couples who often times raise families and skip the formalities of nuptials altogether.
A few like Ne-Yo and his wife Crystal Smith, Cassie, Cardi B, Tatyana Ali and Offset and Teresa Palmer and her husband, opted to have “shotgun weddings” – an old euphemism for wedding while the bride is pregnant to guarantee the baby will be born within wedlock.
Now that news is out that dancer, TV host and actress Jenna Dewan just got engaged to her boyfriend and father of her unborn second child, Steve Kazee, we wonder if they will do the same, or buck the old fashioned formalities!
“When you wake in the morning I will kiss your face with a smile no one has ever seen,” he wrote,channeling the words of Water Liars’ song “Let It Breathe”. “When you wake in the morning I will kiss your eyes and say it’s you I have loved all these years.”
It has been 10 years since I last posted the annual Bellyitch Most Expensive Strollers post. It was a yearly blog post staple and used to get tons of traffic because, honestly, I think people, generally, are obsessed with knowing what baby items are used and coveted by the super wealthy and celebrities.
Since the last post, a few stroller companies have gone out of business. RIP to Orbit, Maclaren and newer brands 4Moms and iCandy, which were once considered “it” strollers in their day but no longer manufacture luxury strollers.
In 2013, I published the list as part of the Bellyitch 100, a book of the top crib makers, maternity wear designers, stroller makers and baby clothes brands.
Anyway, so I used to publish the Most Expensive Strollers list at a time when I was raising a young family and brands would boast that they were on the list.
My social circle at the time included professional working women, stay-at-home moms, and mom bloggers, several who were affluent and looked at the stroller as a status symbol.
Here is another secret about what happens among moms at the park, at the school pick up lot, in the mall and other social places where mommies congregate. They check out what strollers they’re pushing a baby or child in and make judgments.
Yes, there is a definite hierarchy in quality of strollers and believe me when I tell you that certainly check out what stroller another mom’s child is being pushed in and make judgments.
When I was raising my children as a young lawyer, I went through 6 strollers, which is a low number considering many of my friends at the tiem had way more.
Our first stroller was a Peg Perego which converts from a baby carriage or pram to a push stroller. At the time, it was among the best. Then, when my first born turned into a toddler, we ordered theInglesina Swiftumbrella stroller from the Italian stroller manufacturer. It had a great run!
To pair with the Inglesina, a sturdy Italian brand, we got a lower cost Combi umbrella stroller for travel, a stroller we could beat up which was so much less that so that we wouldn’t mind if it got lost by the airline or damaged during travel.
Then, when I was expecting baby #2, I got as an amazing shower gift from my co-workers at my old job: a Peg Prerego Aria doublestroller!
By the time baby number 3 rolled around, the Inglesina had hit the dirt, we left the Combi on some island we visited for vacation once and we had loaned out the Peg Perego Buggy to relatives who didn’t take good care of it.
The wheels on the double gave out and we opted to give to Goodwill rather than try to fix it or get the company to repair it.
B.O.B.
We opted for a lesss expensive Graco Snug Ride for Baby #3 and aB.OB. jogging stroller (the air-filled jogger stroller with hand activated rear wheel brakes that can ride smooth on any terrain) when I was ready to get back in shape.
Now, while we didn’t get any of them to make a statement, I have had many moms and dads comment on the pricier high end ones while walking in the parks, malls etc. People are always looking for a status symbol and there is a preconception that most expensive means the best!
It’s no wonder, you can see celebrities strolling their children in many of those on this list. The celebrities know that too. That is why Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony sued Silver Cross from publishing on their website an unauthorized endorsement which featured a People magazine photo of them pushing their twins in two Silver Cross prams.
People flock to buy whatever celebrities purchase and that stroller companies know that endorsement mean lots for their bottom line.
Anyhoo, on to the list. Of course, as a disclaimer, this list is not exhaustive. As usual, this list is based on my own personal research and I urge readers to point out other vehicles that should grace this list. Certainly, I would amend the post to reflect corrections.
In the meantime, check out this year’s list of “it” strollers pushed by the most Poshest of moms and celebs out there (I’m updating this list with a few more after the initial post so come back and ping me on Twitter if you don’t see one you think should be on this list)
SILVER CROSS
DESCRIPTION: For over 128 years, Silver Cross has been handcrafting traditional prams in Northern England. This hallmark company is known for being pushed by Royals in the UK and across Europe and beyond.
The Silver Cross Balmoral Pram model boasts three coats of high shine lacquer, English leather and is painted by hand and individually numbered.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Geri Halliwell Horner (“Ginger Spice”), Nicky Hilton
MIMA
DESCRIPTION: Mima® is an established Dutch designer and manufacturer of strollers and high chairs and a favorite brand for European new parents that want high-end design, functionality and a very chic aesthetic. This relatively new entrant to the market makes a very functional and innovative stroller that features a patented “carrycot inside” system.
The popular Xari Black Chassis Stroller can be used as a carrycot or as a stroller and comes with a reversible seat that allows your baby to face you or the world ahead. It has one of those super fancy simple fold mechanism. It is very stylish and chic and has a design that grows with your child and provides enhanced convenience for parents.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Kourtney Kardashian, Alex Curran Gerard
CYBEX
DESCRIPTION: CYBEX delivers Versatile, elegant and convenient line of top-notched quality strollers, many that features a reversible seat, one-hand seat recline, and a quick-fold chassis usually in an ultra premium, lightweight design that adapts to your growing family’s changing needs. This American-made Massachusetts company makes renowned products.
The Cybex Priam Cherub Stroller is part of the Cybex Platinum Priam range in collaboration with renowned designer Jeremy Scott, this 3-in-1 stroller has been made from high-quality fabrics with a smart, luxe appearance. Its flexible frame can be turned into a travel system with matching carry cot, combined with one of the brand’s award-winning infant car seats, or transformed into a luxurious stroller sporting a reversible seat unit. A vibrant cherub print and golden wing attachments offer a heavenly touch to suit your little angel.
DESCRIPTION: The StokkE brand of stroller is an “it” stroller indeed. And about a decade ago, this Norweigian company’s strollers slowly replaced the Bugaboo as the favorite or wannabes, posers and the nouveau riche. The babies inside these strollers are decked out in mini-adult Designer clothes. The diamonds on the hands of the moms pushing these things can put your eye out, I mean the shine is that bright. And they are being folded and thrown in the back of Land Rovers. Pretentious? Naaaah! Their owners just appreciate a gorgeous quality crafted stroller, that’s all (wink).
The Stokke™ Xplory® Complete baby stroller is the only stroller you’ll ever need to buy! The Stokke Xplory Complete is an innovative urban stroller that adapts to your changing needs.
DESCRIPTION: This Dutch company has had a major mark in the business since the early 1990s. The strollers Bugaboo manufacture guarantee a full of smooth ride, no matter the surface, city street or bumpy park. The brand has long been considered a posh status symbol and continues.
The classic Donkey buggy is fully loaded with push handle to shift the wheels to tackle any terrain, 5 harness straps, multiple recline position, a spacious under carriage bassinet, as well as a reversible, fully reclining seat.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Leelee Sobieski, Amy Poehler, Julianna Marguiles, Jon Stewart, Matthew McConaughey and Gwen Stefani
PHIL & TED’S
DESCRIPTION: Phil & Ted’s is a small New Zealand company that has made children’s products for over 20 years and about a decade ago was known for its super sturdy brand of tough terrain buggies and strollers for the rugged athletic and sports enthusiast parent who takes baby out on jobs and mountain hikes. It is still the market but has retreated to a smaller share given new competitors on the market.
Its Sport Stroller line feature a smart handle with one touch brake, smart fold, aluminum frame, and top quality tough, washable cloth.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Jessica Alba and Cash Warren, Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts
JOOLZ
DESCRIPTION: Joolz is a very new entrant to the market. This Australian company hinges its products on sustainable and eco-friendly renewable design and materials.
The Joolz Geo² Studio Complete Stroller features a modular design that offers 3 different configurations that make it the ultimate stroller for any family adventure. The award-winning design captures ergonomic comfort, ease, style, and maneuverability. It can be used as a toddler stroller, a modern pram for newborns, and an infant car seat carrier
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Harry Judd, Carey Mulligan
UPPA BABY
DESCRIPTION:
Another American company is Boston, Massachussets-based UPPAbaby which makes innovative, high-quality strollers and car seats that fit the needs of parents, while appealing to the sense of style they’ve always had.
The VISTA convertible stroller allows for multiple configurations to transport up to three children, making it a great choice for growing families. The included bassinet features a longer, ventilated mattress, while the toddler seat is perfect as your little one grows. It has a telescoping handlebar and a large, easy-access under-seat basket that holds up to 30 lb. make the VISTA fuss-free for parents.
DESCRIPTION: When I started having a family, the Peg Perego was the it stroller. It is an Italian family-owned brand which makes baby strollers, car seats, high chairs and kid-sized riding toys for children and babies all over the world.
The versatile and agile Duette Piroet inline double stroller by Peg Perego can easily pass through narrow places, folds compactly, and is travel system ready. Comes with two independent adjustable seats with reclining backrests and two-position footrests. Peg Perego Duette Piroet features a versatile and extremely agile Italian inline double stroller design that can easily go through narrow pathways and allows various seating configurations for twins or different age siblings
DESCRIPTION: This is another relatively new arrival for city dwellers and traveling families. Babyzen manufactures and markets baby products and designs, produces, and sells collapsible baby strollers. Babyzen offers its produces to retailers throughout Europe and internationally.
The BABYZEN YOYO+ comes ready to roll, complete with the YOYO Newborn and Seat Color Pack Fabric Sets. The YOYO+ is an incredibly lightweight, compact stroller and steers easily even with one hand, allowing you to navigate corners and tight spaces. An underseat storage basket makes a convenient spot for on-the-go items, and an included travel bag is perfect for storage.
DESCRIPTION: Yet another Dutch stroller manufacturer whose name has been synonymous with top quality is Quinny. This company is among Europe’s most respected stroller brand and set the standard for engineering, design and trendsetting style.The Quinny line offers clever solutions for the confident parent of today; solutions that are made with parents and their lifestyles in mind. Stroll with ease and in stylish comfort with the rugged and innovative
The Quinny Mood Stroller features a unique hydraulic system that automatically unfolds stroller, plus never-flat, all-terrain tires that allow you and baby to conquer any terrain.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Allyson Hannigan, Ali Landry
AUSTLEN
DESCRIPTION: This is another American baby product company. The Austin, Texas company boasts a staff of in-house engineers, mostly made up of parents, that make products to accommodate the daily lives and frustrations of new moms and dads. They’ve stopped at nothing to create intuitive, purpose-driven, well-made products that make family life easier and more fun — giving parents more freedom to live in the moment without being overwhelmed by more and more.
The flagship model, the Entourage, is perfect for families on-the-go. This one-handed expandable frame has three positions, 5 recline positions, a market tote and expandable lower storage area, giving you the freedom to travel anywhere in comfort.
THULE
DESCRIPTION
Thule is an established Swedish outdoors and transportation products manufacturer that is a leader in cargo carriers for automobiles. It recently expanded to get into the stroller biz.
The Thule Sleek is a stylish stroller for on-the-go travel adventures with the ever-innovative, marvelously multifunctional which features a ventilated canopy, a convenient window, a reversible seat, generous seating options and more.
MAXI-COSI
DESCRIPTION: Another Dutch company is Maxi-Cosi which started in the 1980s as one of Europe’s first permiere car seat manufacturers. It has since expanded and updated its quality of strollers to the point that is competes with the other exquisite brands out here.
Travel everywhere with ease with the Lila Modular Stroller is a convenient, compact and extra comfortable, making it great for dining out, shopping or vacation that is good with maneuverability and can accommodate an infant seat. It’s perfect for a growing family because it can easily turn into a dual stroller.
BABY JOGGER
DESCRIPTION This Richmond, Virginia-based company launched one of the first jogging strollers in the 1980s. It designs and manufactures jogging strollers and all-terrain strollers and offers strollers and joggers, such as urban use and three wheeled all-terrain strollers; and accessories. The company also provides dependable push chairs for children and adults with physical disabilities.
The City Select LUX is a rugged yet streamlined stroller features an extra seat with a telescoping handlebar adjusts to just the right height, while the hand-operated decelerating and parking brake provides additional peace of mind.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Toby McGuire, Ellen Pompeo, Elizabeth Banks, Miranda Kerr
NUNA
DESCRIPTION: This Dutch company started out as a baby furniture maker and expanded to strollers. Today, it is a premiere must-have stroller for the upper echelon. I love the logo.
The Nuna MIXX Travel System includes a stroller and the company’s featherlight PIPA Lite LX Car Seat which makes one superb travel system. An ideal set for you, but especially for your little one.
CELEBRITY OWNERS: Gwen Stefani, Molly Sims, Jaime King
There you have it! Good luck stroller shop or social climbing, whatever floats your boat!
Earlier this month, rapper Meek Mill and his ex girlfriend, fellow rapper, Nicki Minaj got in a heated Twitter back-and-forth, the day before she launched her latest project.
By the end of the online exchange, Mill, real name Robert Rihmeek Williams, confirmed that he and his girlfriend, boutique owner and Milano Di Rouge designer, Milan Harris are expecting.
“My girl is with me pregnant watching me tweet about my ex is very clownish,” Mill tweeted ending the recently reignited feaud for the day. “Ima exit!”
Guaging by the reactions and responses to that tweet, it appears a lot of people had no clue that Harris was expecting though from combing through her personal Instagram page, it looks like it was the worst kept secret.
Photos of herself and her bump featured prominently on her IG page since last December. Belated congrats!
Each have children from previous relationships though this is the first for the two of them.
Yet again, former professional tennis player Anna Kournikova and her long time partner singer Enrique Iglesias added to their family without letting the public know they were expecting at all.
After welcoming a set a twins, Lucy and Nicholas without any advanced notice to the masses back in January 2018, the young couple said hello to their brand new baby daughter on January 30, 2020.
Iglesias took to Twitter to announce the news. “My Sunshine 01.30.2020” he captioned the photo of himself in a surgical mask, scrubs and protective hair covering, signaling the newborn arrived via C-Section.
She took to Instagram to share a photo of herself right after the delivery, with the same simple caption as dad. The super private couple are among a long list of celebs who have kept their entire or most of their respective pregnancies or birth out of the public eye such as Kylie Jenner, Eva Mendes, Blake Lively, Jennifer Hudson, Helen Laschichan, and others.
Congrats to the couple that have been a pair since 2001!
Multiple sources confirm to E! News that the Game of Thrones star is pregnant and expecting her first child with husband Joe Jonas.
“The couple is keeping things very hush hush but their friends and family are super excited for them,” one source shared withJustJaredwho was first to report the news. Another insider added, “Sophie has decidedly been choosing outfits to wear on and off the carpet to accommodate her changing body.”
The couple’s last major public appearance together was at the 2020 Grammys where Sophie cheered on her husband during the Jonas Brothers‘ performance of “What A Man Gotta Do.”
Joe and Sophie surprised fans in May 2019 when they got married in Las Vegas after the Billboard Music Awards. The duo enjoyed a second ceremony in France one month later.
Since then, the couple has continued to document their love story that includes everything from sweet social media posts, unforgettable vacations and red carpet date nights.
I love actress, dancer and producer Jenna Dewan who is currently expecting her first child with boyfriend of a year Steve Kazee, but is still proving pregnant women do not have to slow down when they are expecting.
I just peeped her new FOX television show Flirty Dancing, which is a US take on a popular UK dating dance show where singles learn a routine and then pair up and dance to see if their dance floor chemistry translates to the dating couch. In the US version, the single dances with two different partners and picks one.
The Step Up alum and featured guest star of medical drama The Residentwas still quite pregnant in the early version I saw of the show.
This is not the only thing the former World of Dance host has cooking!
She also just released her first book, “Gracefully You” about self-love and self-actualization and has already done in-store appearances in places like Barnes and Noble.
And in between acting appearances in shows like Supergirl, Witches of East Endand American Horror Story: Asylum, in June 2017, Dewan founded Everheart Productions, with a focus on producing female-centric stories for film, television and digital platforms. Dewan will star in the scripted musical drama television series called Soundtrackthis winter.
Entrepreneur and Reality Tv star Khloe Kardashianthrew a lavish neutral-colored bear themed baby shower for her BFF, actress and model Malika Haqq,over the weekend.
The event was held at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss organized the luxe celebration.
The mom-to-be wore a muted strappy floor length fish tail, bump-hugging jersey dress with her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail and subtle and soft makeup.
Attendees were treated to goodies like sweet honey tea in adorable bear jars,petite pastries, a multi-tiered cake and cereal because according to Khloe in an insta story video, Malika craved cereal for most of her pregnancy.
They also played typical baby shower games like the “can’t say ‘baby’” game, the guess Malika’s baby belly girth and the guess the baby’s delivery date and guess the number of cookies in the jar game.
“A BEARy beautiful Baby Shower!!” Khloe captioned a series of photos of the event. “I have been planning Malika’s baby shower in my head for quite some time. Malika was very specific with not wanting color. So this was the only color we were able to get away with LOL It turned out beautifully!”
Everyone wore brown, white and other muted and neutral colors to the event to accommodate Malika’s request.
“I could not thank @mindyweiss @andrew_mindyweiss @jeffleatham enough!!” Khloe added thanking the event planning staff. “I know I’m a lot at times because I’m so specific and I love to micro manage but you guys always go over the top. You surpass any dream that I have ever conjured up in my head as to how I want something to look. Every time I am WOWED by your work and perfection! Thank you guys for being the best! You literally are my dream team! Thank to everyone who helped put this spectacular shower together!”
Here are some videos and photos of the fun event that the host, guests and vendors posted on their respective social media pages
In lieu of the usual award show Red Carpet run down, we’re just showcasing the stunning baby bumps on display last night at the Academy Awards show held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Recording artist and model Ciara went to the Vanity Fair after party in an almost bare, sheer, see-through mesh Grecian crystal adorned custom Ralph & Russo one-shoulder gown revealing her silhouette and toned legs in a strategically placed slit and accompanying draping, highlighted with silver strappy heels and bronze make up.
She looked stunning.
Ciara is expecting her second child with husband, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. She is mom to almost 3-year old daughter Sienna Princess and 5 1/2 year old son Future Zuhair from a previous relationship, hip hop performer Future.
Meanwhile, Superstore star America Ferrera attended the actual awards ceremony and also went with another form of regal wear. Hers was a wine-colored custom Alberta Ferretii limited edition empire waist gown with full cap sleeves, accessorized with a custom Jennifer Behr brass halo.
Last year, 2019 was no different in witnessing expecting women grace the red carpet at the annual Academy Awards red carpet.
Kyrsten Ritter, the Jessica Jonesstar debuted her baby bump at the 2019 Oscars cradling her stomach on the red carpet while wearing a lacy maroon gown next to boyfriend Adam Granduciel.
In 2016, A glowing Emily Blunt went pink and jewels in 2016 while waiting for the birth of her second child with husband, John Krazinski.In 2017, Ciara looked regal in crimson velour with a jeweled choker at the annual Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2017 while carrying her and husband Russell Wilson‘s first child together.
In 2016, model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked glam at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party afterparty with her husband, Jason Statham, wearing a one shoulder Versace gown with Nirav Modi earrings.
Also that year, Lipsync Battle host Chrissy Teigen radiated in a Marchesa gown while expecting her second child with husband John Legend.
In 2012,Adele welcomed her first child, son Angelo, and the next year, she won an Oscar for Best Song for the and explained having to express breast milk in the bathroom to relieve her engorged breast.
The “Rolling in the Deep” singer missed out on having to be heavily pregnant on the red carpet like several of her fellow A-listers in year’s past.
Oscar has played host to several heavily pregnant
In 1992, Susan Sarandon was almost due with her son Miles whom she welcomed (with then-beau Tim Robbins) when she was nominated for her role in Thelma & Louise at age 47. (She didn’t win but was nominated 5 times and won Best Actress in 1996 for her role in Dead Man Walking.)
In 1998, Glen Close was 8-months pregnant when nominated for Fatal Attraction.In 2000, four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening was nominated for her role in American Beauty at almost 8 months pregnant with her fourth child with husband Warren Beatty, daughter Ella.
In 2003, Catherine Zeta-Jones accepted the award for Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Chicago while almost full term with daughter Cary with husband .
In 2004, Marcia Gay-Harden was nominated for her role in Mystic River, while pregnant with twins!
In 2006,Rachel Weisz was 7-months preggers with her and
then-boyfriend Darren Aronofsky when she won the Best Supporting Actress trophy for The Constant Gardner.
In 2008, while expecting daughter Honor, Jessica Alba shone in a purple Marchesa gown at the Oscars.
In 2010, Paula Patton was seven months pregnant and rocking a Caroline Herrera gown on the red carpet while awaiting the birth of her son Julian with then husband Robin Thicke. !
In 2011, Black Swan star Natalie Portman was 6 months pregnant with her and her choreographer husband Benjamin Millepied, first son, Aleph when she accepted her Best Actress award.
In 2013, while still married to Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan wore a black lace Rachel Roy gown to the Oscars while very preggers.
In 2014, although Kerry Washington was not nominated for an Oscar, she did attend, cradling the baby bump from her first child, Isabelle.
Also that year, Olivia Wilde walked the red carpet in a black Valentino gownwhile a couple months away from welcoming her first child, Otis, withher husband, fellow actor, Jason Sudeikis
That same year, Chris Hemsworth ’s wife, Elsa Pataky in 2014 wore blue sequins but maybe made a fashion mistake of wearing it under and not on top of her belly.
