The 9 Best Maternity Dresses

When you’re expecting, it can be a challenge to find a maternity dress that fits your body as it changes. The best maternity dresses can grow with you and highlight your bump in comfortable designs and fabrics. From go-to options for everyday wear to fancier ones for special events, there’s a wide range of dresses to suit your style and might become your favorite additions to your pregnancy wardrobe.

When shopping, consider when and where you’re planning to wear the dress. Shorter sleeves and hemlines can be ideal for warmer weather, while more coverage can help keep you comfortable in cooler temperatures. Beyond that, think about if you’re looking for something casual or a little more elevated. Pleats, ruffles, lace can add a decorative touch if you need a fancier maternity dress for work or special events like photo shoots and baby showers. Alternatively, simple ruching adds a decorative element to more basic silhouettes. There are even dresses you can wear during pregnancy and beyond, and some can double as hospital gowns for labor and delivery or come with hidden openings you can use for nursing.

When shopping for maternity clothes, choose comfortable fabrics — various cotton, spandex, and viscose fabrics are popular, but it’s possible to find great polyester options, too. Also be on the lookout for how sheer the fabric becomes when stretched. Ideally, a maternity dress should have some stretch for maximum comfort and adjustability, but it’s possible to find nice maternity dresses without as much stretch with elastic waistlines and flowy silhouettes that move with you can make non-stretchy fabrics more comfortable to wear during pregnancy.

Ready to start shopping? Check out these fashion-forward Amazon finds below.

1. A Classic Maternity Tank Dress For Everyday Wear

Bhome Maternity Tank Dress

Amazon

This budget-friendly and versatile maternity tank dress is a classic dress you can style up or down, depending on your mood. It is made with a breathable, stretchy rayon and spandex blend, making it a dependable choice for warmer spring and summer days. One reviewer wrote, “The fabric is light and stretchy and very breathable, but not see-through.” It comes in 24 different colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find one for whatever occasion you’re shopping for — try pairing it with a denim jacket for casual outings or add a blazer for a more polished look.

• Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
• Available styles: 24

One reviewer wrote: “For the price, this is amazing. I got it yesterday and paired it with a jacket and cute sandals for a casual dinner. SO comfy and versatile as I keep growing my baby bump. I was worried about the fit because im big on the hips and thighs but it fit great. True to size.”

2. A Maxi Maternity Dress For All Occasions

Xpenyo Maternity Maxi Dress

Amazon

A versatile maxi dress is a key staple for just about any maternity wardrobe, and this one fits the bill. The rayon-spandex blend dress has an elastic wrap-around waistband that highlights your belly without being too constricting. Plus, its long length and V-neck design adds an elegant touch you can dress up for formal events or nights out on the town. It comes in dozens of different colors and patterns, including both three-quarter-sleeve and short-sleeve options.

This dress is made with a good amount of stretch and is perfect for growing bellies, but you shouldn’t have to worry about it being see-through. One reviewer compared the feel of the dress to “a comfy nightgown but not sheer at all,” adding that it “looks nice enough that I can wear it to the office.” Shoppers have reported that it’s lightweight and breathable for warmer weather but comfortable to wear through autumn, too.

• Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
• Available styles: 36

One reviewer wrote: “It fits so comfortably, the fabric is so soft and stretchy. Nicely made. I absolutely love this dress. It’s light enough to wear during spring/summer warm weather but also appropriate for fall.”

3. A Versatile Labor & Delivery Maternity Dress

Ekoaer Nursing Maternity Dress

Amazon

Maternity dresses don’t get more multifunctional than this one: Wear it as a casual dress while pregnant, use it as a nightgown at the hospital, and keep it handy for postpartum nursing. Shoppers have described the rayon-spandex material as lightweight and stretchy, and one reviewer attested that it’s “so soft, but thick enough to not be see through.” Another person added, “I wore it pregnant to shop today and because of it’s cute flowy look I will wear it after baby too!”

This is a dress you’ll want to stow in your hospital bag — in addition to being super comfortable, the dress has a drapey V-neck that you can pull down for post-delivery assessments or breastfeeding your baby. One reviewer described: “I over-packed my hospital bag for labor and delivery. This is the one thing I really used. It was perfect for after delivery. Super comfortable, soft, and easy to nurse in.”

• Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
• Available styles: 21

One reviewer wrote: “THIS is a must have. Omg, I'm so impressed with this night gown (though I plan on wearing it as a dress as well). It's soooooo comfortable, looks great on, is flowy, and fits true to size. Perfect for summer! I'm excited because I can wear this now and will also be able to wear it after baby comes (the front pulls down easily and will be perfect for nursing). I'm buying two more because I know I'll be living in this gown.”

4. This Comfortable Maxi Dress With Pockets

Nemidor Plus Size Maxi Dress With Pockets

Amazon

When you’re shopping for maternity dresses, who says you can’t go with non-maternity options? Take this on-trend maxi dress for example, which many shoppers have worn throughout their pregnancies. “Lived in this dress during my pregnancy,” wrote one reviewer. “So comfortable and at such a great price!!!” In addition to being stylish, it has all the comfort and functionality you need for everyday wear (take a peek at those nifty pockets). The dress has elasticity at the waistline, plus it’s made with a polyester that holds up well when stretched. One reviewer wrote, “It’s lightweight enough for summer, but it’s not see through.” With more than 9,000 reviews on Amazon and an overall 4.5-star rating, you can bet this dress is going to land you plenty of compliments during and after your pregnancy.

• Available sizes: 14 Plus — 26 Plus
• Available styles: 34

One reviewer wrote: “I used this as a maternity dress and it’s also so casual that I packed it in my hospital bag and wore it home from the hospital after a second csection it was very comfortable. As an already plus size moms and it’s hard to find affordable maternity clothes this made life easier and I can still wear it after baby. I tie a little knot in the bottom and it’s supper cute.”

5. A Charming Maternity Dress With Ruffles

Macie Maternity Cami Dress

With a pleated bodice, delicate ruffles, and sweet bows on the adjustable spaghetti straps, this maternity dress gives off major cottagecore vibes. While the polyester-viscose material might not have any stretch, the smocked backing and loose silhouette make it feel breathable and forgiving — a major plus for growing bellies. It also has a light lining underneath to prevent any sheerness. It’s a charming addition if you’re making a trip to the beach or planning a cute babymoon picnic, and it comes in four patterns (light blue, dark blue, green, and a white and purple pattern), as well as a similar A-line style with a bow in the front in 12 more patterns.

• Available sizes: Small — XXL
• Available styles: 4

One reviewer wrote: “Such a cute material and pattern! I got this to wear at my baby shower and I loved it! I felt so cute and stylish with the soft green color & cheetah print. I bought a large and it fit just right with extra room. The tie straps make it easily adjustable to fit just about anyone!”

6. This Form-Fitting Maternity T-Shirt Dress

Liu and Qu Bodycon Dress

Amazon

This comfy T-shirt dress could work for almost every occasion — and with more than 6,000 positive ratings and counting, it has garnered a lot of fans. While the overall look is fairly simple, it features a form-fitting silhouette and ruching on the side. One reviewer wrote, “It looks cute layered or alone & can easily be dressed up or worn super casual.”

The versatile dress is made with a blend of rayon, viscose, and spandex that’s “super stretchy,” according to several reviewers. Reports on the sheerness are somewhat mixed, so if that’s something you’re concerned about, it would be smart to choose a darker hues. (If you’re opting for a lighter version, consider wearing skin-colored undergarments.) One fan noted, “I wore this almost daily towards the end of pregnancy because it’s so dang comfortable.” It’s a must-have casual dress for many shoppers — and if you’re anything like some of them, you may end up wanting to order it in multiple colors. You also can choose from short- and long-sleeve options.

• Available sizes: Small — X-Large
• Available styles: 43

One reviewer wrote: “These were my favorite dresses while I was pregnant. Soft, stretchy, comfortable without looking super maternity. Easy care too! They fit my whole pregnancy at my regular size.”

7. A Swing Dress You Can Wear During & After Pregnancy

Tralilbee Plus Size Short Sleeve Dress With Pockets

Amazon

This plus size knee-length dress is serving up major fashion points with its pleated skirt and scoop neckline. Although it’s not specifically designed for maternity wear, it has enough stretch and elasticity to wear while pregnant, thanks to the rayon-spandex blend fabric. One reviewer noted, “The material isn't too thin but isn't so thick that it doesn’t flow well.” It comes in a wide range of colors and designs, giving you plenty of options to work with. One reviewer described it as “a really cute maternity dress that I will be able to wear when I am no longer pregnant.” Equipped with pockets, it balances practicality with style — all at a price that won’t break the bank.

• Available sizes: Large — 4X
• Available styles: 29

One reviewer wrote: “Love this dress! I used this dresses for my babyshower and the way the dress is made it looks perfect on pregnant bellies! I still use it even not pregnant and it fits great and looks good! ”

8. This Knee-Length Maternity Dress With A Pleated Waist

LaClef Midi Maternity Dress

Amazon

In need of a sleek yet comfortable dress for social events or business settings? This knee-length maternity dress has you covered. It’s pleated at the waistline to give you extra room around the belly as it grows. It’s made with a viscose, nylon, and spandex blend, which “has a bit of a stretch to it,” according to one reviewer — and many customers agree that it’s not see-through. One fan summarized: “Comfy, stretchy without being thin/sheer, super cute and polished looking.” Plus, it comes in both sleeveless and three-quarter-sleeve designs, giving you options for different seasons and occasions.

• Available sizes: Small — X-Large
• Available styles: 15

One reviewer wrote: “ I work in a professional environment and needed something to wear to work. The length hits me right at the knee (after washing), the bump has room to spare for growth over the next few months, and the fabric is stretchy and breathable. So many compliments on this dress! I bought two colors and plan to buy more! :)”

9. A Gorgeous Lacy Maternity Dress

MYZEROING Lace Maternity Dress

Amazon

With more than 3,600 ratings on Amazon to date, this eye-catching lace dress is a tried-and-true choice for maternity photo shoots — and according to multiple shoppers, it can make you feel “like a goddess.” It has a dramatic train at the bottom which looks great fanned out for pictures and ruffle sleeves that fall off your shoulders. There’s also lining within the bottom of the dress to prevent sheerness — though reviewers have observed that the back of the top is designed to be sheer. Aside from the lace, it’s made with a stretchy polyester and spandex blend. There are also seven different colors to choose from, which range from a soft light blue to a deep wine red.

• Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
• Available styles: 7

One reviewer wrote: “This dress was everything I hoped for. It was comfy and fit exactly as expected. It looked SO good for my maternity pictures.”

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Postpartum Dry Skin: What Causes It & How To Treat It

With so much to focus on after giving birth, it makes sense that you may not be totally in tune with how your skin feels. But if in between feedings, wakeups, loads of laundry, and doing your best to care for a helpless being, you notice that your skin feels dry and scaly after giving birth, you’re not alone. Postpartum dry skin is common (and it can be a carryover of dry, itchy pregnant skin).

Romper spoke to two dermatologists about what causes skin changes after giving birth and how you can make scaly skin more manageable while you wait for your hormones (and therefore, your skin) to level out.

What causes postpartum dry skin?

Everything from the baby blues, to achy joints and postpartum hair loss are caused by hormonal fluctuations, so it makes sense that your skin would also experience some changes after giving birth. “The dramatic decline in estrogen and progesterone after giving birth can contribute to dry skin,” Dr. Hadley King, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, tells Romper. If you’re nursing, your body also uses a lot of water while breastfeeding, and dehydration can also dry out skin.

The potentially good news is that “not everyone will get [dry skin postpartum] but it’s always a good idea to moisturize anyway during pregnancy,” Dr. Marina Peredo, NY-based board-certified dermatologist, tells Romper.

How to treat postpartum dry skin

As you probably expected, the best way to treat postpartum dry skin is to use a moisturizer, though not all moisturizers are not created equal. “Moisturizers need to contain three components: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. It's important to look for products that contain all three,” Dr. King tells Romper.

Humectants, like honey, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, pull moisture in from the air, but they need moisture to be present to work, so it’s best to use humectants on damp skin. “The best time to moisturize is right after you get out of the shower to lock in the moisture,” Dr. Peredo says.

Emollients help with skin barrier function, Dr. King explains, and can lead to overall improvement in skin texture and appearance. Examples of emollients include squalene and ceramides.

And finally, occlusives are oils and waxes which form a layer on the skin and “physically block transepidermal water loss,” Dr. King tells Romper. Look for products containing beeswax, certain oils, silicones, lanolin or zinc oxide, which are all occlusive ingredients. You’ll also want to avoid moisturizers with added fragrance, which can be irritating.

Any moisturizer you already have and like should help ease your dry skin, plus it’ll save you a trip to the store. However, if your normal moisturizer doesn’t seem to be helping, “you can use an oil-based moisturizer, heavier creams or ointments to combat dry skin,” Dr. Peredo says. Dr. King specifically suggests Schaf Moisturizer which “locks in moisture with hyaluronic acid and a blend of hemp seed, avocado, grape seed and pumpkin seed oils.” Another one of her faves? Simple's Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer, which is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (plus it’s available at Target and other drugstores).

Dr. Peredo recommends a staple product you probably use on your baby’s dry skin: Aquaphor. In addition to hydrating dry skin on the face, she says it works well on the breast.

When you have dry skin, don’t forget to look at your body soap and your cleansers. “Cleansers should be gentle soap substitutes that are free of harsh detergents that will strip the natural oils from the skin, and that contain moisturizing ingredients,” Dr. King tells Romper. She specifically recommends Dove products for the body, and NakedPoppy's Nourish Cream Cleanser as a gentle option for the face.

You probably gave up your retinoids and products containing salicylic acid during pregnancy, and Dr. Peredo says it’s best to skip those ingredients while you’re breastfeeding too. First off, they can be drying, and secondly, “even though there is no strong study against breast milk being influenced because of retinol, it’s still best to avoid,” she adds.

Lifestyle changes to help with postpartum dry skin

You can also make some lifestyle tweaks to help with your dry skin. In addition to moisturizing and drinking plenty of water, try to keep your showers brief (Dr. King says seven minutes max, once per day), and lukewarm if you can stand it, as hot water can be drying. Eating healthy fats helps support the skin barrier, Dr. King adds, and if you live in a dry climate, try putting a humidifier in your bedroom.

How long does postpartum dry skin last?

When your skin is dry, itchy, or red, it’s easy to feel like it’s going to be that way forever, just like when you have a newborn you kind of think you may be tired forever. The good news is that postpartum dry skin should resolve as your hormones level out (though sadly I can’t say the same for fatigue). “When periods return it's a sign that the hormones have returned to their pre-pregnancy levels and skin should also return to its pre-pregnancy state,” Dr. King says. So maybe you’ll actually be psyched to see your period if it means some relief for your skin.

Experts:

Dr. Hadley King, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Marina Peredo, NY-based board-certified dermatologist

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10 Photos Of Simone Biles With Her Parents & Siblings

Family is everything to Simone Biles. And there’s no doubt she is leaning on them now for extra love and support. The Olympic gold medalist pulled out of the gymnastics finals after feeling like she was not in the right “headspace” to compete safely. Her decision to prioritize her well-being and mental health is being applauded by many, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, TODAY’s Hoda Kotb, and, of course, her family.

Biles is the daughter of Nellie and Ronald Biles, who are actually her adoptive parents and biological grandparents. Over the years, the Olympian has been very transparent about her upbringing and parents. Nellie and Ronald adopted Biles, as well as her sister Adria, in 2003 when she was 6 years old. Biles also has an older sister named Ashley and two older brothers, Ron and Adam. Before she was adopted, Biles would visit her grandparents all the time.

“Growing up, my biological mom was suffering from drug and alcohol abuse and she was in and out of jail,” Biles said in an interview with Women’s Health. “I never had a mom to run to. I do remember always being hungry and afraid. At 3 years old, I was placed in foster care.”

“My parents saved me,” she added. “They’ve set huge examples of how to treat other people, and they’ve been there to support me since day one. There’s nothing I could say to them to thank them enough.”

Biles has a relationship with her biological mother, Shanon Biles, who has been sober since 2007. In 2016, Shanon told the Daily Mail she speaks with her daughter. “When I talk to Simone, it’s a brief conversation, like, ‘I miss you, I love you, I can’t wait to see you, I’m proud of you, I’m watching. You go girl,’” she told the publication.

Throughout her life, Biles has faced many tough moments, but the 24-year-old’s family has always been in her corner. “The Olympics is no joke! BUT I’m happy my family was able to be with me virtually,” Biles wrote on Instagram before she withdrew from competing in Tokyo, “they mean the world to me!”

“Just Be The Best Simone”

Simone’s parents have attended every Olympics except the 2020 Games due to Covid-19 restrictions. As she prepared to go to Tokyo, Nellie sent virtual hugs, kisses, and prayers to Simone.

“I am going to miss this but just know that I will be in Tokyo in spirit,” she wrote on her Instagram on July 14. “May The Lord continue to guide and keep you. Just be The Best Simone.”

“We love you”

On July 25, Nellie posted an encouragement message to her daughter as she prepared for the Olympic finals. “We held our breath but knew that prayers would prevail. Just be the Best Simone. We love you,” Nellie wrote on her Instagram. A mother’s prayer is priceless.

“Thanks for always being there for me”

On June 29, Simone gave kudos to her parents in a touching appreciation post. “Thanks for making sacrifices since day 1 so I can live out my dream,” the Olympian wrote on Instagram. “But most importantly thanks for always being there for me through all the highs and lows. You guys are the absolute best. I love y’all.”

Sister Seflie

In May, Simone posted a sweet selfie with her sister Adria. “petition to add a day in between saturday and sunday,” she captioned the post.

In Paris With Her “Rock”

To commemorate her mother’s birthday last year, Simone shares a memorable moment with her mother in Paris. “Thanks for making all things happen & being a rock in my life! Forever grateful for you,” she wrote on her Instagram on Feb. 18, 2020.

Night Out With Dad

In 2017, Simone and her dad had a little daddy-daughter date night when the two attended the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards. That year, Simone won the award for “favorite female athlete.”

A Kiss For Mom

Simone gave her mom a kiss on the cheek as photographers snapped a photo of them at a 2016 event in New York City.

Sibling Love

Fun fact: Simone is actually the second youngest in her family. She has one older sister, Ashley, and two older brothers, Ron and Adam, as well as her youngest sister Adria.

Super Bowl Snap

A family that tailgates together stays together! This family moment was captured in 2017 during a Super Bowl tailgate party looking like they were having a blast.

Let Me Take A Selfie

Nellie shared a cute backseat selfie moment between mom and daughter!

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Why Is My Child Talking Like A Baby? An Expert Explains

As a baby's parent, you live every day in expectation of when they will say their first word. You wonder which parent gets to win the battle of being the “most important” that your baby will call out for you first. I won, by the way. When “mama” came out of my 9-month-old’s lips, I could have melted into the floor. After that, it’s on to the next milestone, right? They won’t pronounce every word properly, but who wants to correct a cutie pie that says doey instead of door. It won’t last long, so we tend to let it slide.

But after they’ve grown into a big kid, have learned to enunciate, and say water instead of wallow, what does it mean when they revert to baby talk? “Children will often play around with trying something again that they got attention for at a different stage of life. It's normal. It's part of learning. It's honestly the parent's response that maintains or extinguishes this behavior,” Daniela Owen, child psychologist and children’s book author, tells Romper.

There are many different reasons for regression in a child’s behavior, and as a parent, you’re right to be concerned. Most kids are excited to show how much more they can do as they get older, like pronouncing the big words on billboards while in traffic. This physical, mental and emotional growth allows us to feel like we are doing something right as parents. And knowing that they are meeting these milestones and even passing them is comforting. So when they go backward, it can be jolting.

“Regression can be caused by any major life change, whether it is something that parents are well aware of, like a new baby in the house, or a change that parents may consider less life-changing, but may be a big change for a young child,” says Owen. This can include switching babysitters, going to a new grade in school, or a parent changing jobs and having slightly less or more time at home. Because a child’s brain processes information differently, what can seem small or insignificant to you can be a tremendous shift in their world. Over the past year, we all went through major adjustments, and according to a Yale Child Study, many parents described their children as reverting to baby talk during Covid. But these were extreme circumstances.

Owen says, “Baby talk when a child is older may not be caused by regression, but maybe an attempt for attention.” Her advice is to ignore it. “If parents laugh or find the baby talk cute at first, they reinforce this behavior for the child. Children will repeat behaviors that parents reinforce or give attention to because reinforcement and attention are desirable to children and all humans.” This is more common in homes where a younger sibling is naturally at the baby talk phase, and we fawn over it, laugh, and talk about how adorable they sound.

When you choose the route of not giving your attention to your child when they revert, consistency is key! If you ignore it sometimes, and other times you pay attention, it also reinforces the behavior. “Intermittent reinforcement is the most powerful type. The child does not know when they will get attention for the behavior, but they know it happens sometimes, which can cause them to talk like a baby more and more. So fully ignoring the behavior is key,” Owen says.

Because there can be more serious causes and triggers for this regression, Owen says to watch for other things that may accompany it like bed-wetting, meltdowns, or becoming withdrawn. This can be a result of trauma. “I suggest talking to your pediatrician about whether to consult with a therapist who specializes in these kinds of behaviors.” Also, if baby talk is their only behavioral change, and it continues even after you’ve ignored it, she recommends seeking a consultation with a therapist specializing in trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy.

Expert:

Daniela Owen, child psychologist and children’s book author

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20 Photos Of Royals With Their Sisters

One of the great royal love stories is not a romantic love story at all. It’s the story of the steadfast, enduring, supportive love between Queen Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret. The two women were born princesses to the second son and his wife, the Duke and Duchess of York, with no real expectation of ascending to the throne. Then came the abdication of King Edward VIII, their father became King George VI, and one of those princesses became Queen Elizabeth. And so began one of the most enduring relationships in the royal family. The sovereign and her best friend, her sister.

Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret really set the barre high for that sisterly bond for the rest of the royal family. The two women worked together side-by-side for decades, weathered scandals, divorces, and illnesses together. When Princess Margaret died in 2002, Queen Elizabeth lost the ying to her yang. As their father King George VI once said, “Lilibet is my pride, Margaret is my joy.”

Such is the way with siblings often enough. Different but the same in many ways that matter. And that bond appears to be carried out through decades of royals with their sisters, their built-in best friends.

Always By Her Side

When Queen Elizabeth was still Princess Elizabeth in 1940, she was given the responsibility of delivering a war time radio broadcast to the people of the United Kingdom. She was reportedly so nervous that the only way she could do it was to have her younger sister sit by her side.

Still Best Friends

Years after that war time broadcast, the two sisters still loved each other enough that they bent the stiff royal rules for a kiss on the cheek at the Royal College of Music.

His First Pal

Prince Charles looked to be having a great time in 1956 with his little sister at a polo match. She was his first friend.

Skiing Sister

Prince Charles is another heir to the throne who reportedly relies on his sister Princess Anne for counsel and support. The two are only two years apart in age, and have always shared a close bond. As evidenced on their ski holiday with dad Prince Philip in the French Alps in 1968.

Lady Di Laughing

Female senior members of the royal family usually have a lady-in-waiting, someone who is incredibly close to the royal in question. When Princess Diana married Prince Charles, she chose her older sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale as her lady-in-waiting, because who is closer than your sister?

Zara & Peter, Great Pals

Princess Anne’s two children, Zara and Peter Phillips, seem to enjoy a pretty relaxed relationship. Especially when they were let loose at the 1984 Windsor Horse Trials to have fun on the play equipment.

Good Friends

Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips are both married parents with busy lives, but they still find time to hang out one on one now and then. Like at the 2015 Chelsea Flower Show.

Sister Taking In Tennis

Princess Diana watched lawn tennis with her other sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, while she was pregnant. It’s nice to have someone you can just hang out with, you know?

Heiresses Apparent

The similarities between Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice to Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret are kind of astounding. Both daughters of the Duke of York, both prone to wearing identical outfits. Both super adorable.

Who Has More Fun Than These Two?

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were having more fun than anyone at Ladies’ Day at Ascot in 2013.

A Future Duchess With Her Ride Or Die

Kate Middleton and her younger sister Pippa enjoyed a night at the roller disco in 2008 when the future Duchess of Cambridge was still in her dating years with Prince William. This is the kind of fun sisters were made for.

She’s Got Her Back

When Pippa Middleton married financier James Matthews in 2017, her sister Kate was there for her. Sure, she’s a future Queen Consort and mother to the future King, but that doesn’t mean she’s above fluffing her sister’s veil on her wedding day. That’s what the sisterly bond is all about.

Sisters-In-Law Making It Work

Before Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped away from their senior royal roles and moved to California, the Duchess of Sussex had a sweet moment or two with her sister-in-law Kate Middleton. Like when they were the most stylish women at Wimbledon in 2018. Someday... maybe we’ll see it again.

Lady Louise & Her Little Brother

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, are parents to Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn, Queen Elizabeth’s youngest grandchildren. While the brother and sister are not often seen in public, when they are they always seem like such typical siblings. Like when they’re hanging around waiting for their mom to finish a bike ride in 2016.

Younger Brothers, Ugh

During a 2020 beach clean up in Portsmouth, James was teasing his sister with something at the end of a stick. Even royal brothers menace their sisters. Typical.

The Next Generation

Prince George and his little sister Princess Charlotte looked ready to party with their parents Kate Middleton and Prince William at a 2016 event in Victoria, Canada.

Princess Charlotte Holds Her Own

As the middle child and only daughter in the Cambridge family, Princess Charlotte could have found it difficult to find her voice. I doubt it though. During a 2019 polo match, she was dancing around while her brothers got snacks, looking like a confident little queen.

Two Sisters Horsing Around

Autumn and Peter Phillips’ daughter Savannah was seen giving her little sister Isla a piggyback ride at the 2019 Festival of British Eventing. Those matching shortalls though.

The Tindall Sisters

Mike and Zara Tindall have three children together, including adorable sisters Mia and Lena. The two girls were still pretty little at the 2019 International Horse Trials, but their dad looked like he had things in hand.

The Gang’s All Here

At Princess Eugenie’s wedding in 2018, several royal sisters (and one royal brother) were in the wedding party. Princess Charlotte posed with Savannah and Isla Phillips while Prince George photo-bombed in the background. This family is going to be a lot of fun in about 10 years.

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21 Texts To Send A Friend On International Friendship Day

Peppa and Suzy. Grace and Frankie. Ryan and Sasha and Lisa and Dina. One of the things you’ve likely realized in this past rollercoaster of a year is just how much friendships can buoy spirits and enhance your mental health. No doubt there were some clutch friends that lent their support, whether it was via text or over a tell-all Zoom call, to help get you through a rough patch. So whether you want to let someone know just how much they mean to you, or lend your own supportive boost to a buddy that’s really going through it right now, these poignant, funny, and emotive text messages just might help you get that message across.

Sure, sending a text on International Friendship Day will be well-timed, and for sure appreciated, by the receiver — but you can keep these inspiring quotes in your back pocket to use any day of the week. Because why should your bestie only hear how much you love them one day a year?

Best Friend Texts

• “Maybe we could be each other’s soulmates. And then we could let men be just these great, nice guys to have fun with.” – Charlotte York, Sex and the City
• “I’m so much better because of you.” – Grace, Grace & Frankie
• “I’m sorry if I was mean.” – Amber, Sofia the First
• “I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.” – Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally
• “You’re my best friend. And my partner. And I need you.” – Grace, Grace & Frankie
• “It’s beautiful to see after so many years – because it’s been many years [now] - now after a career, a family, love, there is still this friendship on top of all we achieved.” — Salma Hayek

Supportive Friend Texts

• “So I am happy to help. That is what friends say to each other, right?” – David Rose, Schitt’s Creek
• “You don’t have to be so scared. It’s OK to let me in.” – Nancy Clancy, Fancy Nancy
• “Team Friendship!” – Max, Happy Endings

Inspiring Friend Texts

• “I think self-care is something that you have to practice, as well. But you have to value yourself to want to care about yourself." – Michelle Obama
• “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” – Nora Ephron
• “Surround yourself with somebody who is as happy for your happiness as you are for your happiness.” – Oprah Winfrey

Funny Friend Texts

• “It is stupid to get hung up over a birthday. Who cares? You’re getting older. We’re all getting older!” – Joan Clayton, Girlfriends
• “Today is the last day that we will ever be this young.” – Ryan Pierce, Girls Trip
• “If I’d known this is what friends are for, I’d have signed up as an enemy.” – Ethel Mertz, I Love Lucy
• “She’s my friend because we both know what it’s like to have people be jealous of us.” – Cher, Clueless
• “…I love my husband, and he is my rock, but my girlfriends are my sanity.” – Michelle Obama

Texts For Long-distance Friends

• “Hey, I don’t mean to tell you how to spend your money. But maybe you could use some of it to come visit me?” – Alexis Rose, Schitt’s Creek
• “I will even miss you bossing me about. We are both a bit bossy.” – Peppa Pig, Peppa Pig
• “I’m on your side, eternally.” – Nancy Clancy, Fancy Nancy
• “Stay there. I’ll come to you.” – Frankie, Grace & Frankie

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The Tokyo Olympics Breastfeeding Controversy Explained

Being a parent is never an easy task. Neither is being an Olympic athlete. But this year, thanks to Covid-19, both got even harder for breastfeeding parents. Restrictions put in place in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus had some Olympians, particularly breastfeeding parents, feeling torn between “being a breastfeeding mom or being an Olympic athlete.” The controversy surrounding breastfeeding and this year’s Olympics has taken several, often confusing turns over the past few months, so here’s what you need to know.

“No friends. No family. No exceptions.”

On March 20, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the Government of Japan and Tokyo Metropolitan Government had ruled that overseas spectators for the Olympic and Paraolympic Games would not be allowed, citing concerns over the spread of Covid-19. This meant family members, including children, could not come. It was a difficult blow, indeed, but for breastfeeding parents, there was an added level of complication.

Some athletes — including American runner Aliphine Tuliamuk, American soccer player Alex Morgan, and Canadian basketball player Kim Gaucher — spoke out to highlight the difficulty breastfeeding Olympians faced.

“Right now I’m being forced to decide between being a breastfeeding mom or an Olympic athlete. I can’t have them both. Toyko has said no friends, no family, no exceptions,” Gaucher said in an Instagram post on June 23. “We’ve gone through all the appropriate channels. Everyone says they’re on board but nobody can do anything.”

The IOC eventually reversed its decision, but there was still some confusion

On June 30, the IOC informed Reuters that “after careful consideration of the unique situation facing athletes with nursing children, we are pleased to confirm that, when necessary, nursing children will be able to accompany athletes to Japan.”

The reversal was hailed as a victory. “I’m incredibly happy and very thankful for all the people who fought for this and helped out with this,” Gaucher told the Associated Press. “The right decision for women in sports and we can move forward.” Companies such as Babylist even offering to help breastfeeding Olympians pay for their child to go with them to Tokyo.

But there was still confusion. “Still not sure what ‘when necessary’ even means,” tweeted Morgan, who has a 1-year-old daughter. “Is that determined by the mother or the IOC? I have not been contacted about being able to bring my daughter with me to Japan and we leave in 7 days.”

The IOC specified in their statement that nursing children would not be permitted to stay in Olympic Village, but rather in an approved hotel.

“Extremely drastic measures that make this option impossible”

On July 20, days before the opening ceremonies and the start of the Games, Spanish synchronized swimmer Ona Carbonell grabbed headlines after she posted a video on her Instagram account sharing that she would not be taking her breastfeeding son to Japan.

While she was technically permitted to bring her child, she explained, the logistics were “incompatible with my athletic performance,” proving so difficult as to be unmanageable. Her son Kai and husband Pablo would not only have to stay in a separate location, but they wouldn’t know how far the hotel would be until they landed in Tokyo, making planning ahead impossible. Moreover, her family would be unable to leave the hotel room for the entire time she was in the country (approximately 20 days). She also said she was concerned about how leaving her teams “bubble” to go to the hotel and breastfeed her child would potentially put their health at risk and, by extension, their ability to compete.

“I hope other athletes can get along with these conditions and be able to take their kids with them,” she said. “Personally, I can’t accept these conditions.”

Writing in Spanish and English, she explained that “extremely drastic measures make this option impossible for me. After receiving countless expressions of support and encouragement to go to Tokyo with Kai, I wanted to express my disappointment and disillusionment that I will finally have to travel without him.”

Some athletes have found ways to make it work

Despite the uncertainty and difficulties regarding bringing children (and support adults to provide childcare to the children), some athletes have, indeed, brought their children with them, including Gaucher and Tuliamuk, though details remain scant as to how, exactly, they’re managing.

At a news conference on July 24, Olympic organizers asserted that they made good faith efforts to try to make the Olympics accessible for breastfeeding parents while being mindful of Covid-19 precautions and edicts from the Japanese and Tokyo governments. Spokesperson Masa Takya said that while breastfeeding athletes had special dispensation to bring their children to Japan, they would not have access inside the Olympic Village in order to “have a good balance between delivering the safest, secure environment and meeting the special requests by the National Olympic Committees.”

Despite precautions, new Covid-19 cases have emerged daily since the beginning of the Games

Prior to the start of the Games, Covid-19 cases were on the rise in Japan. Despite disallowing foreign and domestic spectators, and the heightened precautions imposed on nursing athletes and their children, more than 193 cases of the virus have been detected among athletes and personnel since the start of the Games, according to Olympic organizers.

Coordinating logistics to keep everyone safe in Tokyo has been a challenge with myriad shortcomings. And, as has been the case throughout the pandemic, moms have often borne the brunt of trying to figure out many of the logistics on their own.

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Olympic Swimmer Annie Lazor Reflects On Father's Death After Winning Bronze

When swimmer Annie Lazor won her bronze medal in the 200-meter breaststroke at the Tokyo Olympics on Friday, it was an emotional moment for many reasons. It was Lazor’s first Olympic medal, she was swimming against friend and fellow U.S. swimmer Lilly King, who immediately embraced her after she herself won silver, and she was still grieving over a tragic loss that happened just three months before. After winning her medal, Lazor reflected on her father’s death in an interview with TODAY and said that she was thinking of him.

“I thought of him not a lot before I swam, but a lot after I swam,” she said. “I kind of had a minute to sit to myself today and just thought he would only care about the result because I cared about the result.”

Lazor’s father David died suddenly in April at his home in Michigan, reportedly due to Covid-19, according to ESPN, leaving the family in a state of shock. David Lazor’s obituary noted that he “absolutely shined” in his role as dad to his three children, including daughter Annie. “He was her ardent cheerleader — win or lose, he always let her know that she is so much more than her athletic accomplishments,” it read. “Their weekly phone calls delighted him and he adored just listening to her talk about her life.”

The 26-year-old swimmer shared a beautiful tribute to her late dad in May on Instagram, writing in part, “We laid my sweet, sweet dad to rest on Friday. We will never ever know why this happened; but we do know that he was the most selfless, humble and generous man I’ve ever known.”

His loss left Lazor struggling to continue training for the Olympics, but with the help of her friend and 2016 gold medalist Lilly King, she persevered. King drove five hours to Lazor’s family home in Michigan to encourage her to keep going. “She has been there for me in ways I can't even describe — words kind of fall short, to be quite honest — she is my family outside my family," Lazor told reporters after her win, according to ESPN. “The last few months for me have been far from easy, but she has dragged me through the mud and pushed me every day and distracted me, and before we got up for the 200 breast, she told me she loved me, and let's just do this, and that was all I needed to hear.”

Now that Lazor has won a bronze medal, she nows exactly how her dad would react if he were here with her, “He just loved watching me do what I love,” she told E! News, “so whether I got third or last today or broke a world record, he just would have loved to see me afterwards and get a nice meal with me.” He would be incredibly proud of her. Just like the rest of the country.

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