The Best Pregnancy and Baby Gear for Plus-Size Parents

While I’ve typically just sized up on my usual favorite undies during pregnancy, this time around, I was irritated by the waist band and searched for maternity underwear. My favorite has been Momcozy’s Highwaisted Seamless Soft Belly Support Panties; these easily go up and over the bump, help round out my B-belly (what’s a B-belly? Imagine turning to the side: instead of the pregnant belly looking like a capital D, it looks like a capital B), and have plenty of stretch to them for when the bump goes from basketball to beach ball.

This neutral-colored moisture-wicking set costs just under $30 for three pairs and is available in sizes up to a 3XL, which accommodates hips up to 54”. Tip: While the label says handwash only, mine have held up well without hand-washing, though individual results may vary. “I’m a size 22. Heavier on the bottom,” says one parent. “There is no cutting or digging in my thighs—I love these panties. This is all I’m wearing.”

Belly bands offer minimal support but can smooth out a B-belly under your clothes and help round your shape. Belevation’s Belly Band goes up to a plus size 26, and was soft but still felt very durable and provided just the right amount of compression and support to round and slightly lift the bump. People who prefer shorts (great for under dresses) will find a similar feel in their petti-pant, which also goes up to a plus size 26 and can help fend off chub rub in the warmer months.

These physically lift up your abdomen/bump to redirect some pressure on your lower back, one plus-size parent spoke highly of the band, saying “I got this to help with my belly since I’m carrying my third child low. It’s helped a bit with my back pains I deal with from working on my feet for 8 hours. I am plus size, size 1xl/2xl and about 300 pounds. I have a good amount of room to grow into this. It’s easy to put on, and it’s pretty comfortable. I use it over an undershirt for extra comfort.” I’ve been gravitating towards mine and it is helping soothe some of the last trimester back aches.

Belly Binder options for plus-size people seem alarmingly slim, though some hospitals might carry larger sizes (I recommend you call your labor and delivery department to ask). If you’re in a bind (see what I did there?), you can find options geared towards recovery from bariatric procedures on Amazon. A note to manufacturers: more options for larger bodied folks would be much appreciated!

While a labor gown isn’t a must-have since hospitals will provide one for you, it’s a nice-to-have for your comfort, and bonus, you might feel better for those so-sweet after delivery pictures. I love the Lila Labor Gown, a soft rayon/spandex stretchy blend with a figure flattering drape and three-quarter sleeves. There’s a snap-off chest panel for skin-to-skin and nursing, an adjustable neck tie and low open back.  I also can’t help but swoon over the cuteness of the matching swaddle/hat/bow combo for baby, available in all of their colors and prints. While the price is on the higher end for delivery gowns, the quality, inclusivity (accommodating up to a size 30), and many colors and styles make it worth it.

My favorite reusable underwear are also in our Best Postpartum Underwear Guide, the Thinx Everyday Comfort Brief. They go up to a size 4X, listed as a 30W in jeans.

While we’d say finding a comfortable, affordable bra at any size is a challenge, factoring in the fluctuating sizes of pregnancy and postpartum adds an additional layer of complexity. I’m normally a 46D and found I needed to size up a whole cup size during this pregnancy. The bra I kept reaching for during testing was the oh-so-stretchy and comfy Allie bra 2.0 by Little Milk Bar. 

What I loved: three snaps for easy access to whip a boob out, its ability to hold wearable pumps without stretching out, and the fact that it's soft enough to sleep in. The adorable tie dye patterns with matching shorts were a win, too. Their sizing chart says the 2X/3X will fit up to a 40H, but again, as a 46D, I had no problems with fit.

I tried a handful of plus-size pumping bras, and have to give a shout out to the budget-friendly Momcozy 4-in-1 Hands Free Pumping Bra. It goes up to a size 4XL (46DD) and has wide, spongy straps, an opening for flanges, pull down cups with clips for nursing, and soft padding in the cups. I appreciated the cheeky leopard print pattern, since most nursing bras come in standard neutral colors. A nice touch: Momcozy includes a separate bra extender with the bra, so if your size fluctuates, you can go bigger if need be, and size down later on.

The size-friendly standout in this category is the My Brest Friend Plus Size Nursing Pillow. With roomy velcro waist straps that go to 46” and padded lumbar support, this felt like a cozy baby-feeding table propped up right at chest level. Due to its heft, it wouldn’t be a great option for taking on the go, but convenient details like the silent release straps for when baby falls asleep, pocket for your water bottle, and the large, firm and flat feeding space make this a nursing time upgrade.

When you have larger breasts and a wider chest, finding the right wearable pump is more than just about asking “which pump is strongest?” You’ll also want to consider:

• Flanges that fit correctly to prevent pinching, pain or reduced output.

• Cups that can hold a decent volume to reduce mid-pump bottle changes.

• A pump that can handle your milk flow without leaking or shifting when you move.

• Discreet enough to wear while folding laundry, chasing a toddler or taking that Zoom meeting without worrying it’ll fall out.

Heavy folks across the Internet rave about the affordable Momcozy Double S12 Pro Electric Wearable Breast Pump. “I’m a large breasted woman and exclusively pump and these work great, 10/10 would recommend,” said one parent. A user on Reddit noted that she feels the S12 has a slightly bigger collection cup than other pumps, and is impressed with the emptying of her 38DD breasts.

Traditional nursery rocking chairs tend to fall into the “one size fits all” spectrum—which doesn’t actually cover all. Always check the max weight limit in the product details and description, as well as the width of the chair seat and pad—there are inner mechanisms, especially with gliders, that can warp and buckle, making it a potentially unsafe situation. If you’re not finding the right fit, considering a “chair and a half” or oversized model is also a good call for extra room and support. We liked this model by Namesake, but note the weight limit tops out at 300 pounds.

This beautifully modern yet understated glider holds up to 400 pounds, swivels 360 degrees, and is well-priced. “As a larger-bodied person, it was important to me to find an affordable chair that can support heavier weights. It's comfortable, quiet and a great addition to our nursery,” shared one parent. However, at just a smidge over 22”, the width of the seat could feel narrow to some.

Tula is a long-time favorite of larger-bodied people, with the easy-to-adjust Tula Mesh Explore Baby Carrier topping the list for inclusivity (the waistband goes up to 4X or 57”, with a complimentary 10” extender available upon request) and comfort (breathable mesh is perfect for sticky days or the warmth of a snuggly baby). Plus, the patterns, prints and colors make this carrier not just reliable and safe to wear, but downright fun.

Ring slings are far easier to get on and off than a baby wrap, which can be a big plus for some parents who need to use the sling multiple times a day. People rave about the ease of adjustment for breastfeeding and their compactness, and they also fit all body types and can be used up until toddlerhood.

However, because all the weight rests on one shoulder, ring slings aren't as comfortable as baby wraps, and aren't recommended for long-term wear. The Wildbird Linen Ring Sling in extra long is our pick, which has 90” of fabric for a longer tie (most ring slings are 74”). It comes pre-washed, so it’s noticeably softer out of the box than some linen carriers, and gets softer with each wear. Curious about ring slings and how to use them? Check out our guide to the Best Ring Slings.

Our tried and true wrap recommendation is the Moby Classic Wrap. “Being plus sized it’s hard to find carriers that will fit you comfortably, but I’m in love with this one!” said one parent. The Moby Wrap is one, super-long piece of stretchy cotton jersey (18’, to be exact) that wraps around you and your baby and encourages the skin-to-skin contact babies crave. While wearing a wrap takes a little bit to get used to and figure out, it pays to learn it; the even distribution of weight on your body along with the fact you can wear it from the newborn days up until 33 pounds means you’ll have plenty of longevity.

It’s hard not to rave about almost every feature of a rotating car seat, and here’s one more reason they’re a game-changer. For plus-sized people, a rotating car seat can be a huge relief: instead of lifting your rapidly growing kiddo in and out of the seat, just turn it to face you to buckle them in and out, reducing strain on your upper body. Our pick? The Joie Chili Spin SI 2-in-1, which can be used from 4 pounds all the way up until 40 pounds and 43” in rear-facing mode, and up to 65 lbs and 49” when forward-facing. Two others that Babylist editors like: the Chicco Fit360 and the Cybex Callisto G 360. We also break down several options in our Best Rotating Car Seats guide.