Toting around the right bag for your body type is an important fashion 'do', but what do you do when your natural silhouette now has a baby bump? The pregnancy bulge can't be hidden behind an oversized tote (nor should it be), so you need to find a bag that will complement your natural body shape and your outfit. Here are some tips for choosing the right type of tote when you're pregnant:

First, you need to steer clear of loud prints. Most women draw plenty of attention to the baby bump during the second and third trimester, so there's no need to add extra flair to your ensemble. If you need to sport an oversized tote for day-to-day travels, stick with simple lines and the single-color variety. A glossy patent leather tote or oversized bucket bag in your favorite color are great additions to the mom-to-be's wardrobe.

Second, make sure your bag has plenty of strap support. If you're carrying a laptop, heavy books and other accessories around all day, you need to make sure the straps on the bag will support your shoulders and upper back. Invest in a sturdy tote with thick handles and straps so that you are getting the support you need. When you're pregnant, aches and pains in the upper back and shoulders are more common, so you can take some preventive measures by toting around the right type of bag.

Finally, make sure the bag has plenty of compartments to keep you organized during your busy day. Pregnancy can make you more stressed out than usual, so the last thing you want to worry about is where all of your daily accessories and gadgets are. Find a durable, sturdy bag designed with extra compartments so that you can keep all of your daily essentials in order. You may need extra room for medication, relaxation tapes and a CD player, and your favorite book if you're heading out on an all-day trip.

There are dozens of fashionable and functional totes out there. Take the time to find a bag that suits your style and meets your everyday needs during pregnancy.

Whether you're traveling with a feisty toddler or a newborn that needs some extra special care, heading off to that next destination with an organized tote can save you a few headaches along the way. Instead of investing in a giant black-hole-of-a-bag that leaves you rummaging through dozens of accessories in an emergency situation, a tote equipped with compartments and zippers can help keep things organized and accessible.

Tote bags made with extra-cushioned handles and support straps are also excellent ways to save your back from unnecessary stress. Here are some absolute musts when it comes to selecting the right carryall for your busy travel days ahead:

1. Take a Sweet Escape. If you're looking for something simple and versatile, the O'Neill Sweet Escape might be your ideal match. This one's designed with double shoulder straps and a stylish faux leather trim; with two front pockets and plenty of zipped pockets for the cell phone and other gadgets, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the trip with your day's worth of supplies.

2. Spice up the Diaper Bag. Diaper bags that look like a structure-less bucket are cumbersome to tote around and hardly fashionable. Get your hands on a chic and stylish number from Sally Spicer for a designer look without the fuss. This one features a sturdy platform bottom and multiple slip pockets to keep you organized.

3. Power up the Stroller. The ultimate in versatility, the DadGear Totes are perfect for days when the stroller is going along the travel route with the family. This handy tote features two super-size pockets and small zippered compartments for easy storage. You've also got stroller straps right on the bag for easy carrying when the stroller is a necessity, but the bag can serve just as well as an independent carryall.

Whether you're heading out on a weekend picnic or battling through the crowds at the grocery store with kids in tow, a sturdy tote bag is all you need to make it a smooth-sailing trip. Just fill 'er up with diapers, toys, extra bottles and handiwipes so you're well-prepared for any mishap or temper tantrum along the way!

DadGear Totes