CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

The 10 Best Baby Trends on Instagram in 2018

From letter boards to coffee butts and everything in between, here’s what parents were loving this year.
save article
profile picture of Nathalie Kirby
By Nathalie Kirby, Assistant Social Media Editor
Updated December 21, 2018
collage of phones with instagram motif
Image: Christine Harris

There are so many moments in life that have you reaching for your phone, but only a select few end up being Instagram-worthy. Apparently great minds think alike, because several distinct trends surfaced on the social media platform this year—from the super cute to the super silly, plus a few things in between. Let’s take a scroll down memory lane, shall we?

1. Letter Boards

If you thought letter boards were so last year, think again. Letter boards are taking over the gram for the second year in a row, and honestly, we can’t get enough. A picture might be worth a thousand words, but nothing can crack a joke or spread a positive message like a letter board can. Consider these changeable signs here to stay.

2. Proud Postpartum Bodies

Like letter boards, we’re seeing last year’s surge in mom confidence about their postpartum bodies still going strong. Women are snapping pics and showing off the incredible bodies that carried their little ones into this world–and we’re all about it! From stretch marks and scars to curves and sags, these trend-drivers are embracing the physical mementos of motherhood and inspiring others to do the same.

3. Baby Baskets

Newborn photoshoots are undeniably Instagram-worthy, but in 2018 they got an upgrade. There’s just something about a baby in a basket that made Instagram (and us!) swoon. Add some fun props and a festive baby headband, and you’re on your way to creating a seriously trendy newborn photo.

Image: Melissa

4. Baby Headbands

From stripes to solids and everything in between, headbands for little heads graced our Instagram feeds this year. All we have to say is, can we get those in our size?

5. Coffee Butts

Caffeine is a parent’s lifeblood, so it’s no surprise coffee butts are cropping up all over Instagram. These cute shots are simple to create–just lay baby belly-down on a cute blanket, grab your cup of joe and carefully hover it above baby’s sweet tush! Since there’s rarely a moment you’re without a coffee in hand (are we right?), this is an easy trend to recreate on the fly.

Related Video
Image: Bridget

6. Baby Shark

No matter what your opinion is of the smash hit children’s song “Baby Shark,” one thing’s for sure–it was an Instagram staple this year. Parents everywhere took to Instagram to share their feelings about the notorious shark family, and boy did it go viral. Love it or hate it, Instagram has a lot to say about “Baby Shark.”

Image: Jesse

7. Bee and Mae Tees

Building off last year’s craze over the ever-so-popular Mama Bear tee, Bee and Mae’s adorable T-shirts and onesies were definitely having a moment in 2018. With heartwarming sayings for parents and babies alike, Bee and Mae shirts revel in how magical parenthood really is.

Image: Anaise

8. Mirror Selfies

The Instagram of 2018 is a far departure from Instagram’s past. You can say goodbye to polished perfection and hello to the low-maintenance mirror selfie. Whether moms were showing off their bumps or their babes, the mirror selfie was everywhere. Call it parents’ way of rejecting the fantasy ideal of social media and embracing real life’s perfect imperfections.

9. Normalizing Breastfeeding

Moms on Instagram got real this year and proved there’s nothing shameful or indiscreet about breastfeeding. Women all over the internet–from Chrissy Teigen to the mom-next-door–are sharing snapshots and stories of their intimate breastfeeding journeys, and they’re not holding back.

10. #TBT Onesies

What’s better than posting a #TBT? Letting your little one in on the trend! Babies all over Instagram were sporting sonogram throwback onesies this year–whether it was Thursday or not.

Posted December 2018

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

the bump podcast no guide for this
‘No Guide for This’: The Bump Vodcast on Adulting With Kids
By Ashlee Neuman
katie austin maternity portraits
Katie Austin on Redefining Strength and Protecting Her Peace
By Lauren Barth
Sami Spalter
Sami Spalter on Her Fitness Journey, the Fourth Trimester and More
By Lauren Barth
ADVERTISEMENT
Iskra Lawrence and family
Iskra Lawrence on Motherhood Must-Haves, Boundaries and Setting Goals
By Lauren Barth
mother kissing her toddler son at home
Coping in Crisis: How to Be a Present Parent During Difficult Times
By The Bump Editors
mom bonding with baby, maternal instinct
Is Maternal Instinct Real—And When Will Your Caregiving Drive Kick In?
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
loving family with toddler and pregnant mom outside of their home
These Are the Best and Worst States to Raise a Family in 2026
By Natalie Gontcharova
ADVERTISEMENT
mom holding newborn baby at home
Real Moms on the 9 Motherhood Milestones Worth Celebrating in Year One
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
single mom walking with toddler in field
I’m a Single Mom by Choice—Here’s What to Know About Living the SMC Life
Fact Checked by G. O’Hara
parents having a picnic with child on a summer day in the park
73% of Parents Say They've Embraced 'Type C' Parenting This Summer
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Latham Thomas Peaceful Parenting Audiobook
Latham Thomas on Slowing Down and Reflecting in Pregnancy, Postpartum and Parenting
By Nehal Aggarwal
group of smiling moms sitting on couch with their babies
Which “Mom Type” Are You?
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
father watching toddler draw on the walls FAFO parenting style
Should You Embrace the So-Called FAFO Parenting Trend?
Fact Checked by G. O’Hara
ADVERTISEMENT
mom and baby looking at ipad at home
Are You a Silky Mom? Here’s How to Tell
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
mom and baby playing outside
Are You a Crunchy Mom? Here’s How to Tell
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
happy mom and dad with baby
One and Done: The Many Reasons I Chose to “Only” Have One Child
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
mom watching toddler play with chalk outside
What Is a Helicopter Parent? (and How to Tell If You’re One)
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
parents kissing and cuddling baby
Cuteness Aggression—Science (and Real Parents) Explain the Urge to Eat Baby’s Face Up
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
dad wiping baby's mouth after spitting up
When Do Babies Stop Spitting Up? (And How Much Spit Up Is Normal?)
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
the bump podcast no guide for this episode 8 with caroline baudino
‘No Guide for This’ Episode 8: How To Keep It Hot
By Natalie Gontcharova
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List