Parenting gear is no longer what it used to be: clunky, inefficient, and devoid of style. This social change has been ironically sponsored by what insiders call the “celebrity baby boom.” This boom is, of course, the trend for Hollywood and the fashion cultures to embrace parenting, not only in their personal lives, but also in popular culture. This social change has revolutionized all aspects of parenting, from parenting styles, education, and especially the “luxurization” of parenting products.

The most obvious example is working culture. More Fortune 500 companies than ever are trying to make it easier for employees to balance work and family life. For example, rooms that mother can feed in, baby-changing stations in bathrooms, and even corporate day-care centers are becoming less a fantasy and more a reality in many top corporations.

Now take another look at parenting gear. Designer diaper bags are one example of how a featureless product has been transformed by the shift in values that support parenting. Once clumsy and ugly, today’s diaper bags are stylish and full of accessories. This trend has spilled over into home comfort products as well; for instance a Barefoot Dreams knit for the living room to complement designer baby blankets is a choice that was not possible ten years ago This is modern parenting!