20 Women Who Put Their Baby Bump Shelf to Good Use

Many pregnant women love documenting their growing bump week after week. In the first and second trimester, it's exciting to see a tummy grow, to try on maternity clothes, and watch as people around who don't know the happy news start to give every loose sweater a close and questioning look. But at some point, there's just no hiding a baby bump, and struggling with everyday tasks, like getting dressed or climbing out of bed, leaves a pregnant mama to be feeling like that belly bump is constantly in the way. 

Still, as much as having a big baby bump can make a woman feel more like a bumbling Winnie the Pooh than an ethereal Mother Earth goddess, being big-time pregnant does have its advantages. 

Turns out that growing baby bump makes a perfect shelf for small (and depending on the size of the bump, not so small) and light objects. Having a traveling and self-portable shelf of one's own can come in handy, especially when it comes to having a place close on hand to keep snacks or needing a convenient place to stash the remote while watching TV. It's the perfect place to rest that morning cup of tea (decaf, naturally) or even organize yarn for a knitting project. 

These adorable baby bump shelf photos (or bump shelfies, for the 'grammers in the crowd), show us how expectant moms start working on those multitasking skills long before baby's even arrived. They're a great example of finding the fun in pregnancy, and make a wonderful keepsake to look back on and think, "Was my belly really that big?"

Snack Shelf

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vaila_ann/Instagram

Forget leaning over to the coffee table. A baby bump is a perfect place to set down snacks while watching TV.

Phone Holder

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tracymonts/Instagram

Use a baby bump as handy phone holder instead of running around the house going, "I know it's somewhere!"

Coffee Caddy

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kiiirstie/Instagram

Who needs a coaster when a baby bump is just as handy?

Craft Table

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pelk830/Instagram

Crafting room had to go to make way for the nursery? No worries, the bump has plenty of room to work.

It's a Big One

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katiebaringtn/Instagram

We've all seen the fun charts comparing baby's growth to various fruits, but being able to hold an entire lobster on a belly shelf is next level awesome.

Like an Extra Set of Hands

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katiemallwilliams/Instagram

Experienced moms know a baby bump shelf can be like an extra set of hands — perfect for snuggling big siblings.

Anti-Theft Device

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cassiesteele02/Instagram

A growing bump is super helpful for keeping curious pets away from those pregnancy craving snacks.

Handy Helpers

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erin.b.richards/Instagram

Having a baby bump is kinda like being a superhero: When we combine our powers we can do awesome things.

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kelseymischelle/Instagram

When baby is craving cookies, it's best to eat them straight from the bump, so LO knows they're coming. Sure, the doctors say the bellybutton isn't a peep hole that lets them see what's outside, but who knows, really?

Chip Bowl Goals

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chandraemurrell/Instagram

Growing a human takes so much energy that even simple chores, like washing a bowl, can be exhausting. This clever mama puts biology to good use instead and saves herself the cleanup.

Crumb Catcher

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mama.ferrell/Instagram

Not only does having a bump shelf come in super handy while eating breakfast during a morning commute, but it's also a perfect crumb catcher. Yay for cleaner car seats!

A Purrfect Snuggle Spot

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natandthelittle/Instagram

A baby bump shelf makes a great place to snuggle furbabies close.

Lunch Is Served

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sashalwatson/Instagram

Pregnancy achievement unlocked: Being able to fit one's entire lunch plate on a growing bump.

A Stable Smoothie

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jencthompson/Instagram

This mom to be has it all figured out. Healthy snack? Check. Relaxing read? Check. Now let's just hope that baby doesn't kick!

A Standing Ovation

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staceypressel/Instagram

Balancing a coffee cup on a bump while relaxing on the couch is easy. But getting a mug to stay put while standing? That's one magical baby bump shelf.

Ta-Da!

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kats_meeeow/Instagram

A great party trick for preggos? Tell friends this cup of water can magically balance without the help of hands.

Portable Spa

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jamjamjessie/Instagram

When sitting at the table is just too much, it's the bump shelf to the rescue!

Insta-Purse

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culver501/Instagram

It's hard enough to get dressed to go out when pregnant. Carrying a purse as well is just too much. It's baby bump shelf to the rescue to hold the essentials, like the phone.

Hydration Station

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jakedimare/Instagram

We're always hearing how important it is for a pregnant woman to stay hydrated. Thanks for the help, baby!

Breakfast Nook

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danyallen/Instagram

The first meal of the day is just more fun when eaten off a baby bump shelf.