As a new dad, I was thrilled to get my hands on all of the baby gear we had. It felt like I was finally doing something right as a parent, but there were some things that were just too girly for my taste. It might be easy to assume that your partner or spouse would love any item of baby gear you get them, but that’s not always the case! Here are some examples of baby gear I found myself not liking so much after bringing it home:
baby bottle
The most important thing to consider when you’re purchasing a bottle is how easy it will be for you to clean. The last thing you want to do after a long day of wrangling your little one is spend another hour scrubbing out their bottles and pacifiers.
You should also think about the ease of holding and pouring the bottle, since these are things you’ll be doing multiple times per day, every day. You don’t want something too heavy or awkward to hold in your hand while sitting on the couch watching Netflix with your baby in your lap!
And finally, consider how easy it will be for you store all of these bottles as well as other baby gear like pacifiers and sippy cups. If it’s too bulky or tall, then organizing cabinets at home could become an issue (no one likes having their kitchen drawers overflow).
diaper changing pad
A diaper changing pad is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated baby gear items out there. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I planned on using a changing table that attached to my dresser with no thought whatsoever to getting a pad for it. Then at my shower, someone gave me one and I realized how much cleaner our clothes would be if we had one. Since then, I’ve bought two more pads (one for each kid) and would recommend it as a must-have item for any home with babies or kids.
baby blanket
A baby blanket is one of the first pieces of gear you need for your newborn. It can be used as a swaddle for newborns, as a play mat for babies who are learning to sit up, and even as a cover for your car seat or stroller. A soft, breathable blanket will make your baby feel safe and secure after they’re born.
If you haven’t already purchased one, we recommend getting at least two: one short-length and one longer-length option that can double as a nursing cover when you’re out in public while breastfeeding or bottle feeding the little one!
baby bath
- Babyshower tub. This is a great gift for the parents of a newborn, so they can take their baby to the shower together and bring it home in style.
- Baby bath seat. If you want your baby to be able to sit up in the bathtub, this seat will make it easier for everyone involved!
- Baby bath sponge: Do you want your baby’s skin soft and smooth? Then give them this bath sponge so they don’t get that nasty cradle cap!
- Baby shampoo: Use this mild shampoo on your infant’s hair and body after every shower or bath time — but not before because they need their natural oils in order to stay healthy!
baby wipes
Baby wipes are essential for cleaning baby’s bottom, face, hands and toys. They’re also great for cleaning surfaces like changing tables and diaper pails. The best baby wipes are unscented so you don’t have to worry about irritating your baby’s skin.
baby hat
What to look for in a baby hat
When choosing a baby hat, there’s no need to go overboard with the options. Consider keeping it simple and going with a classic style that you may use long after your child has outgrown their infant head size. A soft knit and an adjustable strap will keep them cozy as they grow into toddlerhood, too.
pacifier
A pacifier is a great way to help your baby fall asleep fast and stay asleep longer. A pacifier can also help your baby sleep better, because it helps with sucking and calming down. It’s also a good idea to keep one in the diaper bag for when you’re out and about, or when you have naps scheduled during the day. The Real Baby Bottle Company makes silicone pacifiers that are BPA, PVC and phthalate-free; all three of which are chemicals you want to avoid using around babies!
diaper bag or backpack
Diaper bags are typically larger than purses and come with a variety of pockets, sections, and compartments that can help you keep your gear organized. They often have special features like insulated bottles holders or extra-large pockets for diapers and wipes. Some diaper bags have a changing pad built into them so you don’t have to carry one along with everything else in the bag.
Some moms prefer using backpacks over traditional diaper bags because they’re more comfortable on their shoulders or backs (even when fully loaded), but it’s really personal preference! As long as it has nice storage space for all your stuff without making it too heavy—and works with whatever outfit you’re wearing at any given time—you’ll be good to go!
A lot of dads love using their own baby gear!
Dads are often the ones who get to spend more time with their babies than other family members, so it’s important to give them gear that will help them feel confident and comfortable. Dad gear is a great way for dads to take care of their babies, bond with them, and give them the best possible start in life.
- Get your baby used to your scent: If you’re planning on breastfeeding or pumping breast milk while you’re away from home, consider getting a pouch that allows you to store and transport breast milk (if this isn’t already included in your mom bag). This way, if there’s an emergency at daycare or with another caregiver (such as if they forget something), they can still feed baby using pumped breast milk!
- Bond with your baby: You’ll need a place where baby can sleep safely while unsupervised during nap time or overnight stays at grandparents’ houses. A bassinet placed near the couch would work well–just make sure it’s secure enough not fall off onto the floor below!
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that all babies are different and every family will have their own preferences when it comes to what kind of baby gear they want or need. But as we’ve seen in this article, there is a lot of great stuff out there for dads who want to help with baby care!