Looking for baby stuff for dads he’ll actually use? Take a look at the new dad must haves and gadgets every father is sure to love.
My husband took one glance at the baby wrap I bought for us and looked at me like I’d lost my mind. He was on board with baby wearing, but he clearly had a preference for color, something he’d feel good wearing outside.
So it was no surprise that when we had twins a few years later (and would need two wraps), he immediately ordered another one for himself—in black.
Just a few short decades ago, we didn’t expect dads to push strollers or change diapers.
Thankfully, we’ve made a few strides, and dads these days are taking an active role in parenthood. From childcare to household duties to balancing work, dads have taken it upon themselves to be more present in their children’s lives.
Top baby stuff for dads
Still, you can’t deny that many men would like baby stuff for dads they can use and appreciate. New dad gadgets that don’t seem like mom’s stuff passed on to them, but things they’ve chosen for themselves.
So I came up with my top picks for baby items dads are sure to love. Because while baby registry lists are chock full of items for moms and babies, you don’t always find baby registry items for dad.
Take a look at a few items dad would love:
1. Diaper backpack
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Your diaper bag will go everywhere with the baby. Treat dad to one that’s catered to him, or one that’s unisex you can both use.
A backpack is ideal, since it distributes the weight evenly between your shoulders. But make sure to get a diaper backpack instead of a regular one. Many come with insulated pockets and portable changing pads.
Free resource: Buying things for dad is just one of the things you need to do before the baby arrives. I created a checklist of all the things to get done before the baby is born. Join my newsletter and download your printable checklist below—at no cost to you:
2. Baby carrier
Taking the baby for a walk or even to calm him down to sleep is a fantastic way for dad to care for the little one. But a baby carrier or wrap he can wear out and about will make him feel and look more comfortable. Take a look at these baby carriers:
3. Baby books
I don’t know how many baby books my husband and I read before and during those early months with the baby (it was a lot). But these are some of my favorites, from getting sleep to child development:
- On Becoming Baby Wise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep
- The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer
- Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five
- Get Your Baby to Sleep without Being Held
4. Jogging stroller
Does dad like to get exercise? A jogging stroller would make a perfect addition to your baby gear, allowing him to take the baby out for a run:
5. Coffee travel mug
My husband, until now, will start his day with a cup of coffee. A sleep, travel coffee mug would make a great gift for those sleep-deprived days:
6. Children’s books about dads
Reading continues to be one of our favorite activities to do with our kids, and it all started right at infancy. Even better: give dad a few children’s books about dads, whether as a gift or just because. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer
- The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Dad! by Jan Berenstain and Mike Berenstain
- Me and My Dad! by Alison Ritchie and Alison Edgson
- I Love You Daddy by Jillian Harker and Kristina Stephenson
- I Love My Daddy Because… by Laurel Porter Gaylord and Ashley Wolff
7. Hiking baby carrier
My family and I go on a few hikes, especially now that we’ve moved closer to the mountains and trails. And I’ll always see a dad with a baby strapped to his back with these pretty cool hiking baby carriers.
As you might imagine, hiking with a regular wrap or carrier doesn’t do well for balance or baby’s safety. If dad is a hiking fan, these carriers are sure to make those outings that much more fun:
8. Team onesies
Is your partner a sports fan? Gift him with matching jerseys and onesies, featuring his favorite team! My husband would often buy onesies and kid-size jersey of Liverpool Football Club. You’re sure to find baby or children’s clothes from his favorite team.
Conclusion
We’ve come a long way from the days when dads wouldn’t be caught toting a diaper bag or taking part in childcare duties. Now we even have baby gear for dads they can use and appreciate.
Baby carriers and hiking baby carriers allow them to take the little one out in style. A diaper backpack will make bringing baby’s items sleek and convenient. A jogging stroller makes for regular exercise, and even better if both of them are wearing matching team outfits.
Don’t forget a quality coffee travel mug to stay alert on the go. Baby books will give tons of information about sleep and child development. And encourage special bonding time with children’s books about dads.
So go ahead and add these items to your registry list, or gift them to the dad in your life. And if your husband is anything like mine, make sure to get the baby carrier in black.
Get more tips:
- Dads Are Co-Parents, Not Babysitters
- 5 Useful Tips for New Dads in the Newborn Stage
- Top Gifts for Expectant Dads That Are Cool
- 15 Children’s Books about Dads
- Dad Bashing: Why We Need to Stop Making Fun of Dads
Don’t forget: Join my newsletter and download your printable checklist below—at no cost to you:
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