Perfect for Father’s Day (not to mention a baby shower or to announce your new arrival to the dad-to-be), this new dad survival kit is both fun and functional. A first-time dad kit will help him settle into his parenting role and get him excited about all the good times to come. Read on for how to create one for your man.
Keep Him Organized
If sleep deprivation has your man losing his glasses, this plant holder has a nose and ears to keep his frames at the ready for late-night feedings or early-morning walks. Use a marker to personalize it or leave him notes about what an awesome dad he is.
Available at 30watt.com, $16.
Gear Up for Outings
For the dude who travels light or doesn’t want to share a diaper bag, the Dad Hoodie (shown above) keeps your man looking cool while packing all the essentials he and your baby need. This soft hoodie sports mesh pockets that hold diapers, bottles, snacks and more without weighing down dad or making him look too bulky. Comes in four colors (heather gray, navy, charcoal and black) and five sizes (small-XX large); also comes as a vest in black ($78).
Available at thedadhoodie.com, $95.
Make Him Mr. Fix It
A Swiss army knife will keep him ready for any occasion or issue that comes up, from filing baby's sharp nails to cutting tags off new clothes.
Stock Up on the Basics…
Get Dad prepped for diaper-changing duty with a portable changing pad, diaper cream and his own stash of wipes and diapers. Look for a pad in neutral colors he’ll feel comfortable wearing, like the parent-favorite Pronto Signature Changing Station from Skip Hop.
And Then Make Him Laugh
Keep Daddy laughing through the biggest diaper blowouts with a few humorous (and inexpensive) accessories, like rubber gloves, a surgical mask, tongs and a drop sheet.
Show Him Love
Pick a onesie with a cute father-related saying splashed across the front, or buy a pint-size jersey from his favorite sports team. Baby and Daddy can have some quality time bonding during the games.
Silence Is Golden
Every new parent needs the occasional break. A pair of soundproof headphones will allow the new dad to tune it all out for a bit to recharge.
Read Between the Lines
Foster some daddy & baby bonding time by buying picture books and board books with him in mind. Kisses for Daddy by Frances Watts and David Legge, Daddy Hugs by Karen Katz and I Love My Daddy Because… by Laurel Porter-Gaylord are a few titles sure to become favorites for both of them.
Chocolate Treat
Add your favorite chocolate bar to your daddy survival kit with a label reading: “In case of emergency, give to Mommy.” You’ll get a laugh from your man and a good snack when you need it!
Smell the Coffee
Stock your daddy survival kit with his favorite caffeinated beverage or gift cards to his regular coffee shop where he can grab a cup to refuel.
A Bite to Eat
A man can’t live on caffeine alone, so be sure to include a nice selection of snacks. Make it salty or sweet, or some of each, for those times when he’s too wiped to whip up a meal. Snacks will keep him fueled up for helping out with all those middle-of-the-night feedings.
And Speaking of Beverages…
Buy him a mug that says “Number 1 Dad” or “Super Dad” or do good with the stylish Welly Bottle (shown above). The company donates a portion of profits to bringing clean water to those in need. This sleek bottle comes with a removable infuser for brewing tea or infusing fruit into his water. It keeps drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 14 hours.
Available on wellybottle.com.
Wrap It Up
Wrap up your gifts in the Dad Hoodie shown above, a sturdy plastic bucket or a laundry basket, all containers he’ll be able to use in his adventures in fatherhood.
—Katie L. Carroll
featured image: The Dad Hoodie
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