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Last weekend, while our big girls were with the grandparents, my wife and I had some alone time…with our two-year-old. We threw on her water shoes and headed to the creek to let her splash around, find snails, and chase crayfish. Thinking she’d only go in ankle-deep, we put her in shorts and a t-shirt, no bathing suit required. About ten minutes in, I looked back to see my baby girl sitting on the creek bed, water up to her chest, laughing ribbons and holding a rock she was sure had been a buried treasure. I laughed with her, took a few pictures, and didn’t give a second thought to the wet clothes. No big deal. I had my dad bag.
The dad bag isn’t a new-age, hipster thing, and it's way more than a man's diaper bag. It’s a pragmatic way of keeping all of your dad essentials in one spot. The backseat of my SUV has three car seats, sundry stuffed animals, at least two bowls worth of loose cheerios. And on the floor, behind the passenger’s seat, my seven-year-old Cole Haan leather bag sits ready to assist in whatever curveball my kids may throw at me, whether it be chapped lips, dirty hands, or crayfish-catching clothes.
If you’re about to become a dad, or you’re already a dad but realize you need to up your preparedness, then here are the dad bag basics:
The Dad Bag Essential Contents
Depending on the age of your kid(s), your essentials may vary. Here are a few safe bets:
Two diapers or pull ups (because one isn’t enough, and three is too bulky)
Baby-wipes – get a refillable pack, and remember they’re not just for bums. Baby wipes are often your only defense against sticky hands. And kids’ hands are ALWAYS sticky.
A burp cloth (or even a small tea towel)
One serving of whatever your kid is currently eating (dry formula, baby food, a pouch)
Plastic bags for soiled diapers. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you use up these bags. Poop diapers, puke burp cloths, creek water clothing, it all goes in the bag until we can get home.
A toy or board book your kid will play with while they’re sitting in a shopping cart (if it’s a toy that makes noise, make sure it has a volume-off button)
Summer time? Sunscreen and bug spray (kid friendly)
Camera. I’m sure I’ll get some backlash on this one. I know cell phones take great pictures, but how many of those pictures are hanging on your walls right now? Get a pocketable camera, and take real, intentional pictures of your kid. Then hang them on your walls. If you’re feeling extra fancy, read my guide about getting into 35 mm film cameras.
Granola bar. This is for you, especially if you have a newborn. You’re already sleep deprived, and you still have to eat too, dad.
Dad Bag Profiles
There are three materials you should consider for your dad bag: leather, canvas, and nylon. Also consider the style of the bag – do you want a messenger bag with a crossbody strap or a traditional backpack? Ultimately, this all comes down to personal preference, so try on a few and decide which you like best.
Leather
I’ve carried a leather bag since college. I love the way leather ages; the scratches, the patina, to me, it all tells a story. So when it came time for me to get a dad bag, there was only one choice. My Cole Haan messenger has taken a beating over the years, and it’s held up swimmingly. My one lament is that it’s not as capacious as a traditional backpack; however, this has forced intentionality on my part as to what needs to be in the bag.
Canvas
There’s a refined ruggedness to canvas: it’s strong, yet soft, handsome, yet unintimidated by the elements. The canvas dad bag is an outstanding choice for the dad who wants something lighter weight than leather and that won’t get easily ruined by a downpour. Canvas won’t hold it’s form as well as leather, but this can be an advantage (especially if you have a small car).
Nylon
If you're the outdoors dad, you need a nylon or polyester bag. Nylon and polyester are waterproof, vegan, and their nonpareil durability makes them an economical choice as well.
Dive Deeper:
How to Calm a Crying Baby, As Told By a Pediatrician of 30 Years
The Endorsem*nt – Expecting a kid? The Case for Dadchelor Parties
Bags for Dads provides fathers with basic necessities such as a comb, a toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, and other items inside a sturdy duffel bag so they have the fundamental tools and dignity, and the encouragement that someone cares, to be a successful parent after release.
Every dad's packing list will be different, but some of the basics that should be included are a change of clothes for the baby, diapers, wipes, a pacifier, and a blanket. It's also important to pack a few snacks and drinks for the dad, since labor can be a long process!
The answer is yes. A lot of articles that pose that kind of question in their title might make you read all the way to the end before you get the answer, but not this one. For now, let's skip all that, because this is important: dads need a diaper bag.
A bag daddy, or sometimes just called a “bagger” is a term used by sex workers to refer to a rather undesirable customer who is nasty looking, ugly, or unclean or otherwise unsavory; who is usually an unpleasant experience but you do it anyway because be pays really really well.
The Daddy Pack™ is a creatively packaged, comprehensive set of resources for expectant dads and dads of young children that contains knowledge and skill-building brochures and an interactive CD-ROM.
Sleep accessories: your own pillow and blankets from home. Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and more. Eyewear: glasses, contact lenses, and contact solution, if needed. Healthy snacks: pack things like trail mix, fruits, veggies, and more.
As a birth partner, whether you're the dad, friend, partner, or family member, you might also want to pack a hospital bag with some things you'll find useful for your time supporting your loved one in the hospital:Snacks and water. Labor can be thirsty work even for supportive partners.
Most parents and new babies go home together within a couple of days. It all depends on how your delivery went, how you're feeling, and whether you or your baby need special care. While you recover, your partner can be with you at any time, or the entire time.
The “mom bag” has a bad connotation, and not everyone wants to carry a traditional purse, so a repurposed diaper bag, especially a stylish or gender-neutral one, is a sleek yet functional way to go out on the town with young kids who still need lots of stuff like snacks, extra undies, and plastic dinosaurs.
As your child starts potty training around age 2 to 3, you may need the diaper bag less frequently, or a smaller bag. Once your child is fully potty trained and no longer requires diapers and related supplies, you may want to transition from a diaper bag to a regular bag or backpack.
A diaper bag should be large enough to fit essentials like diapers, wipes, a changing pad, extra clothes, and bottles, but it should also be manageable to carry and store, whether under a stroller or on your back. Opt for a bag with smart storage solutions that maximize space without adding unnecessary bulk.
In the modern era, a man bag can consist of many different styles and materials. These range from the classic messenger bag, which was used to deliver mail historically, to larger duffel bags that people take to the gym or whilst they are travelling.
Girl Dad is defined as “proud father of one or more daughters; inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.” Product Details: • 100% ring-spun cotton.
What's inside the box? Each Essentials box contains 4-5 products, such as: - Soap, hand sanitizer, and other self-care items to keep Dad clean through all those diaper changes! - Dad-themed items to help him feel less ignored and more appreciated. - Books, toys and items for baby, to help Dad and baby bond!
Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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