From gender reveals to elegant baby showers, sometimes it can feel like all the focus is on the mother when it comes to a new arrival.
However, dads are just as excited — and probably even more nervous! — about the prospect of becoming a father for the first time.
What can you do to make them feel just as special as the mother, without making them sit through endless luncheons and baby clothing swaps?
Create a new dad survival kit that will help them feel prepared to tackle the challenges of parenting head on.
Stumped on what to include? Don’t worry — just keep reading!
Some Baby Essentials
Let’s face it: when it comes to successfully completing a grocery store run, most dads don’t exactly have the greatest track record. Plus, new parents would much rather use any extra time to sleep instead of running to the grocery store to restock on baby items.
Make the new dad in your life’s first few months of fatherhood a little bit easier by creating a festive kit of baby essentials.
Start by picking up some organic hypoallergenic formula, which is made on a chemical/pesticide-free farm.
For many new parents, it can be a real struggle to figure out what their baby might be allergic to. And for fathers especially, watching new moms struggle with breastfeeding can be frustrating.
Just in case things don’t go as smoothly with the baby’s breastfeeding and diet as the parents had hoped, be sure to include some formula in your new dad survival kit.
Also, be sure to throw in a few packs of hypoallergenic diapers, like the Pure & Natural option from Huggies. These types of diapers work wonders on babies with sensitive skin and ensure that little ones aren’t exposed to any harsh dyes or chemicals.
A Gift Card To A Night Out
When you’re a new parent, it can be tough to make time for date night.
However, since communication between parents is now more important than ever, there’s absolutely nothing selfish about taking some time away from the baby.
Oftentimes, the mother will feel guilty about leaving the child behind. So, it’s usually up to the new dad to plan a romantic date night and encourage the mother to get out of the house.
Help out the new dad in your life by throwing in a gift card to his favorite restaurant — with an expiration date that comes within the first few months after birth. You take the burden off of the father, both when it comes to planning the date and picking up the tab.
You might even throw in an offer to watch the baby yourself for a few hours while mommy and daddy are out at their favorite restaurant.
A Coffee And A Cup
Caffeine: it’s every new father’s best friend. However, when the coffee runs out on a new parent, disaster can strike.
Ensure that the dad-to-be never has to go without by picking up a premium blend to include in your new dad survival kit. You can pick up his favorite roast, or help him find something new by including several sample packets of different blends.
Don’t forget to include a few packets of sugar as well.
Of course, he’ll also need something to enjoy that coffee from. While novelty mugs might be fun, they’re not the right choice for a dad that’s on the go. Instead, get him a portable mug with a tight lid.
He can even use it while inside the house. After all, babies are notorious for knocking things over, so this will help him to contain any spills.
A Parenting Book
Another item you should be sure to include in your new dad survival kit?
One of your favorite parenting books.
Dads, just like moms, can feel completely under-qualified and under-prepared for the job of being a parent. The truth is that no one will ever be truly “ready” to have kids and that there’s never really the “perfect time” to become a parent.
However, knowing what’s normal and getting familiar with a few different parenting styles can help a father-to-be feel more prepared for what’s to come.
Make sure to write an encouraging inscription on the inside to help calm the father’s nerves. You might also include your cell phone number so that they can call you when they encounter an unfamiliar situation.
Presentation is Key
Now that you know what items to include in your new dad survival kit, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll wrap it all up.
We love the idea of putting all of your items inside a beer cooler that you’ve decorated to the new dad’s specifications. Don’t forget to throw in a six-pack for good measure!
If the dad-to-be isn’t a drinker, you can also decorate a beach bucket and place all of your items inside of it. Tie it all up with a bow the color of the new baby’s gender (if it’s still unknown, go with yellow or purple.)
Ready To Create Your New Dad Survival Kit?
Now that you’re inspired to create your own new dad survival kit, what other items will you include? What helped you to get through your first few months of parenting?
Let us know in the comments section below, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for more updates and ideas!
Looking for ideas on how to decorate a baby’s nursery? Want to steal a few more parenting hacks?
Spend some time on our website to learn more about how to actually achieve parenting nirvana, and don’t forget to share pics of the dads-to-be in your life unwrapping their survival kits!