I’m currently 33 weeks pregnant with our sweet Baby No. 3 and I’m feeling entirely under prepared for his or her arrival. I’ve pretty much been nesting in every area of my home OTHER than the nursery. I just don’t want to buy e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g grey due to the gender surprise this time… but, I’m also getting anxious in this high risk pregnancy as to when the baby will arrive, so I feel more pressure to wrap things up and just make some darn purchases. {I mean, at 33 weeks, I’m just TWO weeks away from when I delivered Sylvie. That fact does make me sweat a bit.}

Progress: I went on a little shopping outing last weekend and have been ordering a few items online, too, just so our nursery is in place within the next week or two + also so that this love bug will have something to wear (that is not pink). I DO want this baby to feel special!

I don’t have many big purchases to make since this is our third baby and we have most everything a wee little one could ever need, but as I’m preparing our home and nursery, I thought back to what a dad needs to be prepared too. Yes, on the first hand I want to say nothing. A dad needs absolutely nothing for a baby. But, we’ve learned a thing or two as to what may be helpful for Dad to have before a new baby arrives so I thought I’d share with you our list.

*This post does contain affiliate links (below).

WHAT A DAD REALLY NEEDS FOR A NEW BABY

Diaper Bag

I was against this at first. A) I don’t like spending money; and B) If the kids are there, we are most likely together as a family, so why does Dad need a separate bag? Well, come to find out there ARE times when Dad is on duty and my Lily Jade or Timi & Leslie bag just don’t quite fit the bill. Finding something manly, durable and functional was important — as well as affordable. Even more important for me though, Dad is in charge of keeping his bag stocked (not simply by taking items out of my diaper bag and transferring them to his).

Note: This manly messenger bag option is very popular and what we have, however there are a lot of backpack options now on the market!

 

Car Seat Base | Mirror

Getting a car seat base for each of our vehicles made our lives so much easier. The click in technology of infant seats is just so convenient! We also chose to use seat protectors and (especially when they are little and rear facing) like to have the mirror attachment for the seat.

Note: We have used the Peg Perego Infant Car Seat + base and love it!

Stroller (WITH Tutorial)

A good stroller is essential! We don’t have a separate stroller for Dad, but we did invest in a really good one: The Baby Jogger Double Stroller by City Select. Yes, this an expense, but take it from someone who doesn’t like to spend — it is well worth it. Make sure your stroller is set up appropriately for how many kiddos you have and give Dad a good tutorial on putting it together + folding it up to fit in the trunk of the car.

Parts you may need for this stroller:
Extra Seat
Car Seat Adapter (Check your brand of infant seat with the options!)
Glider Board
Parent Console
Snack Tray

Bottles | Bottle Brush | Drying Rack

I’ve been a breastfeeding mom and I’m really looking forward to that experience again this time around. I also pump and have breaks away from my babies, so setting Dad up with bottles, a bottle brush and drying station is key. Don’t forget to give him a run down on how you handle breast milk, too!

Infant Bath

Bath time is a great opportunity to get Dads involved in the care of a newborn. I remember with our first baby, feeling like she needed me constantly because she was always hungry + I was her milk source, so allowing Dad to get involved in bath time and sometimes taking those few minutes to myself was a nice little refresh.

Note: I also LOVE the Blooming Bath in the sink as another option!

Baby Monitor

Okay, so you’ll both need and want this, but Dad and technology just kind of go together. Right? I also believe that when those night time feeds start to stretch out or you (mama) can take a longer stretch of sleep here or there, you should move that baby monitor to HIS side of the bed. I’m such a light sleeper, so it was nice when Dad was on monitor duty so I could sleep a little more soundly.

We are all set for what Dad needs this time around with a new baby, but give us at least a few weeks before you ask us if we are actually ready for him or her to arrive. ?

 

XO