The Dad List

[superlim9]

So..... The Mrs and I have gotten a few lists from her friends of what they felt was important to get/have when the baby comes along. But there's got to be a list from you Dad's out there.

I know there wont be any WD40 or Duct Tape on it..

well maybe duct tape... could be good for that diaper sticky tab that just wont hold or for when that safety pin is just out of reach.. lol 

As a Dad what is it that made everything better for you? what couldn't you live without?

Although your wife or significant other is the first thing your thinking about putting at the top of the list , I'm only talking about baby items.. haha 

[tjr42px]

Hmmm...I felt like with our first we "needed" all the things. Like little guy didn't sleep in "X" so we tried "Y". No?!? Ok let's get "Z". But knowing they sometimes just don't cooperate and its part of the process curbed that for number two. It was this feeling of "we must be doing it wrong" that led to the next unneeded Gage's. But, no. Parenting is just plain tough.

The things that were great though...

Quality coffee ?

Good monitor/camera. I'm not a tech guy, but those times when kiddo is crying, but has been fed, changed, burped, etc. knowing he was safe just fussy was helpful.

A quality diaper pail...not as essential to start if BFing, but when solids were introduced those shits are stinky AF. Lol!

Did I mention a good caffeine source?

White noise machine or phone app. Baby sounds - pink noise was a winner with DS2.

A thousand onesies and a boppy - I can't count the number of times I was feeding LO and we passed out in a chair/couch unintentionally. - there is that coffee thing again.

Maybe a variety of pacifiers. 1-2 of a few different ones. Some kids are picky. DS1 only took the ones they give out in hospitals and DS2 was/is a thumbsucker who refuses all pacifiers.

IDK I feel like there are a million and one things you "need" but simplicity was key for us. We just didn't know that until number two. Our first wasn't a good sleeper and the enhanced interrogation technique lead so some irrational, grasping at straws to get some sleep. Our Pedi finally said if he only sleeps in his car seat just strap him in, swing him to sleep and set that thing inside the crib. He's asleep, safe, and isn't going anywhere. Totally worked. It's kind of a trial and error game. Every has there "swear by." But what you get should make your specific situation easier. No one needs bottle warmer, but if you can't stand that extra bit of screaming until the milk warms up, I'd be first online for one.

As corny as it sounds, taking care of mama and yourself is really the way to go. You'll have all the essentials for baby from the lists you all ready have. The fancy stuff is cool, though kiddo may not like it or it might be a hassle (had a sweet bottle caddie thing to wash all the pats in the dishwasher but it was a pain to organize and use. It was easier to just shovel in the utensil thing). But your wife's fav snacks, your fav stuff...no one is buying you that. That extra body pillow she bought while pregnant? get her a second or at least a few covers. It's going to get spit on and shit on...probably isn't on your registry because that's reserved for kiddo stuff but IMO it should be.

[tjr42px]

Oh and you will think "I could duct tape the top of the diaper" when it's time to move up a size, but you have a million size 1's left. Lol.

[tjr42px]

Sleep was our battle, dude would be an okay sleeper for a week or two then fall to crap. We had a swing, bouncer, sleep sheep, a vibrating clip on thing, a "Moses basket" to co sleep, etc. I think the swing was the best investment for us. That and a Keurig...lol!

[tjr42px]

Perhaps a cover for the crib mattress for when LO wets through their diaper. Easy to clean without having a wet mattress. Get two so you can wash one while also is sleeping on the other.

We didn't get one, but it would have been helpful because
<===lazy
But a wedge for under the mattress. Elevating the mattress up to 30 degrees and saline nose drops with a humidifier is helpful when they are all stuffed up with a cold. We used folded up blankets but every time I'd forget to do it before putting LO to bed and trying to fold blankets and lift a mattress isn't easy when you're holding a sleeping kid who is struggling to stay asleep. Plus this was always when we were sleepy deprived since he was stuffed up and not sleeping so it was extra frustrating.

[JukEboXtheTanK]

From the day we brought her home DW and I made her sleep in her own bed. Since we are not far from her room we felt comfortable. Because we did that she is way better about sleeping and knowing when bed time is. What made that even better?

A white noise machine! You need it! Especially one that makes ocean sounds. It helps them fall asleep, hides noises if your doing stuff around the room and helps them have a more restful sleep. Also when they wake up they aren't afraid of being alone. WELL worth the money.

[superlim9]

Jun 19, 2016 14:31:46 GMT -5 tjr42px said:

Perhaps a cover for the crib mattress for when LO wets through their diaper. Easy to clean without having a wet mattress. Get two so you can wash one while also is sleeping on the other.

We didn't get one, but it would have been helpful because
<===lazy
But a wedge for under the mattress. Elevating the mattress up to 30 degrees and saline nose drops with a humidifier is helpful when they are all stuffed up with a cold. We used folded up blankets but every time I'd forget to do it before putting LO to bed and trying to fold blankets and lift a mattress isn't easy when you're holding a sleeping kid who is struggling to stay asleep. Plus this was always when we were sleepy deprived since he was stuffed up and not sleeping so it was extra frustrating.

It was actually suggested we double wrap the mattress... liner then sheet, another liner then another sheet... that way for those middle of the night incidents, your not running around looking for fresh linens.

[tjr42px]

Good call!

[tjr42px]

How it going superlim9? The waiting game can be tough. Will you still have your regular schedule come November or will you get a rotation off? FYI..double wrapped DS2's mattress and it's totally the way to go.

[superlim9]

hey man.. going good. Net has been super crappy so haven't been able to get on much at all. I'm starting to change my schedule around, going to start a 3 week off\3on schedule to make it home in time.. but then will have to cover a 5 week hitch over the holidays 2 weeks after due date. so will be a tough time i think. but MIL will be at the house starting my next time at work. so all in all I've got. I've got to get 2 training courses done before November too.. so only 5 weeks at home from now till baby comes... kinda shitty.

Got most of the nursery finished last time... however painters tape was too strong or prep wasn't good enough.. wall paint peeled off in random spots... so now i have to re-do walls and get crown molding up this time off and try to get most of the furniture ordered and put together. then should be good to go. A lot will be put on the mrs... but as long as i can get the big stuff done so shes not moving any furniture around.

Glad to see the mattress thing helped out

[eddiegotsole]

I can co sign on a lot of the things mentioned, the white noise app is a simple yet important one for your sanity!  I'll give a shot on a few that haven't been mentioned.

1) A "Manly" Diaper bag!  Yes, your wife may buy one or get one from baby shower, but you will want your own.  Think about it.  Do you want to carry around whatever feminine design your wife has when you spend daddy baby time or have something inconspicuous that looks cool, masculine, and actually fits with what you're wearing?  Exactly!

2) Vibrating alarm!  If you sleep in the same room with your baby you still need to be waken up for work, or whatever, but don't want to disturb the baby?  This may do the trick for you!

3)  Black out Shades!  If your baby is anything like mine, the darker the better for putting him / her to sleep.  

4) A Jogging Stroller!  Maybe your not into running, but you may find your time to work out is limited.  Also, this way you don't have to choose between exercising and spending time with the little one!  Only thing is, you will have to wait until little one is old enough (neck etc. is strong enough)

I'm sure I can think of a lot more but these are the ones that came to me right now!  Good Luck!

[eddiegotsole]

Jun 19, 2016 23:46:38 GMT -5 superlim9 said:

Jun 19, 2016 14:31:46 GMT -5 tjr42px said:

Perhaps a cover for the crib mattress for when LO wets through their diaper. Easy to clean without having a wet mattress. Get two so you can wash one while also is sleeping on the other.

We didn't get one, but it would have been helpful because
<===lazy
But a wedge for under the mattress. Elevating the mattress up to 30 degrees and saline nose drops with a humidifier is helpful when they are all stuffed up with a cold. We used folded up blankets but every time I'd forget to do it before putting LO to bed and trying to fold blankets and lift a mattress isn't easy when you're holding a sleeping kid who is struggling to stay asleep. Plus this was always when we were sleepy deprived since he was stuffed up and not sleeping so it was extra frustrating.

It was actually suggested we double wrap the mattress... liner then sheet, another liner then another sheet... that way for those middle of the night incidents, your not running around looking for fresh linens.

That's so genius!!  I feel like smacking myself for not thinking of this!  I can't tell you how many times I have staggered and stumbled to change the mattress sheets after a 2 am diaper overflow!

[superlim9]

so in my 2.5 weeks at home... the water heater let go.. cleaned up and installed new one, destroyed the exhuast pipe on the Z on a speed bump, repaired that & waiting on new exhaust.... 3 days of Fire fighter training.... and got some sanding done to repair bad paint as mentioned above.. got all crown molding in nursery done and holes Spackled...

so at some point in my 2.5 weeks off next month, i have to get that all painting finished, exhaust installed on Z (probably will not get done) got to Houston for 6 days of High Voltage training, and take 2 baby classes at hospital and get furniture set up and all taken care of....

holy hell what a few months, partially self inflicted because I want to spend enough time with the MRS and have some relax time as well as get everything done i need to but that's not so easy. ugg

[tjr42px]

superlim9, definitely some crazy busy weeks/months. I remember people saying "oh that just prepares you for when baby arrives". F that! Just means you are exhausted beforehand. Kudos on spending as much time with Mrs Superlim and trying to relax. Those things are likely to be harder to come by.