Gifts for New and Expectant Dads

A new baby in the house is a transition for everyone. If this is the first child, the new parents are usually ambling around trying to figure out what every whimper and whine means. They are trying to get used to the idea of no longer being two but now three. If this child is the second or even third, mom and dad are trying to juggle both the new baby and the already existing children. This new family requires help from dad just as much as from mom. Most people when they think about a new baby think about mom or the actual baby. But dad is also an important factor. Having a baby is a monumental occasion for the whole family. When I had my children, I searched high and low for something to give my husband as he entered into fatherhood. There are many things that you can give a new dad. From diaper bags to picture frames to books explaining all of those new things that he needs to know. Any gift would be well received but it depends on the message that you want to send. Are you encouraging dad to become hands on? Or are you inspiring him to treasure and remember the precious moment of becoming a new dad? What ever the reason that you are giving the gift, here are some ideas to help dad.

Diaper bags are a must for venturing out of the house. Most parents register for a diaper bag that mom likes and feels comfortable carrying around. However there will be times that dad will need to head out by himself with the baby and not all men are comfortable going out with a pink, flowery shoulder bag. So why not equip him with a manly bag complete with a stylish design of eagles, bear, and deer. It is important to choose a bag that has multiple compartments for diapers, wipes, creams, bottles, and even snacks as the baby grows. This diaper bag has all of those necessary sections to make it complete. Your new dad isn't an outdoorsy kind of guy? That's ok, try one of the collegiate backpacks that act as a diaper bag. This heavy weight, sturdy backpack that is easy to carry and easy to access. This backpack opens completely in a clam shell form so that all parts are easily accessible. There is even a changing pad included! There are multiple exterior pockets so that you can quickly put a bottle or burp pad away without taking the backpack off of your back. It will stay securely on your back while still leaving your hands free to hold the baby, no need to worry about juggling that bag on your shoulder.

Let's face it, parents need all the help they can get. In my experience, mom is the one who does a lot of the reading and talking with other moms to prepare herself for the baby. Dads just end up sort of winging it. So why not help the expecting father out by giving him a bit of information about what it is going to be like when that new baby arrives. Dad doesn't want to sit down and read the book? No problem, this one's on CD! He can even listen to it while he is putting together the new bedroom furniture! The CD, "When Duct Tape Won't Work" is a humorous look at how dad's can reinvent the way that they "fix" things. This hands on guide explores what dads can expect as they begin their journey into fatherhood. Through the falls, boo boos and tears new fathers can take a hands on approach to handling the tough stuff with their new child. "The New Dad's Survival Guide" takes a humorous approach to fatherhood through the eyes of other men. Who better to give advice than other fathers? This account strips the fluff and gets to the realistic experience of fatherhood.

Oh the photo opportunities that will emerge as the little bundle of joy arrives. The little prince or princess won't even realize what a superstar he or she already is but the paparazzi will emerge in droves. We are all guilty in this digital age of keeping our photos on our cameras or computers. Inevitably there will be some great photos of dad with his new baby. Why not surprise him with a picture frame already filled with him holding the new baby? The first frame has a beautiful poem about being a father and has a spot for a great new photo with daddy's strong hands enveloping the new infant. It starts out,

I came into the world,

And reached for your strong hands.

My tiny fingers knew you,

Before I could understand.

The beautiful poem continues to share the thoughts of growing up with daddy's strong hands surrounding the new child with every milestone that is passed in life. Daddy is the teacher and the rock in this sentiment. It is a tear jerker even for the most thick skinned father. The second frame captures the unity of this new family. Combining a photo of mom with a photo of dad and ending with the beautiful new baby. Who wouldn't love that hanging on their wall this milestone moment?

Dads are tough, or they like to believe that they are. Just wait until he holds that precious little being in his arms, that thick armor will melt away. When I gave birth to my son, I gave my husband a willow tree statue of a dad and boy sitting on his lap. He loved it and it sits on our dresser as a reminder of that special day. This willow tree statue is of a dad with his newborn in his arms. It will be an everlasting reminder of that special moment when he first held his child. Maybe the new dad in your life would be willing to share the memories of his life and the history of his family. This spiral bound journal is divided into sections and captures the inner most thoughts by dad about growing up, family, traditions, and cultural beliefs. The questions invite dad to continue to reflect on his own childhood and journey to adulthood.This wonderful journal would be a lifelong gift that would start out as a gift for dad and then later passed on to his new bundle of joy.

This black diaper tool belt is both practical and humorous. It is fully equipped with all the necessary things that one needs to change a diaper. From the diapers and wipes the cream and lotion dad will have all that he needs to change all kinds of diapers. And for those extra special diapers? Not to worry, there is a set of latex gloves, a clothes pin for his nose and a pair of goggles. No excuses for this dad! The next item, a baby briefcase, is perfect for keeping your new loved one organized. If the new father in your life likes to keep things very organized then this is the perfect gift for him. If you have ever had a child you know that there are about a million things over the next year that you need to keep track of, from birth certificates to shot records to insurance information. This handy briefcase gives you the perfect place to store it all. This hands on tested product fits in most file cabinets and is already divided into sections that make filing your paperwork that much easier. A great way to help the new parents keep things running smoothly. And one that both new parents will be sure to love.