8 Must-Haves for the First-Time Dad

The items in this post were sent to us by the brand. We do not charge them for consideration or placement as we prefer to retain the right to not place an item that we don’t truly love.

The Pep Talk

Welcome to the wild world of first-time fatherhood – where sleep becomes a distant memory, diaper changes become an Olympic sport, and the mysterious art of swaddling transforms you into a human burrito master. As a rookie dad-to-be, you’re probably wondering what on earth you’ll need to survive this epic adventure without losing your sanity (or your hair, thanks to the inevitable stress-induced hair loss). Fear not, fellow soon-to-be pops, for I’ve compiled a handy-dandy list of essential items that you had NO IDEA you’d need. So buckle up, buttercup, because we’re about to embark on the rollercoaster ride of a lifetime – and trust me, there’s no height requirement for this thrilling, albeit messy, endeavor!

The Products

Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Baby Bottles

The Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle is a high-quality and innovative baby bottle designed for easy feeding and convenience. Its flexible, soft silicone body allows for easy squeezing, helping to control the flow of milk or formula during feeding. The bottle’s unique design and materials make it a safe and practical choice for dads for baby feeding time.

Bottle Features:

• Anti-colic, triple-vented silicone nipple
• Soft, squeezable, silicone body
• Stable, non-tip base
• Easy-to-read volume scale
• Made of BPA-free, non-toxic silicone
• Durable & easy to clean, dishwasher safe.

The bottles are available in both 5 oz. and 9 oz. sizes, with colors that include grey, pink, teal, and white.

• Available online at Nanobébé
• Use code: HOMEFOODFUN at checkout for 10% off

Belly Band by Whimzy Baby

Dad will love this incredibly soft bamboo cotton belly band, designed to provide your infant with extra comfort and support all day long. Its gentle pressure mimics the benefits of tummy time, aiding in the release of built-up gas in the abdomen. With moisture-wicking bamboo fabric and an organic cotton lining, this band makes sure that they don’t get overheated either.

It’s available in an array of colors and is just one of those things that makes sure that baby is comfy!

• Available at Whimzy Baby

Little Hometown 

Baby can show his or her state pride in these fun swaddle blankets and burp cloth and bib from Little Hometown. These versatile Swaddles and Burp Cloth/Bib combos are FIRE! Choose your hometown, college state, favorite vacation location or??? Each swaddle measures 47″ x 47″ and is made of an extra soft muslin bamboo & organic cotton blend, ensuring breathability to prevent overheating during swaddling or use as a nursing cover, receiving blanket, and more. The Burp Cloth/Bib is sized at 10″ x 24″, made from a bamboo/cotton blend, and acts as a practical transitional item, serving as a burp cloth in the early months and easily converting into a full-coverage bib once your little one starts on solid foods. Machine washable for easy care and convenience.

• Available at Little Hometown 
• Use code: HOMEFOODFUN at checkout for 20% off

Baby K’tan

When I first saw this baby carrier I thought…I am not crafty, I cannot to Origami. As a dad, I want a grab ‘n go wrap-style baby carrier without the wrapping. It turns out that this award-winning Baby K’tan Baby Carrier lets you enjoy hands-free, hassle-free, buckle-free babywearing anytime, anywhere. The ready-to-wear cotton wrap slips on easily like a t-shirt and is individually sized XXS to XL (varies by style) for the perfect fit. Its patented double-loop design and unique one-way stretch delivers the security you want and the versatility you need to be on the go and snuggle your little one close.

• No hardware! No buckles, rings, snaps, or zippers
• Ergonomic positioning for healthy infant development
• Evenly distributes weight across back and shoulders
• Double-loop design slips on like a t-shirt
• 100% all-natural cotton baby carrier
• 5 wearing positions
• Carry newborns and infants from 8 to 35lbs (consult pediatrician for babywearing under 8lbs)
• Machine washable and dryer safe
• Matching sash included

Moms can even borrow it to nurse discreetly and bond through skin-to-skin care modestly. No buckling or excess wrapping to confuse or frustrate you. All Baby K‘tan Baby Carriers come in a matching carry bag that converts to a sash which provides added support for certain positions in your Baby K’tan Baby Carrier.

• Available at Baby K’tan

Campbell Books 

DAD IS FUN to hang around with.  Bringing the tag line, “Books you can play with; toys you can read” to life, Campbell specializes in innovative books with a narrative-storytelling and soft-learning approach that aims to develop essential early learning skills like emotional intelligence, empathy, phonological awareness, comprehension, and more.

There are 3 different series in this launch…First Stories, Busy Books, and Where Is? From familiar stories to popular evergreen topics, this series of books will help busy toddlers with everyday life, and are softly educational and perfect for young, inquisitive fingers and minds.

• Available at Campbell Books 

Noleo 3-in1 Diaper Care

Simplify and elevate your diaper change routine with the NOLEO 3-in-1 diaper cream – a non-toxic cleanser, rash cream, and organic baby lotion all in one bottle! Crafted with five all-natural nourishing ingredients and a certified organic formula, it effectively combats redness and irritation while maintaining the perfect pH balance for your baby’s delicate skin. Paired with NOLEO Disposable Organic Cotton Pads, this convenient 8 oz bottle lasts 2-4 weeks depending on usage, and replaces up to 150 chemical-laden baby wipes.

The easy-to-use pump allows you to dispense just the right amount for each change and locks securely for travel and safety. Embrace the best baby wipe alternative for cloth diapers, as the NOLEO 3-in-1 won’t cake or stain your adorable cloth diapers, making diaper time a breeze.

• Available at Noleo 3-in1 Diaper Care

There’s a Yeti in My Tummy

Reading to your little is daddy time, and what fun it is to make Yeti voices along with this book. The story is about Matthew, a young boy with BIG, BIG feelings—so big it sometimes feels like there’s a YETI just bursting to get out! And when Mathew’s yeti comes to play, he’s bound to stay all day. That silly yeti comes out of Matthew’s feet, his nose, his hair, his burp, and even his BUTT!

Bound to make any child roar with laughter, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy teaches kids that strong feelings are okay, and so are their inner yetis. Along with Matthew, kids learn to channel those feelings in constructive, positive, and loving ways. And parents will pick up a few tips on language to help children understand when and how to rely on their inner yeti.

An imaginative and fun story told in delightful rhyme by Meredith Rusu and crazy-fun illustrations by Martín Morón, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is a big, bold, instant classic. There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is the first book in The Mighty Moods series from 4U2B Books & Media, where we strive to create resources that enable children to become joyful, compassionate, and brave, and that empower parents and adults to instill those qualities in children.

• Available on Amazon.com

Upseat

Dad wants someone to play sports with when they get older, so start developing those muscles EARLY! Dad can give his little one the best possible seating solution with the Upseat Ergonomic Baby Floor and Booster Seat. Developed in collaboration with leading physical therapists, this versatile 3-in-1 seat encourages proper upright posture and safely supports your baby’s hip development. Its lifetime warranty guarantees durability, and the large leg grooves provide extra legroom for healthy thigh sizes.

With a sleek and modern design that complements any home decor, the Upseat is portable and travel-friendly, making it perfect for playtime, feeding, and on-the-go adventures. Suitable for ages 4 months to 2 years, this seat grows with your baby, offering 730 days of potential use to promote healthy muscle engagement and independence. Each Upseat comes complete with a seat, large tray, safety harness, and booster seat conversion straps for added convenience and functionality. Proudly made in North America, the Upseat provides a safe, comfortable, and nurturing space for your little one as they learn to sit and explore their surroundings.

Colors include gray, pink and coconut.

FYI, they also offer a refurbished program as well as a TODDLER boost seat.

• Available at TheUpseat

So, there you have it, new dads! Embrace the adventure of fatherhood with open arms and a well-prepared heart. From the essentials like bottles and diaper changes to the tender moments of cuddles and giggles, your little one is about to fill your life with so much love and happiness. I have ONE LAST reminder for dads (AND moms) and that is, to take care of yourself. Nap when baby does, so things for yourself, and with your partner. Those restful moments will not only rejuvenate your energy but also keep your sanity intact. I’ll have more ideas coming for taking care of yourself (including delicious snacks and sips to enjoy while watching your favorite flicks) coming soon.

Happy parenting, and may your journey be filled with endless joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories!