Society expects mums to do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to caring for babies. And this is still a reality for many families, although fathers are spending more time with their children than ever before.
A recent study from the Pennsylvania State University on the differences in parental happiness shows that the majority of parenting activities are gendered. Most childcare activities carried out by fathers are recreational, while mums do the “solo parenting,” or parenting without the partner present, which partly explains why fathers are happier than mothers when caregiving.
But now, more than ever, dads are equally willing and capable of pitching in, and not just when it comes to fun activities like taking the kids to the playground. But should your child’s dad need a little encouragement, why not use this list of worthwhile dad-savvy baby gear to help him care for your child.
1. Nappy Bag
Most nappy bags look like they’ve been designed by Hermes or Balenciaga. However, if you want something a bit more practical, there are plenty of multipurpose knapsacks to choose from. Obersee’s Oslo knapsack comes with detachable coolers that can hold up to three bottles, while Tactical Baby Gear’s Daypack 3.0 has a built-in removable changing mat.
While all these features are great, what really makes these purchases worthwhile is that you will always be equipped with everything you need to look after your child.
2. Baby Carrier
Babies have always been carried in slings. They keep your child close to your body, while supporting their natural posture. The best part is that any large, sturdy cloth can do the job. However, why not consider buying a more modern and specially fashioned baby carrier, especially if you love exploring the great outdoors.
For hiking, we’ve previously given the Deuter Kid Comfort Air baby carrier an A-. It’s pillowy-soft, outward-facing, and can be worn like a backpack. This way, when you start exploring some of our ‘Summer Activities for Kids’, your baby gets to enjoy the surrounding environment or even have a nap. And when your baby gets a bit older, the lightweight Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini allows you to strap your child in front of you as you bike around town.
3. Pushchair
If you take your baby out and about a lot, it is vital that you invest in a versatile pushchair. A good pushchair will last you a long time, especially useful if you plan on having more children. There are many different models available depending on your needs. For example, if you want to take your child jogging, then check out the Thule Urban Glide 2.0 that we previously rated as perfect for giving your child a smooth ride on your morning run.
If you have more than one child, then it’s worth considering a tandem double pushchair rather than a traditional side-by-side model. The tandem double pushchairs featured on iCandy are the same width as a single model, as the two children are seated one in front of the other. This makes it much easier to manoeuvre when out. Even if your second child is still at the planning stage, consider a tandem double pushchair because many models easily convert to a single pushchair, saving you money in the long run.
4. A Hoodie
If you’re not comfortable carrying around a nappy sack, a simple hoodie can be enough when you’re out on short trips. The Grand Magazine‘s review of The Dad Hoodie notes its secret pockets for everything from your phone and wallet to pacifiers, nappies, and even a spare bottle of milk. And, thanks to its double-stitched, mesh-lined pockets, the hoodie is breathable and very sturdy. You could even use it to sneak snacks into the movie theatre once you no longer need it for nappy transport.
5. Calm-Down Kit
Finally, if calming your distressed baby is a daunting task for you, don’t worry. With a white noise machine that mimics the whooshing sound of fluids in the womb, it becomes effortless. Models like the Marpac Hushh Portable are not only cheap at AUD40, but can be used literally anywhere, from the bedroom to the car and even on long strolls.
If you’re a dad or a dad in the making, there are many things you can do to nurture your child more often. You just need the right equipment.
