So, when there are a few raw minutes to myself, I pick up some of those texts and try to rediscover my interest in those ancient teachings. The hope is they will make me a better person and thus a better daddy. However, I really have to laugh when I read some of that stuff. Why? Well, in my experience “enlightenment” and the “Art of Baby Raising” are two worlds that will never come as one.

When was the last time you heard a Zen master talk about the meaning of an apple while he is struggling with changing a smelly, disgusting, vomit inducing diaper? How did Mr. Zen master attain enlightenment when he came home from work/school and Mrs. Zen throws a crying baby at him when he walks in the door? Case closed.

Well, sort of celebrated. Here is your venue to share with the world your stories of Father’s Day good and bad. Or if any of the ladies would like to chime in and let us know how you make the father of you children feel like “king” for the day.

So, let the stories begin.

At a recent trade show, we came across a relatively new company with an interesting solution.  Plus, this company makes products with the dad in mind and with a name like DadGear we could not refuse a look at their products.  They are attempting to push the evolution of “diaper bags” for dads.  What is their concept?  DadGear was able to boil it down to three elements - masculine look (no pink diaper bags here), high quality and thoughtful design.  Their main product is called the Diaper Vest, Wearable Diaper Bag.  After reviewing taking their product and giving it the “DaddyDaily” test we can say the evolution and revolution is underway!

How did we test it? 

1. Put it on - It really is very comfortable. 
2. Pockets - Oh, there are pockets.  You can really pack all the items you will need instead of having a diaper bag.  Cell phones, keys, diapers, wipes, bottles (baby bottles), etc. all had their place.
3. The product - fleece materials is really good quality and zippers held up to a bit of abuse.

So, if you are looking for an alternative to the pink diaper bag we think this is one that should be on your list.  The fleece come is two different styles (vest and a cargo jacket) and in several colors. 

This is a great gift for an expectant or new dad.  And ladies, this is a great product to make sure us dads stay involved with changing diapers and lightening the load in your pink diaper bag.

So, what is one on the hottest trends with new borns right now?  It’s the WubbaNub infant pacifier.  How do we know?  Let’s just say we open our ears at baby showers and listen how the ladies can’t stop talking about this product.   

Here is the skinny:  “The WubbaNub™ is designed to keep the pacifier conveniently placed to infant. The pacifer is attached to a very soft plush animal which can bring soothing comfort and security to an upset infant. The WubbaNub comes in vibrant colors which babies love and can keep them captivated and comfortable.

In terms of safety (which is most important) the company states its products “…are completely safety tested, at independent testing facilities and meet or exceed all applicable safety standards as set forth by the regulatory bodies in the United States…”

This is a must have item!  We’ve heard of parents keeping one in the stroller, one in the car, one in the crib, two in the diaper bag and so on and so on…  For anyone who has an infant, they know the importance of “binky bliss” when confrunting times of crisis.  We all know when those times, such as  - overtired babies who can get themselves to sleep!
 

So, what are the tricks used for boys/girls? Are boys harder to train than girls? What’s the scoop out there dads (or if a mommy or two want to give us some insight)?

The baby has finally arrived and now it’s no longer just the two of you. Suddenly, the baby and mommy are the focus of attention. Well, that’s how it should be it’s just a fact of life. It is a bit funny how the father tends to be overlooked, but embrace that neglect and use it as a strategic advantage (see what I mean later). Yes, you kind of feel a little left out, but you become the master behind the scene.

It’s critical the family makes decisions in the best interest of the new baby. Who usually knows what is best for baby – yes mom. However, the new mom will face many challenges with the baby and her body (recovery from child birth) in the first few weeks. She does not need to be bothered with baby visits, taking out garbage, making dinner, etc… Your job is to make sure your partner is rested and taken care of so she can focus on the new baby. You know your partner and they will need plenty of support physically and emotionally in the first few weeks.

“HE WHO KNOWS THE ENEMY AND HIMSELF WILL NEVER IN A HUNDRED BATTLES BE AT RISK” – SUT-TZU

He who knows himself?
In this context I believe your role, as a new father is to protect and nurture the one who is take care of the newborn.

He who knows the enemy?
In context of a new father, the enemies are those who are not allowing the caregiver of the newborn to be their best caring for the baby.

Perfect example, new baby arrives home and mom is exhausted and recovering from delivery. The extended family and friends are ready to rip down doors to see the baby. Your job is to assess the mood and condition of the new mom and take action. So, you don’t need Uncle Fred pestering you or your partner about where the good booze is and why there is no food around for him.

Don’t be afraid to tell family or close friends that YOU will call them when things settle. If that is not an option, then limit the visits for maybe an hour and schedule the visit when it’s best for the new mom and baby.

Remember the stars of the show are mom and baby, but it’s our jobs as new fathers to ensure the health and well being of the new mom and baby. So don’t be afraid to use your voice.

She could not locate it and took us down the hall to sonogram room in hopes to relieve our stress. My wife and I sat while she looked for the baby. “There appears to be a sac in place with no placenta” chimed from her mouth. My wife and I began to cry. We had lost our first baby.

The journey of a miscarriage is one that is often a taboo subject for public and one that is often not discussed until you experience one. All the emotions pour out over the course of the event. You ask yourself: why, how, did I do something wrong? And the worst part is as a potential father and husband there is little you can do for you wife as she goes through the physical passing of the miscarriage. It is a helpless feeling and one that leaves you daily with thoughts that you are not being a good husband for your wife.

Several days passed and we began to slowly chat about what had occurred. I realized over the past weeks that future Dads and current fathers need to talk about not only the event with their wives to comfort them. They also need to talk about it to comfort themselves. Talk, talk, talk and then talk some more. It’s not uncommon and most families will have to deal with it at sometime in their marriage.

We came across Baby Planet among the sea of stroller manufacturers while attending a trade show for infant product.  No doubt, there are a lot of quality products on the market for every style.  However, Baby Planet really made an impression.  Not only are their products impressive, but even more inspiring (yes inspiring) is their mission and values as corporate citizens.  They have a revolutionary recycling program for their industry and they have also partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to focus attention on endangered species around the world.  It’s quite a statement from a young stroller company.  We talked to everyone they had available - their product designers about how they developed their products and also to the CEO about the company philosophy.  

Baby Planet offers a great side-by-side called the Unit Sport which has two features that really stand out, one especially for fathers!  The two features we really like are the handle and the walking room.  Its amazing the pressure you put on your wrists when walking with strollers.  For those who have pushed up hills or around the playground (dirt, gravel, or sand) you know the feeling.  The Unity Sport handle is great on the wrists as it allows for different hand positions when needed.  It’s also very easy to maneuver with one hand, which is a plus.  Now not sure if this next feature was designed just for us Dads, but like to think so.  Walking with the stroller and not kicking the wheels!  During the “test drive” there was ample room for my stride and there was no kicking the stroller every other step or doing the side step every other stride.  It’s amazing how many other fathers have this issue.  It may sound funny, but having that little bit of room made all the difference!

Tired, cranky, sugar filled kids can start to loose the cute effect real fast. But once those little issues subside it really is a joy. It’s easy to forget how much fun it is to open the door and have a mob of kids rush the door and say those magic words for a free sugar rush. This past year we had our share of Power Ranges, Dracula, ghosts, witches and a very original ballerina witch.

Here are a couple of things to remember before the baby comes.

First, tell (and keep telling) your significant other how wonderful and beautiful they are.

Get a baby car seat for your car. There is nothing worse that rushing off to the hospital and then realize you have to leave your wife and newborn to go buy a car seat! Imagine the stress of that moment. Fighting the store traffic, rushing through about 20 choices of baby car seats asking your self which one has the best safety record, what features, etc… Do your self a favor and get one a few weeks before the due date if you don’t have one already.

Make sure you have all your medical insurance information ready at hand. With all the stress of the moment of getting the hospital, don’t messing around with trying to find all your medical insurance information at the last minute. If you partner is huffing and puffing you’ll be the one filling out the forms and I assure you she does not want to hear “Honey what is your social?”

Plan the route from your house to the hospital. Make sure you know the traffic patterns through the day. If labor and rush hour happen at the same time, make sure you have alternate plans.