|
Baby showers are often designed to celebrate a pending birth and to give great starter gifts. Since most baby showers are given for the expectant mom, little thought is given to the needs of the dad-to-be. If that dad's an old pro, then chances are he is aware of some of the ins and outs of parenting.
Newly expectant dads, however, could use some help in the baby rearing department. The next time you're buying an expectant parent gift, consider these great gift ideas for the newly expectant dad.
1. Baby basics book. Many books provide great tips and other information concerning what to expect after a baby's birth. These helpful hints may inspire a newly expectant dad to be more involved earlier on. If the baby is to be breast fed, such a book will also help the dad to understand, and hopefully repects, the demands breastfeeding puts on a new mom.
2. Magazine subscription. A parenting related magazine may not be macho, but it'll sure answer that new dad's present and future questions.
3. Baby sling. Many moms love to carry their children with them around the home or on errands. An over-the-should baby carrier/sling will help the new dad to bond more quickly with his newborn.
4. Bottles. Dads of even breast-fed babies can be encouraged to feed the tots if they are given the right size bottles to do so. Dads of preemies may especially be skittish about feeding the tiny tots, but encourage them to do so anyway.
5. Bottle washer. No gag gift, a bottle washer will help the newly expectant dad to understand that a baby's bottles can be washed by anyone, if they have the right tools.
6. Diapers. Disposable or cloths, the diapers will remind the dad that parenting is sometimes a dirty job, but someone has to do it.
7. Car seat. If dad and mom have separate cars, consider purchasing a car seat for the newly expectant dad. Remind him, however, to carefully check the installation instructions and to get help if necessary. Also, you may want to give him a primer that reminds him that car seats should be weight-appropriate, and that he will have to change the seat as the baby grows and develops.
8. Medicine kit. Baby medical kits come equipped with aspirators and other items that newly expectant dad's are likely to need at some time.
9. Layette set. Great gift ideas, layette sets will help a newly expectant day to better visualize how small his new baby will be, while also providing an outfit for a day out with dad.
10. Burp cloths. A dad's arms can be a great source of comfort for a newborn. Help a newly expectant dad out: give him some burp cloths to keep his shoulders clean. If he's really green in the baby department, he will have no idea how messy babies can be.
| 
