Dad-to-Dad Reality Check
Here’s the truth: Your baby needs love and attention, patience, food, clean diapers, and safe sleep. Everything else is a bonus.
Don’t let gear anxiety overshadow the excitement of becoming a father. Or, put too much of a strain on your bank account either.
Worrying and what-ifs don’t solve problems or make things better. Do your prep then enjoy the little moments as the come. And if anything bad comes up, manage it then.
You’ve got this. Trust your instincts. Millions of dads have figured this out with much less information.
The 10 Essential Items You Actually Need (0-6 Months)
Feeling overwhelmed by baby gear lists? Use this short list to cut through the noise.
These are the absolute essentials that will get you through your baby’s first 6 months safely and comfortably. I built this list based on my own experience with two little ones, surveying parents we trust and scraping hundreds or threads to compile the top recommendations.
The Non-Negotiable Essentials
1. Car Seat (Never Compromise)
Recommended: Chicco KeyFit 30 ClearTex or Max ClearTex
Why: Easy installation, excellent safety ratings, lightweight and reputable brand.
Price: $230-$300
Dad Tip: Install it and have it professionally checked by hospital staff before you leave.
2a. Safe Sleep Setup, Crib
Recommended: Basic Crib, the IKEA Sniglar is a simple and durable crib
Why: Meets all AAP safety standards
Price: $129
Must-haves: you’ll also need to get a firm mattress, mattress cover and fitted sheets.
Safety Note: do not use bumpers, blankets or pillows as they’re all safety hazards
2b. ALT Safe Sleep Setup, Bassinet (Rental)
ALT Recommendation: Snoo Bassinet (Rental)
Why: Super safe, proven tech and great app with a ton of data tracking tools
Price: $850-$1,050 for the 6 month rental term ($159/month + fees; ask about the Newborn Special for months 5-6 at $49 each)
Must-have: get the fitted sheet and sleep sack bundles
Dad Tip: Always buy 2-3 of any wearable item so you can switch out without having to do the wash right away.
3. Sleep Sacks (Instead of Blankets)
Recommended: Halo SleepSack Swaddle
Why: Safe alternative to loose blankets and keeps your baby warm and cozy
Price: $30-$38, buy 2-3 so you have backups.
4. Feeding Essentials
Recommended: Dr. Brown’s Options+ Bottles
Why: Reduces gas and spit-up, works for breast and formula feeding
Price: $25-$45 for starter set
Dad Tip: Every baby is different and will have a preference for bottle and nipple type. Buy the narrow and wide mouth versions to test on your baby and buy more of what works.
“Even if we’re breastfeeding?” Yes. It’s best to have a couple bottles and some formula handy as a backup. Things happen. And your little one can change on a whim. Save yourself the stress of running out in the middle of the night.
5. Diapers & Wipes (Obvious but Critical)
Recommended: Any major brand + WaterWipes
Price: $40-$60/month
Buy A Range: get a case of Newborn diapers through to Size 2
Dad Tip: Babies grow fast – don’t over-buy newborn sizes + Use a size up for overnights so they can hold more pee when your baby sleeps longer stretches.
6. Baby Carrier
Recommended: BabyBjörn Mini (for newborns)
Why: Super easy for anyone to put on by yourself.
Price: $100-$120
Benefit: “Wearing” your baby is soothing for them and a good bonding experience. It will also give your arms and posture a much needed rest.
7. Baby Monitor
Recommended: Eufy SpaceView Pro Baby Monitor
Why: Peace of mind, great video quality and durable tech.
Price: ~$160 (frequently on sale for $110-$130)
Dad Tip: you don’t have to buy this one, but definitely get a video monitor.
8. Basic Health Supplies
Essential items:
Thermometer: Braun ThermoScan ($40-$60), you’ll need this for peace of mind.
All-Purpose Lotion: Aquaphor Baby Ointment ($10-$15) safe for sensitive skin
Snot Sucker: NoseFrida Snotsucker ($15-$20), you’ll need this more than you think.
9. Changing Supplies
Recommended: Skip Hop Pronto Changing Pad
Why: Portable, wipeable, reduces laundry and expensive furniture
Price: $30-$35
Bonus: Works anywhere, safer than elevated changing tables
Dad Tip: you really don’t need an expensive changing table taking up space
10. Comfort Item
Recommended: BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft
Why: Self-rocking, no batteries, folds flat
Price: $200-$230
Parent lifesaver: Keeps baby content while you eat/shower or need a break.
Dad-Tip: we also call this the “poop machine” IYKYK
What NOT to Buy (Save Your Money)
❌ Wipe warmers – Nonsense tool. Just touch the wipe to their foot to warn them so they’re not shocked.
❌ Crib bumpers – Dangerous, banned by AAP.
❌ Newborn shoes – Barefoot is better for development. Buy light socks if it’s a colder season.
❌ Swings – they’re overly expensive, do the same thing as the bounce and take up way too much space.
What to Buy New
Car Seats, never skimp on this vital safety tool.
Crib Mattresses
Bottles and Feeding Supplies
What You Can Buy Used
Clothes: There’s great deals on baby clothes all over FB Marketplace. Just wash them thoroughly before wearing.
Strollers: again, check FB Marketplace, but make sure it’s adaptable to fit your carrier.
Toys: check for recalls, but generally avoid plastic and electronic toys with batteries.
Emergency “Baby’s Due Any Day Now” Checklist
From 35 weeks, have these ready:
☐ Car seat installed and inspected
☐ Newborn diapers (1-2 packs)
☐ Going-home outfit (newborn AND 0-3 month sizes)
☐ Basic feeding supplies
☐ Receiving blankets and burp cloths
☐ Pediatrician selected and contacted
That’s it for the short list. I hope this helps take some of the stress out of the process and helps you feel better prepared for what’s to come.
LMK how this works our, or if you have any recommendations of your own to share.
Good luck!
Sean
Sean Wilkins 