Daddy's Favorites

The first time that you ever hear "Honey, I'm pregnant!" it is probably one of the most surreal moments in your life. Then, after you both have survived the torture of morning sickness and those wacky midnight cravings, you will need to register for the baby shower. This undertaking is no less painstaking than the experience had when registering for the wedding.

There is an endless supply of gadgets available for making life with a newborn as easy as possible. And as a brand new dad, you may not have even heard of half of the items on it. I can say, as a father of four, there are a handful of these products that you really should not go without. There is a small miracle in the invention of those listed below that will truly save you some time and frustration.

Most importantly, there is a need to take this fatherhood thing one day at a time. Your sanity will be pushed to its limits and beyond. Remember to be thankful for your children every day. It came to me recently, while babysitting our new godson. These "necessary" items can make a huge difference in the day-to-day tedium of childcare. But like mother always said, "Patience is a virtue."

1. Similac baby formula. They say "the breast is the best", but I haven't heard any good stories that can top the convenience of a fortified ready-mix. Warm it, feed it, and go back to sleep!
2. Quaker baby cereal. It fills them up. This means they will not be starving (and screaming) every 2 hours. Things will be much more peaceful for everyone. Trust me.
3. Paytex VentAire bottles- These are designed to make feeding time more efficient. They help limit the bubbles and improve the flow of said cocktail.
4. Cheerios- Are great as the first "finger food". They dissolve when baby gums them and are good just in case daddy gets hungry too.
5. Bibsters- You can clean 'em up and then throw 'em away.
6. Huggies or Pampers diapers and wipes- Both brands of diapers are super- absorbent. Buy what's on sale. The uses for the wipes are endless. Keep them handy at all times.
7. Diaper Genie- The smell will be gone. Amen!
8. Baby Magic hair and body wash- Time is a commodity. Two-in-one is always good.
9. Fisher-Price baby monitors- Always stay in touch with the action. These have a good frequency and are pretty durable (at least the receiver seems to be).
10. Pack 'n Play- Portable containment for sleep and play.
11. Graco Jumpster- Babies love the action in the "Johnny Jumper" so much that sometimes they even bounce themselves to sleep.
12. BabyBjorn- Because it's nice to have your hands free sometimes. This bad boy is the ATV of all baby carriers.

Baby furniture, car seats, strollers, swings and high chairs may be more of a matter of style and preference, but the list goes on for miles. Your head should pretty much be spinning when "Lovey" is done dragging you around the baby superstore. However, by doing a little homework ahead of time, you may survive and come out with some cool new toys for yourself and the baby-to-be.

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