Hodge Podge

"Beware the ides of March"

Some random thoughts and notes for you Dads-to-be:

*Have a say in the list for the baby shower. Ask for the following:

• 2 Diaper Genies - What a great invention! Sure emptying the diaper sausage link might look funny and be a bit of challenge, but the diaper changing task can be daunting. There are times you are going to have to act quickly and you will love having the Genie around to quickly stuff in the used diaper and get back to business. Why 2? One for each main floor/changing area.
• Get the car seat that comes with a stroller. Get an extra base for that car seat if you have more than one car. It's worth the extra spending to not have to switch it between cars. Learn to strap it in before you have the baby. It makes the coming home from the hospital, that much smoother.
• Since you will be carrying the diaper bag most of the time, you might want to pick out a style suited for you. If you like the man-bag or European carry-all, knock yourself out. Keep it loaded with hand sanitizer.
• Which leads to this: Keep a lot of hand sanitizer around. We had those pumps in the car, in the kitchen, nursery, in the diaper bag. You want to invest in a healthy supply.
• Which then leads to: get a membership at BJ's or Costco( or put one on the registry list). You will be amazed at how quickly you go through diapers, wipes, and formula. Don't get cute and bulk up too much on the diapers though. Babies grow like weeds and are into the next diaper size up before you know it. You don't want 10 extra boxes of size 2 when they are into a size 3.
• Wipes are great. They will take out a lot of stains better than club soda.
• Go heavy on the onesies. Baby one piece underwear. Very utilitarian. Learn a real life lesson from an acquaintance, the onsie goes over the diaper but under the pants......In the summer, that is the outfit of choice.
• Buy larger sizes but keep the seasons in mind (see the aforementioned, "babies grow like weeds" entry. Buying a large pair of shorts for the kid to grow into in December, is not a sound investment choice.
• LL Bean winter jackets are the way to go.

Misc:

• Ductape is the solution to a lot of problems. After you rip that first sticky tab on a diaper, you will see what I mean.
• Diaper rash makes everyone crazy and irritated. Balmex baby. Lather it on. Change diapers frequently.
• I only have little boys as a frame of reference but: cold air + exposed nether regions = duck! Be ready for it. It's going to happen. Be faster. I found smothering the stream with the old diaper worked best. You might need to bath the little one though after the back splash.
• Sleep when you can. Learn to love the power nap.

I am sure I forgot a lot of things. But it's a start anyway.