NT Fathers Unite: Tips and Cheat Codes for 1st-Time Dads

ValarMorghulis

ValarMorghulis

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My wife and I are expecting our first child. :smokin :smokin

We're 29 and have been married for 5 years so we were planning to start our family... now that we're here both of us are NERVOUS WRECKS. :lol:

I really don't want this to be another congratulation/pat-on-the-back thread...

Where I would like to take this is a cheat sheet for expected parents that would help others including us!

From your experience:

What helped? What hurt?
What didn't you do that you wish you did?
How you did it? How you wish you had done it?


First thing I'm doing is, every Grocery trip from here on out we will buy one bundle of diapers which amount to $8

Obviously shoes/hobbies are going to get a severe cut back from here on out.
 
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Don't overspend on overpriced branded baby clothes. They will all be ruined and your kid does not know the difference.

Start routines and stick to them. It'll keep you and mama sane.

Baby wipes are for dads too.

Fully agree with change of clothes in the trunk. Have a change for yourself too.
 
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-Buy on sale or at a discount, and don't be afraid to use coupons

-Breastfeed if possible, it's inexpensive and it's better for mom and baby

-If you do have to go the formula route, sign up now for all the major brands email/mailing list. They'll send you samples (actual size you'd buy from the store) of their products and coupons.

-Target for diapers, especially when they're running the promotion of a gift card w/ the purchase of 2 boxes

- Sign up for Target's Cartwheel App, and mobile coupons, and mobile baby coupons

-Get used to your kid unintentionally cockblocking :lol:

-I agree on the spending of overpriced clothing

-Don't buy anything until yall are out of the 1st trimester and when you do buy, keep all of your receipts

-You can never overpack a diaper bag/book bag, there's always something that you may need and not realize it.

-Make your own baby food. It's simple and inexpensive, and you know what's going into your baby. Ninja has an appliance that puree's things for about $20
 
-if you really want to save money (and have the heart for it) use cloth diapers. we used cloth with my first until she was about 1 1/2. Potty training her was a pretty straightforward process and took only a few months. With no 2 (exclusively used disposables) has been...trying.

- **** outfits. if/when you need to buy baby clothes, buy neutral colored onsies and sweatpants/tights.

- **** shoes. until they walk. but until then, socks/slippers/booties work just fine.

-medela's microwaveble sanitizer bags. all you need is a microwave, 2 oz of water, and the bag to sterilize bottles.
 
Father of 2. Your hobbies no longer exist like they used to. That diaper commercial where the first kid is basically untouchable and the second kid is basically whatever. It's the truth. My wife overreacted to everything. Advice nurse on speed dial. You are going to have all kinds of advice thrown your way in how to raise your kids. Pick and choose what works for you.
As said before do not buy overpriced or trendy clothes or shoes. Yes they look nice but they are not realistic. White onesies are going to be the uniform unless you go somewhere.
The diaper bag... As said before. Never too full. Diapers wipes bottles snacks clothes. Essentials.
Separate changing table is not necessary. I have one and although it is nice you can easily change the baby on the floor or couch.
Start a 529 plan asap. It's never too early to save for collage or trade school.
Sorry but this is all I can think of in a short time. Hit me up if you need any advice or have questions.
 
Don't stock up on diapers just yet, especially since you don't know how big the baby will be. For our first one, we got a whole bunch of newborn/size 1 diapers that fit my son for 2 weeks before he went on to size 2. He grew so fast I think he skipped size 2 to size 4 lol.

If you have a baby shower, put all that expensive stuff on the registry. You have up to 1 year from the registry date to return anything you have listed on it (Babies R Us). However, know that you will end up returning most things as they are not necessities but luxuries (such as separate changing table/swinging chair/boppy/etc). Also you get 10 or 15% off items that weren't purchased on your baby registry from Target.

Another good thing about Babies R US is that they have a lot of programs where you can return an item for store credit. We've been able to return car seats, strollers, play pens and use the $$ towards other necessities. Other times they give you coupons for returning an item such as 30% off which we used towards a high end car seat.

A basic must have list for babies after having my two I think are 

- Dr. Brown Bottles (at least until they're big enough to burp themselves)

- A&D Ointment

- Desitin Rash Cream

- Wipes (I use to use target brand but they recently changed the quality. I now use Pampers brand)

- Diapers (personal preference will vary but most hospitals use pampers swaddlers at birth)

- Onsies (get a TON of them, especially when on sale. Babies can go through 2-3 a day)

- Dreft (baby clothes detergent)

- Basinet (for the first month or two)

- Crib/Baby Mattress (no need to spend $400 on one. Get a decent one that looks and feels sturdy)

- Stroller - I got a combo set that came with the car seat and then converted to a regular stroller when he outgrew the car seat. This jogger style stroller is on point for getting around on any terrain. http://www.toysrus.com/product/inde...7.2273447.35475976.11614155&parentPage=family.

My last tip is do not let a poop diaper sit around in the trash or anywhere in your home. Put that joint in grocery bag and launch it outside!!

I'm sure I forgot a lot of necessities on my list, maybe others can build off it to get you a complete essentials list.
 
Dathbgboy said:
-Breastfeed if possible, it's inexpensive and it's better for mom and baby
it.
-Make your own baby food. It's simple and inexpensive, and you know what's going into your baby. Ninja has an appliance that puree's things for about $20
Click to expand...

This will save you soooooooo much money its not even funny.
And its the healthiest thing you can give your kid. ****, if mom
gotta work, buy a pump.

Plus breast feeding will allow you to suit up for teamraw for 8mnths,
maybe longer without her getting prego again.

And if your wife is open minded, you can have milkshakes in bed :wink:
 
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HTG Designs said:
Dathbgboy said:
-Breastfeed if possible, it's inexpensive and it's better for mom and baby
it.
-Make your own baby food. It's simple and inexpensive, and you know what's going into your baby. Ninja has an appliance that puree's things for about $20
Click to expand...

This will save you soooooooo much money its not even funny.
And its the healthiest thing you can give your kid. ****, if mom
gotta work, buy a pump.

Plus breast feeding will allow you to suit up for teamraw for 8mnths,
maybe longer without her getting prego again.

And if your wife is open minded, you can have milkshakes in bed :wink:
Click to expand...

lolololol
 
HTG Designs said:
This will save you soooooooo much money its not even funny.
And its the healthiest thing you can give your kid. ****, if mom
gotta work, buy a pump.

Plus breast feeding will allow you to suit up for teamraw for 8mnths,
maybe longer without her getting prego again.

And if your wife is open minded, you can have milkshakes in bed
wink.gif
Click to expand...
Ive thought about this lol.
 
- Tommee Tippee colic bottles are the truth
- You don't need dreft. Any of the fragrance free brands are good. I use the tide brand
- The Ninja blender is the truth
- Leaky breasts are not fun
 
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Tip: Don't be a **** about waking up to take care of the baby. Trust me anytime you spend with the child only strengthens the bond down the road. The waking up late nights will pay serious relatioship dividends down the road.
 
Spend as much time with the baby as possible.

Don't forget about date night. However often is practical for you, do it do it do it! As much as you can, seriously, it'll save your relationship. And the only rule is don't talk about the baby.
 
Don Adidada said:
Tip: Don't be a **** about waking up to take care of the baby. Trust me anytime you spend with the child only strengthens the bond down the road. The waking up late nights will pay serious relatioship dividends down the road.
Click to expand...

Co-sign. Some of my favorite times I've had with my now 4-yr old daughter were those 3 AM rocking chair sessions. I used to love rocking her to sleep too. It was just so peaceful and relaxing for her and I.

Here's a pro tip when it comes to diapers. Avoid the nighttime joints--they're packed full of chemicals (all diapers are, but these have a lot more) that tend to cause caustic burns since they're worn for longer periods than regular diapers.

I'd also advise to skip the formula and start out with breast milk if possible. It's a lot of work for the mom, but it saves maaaaad money and is much healthier for the baby.
 
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