What to buy as a First Time Dad?

Kamusta, fellow parents and soon-to-be papas! Your friendly neighborhood dad blogger here, fresh off a particularly energetic session of "Itsy Bitsy Spider" with my little one. Today, we're tackling a topic that probably keeps most expectant parents up at night (besides the impending sleepless nights themselves): what exactly do you NEED to buy once you have a baby?

The sheer volume of baby gear out there can be overwhelming. Strollers, cribs, tiny shoes that will be outgrown in a week – it's like a tiny, adorable financial black hole. But fear not! As a Pinoy dad who's been through the newborn haze (and come out mostly sane!), I'm here to share some practical advice, rooted in our unique Filipino context.

The Golden Rule: Needs vs. Wants (and the "Bili Na 'Yan!" Trap)

Before we dive into categories, let's establish this: there's a huge difference between what you need and what looks cute on Instagram. And let's be honest, in the Philippines, with our strong family ties and generous titas and titos, you'll likely receive a lot of gifts. Embrace them! But also, learn to politely decline things you truly won't use.

The Absolute Must-Haves (The "Hindi Pwedeng Wala" List):

1. Diapers (Lots and Lots of Them!): This is a no-brainer. Newborns go through diapers faster than you can say "change me!" Buy in bulk when there are sales. Consider different brands to see what works best for your baby's sensitive skin. And yes, cloth diapering is an option too, but that's a whole other blog post!

2. Wipes: See above. Essential for quick clean-ups and, let's be real, a dad's best friend when out and about.

3. Onesies/Bodysuits: Forget fancy outfits for the first few months. Comfort is king. Our tropical climate means light, breathable cotton onesies are perfect. Aim for at least 7-10 so you're not doing laundry every single day.

4. Receiving Blankets/Swaddles: Versatile for swaddling, burping, a makeshift changing mat, or even a light cover for your baby in the stroller. You can never have too many.

5. Bathtub (or a Large Basin): A dedicated baby tub makes bath time much easier and safer. If space is an issue, a clean, large basin works just as well.

6. Infant Car Seat: This is non-negotiable for safety, especially if you own a car. Even if you don't, taxis and ride-sharing services are common, and you'll want your little one secure.

7. Crib/Bassinet/Co-Sleeper: Where will your baby sleep? Whether it's a dedicated crib, a bassinet by your bedside for the early months, or a co-sleeper attached to your bed, a safe sleeping space is paramount.

8. Bottles and Sterilizer (if formula feeding or pumping): If you're planning on formula feeding or expressing breast milk, you'll need bottles, nipples, and a sterilizer.

9. Burp Cloths: Trust me on this one. Spit-up happens, and it happens often.

10. Baby Carrier/Wrap: For those moments when you need to be hands-free but still want your baby close. Great for grocery runs, errands, or just soothing a fussy baby.

The "Nice-to-Haves" (The "Pwede Naman Kung May Budget" List):

1. Stroller: While convenient for walks and outings, consider how often you'll actually use it given our often uneven sidewalks and crowded spaces. A baby carrier might be more practical for daily use.

2. Diaper Bag: While a dedicated diaper bag is handy, any sturdy backpack with multiple compartments can do the trick.

3. Baby Monitor: Useful if your baby will be sleeping in a separate room, but if you're co-sleeping or have a small house, it might be unnecessary.

4. Bouncer/Rocker: A good place to put your baby down safely for a few minutes while you grab a coffee or prepare a meal.

5. Play Mat/Gym: Great for tummy time and stimulating your baby's development.

Things You Can Probably Skip (The "Sayang Lang Pera" List):

1. Baby Shoes for Newborns: They don't walk yet! Socks are more than enough.
2. Wipe Warmer: A luxury. Your baby will adjust to room temperature wipes.
3. Fancy Changing Table: A changing pad on a dresser or even on your bed works perfectly well.
4. Too Many Outfits in One Size: Babies grow ridiculously fast. Buy a few pieces in each size and resist the urge to overstock.
5. Bottle Warmer: A bowl of warm water works just as well.

A Pinoy Dad's Special Tip: The "Hand-Me-Down" Advantage!

In the Philippines, we're blessed with strong family ties. Don't be shy about accepting hand-me-downs from relatives or friends! Baby clothes, cribs, even strollers can often be gently used and in great condition, saving you a significant amount of money. Plus, it's a sustainable choice!

Ultimately, becoming a parent is an incredible journey. Don't stress too much about having all the things. Focus on providing a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for your little one. The rest will fall into place.

What were your must-have baby items, fellow parents? Share your wisdom in the comments below! And to all the expectant dads out there – you got this!

Happy parenting,

Your Pinoy Dad Blogger