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I Was Skeptical of Baby Gear. Then I Became a Dad.


It annoys me so much, I love knowing about baby stuff. My wife likes that I know about baby supplies. And to my surprise, learning about baby gear forces me to learn about babies myself – what they like, what they don’t like, what age they grow up and certain behaviors. As my due date approached, I felt more prepared and less fortunate than many other first-time expectant dads I met in our birthing classes, many of whom delivered decision making for their wives.

And when my wife went into labor three weeks early, I was ready. I confidently drove her to the hospital, packed full of bags, towed, without having to worry about whether the car seat was installed properly or not.

Since our son was born, I’ve found that my interest in his device has made me a better, more capable parent. I can answer my pediatrician’s questions about formulas and nipple sizes without breaking a sweat, and I know exactly how many diapers to pack for a three-day trip. I’ve read user manuals and watched YouTube tutorials, and I can operate, clean, and adjust the majority of our kids’ devices without any assistance. (No incompetence in weaponization here!)

What devices have I become fluent in too? Not buying. I’m a firm believer that parents should spend as little money as possible on baby clothes, and absolutely nothing on things designed to pee, poop, vomit or spill, including Includes baby bibs and towels. (An old dish towel will work.) I wouldn’t buy the plush Montessori-style wooden toys that are all the rage in Brooklyn and Berkeley these days. And while I don’t grudge anyone for prioritizing convenience, I think any parent paying $300 for the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced – a Keurig-style machine that supports Wi-Fi, can mix and reheat formula bottles for you. the push of a button – will increase their taxes.

Of course, Gear can’t solve every parenting problem. It can’t calm a colicky child, teach a toddler, or help a picky eater clean up his plate. And families who can’t afford tons of gadgets, or choose to spend their money differently, are sure to raise perfectly healthy, happy kids without it.

But there’s something satisfying about itching gears, just a little bit. Because the device, to be honest, is huge. It represents our progress as a species – each pacifier, diaper pail and bottle brush is an expression of Promethean itch as it harnesses technology to bring order to a chaotic universe. chaos. And for new parents – a group with a lot of chaos in life – having the right equipment can help us feel more in control, less dependent on fate’s mercy.



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