The Dad Bag: 10 Essentials Every Father Should Carry

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Hey dads, let’s be real: when you become a parent, you gain an unspoken license to rock a stylish man bag. Some of you might lean toward a rugged backpack, while others may embrace a chic designer tote. No judgement here—what matters is what’s inside. With nearly seven years of parenting under my belt, I can confidently share the ten must-have items every dad should keep in their bag.

1. Wet Wipes or Napkins
   No matter how old your kids get, a solid supply of wet wipes is essential for managing messes. Sure, you could channel your inner parent of the year and use your thumb to wipe crumbs away, but having wet wipes means you can handle the situation with a bit more grace. Trust me, you’ll want to avoid direct contact with whatever sticky situation your kids have created.
2. Travel-Sized Hand Sanitizer
   Pair this with your wet wipes because after a chaotic soccer game or a trip to the park, a good pump of hand sanitizer is a lifesaver. This little bottle offers peace of mind when you need to tackle less-than-pleasant scenarios.
3. Lip Balm
   You might not appreciate the importance of lip balm until you find your child distressed in the backseat with chapped lips. Don’t end up speed racing to the nearest convenience store like I did; be proactive and keep a tube handy.
4. Mini First-Aid Kit with Band-Aids
   You can find these kits at airports or pharmacies and they pack everything necessary for minor emergencies. I even got an Epipen, just in case. You never know when you’ll have a chance to be the hero in a sticky situation.
5. Noise-Canceling Headphones
   Need I elaborate? Sometimes, you just need to tune out the chaos, especially in crowded places like playgrounds.
6. Water Bottle
   How often do you hear “I’m thirsty” each day? Instead of scrambling for sugary drinks, keep water on hand. It’s refreshing and can also double as a cleaning aid for unexpected messes—like the time my kid decided to be sick in the backseat.
7. Spare Phone Charger
   We’ve all been there—stuck in a situation with a dying phone battery. When planning a long day out, ensure your phone is charged. With all the pictures and videos you’ll be capturing, you’ll need that extra juice.
8. Advil Liqui-Gels
   These are for you, dad. From handling a long day to enduring the noise at a packed Chuck E. Cheese, having a few pain relievers can really save the day.
9. Tablet or Similar Device
   Load it up with their favorite movies and games. Apps like YouTube Kids are fantastic for filtering content. Just remember, Wi-Fi is a must to keep the peace when your child is craving some screen time.
10. A Surprise Toy
    Keep a small, exciting toy tucked away for those unexpected moments of waiting. Something like a Minecraft mini-figure can work wonders to keep your child entertained. Just dangle the promise of the toy to encourage good behavior.

You don’t have to take my word for it, but transitioning to a dad bag from a diaper bag can be a game changer. My bag usually hangs out on my kitchen counter or in the car, ready for action. So, if you don’t have one yet, find a bag that suits your style, grab these ten essentials, and be prepared for anything. You’ll feel like a superhero next time you beat a mom to the wet wipes!

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In summary, the dad bag is a crucial tool for navigating parenthood. By equipping yourself with these ten essential items, you’ll always be ready for whatever parenting throws your way.