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What is a daddy bag?

The dad bag isn't a new-age, hipster thing, and it's way more than a man's diaper bag. It's a pragmatic way of keeping all of your dad essentials in one spot. The backseat of my SUV has three car seats, sundry stuffed animals, at least two bowls worth of loose cheerios.

What is God's ultimate desire?
What is God's ultimate desire?

God's desire is that man yield completely to Him and cooperate wholeheartedly with Him for the highest of all beings and of the universe. Also, it...

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Which is the safest carry most of the time?
Which is the safest carry most of the time?

Two-handed carry — The two-hand, also known as the ready carry, is when the firearm is gripped in both hands with the muzzle pointed up. Since the...

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When your kid has a blowout, you’ll be prepared.

Last weekend, while our big girls were with the grandparents, my wife and I had some alone time…with our two-year-old. We threw on her water shoes and headed to the creek to let her splash around, find snails, and chase crayfish. Thinking she’d only go in ankle-deep, we put her in shorts and a t-shirt, no bathing suit required. About ten minutes in, I looked back to see my baby girl sitting on the creek bed, water up to her chest, laughing ribbons and holding a rock she was sure had been a buried treasure. I laughed with her, took a few pictures, and didn’t give a second thought to the wet clothes. No big deal. I had my dad bag. The dad bag isn’t a new-age, hipster thing, and it's way more than a man's diaper bag. It’s a pragmatic way of keeping all of your dad essentials in one spot. The backseat of my SUV has three car seats, sundry stuffed animals, at least two bowls worth of loose cheerios. And on the floor, behind the passenger’s seat, my seven-year-old Cole Haan leather bag sits ready to assist in whatever curveball my kids may throw at me, whether it be chapped lips, dirty hands, or crayfish-catching clothes. If you’re about to become a dad, or you’re already a dad but realize you need to up your preparedness, then here are the dad bag basics: The Dad Bag Essential Contents Depending on the age of your kid(s), your essentials may vary. Here are a few safe bets: Two diapers or pull ups (because one isn’t enough, and three is too bulky) Baby-wipes – get a refillable pack, and remember they’re not just for bums. Baby wipes are often your only defense against sticky hands. And kids’ hands are ALWAYS sticky.

A burp cloth (or even a small tea towel)

One serving of whatever your kid is currently eating (dry formula, baby food, a pouch) Plastic bags for soiled diapers. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you use up these bags. Poop diapers, puke burp cloths, creek water clothing, it all goes in the bag until we can get home.

A change of clothes (for the kid, not you)

Aquaphor. Get the brand name. It’s worth it.

A toy or board book your kid will play with while they’re sitting in a shopping cart (if it’s a toy that makes noise, make sure it has a volume-off button)

Is folding money illegal?
Is folding money illegal?

However, the U.S. Department of The Treasury explains that while coins and folded pig dollars are legal tender, there's nothing in the law...

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What happens if you don't clean guns?
What happens if you don't clean guns?

Over lubrication can become a problem without cleaning sessions. Too much oil collected in parts of the handgun works as a glue for particles and...

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Summer time? Sunscreen and bug spray (kid friendly)

Camera. I’m sure I’ll get some backlash on this one. I know cell phones take great pictures, but how many of those pictures are hanging on your walls right now? Get a pocketable camera, and take real, intentional pictures of your kid. Then hang them on your walls. If you’re feeling extra fancy, read my guide about getting into 35 mm film cameras. Granola bar. This is for you, especially if you have a newborn. You’re already sleep deprived, and you still have to eat too, dad.

Dad Bag Profiles

There are three materials you should consider for your dad bag: leather, canvas, and nylon. Also consider the style of the bag – do you want a messenger bag with a crossbody strap or a traditional backpack? Ultimately, this all comes down to personal preference, so try on a few and decide which you like best.

Leather

I’ve carried a leather bag since college. I love the way leather ages; the scratches, the patina, to me, it all tells a story. So when it came time for me to get a dad bag, there was only one choice. My Cole Haan messenger has taken a beating over the years, and it’s held up swimmingly. My one lament is that it’s not as capacious as a traditional backpack; however, this has forced intentionality on my part as to what needs to be in the bag.

Canvas

There’s a refined ruggedness to canvas: it’s strong, yet soft, handsome, yet unintimidated by the elements. The canvas dad bag is an outstanding choice for the dad who wants something lighter weight than leather and that won’t get easily ruined by a downpour. Canvas won’t hold it’s form as well as leather, but this can be an advantage (especially if you have a small car).

Nylon

If you're the outdoors dad, you need a nylon or polyester bag. Nylon and polyester are waterproof, vegan, and their nonpareil durability makes them an economical choice as well.

Dive Deeper:

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What should be in a home medical kit?

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How much does a size 12 female weigh?

The averages for 12-year-olds are 89 pounds, for males, and 92 pounds, for females. However, beyond biological sex, many other factors influence...

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Can an animal raise a human baby?

They are sometimes the subjects of folklore and legends, typically portrayed as having been raised by animals. While there are many cases of...

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Why do Amish woman not cut their hair?
Why do Amish woman not cut their hair?

Amish women do not cut their hair and Amish men do not cut their beards after marriage for biblical reasons. “In the Amish faith a man's beard and...

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