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The Best Baby Gear for Dads Will Simplify Your Newly Hectic Life

Parent smarter, not harder.

Searching for the best baby gear for dads? You're in the right place. Welcome to Stylish Dad Week, GQ Recommends’ celebration of the people and products that make dad style more than a punchline. Whether you’re looking for non-corny dad shoes, parenting gear the experts swear by, or are just trying to land on an excellent gift idea ahead of Father's Day, we’ve got all the thoughts, takes, and, yes, recommendations you need to toast dear old pops—or jack his inimitable swagger—like you've got a squadron of rugrats tugging at your shirttails.

Fatherhood requires so much freaking gear (from strollers to carriers to diaper bags to car seats, the list of requisites for keeping a child alive and healthy is endless), that it can be headache for any new dad or parent to wade through it all to determine what’s actually worth it and what's just a genius marketing ploy softened by a two-syllable, cutesy brand name. All too often, that car seat you spent hours researching and price-evaluating online before taking the plunge will be outgrown by your growing tot in a matter of months. Or worse, it doesn’t comfortably fit to begin with. Every baby’s different, and while we can’t take the guesswork out of what will assuredly work for yours, we can wholeheartedly recommend the following products we’ve earnestly road-tested and yielded nothing but positive results from.

In this carefully-vetted list of the best baby gear for dads, we've purposefully selected items that will grow with them from the newborn to toddler eras, without you needing to shuffle them out for something else or foist them onto your neighbors with kids. From the lay-flat inflatable beds that can help your toddler get a taste for first-class living to the gadgets that will make your life a little (OK, a lot) easier, we've got all the categories that matter covered. Perfect for Father’s Day gifts or any new parent who's studying up on top-tier baby products, these are some of our favorite essentials. We also threw in some fun stuff—like a child-sized McLaren car—because, hey, you've gotta enjoy the journey, too.

All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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    Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

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    Yeti Rambler Jr 12oz kids water bottle

    Just like the one you use for adult beverages, only smaller, spillproof, easy-to-carry for tiny hands, and has an easy-to-clean mouthpiece.

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    Thinkbaby SPF 50+ baby sunscreen

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    Lovevery Playkit subscription

    Regardless of age, you can find a Lovevery playkit made for your kiddo. The baby registry favorite places a heavy emphasis on neural connections, orienting the products within each kit to the developmental stage of your child. Newborns are treated to plenty of black-and-white visual stimulation, while babies around the six-month mark receive loads of sensory products. Every kit’s accompanying booklet explains the purposeful reason for each included toy—all of which are made of high-quality wood or metals, so you don’t have to worry about shoddy plastic construction. The book also dives into milestones and personality traits to be cognizant of, and helps new parents process those, and offers tips to enhance learning and growth. It’s a solid subscription that’s well worth the cost.

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    Chunkies paint sticks variety pack

    These zero-mess paint stick barrels are extra chunky to help tiny hands grip, and they dry pretty much instantly once they hit paper so your child fingers can’t smudge it all over your walls.

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    Hatch Rest baby sound machine

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    Wayb "Pico" travel car seat

    This fold-up travel car seat is the opposite of every oversized plastic version you may or may not have lugged awkwardly through airports before. It's easy to clean, weighs only eight pounds, and folds up small enough to stow in the overhead bin. Made of breathable fabric stretched over a NASA-level alloy frame, it's the perfect travel system for airplanes, Ubers, or stowing in grandma’s trunk.

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    Nugget floor couch

    This viral minimalist floor couch—designed with fort building in mind—became such a hit that it was tough to get your hands on it during the early pandemic. Thankfully it's readily available again and the flippable, foldable, and washable cushions have such a steady following that some parents collect multiples (Google "nugget castle ideas" and you'll understand why).

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    No Reception Club sidekick diaper bag

    Sometimes you need the full diaper bag backpack. And other times you can get away with just the essentials, like with this compact wonder, The Sidekick, that’s one of the sleekest packs around for dealing with dirty diaper changes. There’s a wipes pocket at the back which you can easily access one-handed, space for four to six diapers, and a changing pad that comes with it. Wear it around your midsection or sling it over the shoulder, bandolier-style.

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    Everlove montessori mobile

    There’s a reason you see a spate of baby stuff in black and white motifs: Newborns crave high contrast visuals to help with sight development. Mobiles like this trippy Kusama-esque one are super stimulating and, accordingly, will keep a baby’s interest, all the way until sleepy time.

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    Bern "Nino" 2.0 youth bike helmet

    Thanks to some well-placed internal velcro straps and extensive sizing options, Bern helmets simply fit great on tiny noggins, which means toddlers are less likely to protest putting them on. A flippable brim adds an innovative and functional twist, keeping the sun off their face while also adding a little Jesper Parnevik panache to any scooter ride.

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    Step2 Whisper Ride II ride on push toy car

    Babies above 12 months will love taking this whip for a spin. While the car’s name belies its ride—it’s a tad noisy with the hard plastic wheels—there are two cup holders, ideal for sippy or snack cups, and a steering wheel with a working horn to keep little hands busy.

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    Thule Yepp Maxi rack-mount child bike seat

    Got a rear bike rack? You can easily mount this sturdy and safe Thule seat for little ones (or grab the frame-mounted version). There’s a five-point safety harness to keep your toddler snug in the soft, shock-absorbing seat. The footrest and foot straps adjust to grow along with your child, too.

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    Nuna Mixx Next stroller

    Consider the Nuna Mixx the Roll’s Royce of strollers, courtesy of a combo of rubber, foam-filled tires, and a flexible suspension. You can bash this stroller over any curb crack, ledge, or gap without upsetting wee sleepers (or whatever’s sloshing around in your cup holder.) It comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from an elite stroller: a leather handle and grab bar, five-position recline, UPF 50+ extendable canopy, peekaboo window, and so on. But the coup de grace is the magnetic snap system on the buckle itself, which saves literal minutes of belt fumbling while dodging your infant’s flailing arms. Oh, and the real cherry on top? You can fit a very large diaper bag and a 12-pack in the storage bin.

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    Aura "Mason" Wifi digital picture frame

    If you're a new father, odds are your camera roll is bursting at the seams. Unless you’re going to print all those snaps out, you need a solid way to display them. Enter Aura and its Mason Digital Frame. It’s low-key design fits into any existing decor, and you just use WiFi to upload as many images as you’d like. You can also manage multiple frames from one account, meaning you can send an Aura to grandma and grandpa and remotely add photos for them.

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    McLaren 720S 12V kids electric car with remote control

    A real McLaren 720S has 710 horsepower, and will ding your bank account for more than $300,000. Consider this teensy electric version a steal, by comparison. It’s got all the handsome lines of the real thing, and that larger motor means it’s capable of hitting two, three, or four miles per hour. It also has a rear suspension(!) and a working media player that can take MP3s or a USB drive, meaning Cocomelon can be blasted while cruising.

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    Fat Brain Dimpl Pops deluxe

    Dimple boards are essential new baby gear. Why? They bring all the elation of popping bubble wrap without any of the noise. These are perfect for new parents who crave a meal out, but don’t want to bring toys that squeak or chirp to a restaurant.

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    Hiccapop baby wipe warmer

    To those who claim warm wipes aren’t needed, perhaps you’ve never heard the piercing cry of an infant at 5 a.m. when a cool wipe meets a backside. These are a game-changer for any new parents who struggle with diaper change time. The unit holds all brands of wipes, and keeps ‘em plenty toasty.

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    Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser Machine

    This here is an absolute essential baby product. Sure, you can mess around trying to get powdered formula into a baby bottle—eyeing the right amount of water, shaking it like you’re a bartender, then cleaning up all that formula dust after. Or you can simply push a button on the Brezza, and everything is done for you. Multiple settings allow for ounce variants as well as temperature settings, too.

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    Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash water table

    Lots of stations and components keep toddlers splish-splashing for hours. A handy drain plug helps make cleanup a breeze.

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    5-Foot Teddy Bear

    Yes, the sight of a five-foot teddy bear may initially perplex, potentially even scare, your toddler, but it’ll soon become a best friend, comfy reading chair, and nap location. (You may find yourself using it for the latter.)

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    Ergobaby Omni 360 all-position baby carrier

    The "all-position" denotation here is clutch. Newborns need to face your chest, while older tots can look forward, and this Ergobaby carrier can accommodate all of that, comfortably nestling children from seven to 45 pounds. Built-in lumbar support means your back won’t feel the strain as much, and adjustable straps mean it’ll fit you, no matter your size. A detachable storage pouch keeps keys, wallets, or pacifiers within reach, and an included baby hood helps block the sun, or can double as a shield if mom needs to feed.

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    BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance

    This ergonomic bouncer uses your baby’s motion to help generate a natural rocking movement. It’s got three position settings, tailoring optimal reclines for newborns versus young toddlers, and folds flat for transport, too.

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    Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter

    The little red wagon company has come a long way with this two-stage ride-on or step scooter. Affix the seat and plop kids over 12 months on top and off they’ll go. When ready, invert the seat to a platform and they’ll stand on it.

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    Melissa and Doug Dust Sweep Mop

    Introduce this six-piece cleaning set alongside the “Clean Up!” song and you’ll further ignite your little one’s helper setting.

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    Esjay Toddler Busy Board

    Another nonnegotiable piece of gear that any dad needs for entertaining youngsters: a busy board. This one features more than a dozen individual elements for your toddler to touch, manipulate, and interact with, all sans noise that make it ideal for pulling out on car trips, restaurant outings, or airplane rides.

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    Ezpz developmental cup set

    This three-cup set is an easy and functional way to teach babies, toddlers, and preschoolers how to drink from an open cup, and how to use a straw. The 100% food-grade, BPA-free silicone is safe for little mouths and the dishwasher. Those straws also have little rings and ridges to keep your child from yanking it out, or pushing it into the cup.

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    Skip Hop baby bath tub

    This tub is great for first time parents because it’ll grow with your baby. Affix the sling to ensure your newborn's head remains out of the water, or remove the mesh when the time comes for your baby to play and sit without it. There’s even a convenient drain plug and a swivel hook so you can allow it to hang dry in a snap.

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    Warmies microwavable French lavender plush sloth

    Nuke this for about a minute and the dreamy lavender scent will fill the nursery. The aroma—and the warmth—are effective at soothing toddlers and expediting sleep.

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    Woolino 4-season organic sleep blanket

    Sleep sacks are any new dad’s savior. They keep kiddos loosely swaddled, proving that sense of protection, but eliminate you from needing to know how to properly swaddle. That’s a helluva bonus when it’s 3 a.m. and you’re struggling to get your baby back to bed. Woolino uses breathable merino wool—acclaimed for its cooling, sweat-wicking, and odor-resistant properties—and super soft organic cotton, so your little one won’t overheat. And a shoulder zipper helps you get the perfect fit, while a bottom zipper means you don’t have to take the whole shebang off to change a diaper.

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    Frida Baby infrared thermometer

    This nifty three-in-one thermometer can be used in-ear, on the forehead, or hands-free, to give you a one-second reading. Applying the sensor to a bottle to ensure the milk is at the right temp is helpful, as is the touchless feature, which can monitor room temperature within the nursery. A memory setting keeps track of the last 40 readings, giving you a clean run-down of how your child’s temperature is evolving.

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