Taye Diggs Dishes: Daddy Diggs’ favorite baby gear

What you
need / what you don't

Baby gear and supplies can drive any dad crazy. From the items you think you need --but don't --
to the ones you do, figuring it all out is a process. Check out my thoughts on baby gear, including
the man (diaper) bag.

Must-have items

There were two things my wife Idina and I couldn't do without. The first was a pacifier. Everyone has their take on whether they should give their baby a pacifier, but for us, that was a necessity.

Second, every baby needs a soft blanket. It doesn't matter what your taste is -- color, design, etc. -- make sure you always have a blanket.

We love a hot dad! Check out Taye Diggs in our Man Candy Mondays feature >>

Toy overkill

Most parents want to spoil their babies and kids, but we like to take it easy on the toys. There are so many that will just collect dust. Trust me, your child will need less than you think. As your baby gets older, you'll know what you need more of, but if you don't go crazy in the beginning, you won't have too many.

Read Diggs' advice on talking to kids about diversity >>

The diaper bag

The diaper bag is a necessity. It's a fact of parenthood: You have to carry a diaper bag. After forgetting it a few times, I realized exactly how important one is! So my advice is to make it as cool as possible. Go for a masculine bag in a basic color.

Through experience, I figured out how to scale the contents down so I'm not constantly lugging a hefty bag over my shoulder. (Yes, real men do carry diaper bags on their shoulders!) I stick with the basic necessities -- diapers, wipes, etc. -- and I pack according to the length of my outing. I don't need eight diapers for a one-hour trip.

Hands-on dads rule! See what Taye Diggs thinks about team parenting >>

The best advice I have about diaper bags is not to be ashamed. Check out what other dads are carrying, find your own and wear it with pride!

I don't recommend any particular diaper bag, but here are few that fit my style.

Diaper Dude:
Messenger II in black

Simple, functional and manly.
Get it here >>

Dad Gear:
Messenger in black

Messenger-style and as cool as possible. Get it here >>

Fleurville:
DJ in black

A cool backpack-style diaper bag. Get it here >>

Did you know that Taye Diggs is an author? Check out his book, Chocolate Me! >>

This September, Diggs' first children's book entitled Chocolate Me was published by Feiwell and Friends. The book tells the story of a relentlessly teased child who learns to appreciate what sets him apart from his neighbors and is illustrated by Diggs' longtime friend, Shane Evans.

An established star of film, television and theatre, Taye Diggs made his feature film debut starring opposite Angela Bassett in the box office hit How Stella Got Her Groove Back and currently stars in the ABC series, Private Practice, in which he plays the role of Dr. Sam Bennett.

Born in New Jersey, Diggs grew up in Rochester, New York, attending High School of the Arts. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University, where he studied theater, and was discovered by an agent while performing in a showcase during his senior year in college.