The Bougie Dad City Survival Guide

It’s hard to underestimate the cool factor of a solid-color ball cap. But, when you’re out in the elements, function matters just as much as form. The A-Game, from melin, has a moisture-wicking lining designed to keep your head from getting sweaty on city walks and its water-repellent outer shell and resin-based brim ensures your hat won’t lose its shape if you get stuck in the rain. A breathable perforated back-panel keeps your head from retaining heat while you’re out walking the mean streets with your kid. And it floats, so there’s that.

John Vavartos made the Chuck Taylor famous. But a lot of guys don’t know the brand does a ton of high-end clothing. We love this denim hooded jacket because it’s super-easy to throw on and it looks cool without taking itself too seriously, which means you can pair it with a casual pair of jeans or jogger pants and straight nail that urban “early-afternoon” look. The chest zipper pockets make for a nice “dad” feature; they’re great for those odds and ends and the jacket is loose (and thin) enough to use as a layering piece under a heavier jacket when needed. Don’t miss this one.

If it’s been a while since you’ve been to a Lululemon store, it’s worth a second look. They’ve really upped their game when it comes to men’s clothes and the ABC Jogger is a perfect example. Designed for guys who move around a lot, the streamlined fit of these pants looks great, while giving those hard-working glutes and thighs room to breathe. And Lululemon’s ABC technology (can jogging pants be high-tech?) employs ergonomics to remove tension in the crotch. So, this is serious business. I have a pair and love them. Try them on for size and see for yourself.

Act like you know with these all-white Nike Air-Force 1s (Supreme). These classic sneaks are so dope they don’t even have a description listed with them on Amazon. I guess pictures really are worth a thousand words. In the immortal words of Nelly, get “stomp’in” and click the link below. (Note: prices differ by size.)

Available in three colors, including this cool two-tone, this durable bag is outfitted with 10 convenient pockets for everything from baby bottles (insulated), to diapers to a protective pouch for your laptop. It also includes an oversized changing pad (which you’re definitely going to need) and specially designed “stroller straps,” so you can look like a pro while you’re toting your gear (and your kid) all over town. We love the vegan leather accents for a touch of class and the water-resistant canvas is great for spills and inevitable drops. We like this bag because it’s easy to carry, looks good and has a ton of utility. Plus, bonus: it fits easily (with no fuss) in the rear footwell of our ride.

The mophie is hands-down the coolest wireless charger we’ve seen. Not only is it fast-charging (USB-C) and wireless (just rest your phone on the pad to charge), but it folds out to form a handy tabletop stand for your mobile device.

Want to hang at your favorite outdoor patio for lunch and a drink (ok, two)? Simply slide this handy black box out of your pocket and place it on the table in front of your kid, set your phone on top and press play.

And viola! Lunch is served!

If you ever go to Paris, you’ll see scores of competent well-dressed dads zigging and zagging these nifty compact, and incredibly nimble, conveyances through the city’s famously crowded streets. If a stroller can work in Paris, it can work anywhere. And it does. The French-made YoYo2 looks like a fashion statement and strolls like a champ. Its flexible chassis and spring-loaded wheels (a rare feature on a travel stroller) make it perfect for those unpredictable, sometimes bumpy city rides and its compact size means you can maneuver easily between tables and in and out of stores without calling attention to yourself. It folds up in seconds for convenient under-table storage. And it ranks high in every safety category. Our daughter just turned three and she still fits in it comfortably. Bonus: To date, the YoYo2 remains one of the only high-end travel strollers of its size and quality to fit in the overhead bin! Bon Voyage!

There are water bottles and there are water bottles. With its vacuum insulation, the Thermoflask is the latter. This water bottle promises to keep your liquids ice-cold for 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours and the BPA-free stainless-steel lining won’t transfer flavors or rust. If you’ve never used a water bottle for storing liquids for kids before, we can’t stress how important this feature is. Thermoflask comes with two types of lids — one for chugging and one with a straw for sipping. The straw lid is a must if you want something your kid can drink out of without making a total mess. There are several sizes and colors available. The 40-oz. version is featured here. Stay thirsty, my friends — or, not. With the Thermoflask, that really is up to you.

It might not look like much, but this stackable container could be the difference between a forgettable afternoon in hell and one that you actually want to remember. There are plenty of these on the market. We like this one, from Skip Hop, because it’s solidly constructed and offers stackable cups of different sizes for everything from formula (if your baby is tiny) or crackers and fruit snacks, or whatever, for the toddler set. We keep one of these full and in our car at all times, and I honestly can’t tell you how many times it has saved us. Twelve dollars.

When we tell you to buy as many of these as you possibly can, we’re not kidding. You’re going to need them — and not just for changing dirty diapers. When you’re out on the town, things happen, especially with kids. As long as you’re prepared, most of these things — messy fingers, dirty mouths, spit-up, stains on clothes, poop, even, on occasion, straight-up puke, can be reduced to minor annoyances and your day can continue as planned. But if you’re not prepared, things can go downhill fast. Think of these water-based wipes as your safety net. Put a pack in the car and another in your stroller. Do it now. Or, as soon that box shows up on your doorstep.

For the body and face (very important), this oil-free sunscreen with zinc oxide is a top-of-line defender against harmful UV rays and a must-have staple for the center-console. Keep a tube at the ready and apply liberally before you hit the streets.

Especially for babies (though our three-year-old daughter still uses hers), the Baby Batibou Sun Blanket is a great sunscreen alternative for little ones who aren’t yet ready for sunscreen. (Also, for bigger ones who scream and refuse to wear sunscreen.)

Buy one now and keep it in your car.

Now, you’ve got all the gear you need. Go forth into the city and conquer.