Need Dad Mods

Bed mat so the car seat doesnt side around too much back there

 

I hated the idea of a minivan. With two kids and having to take them and their friends around the minivan is a great tool. I still don't like the idea of it but for parking, the sliding doors (you don't have to worry about your kid dinging the car next to you where you park) and the ability to lug around a ton of gear they do have their place.

 

I second don’t sweat the small stuff. Within the first week of having my truck one of my little ones was helping me do some exterior sanding and painting. We went back in the garage to grab more supplies and I turn around and he is sanding the passenger door. I wanted to explode. I said you better run inside before I spank your butt so hard your mother is gonna feel it. His little 3 yr old eyes where huge and ran inside to his mom. I took a few breaths looked at it and now enjoy the little reminder of my little curious mischievous boy. That was back in 2017. They grow to fast

 

The liner under the car seat would have been great a few months back when my 1 year old puked up French Fries everywhere (fabric seats). Looking into that now.

 

Canopy or some would call a topper. Plenty of room for the crib for when going to Grandmas.
Some form of a Video/Movie player. Of course you would only play educational content.
A simple bed sheet to cover seats that can easily be washed.
A small mirror for the dash so you or the wife don't have to take your eyes off the road.
Be creative and keep it simple because it will be constantly evolving as the kiddo grows.

 

This is sort of a grandpa mod. I have some old quick draw slings on my head rest posts. My wife and I use the ones in the back seats to secure our back packs when we go hiking and I carry a back pack to work instead of a brief case. I found it works great for the 5.11 baby bag my son has for our two grandsons. It keeps the bag in place and from going forward when you stop. I also have them on the front seat head rests because I found they help older people get in the back seat. They make a great Oh S**t! handle for the old folks when the driving gets interesting. Also, they can be used in an emergency for anything you might need a strong strap for. They will hold anything short of pulling out another vehicle because they are designed for climbing. These are DMM 12MM by 18cm IIRC. They are rated at just about 5,000 lbs tensile strength. They run $5 to $10 ea depending on size.

 

Oh man. That and blow outs were a lot easier with the liners.

Always hated the work it took to pull the car seat cover off and wash it, but those were the breaks.

The booster seat life was where it was at.

 

I feel you sir... my kids watched stuff like Daniel tiger (which is great btw) and when my little ones do something like this I over here counting down from 5 like the song so I dont strangle the lilttle bugger.

 

That's the truth. Somehow my oldest starts highschool next year. Can't believe how fast the time has flown by. Her first duck hunt at 6 and now she's dropping birds herself....

 

Ah yes, awesome idea. I plan on doing these too out of paracord. Kids and wife have a tough time getting in... That is, untill my sliders arrive. Kinda how I proposed the idea of sliders to my wife, lol

 

Exactly, it sucks but any extra time I have to do anything on the truck is gold at this point.

 

They've been really useful for me.

 

Had my first son in July last year. These are exactly my three tips.

I'd also say put a pack of baby wipes in a side pocket. Just cause.

 

... get that tundra..

 

Following. Due in June.

 

Me the wife and the one year old are planning a 3+ hour road trip this weekend. I am literally filling my truck with all of this after I hit 'Post Reply'.

 

In for the dad mods.

I'm not a dad, nor even expecting to be one but I damn sure like to live like one.

 

Never thought I'd be a mini van man either..... I'm on my 2nd. Can't beat the versatility and they're very practical. Oh, and your interior will never be the same no matter what..... Congratulations and enjoy fatherhood! Roll with the punches.

 

Like others have said, a large universal, waterproof rear seat cover is a must. Mine was about $40 from Amazon (“I Love Dogs” brand I think) I also put some old towels under the rear floor mats to protect the carpet. So far, so good...