Ep 33 Part 2: Bath Time Blunders & Baby Fears: Fatherhood Tips from Gen X Dads
Navigating the Madness of Dadness: Bath Time Upgrades and "North Side Leans"
Welcome back to the second half of our deep dive into the world of older dads navigating life with a Gen Beta baby. In this installment of the Gray Hair and Daycare podcast, hosts Frank Cerio and Carlo Russo tackle the transition to the "big girl tub," the surprising new fears emerging for baby Josie, and a side hustle project that might just rival the Elf on the Shelf.
Whether you are looking for fatherhood advice or just some humor in life to get you through the toddler years, we’ve got you covered.
The "Crash Test Daddy" Bath Time Showcase
As baby Josie grows, the days of the sink-side sling tub are over. Frank shared his latest "Crash Test Daddy" findings for a safer, more comfortable bath time transition.
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Sensitive Skin Solutions: After some trial and error with standard soaps, the family switched to Baby Dove Sensitive Skincare Wash. Frank noted it has a 4.8-star rating on Amazon and successfully cleared up skin irritations they previously thought were food allergies.
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Saving Your Knees (and Ribs): For Gen X dads whose joints aren't what they used to be, Frank recommends the Toodly Baby Bath Kneeler and Elbow Rest. It’s a memory foam cushion set that protects your knees from the floor and your ribs from the tub's edge—especially helpful if you have sliding glass doors.
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Safety and Fun: To prevent slips, they’ve added a Joy Cano frog-themed non-slip bath mat and a heavy-duty Foot Nation bathtub stopper.
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The Entertainment: Bath time isn't complete without the Munchkin Baby Bath Toy Squirts. While Frank’s generation might have played with screws (yes, screws!) in the tub, Josie prefers her favorite puffer fish toy.
The "North Side Lean" and New Milestones
Being a dad means noticing the little quirks that make your heart melt. Frank recently spotted Josie doing what he calls the "North Side Lean"—a specific way she hangs her arm over the side of her shopping cart cover (the Aiko Puka Pink Cloud) that looks like she’s cruising through Syracuse.
However, raising kids also comes with unexpected hurdles. Josie has recently developed some "interesting" fears:
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The Food Processor: While Frank was trying to be economical by chopping his own onions, the sound of the food processor sent Josie into a crying fit. Now, even the sight of the appliance is a no-go.
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Mommy Separation Anxiety: Josie has started showing signs of separation anxiety when Kelly leaves the room. While some experts say this starts at nine months, Josie is hitting this milestone a little early—a classic example of the unpredictable nature of dad life.
From Mouse Houses to Children's Books
Frank isn't just focusing on baby advice; he's also venturing into the world of self-publishing. Inspired by a "mouse house" project in Josie's nursery, Frank has written a Christmas story and is currently collaborating with an illustrator in Vienna.
He hopes to create a "low-effort" alternative to the Elf on the Shelf, which he finds a bit too much work (and a little creepy). If all goes well, he’s aiming for a Christmas 2026 release.
Connect With Us
We all make parenting mistakes, but sharing them makes the journey easier. If you need a parenting coach—or just a good laugh—stay tuned for more fatherhood tips from Frank and Carlo.
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Email us your stories: ghdc.podcast@gmail.com.
