There is not much parenting gear that I think is useful. Diapers are good, clothes are nice to have, swaddling blankets are a must. Slings and wraps, I like. But really, the list of necessities is short.

Let me make it slightly longer. New parenting necessity: infrared goggles. So that when someone calls out in the night, I could see 1) who yelled; 2) where they are now; 3) whether they’re awake and need putting to sleep, or are just dream-yelling and need to be tucked back in; 4) where their lovey/blankey/pillow/pajama/etc has disappeared to; and 5) whether, by some chance, their bed is covered in any sort of anything I don’t want to mention (preferably identified before I sit in whatever it is, even if it turns out to just be spilled water and not any kind of sickness).

All that, without turning on the lights.

The only drawback would be that you’d have to sleep with the goggles on, because trying to find them in the dark in the middle of the night would negate the convenience factor.

Still, I’m considering it.