Hospital Bag for Dad: What Expectant Dads Should Pack
It is always a good idea to be prepared for the unanticipated. Pregnancy and birth definitely fall into that category! That said, fatherhood is not something that you can plan for. So when an expecting mom-to-be tells you she’ll be having her baby in just two months, what do you do? You go ahead and start packing your hospital bag for dad!
Of course, there are all sorts of things that dads should pack – from clothes to toiletries to items specific to dad (like bottles). In this article we will cover the basics: what items every dad needs at the hospital and why they are important.
What Expectant Dads Should Pack: Hospital Bag Checklist
1. Snacks and Drinks
If you are packing your own snacks, think about taking some healthy snacks such a trail mix.
You may be a long time make sure to pack snacks like chips, crackers or granola bars or any of your most favorite snacks!
When packing your own drinks, be sure to take a cooler bag or insulated water bottle with plenty of ice to keep things cold.
It is always important for dads to bring snacks and drinks to the delivery of their baby, as birth can me a slow process and you will need to keep your energy levels up to support mom.
2. Loose Change
Make sure you take some loose change with you to the hospital!
This is something that often gets forgotten by dads and it can be a real headache if they need some cash for a hospital vending machine or a taxi. You never know when these things may come in handy at the hospital, so keep your loose change around just in case.
3. Toiletries
Pack a small bag of travel sized toiletries, just in case you need to shower or freshen up.
Pack some small travel sized toiletries like deodorant, shampoo, body wash and a comb.
Take a spare set of contact lenses and contact lens solution is you wear these rather than glasses.
You will also want a toothbrush and toothpaste handy as well for those morning breath moments!
4. Medications
If you are taking any daily medications, it’s important to take them to the hospital with you. You may not be back home before your next dose is due!
Some people also find it’s helpful to bring their medication in a baggie so they can keep them organized.
Keep your medications labelled and all together, as this will help ensure that you know when the next dose is due.
This will be useful for when you are sleep deprived!
5. Change Of Clothes
You should take with you a spare set of comfy clothes and also make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes. Some clothing ideas for you are sweatpants and a t-shirt. You can also pack a clean shirt with buttons down the middle to make skin to skin contact easier. Don’t forget extra socks and underwear!
6. Outfit For Newborn
Pack a comfortable outfit for the baby in newborn size. If you are planning to take pictures with your little one, this is an especially important item that needs to be packed before the day of delivery!
7. Refillable Water Bottle
Water is essential to stay hydrated.
We recommend packing a refillable water bottle so that you don’t have to worry about running out of bottled water while at the hospital!
8. Travel Pillow and Blanket
As we’ve said before, you may be waiting around a while waiting for things to happen. We recommend packing a comfy pillow and blanket.
Some people find they get more comfortable sitting in the waiting room if they have something to lean on or wrap around themselves, so don’t forget this one!
9. Phone And Phone Charger
The last thing you want is for your phone to die! We recommend packing an extra charger, but you can also pack a backup battery if it’s smaller.
10. Contact List
In your hospital bag for dad, you’ll want to pack a list of names and phone numbers for family members, friends and other loved ones.
Make sure to include your doctor’s phone number in case you need them while on the go!
11. Insurance Information and Other Paperwork
You never know when you’ll need your insurance card and other information, so don’t forget to pack these. Also make sure you have a copy of the birth plan just in case a spare copy is needed.
12. Electronics
Think about packing a tablet or laptop for entertainment and catching up on work emails. You could put some of your favourite movies or tv-series on the tablet too.
13. Camera
Another useful item to pack in your hospital bag for dad is a camera. You will want to take lots of photos of your precious newborn!
14. Music, Headphones or Portable Speaker
You may want to pack some soothing music. Playing it to yourself through the headphones, or to you and the mom through a bluetooth speaker. This may help you both relax and reduce anxiety. You could also play some music to do some relaxation techniques that you have learnt in a birth class.
15. Swimming Trunks
If you are planning on a water birth, you will need to purchase some swim trunks.
16. Push Present
Get the mother of your child a small gift she can open after the baby is born.
Something that shows her how much you have been thinking about her during this pregnancy and makes it worth going through everything again!
17. Credit Card
Having a credit card on hand is always a good idea. Not only can you use it for any last minute items you may need, but you can also use it to pay for parking or taxis if necessary.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry and having your credit card with you can help alleviate some of the stress at the hospital.
Checklist For Dad: Be Prepared
With these items, you will be ready for anything. You can find everything on our list at your local pharmacy or grocery store and pack it all in a small carry-on bag to bring with you to the hospital. This way when that momentous day comes, you’ll have everything ready in your hospital bag for dad!
I also have a fab printable hospital bag checklist for dads in my shop to help you out a bit! Why not take a look to see if it’s something that could help you with packing your hospital bag.
You can also find information of information here on packing a hospital bag checklist for moms.
