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Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy

What To Pack In The Hospital Bag for Dad

February 22, 2022

When your baby is born, you will want to have everything you need ready and waiting for you in the hospital. This includes packing a hospital bag for dad! It can be hard to know what to pack, but don’t worry – we are here to help.

In this blog post, we will discuss everything that you should bring with you when you go to the hospital after your baby is born. We will cover must-have items, comfort items, and items to support mom during labor and postpartum. So read on for all of the details!

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Ultimate List of What To Pack In A Hospital Bag for Dad

Once you have had your baby, the nurses will help you get settled into your hospital room. Because babies are unpredictable and every delivery is different, labor and delivery can be a stressful experience for even the most prepared parent.

That’s why it is important to make sure that everything you need during this busy time is within reach in your hospital bag! If there is anything you forget to pack in your hospital bag for dad, the hospital will likely have what you need. But it is always best to be prepared. Download my free hospital bag checklist to help you pack so you don’t forget a thing!

When To Pack The Hospital Bag For Dad

You will want to pack your bag for the hospital at least one month before your due date. The last thing you want is to be scrambling around trying to find everything you need when it’s time to head out! There are some things on our list that you may not have thought to pack that will come in handy until after baby has arrived. Here’s our list of what to pack for the hospital for dad.

The Must-Have Items To Pack In The Hospital Bag for Dad

When you go into labor, the last thing you will want to do is run around trying to find everything that goes inside your hospital bag. That’s why we’ve gathered all of our favorite must-have items so you don’t have to worry about a thing! Here are some of the hospital bag essentials you don’t want to forget!

Phone Charger

Make sure to pack your cell phone, along with a charger for it. Your family and friends will want to know when the baby is born! You can also use this time as an opportunity to take pictures of your new bundle joy and share them on social media or text message with loved ones who weren’t able to make it to the hospital.

List of Who To Notify

It is important to have a list of people that you will want to notify when the baby arrives. This includes your family members, friends, and even your boss if you are planning on taking paternity leave.

Insurance Information

Make sure to bring your insurance card and any other information that you will need for billing purposes. They will usually ask for this information when you arrive to the hospital and register prior to having the baby. It’s best to have this information ready to go when you get there.

Cash and Credit Cards

You may want to bring some cash with you just in case to use at vending machines or the cafeteria.

Extra Face Masks

It is important to bring extra face masks for yourself and your partner as you may need them during your visit at the hospital especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic. If you run out or need more be sure to ask the hospital staff.

The Comfort Items To Pack In The Hospital Bag for Dad

After the excitement of having a new baby, the reality of labor and delivery can set in. This can be a stressful time for both mom and dad, so it is important to pack some comfort items that will help you relax during this busy time and during the days you’ll spend recovering and caring for your newborn at the hospital. Here’s a few items to add to dad’s hospital bag checklist.

Headphones

Headphones are a great way to block out noise and focus on your music or podcasts while trying to rest. They can also help you feel less anxious if there is loud activity going on around you (e.g., other patients).

Snacks and Drinks

It is important to have snacks and drinks handy during labor since it can take a while and sometimes eating is the last thing on your mind. Bring along some of your favorite healthy snacks that will give you the energy you need during this busy time. A refillable water bottle is also a must-have.

Tablet

If you are a busy dad, you may want to pack your tablet so you can continue working on projects or catch up on your favorite shows while in the hospital. This can help keep your mind off of things and allow you to relax. Enjoy an impromtu movie night with mom using your tablet while waiting for baby to be born or during those late night feedings.

Change of Clothes

You may want to pack a few extra changes of clothes for after baby is born and before you head back home from the hospital. If there are any complications during delivery, these will come in handy as well so make sure they’re comfortable.

Pajamas

You will want to pack pajamas. Depending on how baby is delivered (vaginally or via c-section) you may be spending several nights at the hospital and it’s best to comfortable. Comfy clothes are a must in dad’s hospital bag.

Sweatshirt

A sweatshirt is a great item to pack for dad as it can be worn in the hospital or when you head home. It will keep you warm and comfortable, especially since hospitals can be chilly or mom might want the room temperature lower than normal due to her changing hormones.

Pillow and Blanket

It is always nice to have your own pillow and blanket from home handy during your stay at the hospital. This can help make you more comfortable and get a good night’s sleep if possible.

Glasses and/or Contacts

If you wear glasses or contacts, it is important to bring them with you to the hospital. And, don’t forget some contact lens solution too!

Toiletries

Make sure to pack your favorite toiletries, including a toothbrush and toothpaste. You will likely want to take a shower so these items will come in handy.

Shoes

Pack a pair of comfortable shoes for dad as you may be on your feet for long periods of time. You may want to pack some shoes that are easy to slip on and off as well like Crocs, and can easily be washed if they get messy.

Items To Support Mom During Labor & Delivery and Postpartum

There are a few additional items that dad can pack in his hospital bag to support mom during labor and delivery as well as during her postpartum recovery.

Speaker

A speaker is a great way to help mom relax during labor and delivery. Studies show that music can be calming, so it’s important to have some soothing tunes on hand in case you need them! You can also use the speakers to play white noise after baby is born to soothe the baby as well.

Lotion or Massage Oil

A small bottle of lotion/massage oil is another great item to pack in dad’s hospital bag. This will come in handy during labor and delivery as mom may need her back rubbed from time-to-time. Dad can also use it postpartum to rub moms shoulders while she breastfeeds.

Watch

A watch is a must-have item for dad’s hospital bag because it will help him time contractions on the way to the hospital. Or you can also use the timer on your phone.

Push Present for Mom

A push present is a great way to celebrate mom after she has delivered baby. You can choose something simple like flowers or chocolate, but it’s always nice when dad gets her something special and meaningful. It could be anything from jewelry to a trip to the spa. Here’s my list of the best push presents for new moms that she’ll love.

Some Items To Pack For Dad That Might Surprise You

There are a few items that you might not have thought about packing in your hospital bag, but they will come in handy once baby arrives.

Camera

A camera is a great way to capture all of the memories from your time at the hospital. You can document baby’s arrival, mom and dad’s reactions, as well as those first few moments together as a family.

Loose Change

Loose change is always a good idea because you never know if there will be vending machines or a gift shop at the hospital where it would come in handy. It’s also nice to have cash on hand in case mom wants something from one of these places while she is recovering postpartum (like flowers).

Food Delivery Numbers

Having your favorite food delivery numbers on hand is a great way to make sure you’re eating well during your stay at the hospital. This will help keep you energized and feeling good as you take care of mom and baby. If you need suggestions of places to get carryout from, just ask the nurses. We always know the best places that deliver to the hospital.

Medication

If you are taking medication, make sure to pack it in your hospital bag. And, it may be helpful to pack some Tylenol or Motrin to help if you have muscle aches or a headache. The hospital staff is not able to administer medications to dads, only to mom, so if you too are experiencing some discomfort it may be helpful to have a stash of your own. Just remember, don’t give mom any of these medications as the nurses will want to keep track of the medicines she’s taking during delivery and postpartum.

Shower Sandals

Bring a pair of shower sandals with you to the hospital as they can come in handy for those quick post-delivery showers. You may appreciate not having to go barefoot in the shower.

FAQ’s About Packing Dad’s Hospital Bag

Q: What should I pack in my hospital bag for dad?

A: Most importantly, make sure to pack items that will help support mom during labor and delivery as well as postpartum. You might also want to pack a few personal items like your toothbrush and glasses/contacts. And finally, don’t forget the essentials like cash, snacks, and your watch!

Q: What should I bring for baby?

A: You don’t need to bring a lot for baby, but some basics like diapers, wipes, and clothes will come in handy. And, don’t forget baby’s car seat and make sure it’s properly installed before leaving the hospital.

Q: Can dad give mom medication?

A: No, dad cannot give mom medication but the nurses will be able to help administer it to her. Just make sure to pack all of your medications in your hospital bag.

Q: What should I do if I forget something?

A: Don’t worry, you can always pick up some items at the hospital gift shop, and the hospital can supply other items for the baby and other items for you like toiletries. But, it’s always a good idea to pack as much as you can so that you don’t have to run out and buy anything while you’re there.

Q: What should my partner pack for labor?

A: Once you’ve figured out what to bring with you to the hospital, it’s time to start packing your bag! For dads, a good rule of thumb is to pack items that will help support mom during labor and delivery as well as postpartum. This might include snacks and drinks for dad, a camera to capture the memories, and some loose change in case you need it. If you’re taking medication, make sure to pack it all in your hospital bag so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything. And finally, don’t forget the essentials like cash and your watch!

Q: What kind of bag should I use for my hospital bag?

A: It’s important to choose a bag that is big enough to fit everything you’ll need but not too big or bulky that it becomes difficult to carry. A duffle bag or backpack is ideal for this as they are both spacious and easy to transport. Just make sure to pack light so that you’re not struggling with a heavy bag during labor.

If you have any other questions about packing dad’s hospital bag, don’t hesitate to ask the nurses on your hospital tour. We’re always happy to help!

So, there you have it! The essentials for packing dad’s hospital bag. Just remember to relax and take everything one step at a time.

We hope this list of items helps you as you pack for your trip to the hospital with dad! Remember, it’s important to be prepared for anything that may come up and these items will help make sure that dad is ready for whatever happens. The most important thing is that you’re there for mom and baby. Congratulations!