Besides the mom and the baby, it is helpful for dad to have a hospital bag checklist too. There are many checklists and guides out there for mom on what to pack for the hospital stay, but dad is also part of the process and should be prepared. Get ready for labor, delivery, and the hospital stay with this hospital bag checklist for dad.
Dad should have his bag ready in advance like mom and baby. For a copy of mom’s hospital bag checklist click here. There are a few things your new baby will need in the hospital too. Click here for baby’s hospital checklist. There may not be time to quickly pack before going to the hospital. Labor can start anytime, anywhere and progress fast without warning. In addition, there may be some other tasks that dad needs to handle quickly like older sibling childcare drop off or last minute tasks before leaving the house. Lastly, when packing ahead you are less likely to forget anything.
Items Dad Should Pack For the Hospital
Typically, not as many items are provided for dads at the hospital like they are for moms. So, packing the right things and making sure you have everything you need is important. Therefore, following a hospital bag checklist for dad is key.
Comfortable Clothes
The first item on the hospital bag checklist for dad is pack comfortable clothes to wear at the hospital. During parts of labor and delivery you likely will not be sitting back and relaxing. Your wife needs your support and you may have to help with various things. In addition, labor and delivery can go on for many hours, and there could be lots of waiting. Then, there is the lack of sleep that may already start night one. So help yourself out by packing a couple changes of comfortable clothes.
Comfortable Shoes
The dad spends a lot of time standing, especially during the labor and delivery portion at the hospital. So bring along comfortable shoes for your feet. In addition, bring along a pair of sandals or slippers to wear in the hospital room. Then you don’t have to wear your shoes all the time or walk around awkwardly in socks or bare foot.
Snacks and Drinks
The mom usually has her meals covered by the hospital, but the dad is not typically included in this. He may get one or two meals, but that is it. So have some snacks and drinks along for when hunger strikes and you are not able to get something from the cafeteria or run out. Check if your room will have a fridge because then you can bring more elaborate snacks and drinks.
Pillow and Blanket
Some hospitals may provide a pillow and blanket for dad, while others do not. Pack them both just in case because the sleeping situation already won’t be great, but at least it will be better with a good pillow and blanket.
Toiletries
Next on the hospital bag checklist for dad should be any toiletries you need to bring along. This list should be similar to what you would bring along on an overnight trip. Some toiletry items you may not be able to pack until you are ready to go to the hospital. Leave the checklist on top of your hospital bag with the items circled to add in when the time comes.
Push Gift
Get or bring something nice and/or fun for the mother. This is an exciting, but nerve wracking and painful time for a mother. Show her your support by bringing something sweet or that she will appreciate. Here are some push gift ideas:
- Jewelry (necklace, bracelet, or ring with the baby’s name, initials, or birthstones)
- Treat her to a spa day
- Go on a family vacation
- A large bouquet of her favorite flowers
- A designer purse or tote
- A service to help her out like a cleaning service
Electronics
This day in age people don’t go anywhere without their phone. Although, you may want more electronics than just a phone at the hospital. For those special new baby moments you may want a specific camera. Pack a tablet if you prefer to take photos that way or for video chats after the baby is born. If you need to log into work remotely a lap top may have to accompany you to the hospital. No matter what devices you choose to bring along to the hospital, make sure to have the chargers packed as well.
Something to Keep Everyone Occupied
Giving birth is a busy time, but yet there can be a lot of downtime and anxious waiting during the labor and delivery portion. Bring something for you and the mother to do to pass the time. This could be your favorite DVDs if they have a DVD player, music to listen to or a special playlist, a good book, audio book, or magazine to keep engaged in.
Before Leaving for the Hospital
Furthermore, in those final minutes at home before you leave for the hospital, you may be a little frantic with the excitement and nerves of the baby coming. There are a few things you should do to make coming home from the hospital easier. Entering a house with a new baby that is decluttered, clean, and stocked up is refreshing after a crazy few days in the hospital. Grab the What to do Before you Leave for the Hospital checklist here in the Labor and Delivery Prep Pack.
Final Thoughts on Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad
The dad plays an important role in the labor, delivery, and hospital stay. Therefore, get prepared for these big moments and use this hospital checklist for dad.
For more on how to prepare yourself for life with a baby check out my Ultimate Baby Planning Guide. Grab your free 30 item baby planning checklist below.
Let me know what you think of the list in the comments below. Is there anything you would swap in or out on the list?
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