Hospital Bag For Dad: 10+ Items You May Not Have Thought Of

When you are a few weeks from your due date, the bag packing begins. It is important to also remember a hospital bag for dad.

I don’t know about you but I can spend hours planning. I keep a packing list for our regular trips so I can do it quickly but packing for having a baby in the hospital takes a lot of planning and thought.

When my husband was packing he kept saying, I’ll just run home when I need something, I insisted he pack a bag and we are so glad he did. He never left the hospital for 3 days. I had twins and had a reaction to the pain medication after surgery so not only did I need him to help with the 2 babies but he had to help me all day. I’ll spare you the details.

He came out of that experience with quite a few ideas for what should be packed in a hospital bag for dad. We want to share the list to help your experience.

Experienced Dad’s Advice for What to Pack In The Labor Bag for Dad

Slip on Shoes – OMG! This is my husbands number one suggestion. He said every time a nurse came into our room (every 1-2 hrs for 48 hrs straight) he had to stand next to my bed. He didn’t want to put on and off his tennis shoes every time so he stood on the hard concrete floor barefoot. His feet were killing him by day 2. I was also struggling trying to breastfeed twins so he would stand next to me for long periods of time trying to help.
A nice shirt for pictures – Some hospitals have a photographer that will come around and offer their services. Even if you DIY some photos, you may want to think about how you want to look in those first photos. These will be looked at for years. Even if it is a t-shirt you may want a plain color that isn’t too worn. Trust me, that first day you will take tons of photos of your little one cuddled up on your chest so your shirt will be in the background.
Snacks – Do you have a partner like mine that HATES to ask for help. He would never tell anyone that he was hungry or that he needed food. One time I had a visitor coming and they texted me to say they were on their way and I asked them to grab a sub for him. He was mad at me for asking for something for him but then after they left he ate the whole thing and thanked me for making him accept food. He told all his friends to take tons of snacks! You just never know what kind of situation you will end up in and ours was where he didn’t feel comfortable leaving me at all during the first 48 hrs.
Toothbrush – Fresh breath will be important as you are huffing and puffing. Plus, if you stay the night you will want it in the morning.
Sweatshirt – They keep it colder than you do in your home. Moms are putting in a lot of energy and effort with birth so for once the men are the ones that are cold.
Pajamas – He will want to get as comfortable as possible for a very interrupted night.
Headphones – He may want to be in an iPad or laptop while you are trying to nap. Headphones are a must.
Dollar bills – For the vending machine. I never have cash on hand and this is one time that you may want some dollar bills handy.
Notebook/Pen – For keeping track of contractions and after delivery whenever my Doctor or the Pediatrician came I wanted him to take notes.
Chargers – self-explanatory.
Pillow – The pillows at the hospital are not the most comfortable.
Laptop/iPad/Book – Something to entertain Dad may be necessary if it is a long labor or if you are trying to sleep and they aren’t tired.