Dad or Partner's Hospital Bag Checklist

Hospital bag checklists are everywhere for mamas, but what about the dad or partner? Since support systems are essential for a new mom, or any mom for that matter, I want to review some things for this ever-so-helpful-person in your life. In this case? What do they need to pack for the hospital? Keep in mind that I tend to keep things minimal in my life so this list is perfect but not overly detailed. I think the BEST thing you can do is only bring the essentials! And yes - it is great to have this packed in advance just like your bag. The last thing you need is to be waiting around for a bag to be packed!

Sweatshirt

It always gets chilly at the hospital, especially since the bed and blanket situation may be seriously lacking at night time. Stay cozy and comfortable with something to keep warm.

Comfortable Shorts (ie Gym Shorts)

Since the family will be at the hospital for a few days, again, comfort is key.

& Comfortable Long Pants (like Joggers)

For the same reason - but for when the chill sets in!

T-shirts 

T-shirts are great because you can control the temperature this way by layering on a sweatshirt if it gets cold. 2 are probably more than enough!

Swim Trunks/Suit

This is only if you have access to a bath or shower for being in the water during labor. Your partner might want to get into the water with you to help you stay in control during contractions (through touch, massage, etc).

Camera 

THE CAMERA!! Do not forget this one. Instruct them to take tons of pictures - you will want these later! On that note - if you want to have any specific clothes together for family photos, keep this in mind when packing.

Extra-long phone cords

You never know where the outlets will be in the room until you get there. There will be a lot of down-time/phone time once baby is born. Plus, you’ll want to keep anxious family members updated, so the long cords can be a huge help!

Toilet paper 

We all know hospital toilet paper is less than ideal. Have your partner earn some extra points with some plush, soft, strong toilet paper for when your bits are in rough shape!

Portable Speaker

Always be mindful of the patients around you while you’re at the hospital, but a speaker is a nice way to listen to your favorite songs during labor, or relaxing melodies for sleep. Hypno or meditative birth speak can be played this way too.

Firestick

Listen, if you get access to the TV (which surprisingly does not always happen!) you’ll want to have some way to watch your favorite shows from the room. Bring a Firestick preloaded with all of your Nexflix or Hulu accounts. Plug it into your room’s TV or have something loaded onto your laptop.

Snack bag - **Calling all dads who get woozy or could pass out!! This one’s for them**

Gatorade/electrolyte drinks, snack/breakfast bars, small candy pieces, trail mix, and apple juice are all amazing to pack in an “Uh-Oh” bag if you think dad could possibly pass out or feel light-headed. These are also great things for mom when she is looking to munch on something easy or get some of her energy back during labor.

Hand Sanitizer

For obvious reasons. If this were me - I would use this at every trip to the bathroom. The hospital will have the available, but I always find my own to be less drying, and smell way better.

Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Gum

Plus, whatever other essentials are needed for a 2-3 night stay. Fresh breath is essential for being close to mom in labor, though, lol.

Cash for the vending machine

Hospital food isn’t always…edible hah! At this point, a lot of vending machines accept credit card, but make sure there is some cash in the bag just in case and you are out of snacks and it’s midnight :-P

Extras

Make sure they also pack socks, comfortable shoes, any medications, a pillow + blanket (if you don’t want to rely on what the hospital covers — also I highly recommend the $5 pillows from Target for comfort-sake, and just leave them there when you leave the hospital!), insurance + ID cards.

Your partner’s support helps you stay strong in such a different season of life. If your baby is coming soon and it’s time to pack the bags, use this checklist to make sure you both are ready, don’t show up empty-handed, and are prepared for anything!

Do you have any essentials to add?