Let’s be honest—packing the hospital bag isn’t just mom’s job. Dads, you’re going to need one, too!
I’ve been there (three times!) and trust me, your hospital stay will be so much smoother if you have the right gear.
Here’s what new dads should pack for the hospital, plus a few things you can definitely leave at home.
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Must-Have Essentials for Dad’s Hospital Bag
Comfortable Clothes (and shoes!) Pack comfy outfits— sweatpants, hoodies, t-shirts, and pajamas. You might be tempted to wear jeans, but trust me, after hours of coaching her through labor and delivery, you’ll want something stretchy and cozy.
You never know how long these things will take, I was in labor with my first for over 24 hours!
Also, bring a warm hoodie or sweater because hospital rooms get really cold, especially at night. Sneakers or slip-ons are great because you’ll be making snack runs and fetching nurses often!
Your Own Toiletries Don’t forget the basics: deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and any other essentials.
After hours of supporting her, you’ll appreciate having the basics you need to feel human again.
Plenty of Snacks (for both of you) Hospitals might provide some meals, but snacks are a lifesaver, especially late at night when the cafeteria is closed.
Plus not every hospital has good food, let’s be honest! Granola bars, trail mix, crackers, and fruit are good options.
Bring enough to share—your partner will likely appreciate snacks after labor more than you think! The best food I ever ate was after delivering a baby, all that work makes a girl hungry!
Reusable Water Bottle Labor can feel like running a marathon, even if you’re not the one giving birth.
Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best, so keep a refillable bottle handy. If you have a Camelbak or huge water bottle, even better. That way you don’t have to keep running for refills.
If you’re like my husband you may need a few energy drinks or some coffee to keep you going through delivery if it goes into the night.
Electronics and Chargers You’ll be in charge of capturing those first precious moments, so don’t leave your phone, camera, and chargers behind.
Here is my favorite charger because it plugs right into the wall, just in case you don’t have a cord to recharge your charger.
A small Bluetooth speaker for a calming playlist during labor is a great addition, too.
Small Bills and Change Parking fees, vending machines, late-night coffees—you’ll need cash for these little things.
Having it ready saves you the hassle when you’re already stressed.
Comfort Items Bring an extra pillow and blanket. You never know if the hospital will provide these things or not for guests. Hospital rooms can be cold and uncomfortable, so it’s nice to have a few comforts from home to get through your stay.
Important Documents Make sure your insurance cards, ID, and any other documents you may need are ready. This really takes a weight off of mom, who already has enough on her plate recovering from childbirth!
Car Seat This is a must have—you literally can’t leave the hospital without it, so get familiar with installing it ahead of time!
Entertainment For entertainment your phone and a book or two should be good enough. After the baby is born you won’t have much down time, especially if family is coming to visit the new baby.
Push Present If you’re surprising mom with a thoughtful gift, pack it ahead of time. She’s earned it!
What to Leave at Home
Excessive Outfits You don’t need an extensive wardrobe; two or three comfy outfits are enough. Pack light and keep it simple.
Baby Supplies Diapers, wipes, and baby clothes are typically provided by the hospital. Save your cute outfits for home because hospitals often prefer using their own gear initially.
Usually new parents only need one outfit that they want to take their baby home in.
Bulky Items Don’t bring anything that’s too hard to carry around. Your hospital items should be able to fit into a small gym bag or backpack.
Quick Dad Tips for the Big Day
- Get familiar with diaper changes and swaddling beforehand—YouTube tutorials are great!
- Make sure you have care arranged for your pets during delivery. You may need to have someone on call to feed your pets or arrange for boarding while you’re in the hospital.
- Take advantage of hospital baby freebies (baby wash, diapers, creams) because, let’s face it, you’re paying for them anyway.
- Schedule newborn photos right after you get home; babies are easiest to photograph in the first two weeks. Usually the hospital will offer photo’s, but I usually recommend saving money on these.
Packing your own bag doesn’t just make your hospital stay smoother—it also shows your partner you’re ready to put in the work of being a new parent along side her.
Any tips I missed? Drop your hospital bag must-haves in the comments!
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