What To Pack In A Hospital Bag For Dad
Being pregnant for the first time and trying to pack your hospital bag for labor and delivery can feel daunting but there is tons of information out there- for mom and baby, that is.
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Sometimes we forget about dads or partners- just throw some stuff in a bag, right?
It CAN be that simple. But it’s nice to have a list to follow too when you find yourself asking “what does a man (or partner) need to pack for the hospital?”
- Change of clothes
- Blanket/pillow
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Cellphone/charger
- Speaker
- Birth plan
- Insurance
- Car seat
- Push present
Here is a simple hospital bag checklist for your birthing partner:
Change of Clothes
Bring a change of clothes and make sure they’re COMFY. Hospitals are not comfortable and you don’t know how long you’ll be there.
Pack a set of clothes in case of an emergency stay, unless you are close to the hospital and zipping home isn’t an issue.
I always packed as light as possible but ended up staying an extra 48 hours after the birth of my third baby and wish I’d packed a few extra pieces of clothing because we live out of town.
Bring warm socks and cozy slippers too!
RELATED: Signs that Labor is Only 2 Days Away
Blanket/Pillow
This is important for you and for your birthing partner. It might even be MORE important for your partner because they may not have a bed to sleep on.
We had a bed for both of us to sleep on for birth number one but not for 2 or 3.
A pillow from home is amazing to have in the hospital.
Toiletries
This includes whatever your partner would use overnight.
Toothpaste, toothbrush, contact stuff, deodorant, etc.
It’s a good idea to pack simply because it SUCKS dragging a whole bunch of stuff you never used home with you along with your brand new baby.
It’s stressful leaving the hospital as it is- keep it simple, keep it light.
RELATED: The Best Hospital Bag Checklist for a Scheduled C-Section
Snacks
It’s fun to hit the vending machine but after the 4th pack of salty corn nuts or chips you might really be wanting something a bit more healthy/filling. Also, you’ll save a lot of money.
Grab some fruit, high protein bars or trail mix for snacking. These Kind bars are amazing!
Water Bottle
Hospitals are so incredibly dry. Bring a water bottle you can keep drinking out of easily- these Contigo bottles with a spout are absolutely amazing.
Camera
This may not be a must for you and your partner- phones take great pictures now days but if you want beautiful photos, bring a good camera!
Cell Phone/ Charger
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT forget your phone or a charger. This is very important!
Speaker
If music is a must, make sure one of you has a portable speaker packed.
Having a birth playlist is a top priority for some people- that’s up to you!
Birth Plan
Mom may want the birth plan in her bag or she may want you to hang on to it.
I’ve always appreciated leaving all the papers and important things for my partner to take care of. When you go into labor it is extremely hard to think/keep track of things.
Have your partner keep all the important papers together in their bag if it helps you with being less stressed.
Here is a guide to birth plans with a free printable plan.
RELATED: Realistic 3rd Trimester Checklist (with a free printable list)
Insurance
Keep this with all the other important documents you’re bringing.
Car Seat
Partners- please ensure the carseat is installed PRIOR to birth day. Seriously, please. Just install it and get it over with.
Trying to install and figure out a carseat when you’re trying to leave the hospital with a newborn is just unbelievably stressful and not necessary.
Do it before mom goes into labor.
These bucket car seats have over 1000 five star ratings and aren’t super expensive.
RELATED: 17 Less Obvious Signs of Labor Approaching
Push Present
This really depends on mom. I have never expected a push present but your baby momma might or she would be at least VERY pleasantly surprised.
A push present makes a lot of sense- having a baby is one of the hardest things a woman will ever do. (not to mention being a mom for the rest of her life- ha)
It doesn’t have to be big or expensive. It can be small or just something you know she will love.
These personalized necklaces are really beautiful- you choose the name of your baby and the color of the birth stone.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad (PDF printable)
The birth partner doesn’t need much but they do need the right things! Make sure there is enough for being comfortable, having peace of mind and a few things for emergencies but truly- less is more.
Good luck!