A mother’s hospital bag to pack first time moms must-haves get most of the attention when getting ready for the birth of a child. But it’s just as important for dads to have their own dads hospital bag ready. This guide will help you put together the perfect Fathers Hospital Bag so you’re ready for the exciting trip ahead.
Why Do Dads Need a Hospital Bag?
You might wonder why you need a dad hospital bag plan. The truth is that giving birth can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. You’ll want to be there every step of the way as a partner who cares. When you pack your own bag, you’re ready for anything, from a short stay to a quick delivery.
Essential Items for Your Fathers Hospital Bag
Let’s break down the must-have items for your hospital packing list for dad:
1. Comfortable Clothes
Bring enough clothes for two days. This should have underwear, socks, sweatpants or pants that don’t fit too tightly, and T-shirts or other comfortable clothes. Due to the cold weather, don’t forget to bring a small jacket or sweater.
2. Toiletries
Make sure you don’t forget your basic toiletries. Don’t forget to bring your deodorant, shampoo and soap, a comb or brush, and a razor and shaving cream if you need them. While you’re in the hospital, these things will help you feel clean and put together.
3. Electronics and Chargers
You’ll want to stay in touch with friends and family, so remember to bring your phone and some extra chargers. If there aren’t many outlets nearby, a compact battery pack can come in handy. If you don’t want to use your phone to take pictures or movies, you might want to bring a separate camera or video camera to record those special first moments.
4. Snacks and Drinks
Work can take a long time, so bring food with you. For quick snacks that give you energy, energy bars, granola bars, nuts, or trail mix are all great choices. Remember to bring drinking water and maybe some coffee or tea if you think you might need a pick-me-up.
5. Entertainment
You might have to wait for a while, so bring some things to pass the time. You could read books or use an e-reader. You might also want to bring headphones and a computer with movies or TV shows on it. You can also kill time with puzzle books or games.
6. Important Documents
Paperwork should not be forgotten. You will need to bring your ID, your insurance cards, and any hospital paperwork that the hospital asks for. Make sure you bring a copy of your birth plan with you if you and your partner have made one.
7. Cash and Change
There’s a chance you’ll need money for the fridge or drinks. Don’t forget to bring small bills and change for your trip. Having cash on hand is always a good idea in case you need it.
8. Pillows and Blankets
Some hospital furniture isn’t very comfy, so you might want to bring a small pillow and a light blanket or sleeping bag with you. These can make your stay a lot better, especially if you are going to sleep on a couch or chair.
9. Change of Clothes for Going Home
When you leave the hospital, don’t forget to bring clothes with you. It will feel great to put on clean, cozy clothes and shoes after being in the hospital.
10. Baby Items
You might already have most of the baby stuff in your partner’s bag, but it’s still a good idea to bring a few extras. You might want to bring diapers, wipes, a onesie, or an outfit for the baby to wear when you go home. Don’t forget to get the car seat ready for the trip home.
Creating Your Dad Hospital Bag Checklist
Let’s talk about how to make and use your plan well now that we’ve talked about the basics. Around week 35 of pregnancy, you should start getting ready early. To fit all of your things, pick a big bag, like a tote bag or a backpack. Check your list more than once to make sure you didn’t miss anything. Your partner should know where your bag is in case you’re not home when labor starts. Keep it somewhere easy to get to.
Additional Considerations for Your Hospital Bag for Daddy
We’ve talked about the basics, but there are still some other things you might want to put in your dad’s hospital bag. You might want to bring a sleeping mask, earplugs, a towel, and socks or flip-flops for your comfort.
For your partner, you might want to bring her favorite snacks, a massage tool, a small fan (because hospitals can get hot), and her favorite items. You could bring a special “coming home” outfit for the baby, a book or soft toy, and a blanket for the trip home.
Don’t forget things like a watch to time your contractions, a notepad and pen, a list of people to call or text, and any normal medications you take.
Tips for Using Your Hospital Bag
- Remember that you can always ask someone to bring extra things if you need them.
- Sort Things Out: To keep things in order, use small bags or packing cubes.
- Always Refresh: Every two weeks, go through your bag and replace anything that goes bad.
- Give out the list: Tell your partner or a family member about your list in case they need to get your bag for you.
Final Thoughts on Your Fathers Hospital Bag
Getting your hospital bag ready is a fun step on your way to becoming a dad. It’s a useful thing to do that makes you feel ready and involved in giving birth. Remember that each dad and each birth is unique, so feel free to change this list to fit your needs.
As long as you have a well-packed Fathers Hospital Bag, you can focus on what’s important: being there for your partner and the baby. This little thing can make a big difference in how comfortable and calm you feel during this big event in your life.
You’ll be ready for your stay at the hospital if you follow this hospital bag list for Mom and dad. Don’t forget that the most important thing is to be at ease and ready to help your partner through this amazing experience.
There is a lot to celebrate when a new baby is born, and having your dad’s hospital bag plan with you will help you enjoy every moment. You’ll be ready for everything, from the first cramps to the baby’s first cry.Are you excited about becoming a dad and want more advice on how to be a good parent? Momvila has a lot of information about parenting, pregnancy, and giving birth. Let’s work together to make your becoming a dad as easy and fun as possible!
