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Writer's pictureSusy Caracas
Dec 6, 20225 min read

25 Things Every Dad Should Pack in Their Hospital Bags



Mom is always the star of anything pregnancy and childbirth. However, dad's importance cannot be diminished either, since he will always play a supporting role, giving 'much-needed strength, and advice, and being the cheerleader to his wife. It has never been evident that in daddad'sle as a supporter, he also needs his own set of ‘must haves' to get through the labor and delivery journey successfully. Here are a few standard things that can help you as a dad to have a more effortless experience at the hospital as you anxiously await to welcome the newest addition to the family!
Insurance information – There are so many important documents that will be required during the admission and discharge processes at the hospital. Make sure that nothing has been forgotten to have a smooth admission and discharge process.
The Birth Plan – Keep a copy of the birthing plan, if one was made and any other notes in your bag. These items will most likely have been packed in mom's bag, but you want to be ready for anything too.
Your medication – If you have any medication used daily/frequently, you do not want to forget that. You will not be able to offer support if you feel unwell.
Massage oil – A massage may go a long way in easing the discomfort of labor pains. Be sure to have some massage oil that might help ease the throbbing and aching mommy's muscles.
Phone and charger – The phone will be used to keep family and friends updated on the progress and will be used to take pictures that will make lifelong memories.
A list of those people you'd like to keep posted – Labor and delivery can be delicate processes for both mother and baby. Close family members will want to know how things are, to help them stay calm, and to let them know once the baby has arrived.
Toiletries – Include all the things that will help you to keep feeling fresh, like your deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste, as body discomfort can lead to you not being fully present.

Travel Blanket and Pillow – If you're lucky, you will have a slight chance to catch up on some sleep. Let the nap be comfortable by having a pillow and blanket ready.
Comfortable shoes – You will be on your feet for a long time. The shoes you pack should be comfortable and with a firm floor grip.
Cash or credit cards – You never know when you might be required to swipe that card for one thing or the other. Have that credit card or cash ready.
Snacks and drinks – Much as mom won't be able to eat much during labor, your body is not going through the same trauma. Your appetite might be unaffected, which means you will starve if you.
Food delivery contact details – You may want a proper meal if you are not the snacking type. Food delivery can also be necessary after your wife has given birth, as all the stress and pressure would be gone.
Water bottle – Carry yourself a refillable water bottle since you may not have time to rush for a cold drink at the cafeteria.
Your glasses and contacts – Forgetting to pack your glasses can mean your inability to offer any support whatsoever. If you use contacts, make sure you have the contact case and saline solution.
Shower sandals – You may be at the hospital for long enough for you to have to take a shower and freshen up. Carry those shower sandals and a towel for yourself.
Change of clothes – After that warm shower, you do not want to wear the same clothes you had last night. Just ensure that what you pack is comfortable and easy on you.
Loose change – Should you need to pick anything at the vending machine, having some loose change will help you grab that coffee cup quickly and get back to the all-important role of being there for your partner.
Face masks – For any mom giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic period, face masks must be granted access to the hospital.
Have nothing at hand to keep you going.
Some entertainment – When mommy is still in the early stages of labor, some soothing music can be a good distraction to keep the hours moving.
Speaker – Listening to that music on a speaker will be much better for your wife, who will most likely want to pace about the room as she manages the pain from contractions.
A watch, essential for timing contractions – When labor has progressed, there will be a lot of clutching and squeezing from your wife, meaning using a phone as a timer might not be ideal. A watch on your wrist will be easier to look at.
Microfiber cloths – These will be helpful when a hot compress is required by your wife or a cool towel to calm her nerves.
Sweatshirt – The hospital room will most likely be set to temperatures ideal for someone in intense pain, i.e., low temperatures. They might not be favorable for you, meaning you might start feeling chilly. Keep a sweatshirt close.
Pack your wife's favorite snack – Immediately the baby is born, your wife will be famished and exhausted. That snack will help to keep her going until she can get proper food.
A push present – It goes without saying that the person who has brought to the world your most favorite human being thus far deserves the best! Thank her and appreciate her for all the hard work and bravery she's shown throughout the whole birthing process.
The importance of having a hospital bag checklist The closer the due date, the more excited you will get about meeting the little addition to the family. In all that excitement, it is easy to forget the important things like what to include in your hospital bag, yet the items in that bag will be crucial in helping you have an easy time at the hospital. Again, packing in a rush can result in overpacking, and you might find yourself with many things that are not really of use, while the important things have been forgotten at home. Having a checklist, therefore, will help in ensuring that you have packed all the essentials, and that what is going to the hospital will be used in the all-important process of welcoming your newest member of the family. Also, when you do not pack your own bag as a dad, you are leaving all the thinking to your partner, who is already exhausted due to the pregnancy, and is also a little anxious about the upcoming event of childbirth. Help your wife to relax by having your own essentials taken care of by yourself, so that all she must think about is herself and the baby. It will give her the much-needed peace and assurance that she will be going to the hospital with someone that will be well prepared to help, thus calming her own nerves and anxiety. A dad's contribution can never be underestimated during labor and delivery, and it is important that you show up to that very important event prepared. Also, keep in mind that if your partner has a high-risk pregnancy, your hospital bag must be packed well in advance. This is because you never know when you will be required to rush to hospital due to an early labor, or when you might show up at the clinic for a normal check-up and end up being admitted instead. For a mother expecting twins, the delivery will also happen a little sooner than 40 weeks, necessitating that you are prepared early enough.
References Fathers.com (2007), "Trends in Fathering". Retrieved from https://fathers.com/statistics-and-research/trends- in-fathering/




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