Transitions of Motherhood is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you choose to click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a commission to continue to grow this site to educate and empower mothers.
*Words in this article use Mom, Father, Dad, or Partner, please add in/substitute what may be appropriate for your family.
Mom has her birthing bag packed and ready to go and the diaper bag full for the new baby. But what does Dad need in his hospital bag? Does your significant other even need a bag since they are there to support you?
Yes! Support partners should be prepared and have a bag ready to go as well! This is a big day for the whole family and your partner needs to be present and prepared, not wondering about food or a change of clothes. What does dad need in hospital bag? We have a checklist of items to bring to the hospital or birthing center to help out, so nothing gets left behind.
- Why Do They Need a Bag?
- What Kind of Bag To Pick?
- When Do You Pack?
- 12 Essentials for Dad’s To-Go Bag
Table of Contents
Why Do They Need a Bag?
Why would your husband even need a hospital bag? Given all the unknowns with birth it’s best to be prepared so you don’t have to worry about not having something you need. Few hospitals do not provide food or other necessities for the non laboring person. So your partner is either going to need to pay for food or have some snacks on hand.
If you are laboring overnight, they may want a change of clothes, toiletries, a blanket or neck pillow. There is no obligation of the hospital or birth center to provide those things for them. Having a few essentials will save some stress and make sure they don’t have to leave you alone to run back home.
Wondering what to pack for your C Section, we’ve got you covered!
What Kind of Bag To Should You Pack?
When choosing a bag, your partner will want to be sure that it is durable and has lots of pockets for little odds and ends that they may need to grab. It may need to be big enough to include a pillow and blanket (Dad can always call where you are giving birth to see what they provide, to know if they need more or less than this).
Using what you already own will spare any extra trips to stores. Backpacks, small carry ons for Mom and Dad’s things, duffle bags, and laptop messenger bags, are all great options.
When Do You Pack?
When Mom’s bag is packed, that is probably when your partner’s bag should be packed too. If you’re curious about a specific time, anywhere from 32-36 weeks pregnant is a good time to have the essentials gathered. Packing the bag well in advance will mean less stress for everyone.
This is also a great time for Hubby to map out the best way to get home from work and then to the hospital, letting their boss/work know that you’re in the final countdown, putting the carseat in the car and installed correctly, and making sure the car stays full on gas are just a few extra things Dad should be prepared to do prior to the start of labor.
Once all bags are packed, keep them in an accessible and easy to grab place by the door.
12 Essentials For Dad’s To-Go Bag
To ensure your partner doesn’t forget their toothbrush while bringing the toothpaste, I’ve compiled a list of the top items many spouses pack in their bags. Some of these may make you laugh or roll your eyes, but surprisingly people have forgotten them! At the end you’ll see the list that you can screenshot or print off to check before walking out the door.
Phones
I know, it seems obvious, but it’s true. In the panic of water breaking it has been known to happen and phones have been left behind. The last thing you’ll want to do is turn the car around, so don’t! Have it on the list to check as you walk out the door.
Wallet/Insurance Card/Checkbook
Again, some seemingly obvious ones. However, adding it to the list to make sure you have the proper documentation needed for baby’s arrival or check in will help bring you peace. If you need to pay for your hospital stay or any other large expenses at the time, you may want to bring a checkbook. This is also a great time to jot down who your pediatrician is going to be, so you can tell the healthcare team when they ask. This is another great place to jot down whom to tell of the birth. If you have a specific list that needs to be texted, let hubby in on it.
Toiletries
Packing a small toiletry case filled with essentials in case the stay is longer than expected will ease worries and mental headspace. Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. Contact solution and glasses if your partner needs eye care. Hair brush or comb and any hair care items like gels or sprays.
Medications
Right alongside toiletries, don’t forget any medications. Grab a little ziplock with enough to last you 2 days if you don’t have a pill container.
Medication could also include any Ibuprofen or Tylenol. Hospitals don’t provide medication for your spouse. So you don’t want them having to run down to the store to get some for any headaches.
Snacks
My husband meant to put snacks in the bag and completely forgot, it’s the one thing he regrets about the hospital. He was hungry! And if you birth late at night, there aren’t a lot of options for food available. So add in some nutrient dense bars, nuts, and other snacks that will give you energy and last till he can buy some food or have a meal delivered! The key is the diversity of snacks.
If you’re wondering how long before an induction you can eat, read our article here.
Small Bills or Change
Thankfully the vending machines on our floor took cards, but if not, I had a few bills in my wallet. Whether in your wallet, or in a ziplock in your bag, keep some change and small bills if they need to hit a vending machine for food or drinks.
Reusable Water Bottle/Beverages
Just like snacks, maybe put an extra empty water bottle and favorite drink mixes in the bag. That way they just have to pull it out and find a drinking fountain.
If your partner will need caffeine then they could put an energy drink in. Or bring a thermos for coffee/tea. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Comfy Clothes and Shoes
Put some comfy clothes like sweats and a sweatshirt in the bag. Hospitals and some birthing centers are chilly. He also can’t predict when your water will break. He could be in a meeting, or gardening. Comfy clothes and especially shoes that he can stand in for long periods of time will be a lifesaver.
If you are planning on anything water related while birthing, then make sure Dad has his swimsuit or other suitable clothes packed.
See why skin to skin with Dad is so important here.
Chargers
While he’s packing your bags either include a charger(s) or buy one so there’s no worry about your phones. If you think you’ll bring other equipment like ear phones, or speakers, don’t forget their chargers and backups too. Sometimes hospitals only have one outlet, so you could also pack a power strip to ensure your needs are all taken care of.
Other Electronics
As the birthing parent, double check with your spouse what you’re comfortable with to record the birth and then double check with the hospital/birth center. So If you are wanting a camera, speaker, i pad, headphones, or Go pro, make sure they are in the bag. They can also pre download movies or shows for you to watch during down time.
Pillow And Blanket
After your spouse calls the hospital or birth center to know what they have, they can make sure any necessary sleep items are in the bag. Blankets, a small sleeping bag (it could be put in the car ahead of time), or a neck pillow may be in order.
Notebook
A notebook is an absolute necessity in my opinion. Your medical team is not going to be with you the whole time you are in the hospital. You are bound to come up with questions when no one is there to answer them. To make sure you don’t forget to ask them when you see them. Have a place to write them all down. So when your doctor does their rounds you can ask all those questions you have. With so many patients time is often limited.
You will also see a lot of different medical providers while in the hospital: OBGYN, anesthesiologist, respiratory therapy, pediatrician, nurse, neonatologist, etc. Write down everyone’s name that comes in to take care of your spouse or baby. You will likely get multiple bills after you leave the hospital from multiple providers months after the birth. It’s nice to have a list to ensure that you are being billed for the right services.
Other Support Items
Some other support items your partner can bring: massage oil, *card games for slow moments, speakers for a playlist you might have, essential oils, and a push gift. It is not necessary or expected unless you communicate it, but some love to give something to their partner after labor and delivery.
*Please note that card games should be used with Mom to help her. Not to check out while Mom is pushing and delivering.
Final Thoughts
Every Dad heading into birth can be prepared by packing a bag. Whether it’s one or two of the things on this list, or all of them, you’ll all be more comfortable knowing you overpacked, rather than underpacked. Birth is stressful, but it is also such a great event to welcome a new addition to your family. Don’t let meaningless stressors take away from the moment. If you have anything you’d add to the list comment below! Or if you have a funny story of something your partner wished they’d had, let us know.
Niki Cowan has a background in Medicine and Public Health. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist as well as a Medical Assistant. She’s passionate about Women’s Health and empowering women in their journeys. She is married to her wonderful husband Kevin, and they have an active son. While trying to have another little one hasn’t worked out yet, she is pursuing her passions and hoping to gain further education and experience in the area she loves, while playing with her son. She’s an avid reader, Original Great British Baking Show watcher, and very amateur kickboxer.
Leave a Reply