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Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad
What to pack for the hospital as the support partner, including the small things dads wish they'd brought.
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Veteran dads told Cook Children's about a few small things they wish they'd packed: a spare set of car and house keys, daily prescription medication, a small comfy pillow. Labor can run past a full day. One dad's first birth lasted nearly 20 hours with the hospital cafeteria closed most of the night, so snacks matter more than you'd guess. No Reception Club says most doctors recommend having the bag ready around 36 weeks, though Cook Children's says to start as early as week 30. This list covers your own bag, a few things for your partner, and the paperwork. It leaves out baby and mom clothes.
Why these items are on the list
- Long phone charging cable. MiracleCord suggests six to ten feet, since outlets can be far from where you'll sit.
- Backup battery pack. Handy when outlets are scarce, and it keeps photos and calls going.
- Wallet with photo ID. You'll need it at check-in and for hospital paperwork.
- Insurance card or cards. If both you and your partner have insurance, bring both cards, not just yours.
- Small bills for vending machines. Several one-dollar bills, in case the cafeteria is closed overnight.
- Comfortable change of clothes. DAD BAG says sweats or joggers beat jeans if you're sleeping in a recliner after a C-section.
- Hoodie or light jacket. Hospitals can get cold, especially overnight.
- Extra socks and underwear. You never know how long the stay will run, and fresh pairs help.
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes. No open toes, and you may be walking a lot of hallways.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste. A quick brush after a long night does more than you'd expect.
- Fragrance-free deodorant. The veteran dads at Cook Children's suggest fragrance-free.
- Face wipes. A fast refresh when there's no time for a shower.
- Your own towel. Optional, but one dad found the hospital's towels a bit thin.
- Snacks that travel well. Good options: protein bars, trail mix, jerky. No Reception Club's dad called snacks the most useful thing in his bag.
- Refillable water bottle. Top it off at the hospital rather than leaving to buy drinks.
- Electrolyte drink packets. Labor can last more than a full day, so keep some in the bag.
- Your partner's favorite snacks. No Reception Club notes hospital meals are usually for mom, so pack something she actually likes.
- Pillow and blanket from home. DAD BAG says hospital recliners aren't built for great sleep, and MiracleCord says hospital pillows can be flat.
- Eye mask and earplugs. MiracleCord says hospital rooms can be noisy and the lights are often kept on.
- Headphones with downloaded shows. Hospital WiFi can be sketchy, so download before you leave home.
- Printed birth plan copies. MiracleCord suggests bringing several copies of your birth plan, if you have one, for the care team.
- Written priority contact list. Even with everyone in your phone, a short written list saves fumbling.
- Spare car and house keys. Dads say they wish they'd packed an extra set.
- Daily prescription medication. Veteran dads say they wished they'd packed this one, so tuck your daily medication into the bag.
- Spare glasses or contacts. Veteran dads say they wish they'd packed an extra pair.
- Car seat installed and ready. It's one of the last things you want to figure out on discharge day.
Tick things off as they go into the bag, and whatever's still open is what's left to grab by the door. Share the list with your partner and you'll both know what's already packed.
When to use it
Start in the last trimester; No Reception Club says have the bag ready by about week 36, and Cook Children's says fully packed by week 39.