When it comes to labor, mom and baby should always be front and center, but the dad or the parenting partner has the biggest supporting role! As a result, when it comes to arriving to the hospital for delivery, they need a hospital bag too!
Hey Mama! It’s time to get that go-bag ready! And while you may not need everything on this list, we wanted to keep the research at a minimum for you! So pack what you will think you will need and there you have it!
- A “going home” outfit for your baby
- A comfortable postpartum robe for after you give birth
- A hospital gown (if you feel more comfortable wearing your own)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, lip balm, hair ties/clips, deodorant, face and body wipes, hairbrush, lotion or body oil)
- Extra long cellphone chargers
- Headphones (In case you need a minute to yourself)
- A reusable water bottle
- Your favorite snacks (the hospital may not have them)
- Gum or mints
- Your own pillow and blanket (for maximum comfort)
- Comfy socks
- Postpartum care products (This FridaMom kit is a fan-favorite!)
- A comfy “going home” for yourself
- An extra set of comfy pants
- The bottles you plan to use if you’re planning on bottle-feeding
- The breast pump you plan to use if you plan on pumping or breastfeeding
- Nursing bras/tops
- Your ID and insurance cards
- Comfortable pair of slip-on shoes
Now, let's see what your partner should pack in their hospital bag.
What should dad or your partner pack in their hospital bag? Don’t worry we have the checklist to make sure you’re covered!
Before you even consider heading to the hospital, make sure the carseat and carseat base are installed properly! Most hospitals will double check your carseat is up to code, so you won’t want to drop the ball here!
With that taken care of, you’ll never know how long you might be in the hospital. With that said, dad you should make sure you have all the chargers and electronics you may need. That includes your phone, tablets, or a computer and their respective chargers!
Another item you should consider packing is snacks! You may not always want to leave the room for something to eat, so it’s beneficial to always have something on hand to grab in case of emergency!
In addition to those items, emergency cash, a change of clothes, a reusable water bottle, a portable speaker, your partner’s push playlist and a list of people you may need to reach at a moments notice is also super helpful!
Group texts are a big help when it comes to keeping loved ones who can’t be at the hospital updated. If you’re not the one giving birth, you should be in charge of this group!
And don’t forget, your toiletries (toothbrush, mouthwash, deodorant) and a pillow and blanket in your hospital bag. Sure the hospital will likely provide one for you but it’s never as comfortable as your own!
Have you ever heard of a push present? If not, it’s time to get hip to the tradition. For many expectant parents, the dad or the partner purchases a gift for the mom, as a thank you for all the hard work she put in the last 10 months!
Some push present examples include engraved jewelry, a years worth of flowers, a baby keepsake library, a spa day, luxurious pajamas or loungewear, etc. Any of these options would be a great way to express your gratitude!
