When new parents are getting ready for the newest family member’s arrival, they are so focused on the baby and mom that they forget the dad. However, it is important that the dads also prepare for a longer hospital stay, as labor can last a long time. So, the question is, what should dads pack for the hospital?
If you are a dad-to-be, it is important that you know how to prepare and support your partner and also yourself during the hospital stay. So, when packing the bag for mom, make sure to pack another one for you, the dad.
What Should Dads Pack for the Hospital?
Labors can be intense and last long, sometimes upwards of two-digit hours. So, even the dad must remember to pack for a longer stay in the hospital. You should list the things you might need, like a change of clothes, food, electronics, an important contact list, etc.
What a Dad Needs to Take to the Hospital?
Food and drinks
Although there may be a lot of food and drink options in the hospital, you will not have much time, so it is ideal to carry what you need close at hand so you can stay by your partner’s side. Additionally, as you assist your spouse in labor, you must maintain energy levels.
Bring a lot of nuts, energy bars, protein bars, and trail mix. Pack a few water bottles because staying hydrated is crucial. Also, I advise including some fresh, minty chewing gum in your bag for use between meals.
Clothes and toiletries
Bring comfortable clothes: a sweater, jeans, underwear, and fresh socks. Additionally, remember to bring toothpaste and a toothbrush. Deodorant without fragrance to not bother your wife’s sensitive nose.
Electronics
Be ready if you want to capture the event on camera. Bring a camera or use your smartphone. The high-quality photographs and videos that today’s smartphones can capture might be all you need.
Do not forget to bring batteries and chargers. Nothing is worse than realizing your phone or camera is dead; there are no do-overs.
Contacts list
Many individuals are anxiously awaiting that first view of the new arrival on their phones, given the prevalence of blended families today. A written “priority” list is useful even if everyone you need to call or text is already on your phone’s contact list.
Also read: What Is the Difference Between Pampers Swaddlers and Baby Dry?
Additional Things You Might Want to Pack
There are other things you can pack once you finish with the essentials. The additional things can be for your entertainment or things that will help you comfort your wife before labor.
Books and magazines
Labor can drag on for a while. Bring some magazines or books to pass the time while you wait for the delivery. Or you can watch a movie on your smartphone, whatever works best to calm your and your wife’s nerves.
A comfortable pillow
The medical staff will set up a cot or lower a recliner in your room if you spend the night with your wife. You can benefit from being more at ease and getting more rest if you bring your pillow from home.
Bring your watch
To time your contractions, you should bring a watch with a second hand to the hospital. Your wife can relax because you can predict when the next one will arrive. You may accomplish this by using the stopwatch feature on your phone.
Some cash
While hospital food is not the most delicious in the world, it is worth remembering that many vending machines exist. So, having thirty bucks in your pocket will not hurt. You can quickly slip out while waiting in the hospital room.
When Should the Dad Start Preparing His Hospital Bag?
When your partner is approximately 35 to 36 weeks pregnant is the ideal time to prepare your dad’s hospital bag. You should not put off packing your new dad’s hospital bag because you do not want to show up at the hospital unprepared.
Thus, if you prepare your hospital bag between weeks 35 and 36, your baby should still be due in a few weeks, but you will be ready if they arrive sooner. This occurs frequently.
A hospital packing list for dad should be attached to your luggage, and you should mark the things you need to acquire before leaving on the list.
Choose a Comfortable Diaper Bag for Dad
As a dad, you should know that diaper bags are also designed for dads. So, it may be smart to purchase one. A diaper bag for dads will allow you to pack everything you need for the hospital stay. When deciding what kind of bag to buy, consider the following factors.
Size
As the number of things you will need to pack is quite a lot, you need to choose a bag of decent size. You will want to be able to pack all of your necessities in one bag, which is why diaper bags are an excellent choice. You should be able to pack everything in the diaper bag without needing to take additional bags.
Comfort
Comfort is also an important factor that you should consider when choosing a diaper bag. You will also need a diaper bag to carry your baby’s things after birth.
Today there are available bags designed specifically for the male physique, so you will be comfortable wearing them.
Convertible diaper bags are an excellent choice as they are adjustable and can be carried as a backpack and a messenger bag.
Read more: What Does Vox Mean on Baby Monitor?
Conclusion
There you have it. So, what should dads pack for the hospital? Well, there are many things that you might need.
While the mom and the baby are the priority, that does not mean the dad should be overlooked.
So, if you are a future dad, get to make a list of what you will need in the hospital while supporting your wife as she brings a new life into the world.
