5 Must-Haves to Pack In Your Hospital Bag (For a Dad)

The big day is finally here, it feels like it went by in a flash, but now you don't know what to pack and you want to make sure you're prepared but not overly packed. One of the most important things to prepare for is the arrival of your new baby. While mom is likely to have a hospital bag packed and ready to go, us dad's are a little less prepared when it comes to packing our hospital bags. Having a well-prepared bag will help you feel more comfortable and prepared during your hospital stay. We put together a list of five things to pack in a new dad's hospital bag.

1. Comfortable Clothing

First and foremost, it's important to pack comfortable clothing. You'll likely be spending a lot of time at the hospital, and the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable. You may be sitting or walking the halls for hours waiting for the new addition to your family. Pack a few changes of comfortable clothing, such as sweatpants and t-shirts. You may also want to pack a lightweight jacket or sweater in case the hospital is chilly.

2. Toiletries

I forgot to pack these and had to run to the local store to grab the essentials. It's easy to overlook toiletries when packing for a hospital stay, but they're essential for feeling clean and refreshed. Pack a travel-sized toiletry kit with essentials such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo. You may also want to include items like a razor, shaving cream, and body wash. You can find a great travel toiletry kit with all the essentials here. 

3. Snacks

Lets be honest, hospital food isn't always the best, and you may find yourself hungry at odd hours of the day or night. Also, if you're trying to stick to a meal plan or stay on track you'll want to pack some snacks & food that allows you to remain on track towards your goals. Pack some snacks to keep in your hospital bag, such as protein bars, trail mix, or fruit. You may also want to pack some gum or mints to freshen your breath.

4. Entertainment

This was one of the things a lot of my friends who already had kids recommended. Once the baby arrives you'll have little no time, however, waiting for your baby to arrive could take a LONG time. Pack some entertainment to keep you occupied, such as a book, magazine, tablet or laptop for movies. Also, ask your hospital if they have a DVD player so that you can bring some movies to help pass the time while you wait. You may also want to pack a pair of headphones so you can listen to music or watch videos without disturbing your partner or the baby.

5. Camera

Last but not least, don't forget to pack a camera. You'll want to capture all the special moments of your new baby's first days, and having a camera on hand will ensure you don't miss any of them. Whether you prefer a digital camera or a smartphone, make sure it's fully charged and ready to go.

Bonus tip: Don't forget the car seat!

This may seem obvious, but in the rush to get to the hospital a lot of times you forget the car seat to take your baby back home with you. It's important to make sure you have a car seat properly installed and ready to go when it's time to bring your new baby home. Make sure you've read the instructions and know how to properly install the car seat before the big day. You can also visit the local fire department to double check that your car seat is installed properly prior to the big day.

Preparing a hospital bag for a new dad may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it's an important step in preparing for your new baby's arrival. Make sure you pack comfortable clothing, toiletries, snacks, entertainment, and a camera. And don't forget to properly install the car seat before it's time to bring your baby home. With these items in your hospital bag, you'll be well-prepared for the exciting journey ahead.