9 Musts Have Item's for Daddy's Hospital Bag!
(This post was originally published on While He was Napping. It is published here by permission)
There are lots of lists of things for mom and baby to take to the hospital, but what about Daddy?
Now, before we jump into what you should pack in Daddy’s hospital bag, I want to let you in on a little secret. I’m going to tell you how I know you should pack these things.
Not all hospitals are created equally. Between our first and second hospital stays, we moved to a new state… and a new hospital. Our second hospital stay was less… accommodating than our first. In fact, it was absolutely and completely MISERABLE.
With our first baby, my husband had a nice fold out recliner chair to sleep in. Okay, it wasn’t really nice, but it was decent and even fit my husband’s 6’3″ frame. The fold out chair my husband slept in the second time wasn’t even a decent chair and my husband’s feet stuck off the end by about 4-6 inches. He didn’t complain once, but he was just as ready to leave as I was.
I guess I expected similar accommodations as what we’d had the first time. And, let me tell you, that did NOT happen for us. Hospitals are NOT created equal.
I know we can’t pack up a nice recliner for daddy to sleep in, but there are some things we can take that would make daddy’s stay at the hospital a little more comfy. Which means, Daddy can be of more help to Mommy. When a new baby is born, Mommy gets most of the focus – and rightfully so – but Daddy shouldn’t have to be miserable either.
What 9 things do you need to take so Daddy can be comfortable and helpful when baby is born?
DADDY’S HOSPITAL BAG MUST-HAVE #1:
Pillow. Daddy should have a decent pillow, even if it’s just a travel size one. He’ll probably be trying to catch his zzz’s whenever he can, just like you. Skip the super flat or too-poofy hospital pillows and get him a pillow filled to his liking. Besides, if he has a good pillow, he’s less likely to snore and keep you up.
DADDY’S HOSPITAL BAG MUST-HAVE #2:
Snacks. We’re talking man snacks here. Things like:
- Jerky
- cheese
- breads or even simple sandwiches
- hearty granola bars or protein bars
- nuts and pretzels
- dried fruit
- crackers and canned tuna
- fruit leather
- fruits and veggies cut up with hummus dip
- bagels or muffins
Taking your own snacks will save you money and Daddy won’t have to hunt down vending machines or the cafeteria. He (and you!) can get into his stash any time his little heart desires, whether the cafeteria is open or not. We usually take a small soft-sided lunch bag for things that need to be kept cool with an ice pack or two wrapped in aluminium foil. By the time the ice melts, the food is gone.
Make sure there are some low-aroma snacks Daddy can munch on while you’re in labor. You probably won’t be allowed to eat and labor makes my oversensitive nose go into overdrive! Any kind of food smells make me nauseous. But I always raid his snacks after I’ve had a baby. Child birth is a lot of hard work and I’m always famished afterward!
To find out the other 7 must have items click on the button link below 😉







A sweater. A friend of mine was in labor and had told me, "No you don't need to come, come when the baby is here." About 2 minutes later she called back and asked me if I could please run by and drop off something for her husband to wear. He met me at the entrance and told me he had been freezing for hours.
Yeah it can get pretty cold. Did you check out the other 7 items mentioned on the original post?
Great snack ideas and I like the idea of bringing low aroma snacks because my friend was the same. She started ranting because she could smell strong food coming from someones bag lol x
I know...right? Did you check out the other 7 great item suggestion via the original post linked at the bottom of the post?
When I had my kids, my husband didn't pack a bag. He ran home to shower.
I guess it depends on how close the hospital is and how long and intense the labor is. Personally I love being prepared for every eventuality.
Great list! I never thought of having my hubby pack things for him! What a great idea!
Glad you liked the post. Did you check out the other items listed via the original post? (linked at the bottom)
Snacks for dad are good. With my last child I snuck some food during labor as I was starving.
I have long labors and have to eat during them for it goes on for hours. I know my hubby has been grateful for snacks.
hahaha! Don't forget the jerky and cheese. Awesome!
Great list, we are due with baby 6 in 2 months. I always pack my husband a bag too, thankfully our hospital has a bed in the room for him and I do not have to worry about a pillow or sheets.
That's great that you have a more accommodating hospital. I wish more were. Hope you have a wonderful delivery! Did you check out the other 7 items listed in the original post linked at the bottom?
How thoughtful. I don't think there are many lists out there for Dads. This must be really helpful since they almost always end up wearing the exact same thing in the hospital.
Yeah I think Krista (who originally worth the post and game me permission to feature here) was spot on. It's important to think of our husbands as well as our needs.
These are all necessary items that a dad will need for hospital trip. Great list Pillow and sheets hopeful the hospital has some of the items there. But i understand we like to sleep on our own stuff!
When we are comfortable we are of more use to each other.
That's so true, there are hospitals that will make you dread your stay even more. It's important to make daddy comfy too! The pillow is pretty much a given and I love the idea of bringing your own set of munchies!
Totally. Did you click through at the bottom of the post to see the other 7 suggestions? They are all so spot on.
Helpful list. But, I think, we may need to add or delete some more stuffs depending on certain factors related to the hospital.
Did you check out the other 7 items suggested via the original post (link to read more at the bottom of the post)?
Great list. I will save this! Glad you shared it.
I am glad you love it too. Did you click through at the bottom of the post to see the other 7 items suggested? I am sure you will agree that they are all spot on.
I absolutely love this post. I'm preparing for delivery in July and all I ever see are hospital bags for mommy. This has definitely inspired me to get my husband and bunch "dad" shirts to pack in his hospital bag!
Oh I am so glad! Congrats on your baby!
My husband always packed a bag to take to the hospital. I mean, you have to. He's going to be there as long as you are! Better to be prepared than have nothing.
Exactly. This is especially true if you don't live near the hospital.
some great ideas here I guess we mums forget about dads but of course they need things as they can be there waiting around for a long time
Yes we need to think about our husbands as they think about us. We are a team.
Nice! I'm praying that we can use the info in this post:-). Pinning.
Did you check out the rest of the 7 suggestions via the Read more link at the bottom of the post?
These are all great suggestions I love the snacks they really are useful during all the process
I agree. Food is important. Did you click throw at the bottom of the post to see the rest of the suggested items?
I live alone with my 60 year father and reading your articles really suits me. Thank you for this.
Thanks. I am glad.
I think bagels or muffins is the one that stood out to me. Although I really think everything on the list is essential! Lol! Another great post keep up the good work!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks
We always forget dad thinking they can take care of themselves and we expect them to take care of us, but this is a thoughtful post that they too should be taken care of and pampered even if it's going to the hospital.
Agreed. We are a partnership and need to think about how we can help each other.
Love love love this list! I pinned it.
Oh I am glad! Thanks
Haha this is so awesome, I love how there is a whole list of just different snacks! Who knew daddy's needed to bring hospital bags as well?
lol. Did you click through to read the other 7 suggested items?
Great list! Someday I hope to need it 😉
Thanks. Glad you found it helpful. Hope you get to use it someday too.
I never would have thought to bring husband a bag to hospital. What a great list. I will save this for future.
I am glad you enjoy it. I never thought of it before either.
There is no pillow like your pillow! Even if you are going to a hotel..
Amen to that!
This is a good post! I hate it when it's so hard to get foods while in the hospiital. Thanks for this list! I'll share this with hubby 🙂
I'm glad you liked it! make sure you click on the link at the bottom to see the other suggested items.
I never would have thought to make one for my husband! That is so smart!
Neither would I. But it totally makes sense.