Hospital Bag Checklist for Dads: What to Actually Pack
- Ryan Belcher
- Jul 21
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Giving birth is one of the most intense experiences life can throw at you—and not just for Mom. When the moment arrives, there’s no time to pack or plan. That’s why getting your hospital bag ready early is one of the best ways to show up as a supportive, calm, and helpful partner.
As a dad who wasn’t prepared the first time (find out why here), I want to help you avoid the stress and guesswork. This guide covers everything that matters for your hospital checklist for dads—from absolute necessities to overlooked comforts.
By tackling this one simple task ahead of time, you'll save yourself a ton of stress when the day comes-- and free yourself up to focus on what matters.
To make things even easier, I have included a checklist of some of the more common items you will need to have with you.
While moms carry the physical load, dads can take ownership of the logistics.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Get the Hospital Bag Checklist for Dads!
Download my Hospital Bag Checklist for Dads — a quick, printable guide with everything you need to pack (and nothing you don’t). 👉 Download PDF
📄 Documents & Essentials (This Is Your Job, Dad)
Before we proceed to some of the more exciting items, let’s address the paperwork that could derail everything if overlooked, as well as some of the essential items you will need. Trust me, scrambling for insurance cards while your partner is in labor is not the time you want to shine as a problem-solver.
Insurance cards and IDs (for you and Mom): Hospitals require these for birth certificate and billing purposes. You’ll want to keep these together in your wallet or a folder for quick and easy access. By the time you are filling out the birth certificate paperwork, you will be exhausted and will want to know exactly where these items are located.
Copies of birth plan: I recommend having at least 3-4 copies of the birth plan. Keep one in your bag, one in mom’s bag, and extra copies for the medical team. Remember that there may be a shift change during the labor process.
Emergency contact information: It's a great idea to have this information written down in case your phone dies or you misplace it. Some of the numbers you will want to have handy include those of any family members who may be involved in the birth, your pediatrician, and your doula, among others.
Phone charger and power bank: You will likely be on your phone frequently, and you may be at the hospital for several days. Your phone will need to be constantly charged. I recommend having a long charging cable (at least 10 feet) and a power bank just in case you find yourself in a place where you don’t have access to an outlet.
👉 I would recommend getting something like this power bank or this charging cord.
Credit Card: Yes, you keep your credit card in your wallet, but don't forget to bring it with you. You will need to eat, and you will be buying a lot of coffee.
Cash: Although it's less common to carry in your wallet these days, it's still a valuable asset to have. Whether it's a quick cafeteria run, grabbing something from the vending machine, or parking, it's good to have cash just in case. Try to have about $50 or so in smaller bills.
Medications: If you take prescription medication, be sure to have it with you. Try to take your medication in the original bottles to prevent any potential issues.
👕 Comfort Items (For You AND Mom)
Now that you've got the official stuff sorted, let's talk about surviving what could be days in the hospital. Because once you're there with all the correct paperwork, you'll quickly realize the hospital isn't exactly built for comfort.
Snacks: You will get hungry, and you will need energy. Pack healthy, high-calorie snacks to get you through. Think along the lines of nuts and energy bars.
Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is essential. Your partner will need you at the top of your game. Also, hospital air tends to be quite dry, so you’ll find yourself drinking more water than usual. Constantly buying bottles of water from the vending machine or cafeteria will add up quickly.
👉 This smart bottle from water.io is my go-to, everyday choice in water bottles.
Daytime clothes: Be prepared with at least 2-3 changes of clothes. There is no way to know how long you will be at the hospital, so come prepared. Also, pack comfortable clothes. You will be spending a lot of time just sitting around and waiting.
Sleepwear/pajamas: Think of it like crashing at a friend’s place—only the couch is a hospital chair, and you're not going to get much sleep. You’ll want something comfortable to wear and rest in.
Underwear and socks: Need I say more?
Walking shoes: You will spend a considerable amount of time on your feet. Your feet will thank you for wearing comfortable shoes.
Slippers/house shoes: You will either need to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom or to assist your partner with something, but whatever the reason, you do not want to walk on the hospital floor barefoot.
👉 These house shoes are one of the best I have ever owned.
Pillowcase and blanket: Although the hospital will supply these items if you forget them, they won't be as comfortable as your own. It is a good idea to bring any color other than white so that your things do not get mixed up with the hospital’s linens.
Earplugs: The hospital is a loud environment. There will be machines beeping, nurses in and out of the room, other patients, babies, and so much more. Having earplugs can go a long way in helping you get the rest you need.
👉 These are my favorite earplugs. You will also thank yourself for getting these once you bring a crying baby home and want some peace.
🛀🏻 Personal Care
Certain things in life are straightforward and oftentimes taken for granted. Proper hygiene is one of those things that is essential. Being dirty is uncomfortable, and sure, any old toothpaste or soap gets the job done, but using “your” soap or “your” toothpaste makes it so much better.
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Deodorant
Bodywash/soap
Comb/hairbrush
Any other personal hygiene items: Bring anything that may be specific to your needs/wants, such as a razor, shaving cream, skin care products, or beard care items.
🎧 Entertainment & Downtime
Fed and comfortable? Good. Now let's talk about the hours of waiting that nobody warns you about. Labor can take a long time, and there's only so much pacing you can do.
Laptop/charger: You can expect to have a significant amount of downtime while waiting for your baby to arrive. Having some entertainment can help with the boredom.
1-2 books: Reading is a great way to keep you from getting too bored (especially when you have exhausted yourself from screen time).
Downloaded TV shows and/or movies: Since hospital Wi-Fi is not always reliable, it's a good idea to download any content you plan to watch.
🧠 Emotional Support Tools
Downloaded shows are great for distraction, but when the big emotions hit (and they will), you'll need more than Netflix to keep you grounded.
Small notebook/journal and pens: You will be bombarded with information—medical information, visiting hours, staff names, etc. You will want to record this information. These also give you a chance to get your feelings out or help you remember your special day better.
👉 Here is my go-to choice for notebooks.
Comfort items: Whether it's your favorite coffee, tea, or snack, anything that can ground you during a stressful time is a nice addition.
Downloaded playlist: Music can help to calm or relax you when things get stressful. Again, do not rely on the hospital's Wi-Fi; download any content you plan to listen to.
Photos/mementos: Bring a couple of small items that can help to ground you and remind you of home or stability. It would be good to coordinate this with your partner as well.
👶 Baby Stuff (Just a Few Essentials)
Speaking of emotions, after all this preparation for your hospital stay, don't forget you're leaving with someone new who has their own needs.
Camera/phone with extra storage: You are about to start taking more pictures than you have ever taken in your entire life. Whether you're using a camera or your phone, ensure you have sufficient storage for all your photos. Now is a good time to upgrade the amount of space you have in your cloud account.
Going-home outfit: Since you don’t know what size they will be when they are born, it's good to have some options for size. Bring both newborn and 0-3-month sizes with you.
Car seat: Ensure this is done and inspected before leaving for the hospital. You can search online for car seat technicians or contact your local fire department for recommendations. Your birthing hospital may also have technicians on site who can assist you.
🎒 Pack Your Hospital Bag Early—Like, Now
Aim to have your bag packed by 32–34 weeks. Babies don’t always follow the calendar. My firstborn was born at 32 weeks, and we were completely taken by surprise. If you find yourself with a pre-term baby, click here for some practical help.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Your partner has a big job ahead. The least you can do is be ready, calm, prepared, and present. Packing the right bag isn’t just about comfort; it’s about showing you’re thinking ahead and taking this seriously.
📥 Need the Hospital Bag Checklist for Dads?
Download my Hospital Bag Checklist for Dads — a quick, printable guide with everything you need to pack (and nothing you don’t). 👉 Download PDF
Heads up: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase. I only recommend products I genuinely use and trust.
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