Baby checklists
Birth and the first weeks
Hospital Bag Checklist for Dads
25 items · 14 must-haves · Weeks 35–40
Essential items for dad/partner during hospital stay
Comfort
- Change of ClothesPack 2-3 full changes: comfortable pants, t-shirts, and a button-down for photos. You may be there 1-3 days. You will get bodily fluids on you — dark colors are your friend.
- Comfortable ShoesYou'll be standing, pacing, and supporting her for hours. Broken-in sneakers, not flip-flops. Your feet will hurt by hour 12 no matter what — don't make it worse.
- Pillow and BlanketThe dad "bed" is a vinyl recliner or thin fold-out cot. Bring your own pillow and a real blanket. You need to sleep when you can — you're about to run on fumes for weeks.
- Sweatshirt/JacketRooms swing between freezing and warm depending on what mom needs. Layer up so you can adjust without leaving to dig through bags. Zip hoodie is ideal.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and ToothpasteKeep it in your personal bag, not hers. You'll brush your teeth in a tiny bathroom at odd hours. Fresh breath matters when you're face-to-face coaching through contractions.
- DeodorantLabor can last 12-36+ hours. You'll be sweating from stress and running around. Apply before things get intense — you won't think about it later but everyone will notice.
- RazorOPTIONALIf labor goes 2+ days, you might want to clean up. Electric razor is easier in a tiny hospital bathroom. This is about feeling human, not looking perfect.
Food
- SnacksProtein bars, trail mix, beef jerky, peanut butter crackers — high-calorie, non-perishable. You need to eat to support her. Don't eat strong-smelling food in the room.
- CashKeep $20-30 in small bills and coins. Cafeteria, vending machines, parking meters. Some hospitals still don't take cards everywhere. ATMs charge $3+ fees.
- Water BottleLarge insulated bottle — you'll forget to drink while focused on her. Dehydration gives you headaches you can't afford. Fill up every time you pass a water station.
Electronics
- Phone ChargerBring a 10-foot cable and a portable battery pack. Your phone is your camera, communication hub, and entertainment. A dead phone during delivery is a disaster you can prevent.
- Laptop/TabletOPTIONALPre-download shows and movies — hospital WiFi is usually terrible. Early labor can be hours of waiting. Having entertainment ready keeps you calm and present.
- HeadphonesOPTIONALNoise-canceling if possible. Use one earbud so you can hear her and the nurses. Good for resting during early labor when she might be sleeping between contractions.
- CameraOPTIONALCharge battery fully the night before and clear the memory card. Bring the charger too. Switch to burst mode for delivery — you'll want options, not one blurry shot.
Support
- Massage ToolsOPTIONALTennis balls in a sock, a foam roller, or a massage cane. Back labor is intense — she'll need sustained counter-pressure for hours. Your hands alone will give out.
- Birth Plan CopiesRead the birth plan until you can recite it. You are her advocate when she can't speak for herself. Know the must-haves vs nice-to-haves so you can make calls in the moment.
- Emergency Contact ListPrint and put in a clear page protector. Include: her OB, pediatrician, your parents, her parents, work HR, insurance hotline, and your neighbor who's watching the dog.
- Positive AffirmationsOPTIONALWrite a few cards with encouraging phrases she's told you help. During transition (the hardest phase), she may say she can't do it — that's when these matter most.
- Essential OilsOPTIONALCheck with the hospital first — some ban diffusers. If allowed, lavender and peppermint are popular. Put a drop on a cotton ball near her pillow, don't overdo it.
- FanOPTIONALSmall battery-powered or USB fan. She'll run hot during labor even in a cold room. Point it at her face during contractions — instant relief. This one is underrated.
- Eye MaskOPTIONALSleep when the nurses say to sleep. You'll feel guilty resting while she can't, but you need to be functional for what comes next. A rested dad is a useful dad.
Misc
- Car Seat InstalledHospital won't release baby without a properly installed car seat. Install it 3-4 weeks before the due date. Get it inspected at a fire station or certified CPST check event.
- Gas Tank FullFill up when she hits 37 weeks and keep it above half from then on. When it's go-time, you don't want to stop for gas. Know the fastest route and a backup route.
- Announcement Texts DraftedOPTIONALWrite the texts now: family group, friends, work. Leave blanks for name/weight/time. You'll be too emotional and exhausted to compose anything coherent after delivery.
- Quarters for ParkingOPTIONALCheck your hospital's parking situation before labor day. Some have garages with daily max rates ($15-25). Some have meters. Know where the ER entrance lot is for fast drop-off.
Check it off together
Make a free account to tick items off as you go. Your partner sees the same list, ticks included.