Dad’s Hospital Bag

These are what tips we think Dads need to make sure he enjoys this special moment too. Ensure you have all bags ready to go from 36 weeks and you have checked with the hospital about what is and isn’t allowed to be taken in, for example some electrical items are not allowed unless they have been checked by the hospital electrical department some have their own CD players so you can take your own music.

1. Birthing Plan – talk together about your birthing options, and also what you both want if things don’t go to plan. My partner had to make the decisions for me, and it was reassuring for all that we had a plan that he and our midwife could follow.
2. Phone – you will be making the important calls, don’t forget the charger.
3. Key phone numbers and who to contact list.
4. Camera / Video – Capture as much as you can before and after, you will never get these special moments again, things can happen very quickly and you may not remember everything.
5. Plenty of Change – you will need this for the car park if driving, drink / food vending machines and pay phone.
6. Clothes – you may be in hospital a long time and depending on the weather you may need a change of clothes, shorts or sweater to help you freshen up.
7. Swimwear – if you’re planning on having a birthing pool you will need these to protect your modesty!
8. Snacks & Drinks – these will be in for your partner, just make sure there is enough for the 2 of you.
9. Medicine – If your on medication makes sure you have enough to last and put in some pain killers to help the aches and pains.
10. Comfortable shoes or slippers.
11. Books and magazines – there will be times when your partner needs to rest so ensure your things that will occupy you. 
12. Neck pillow – grab some sleep when you can if your partner is sleeping take the opportunity to charge your batteries.
13. Massage oil – a good way to help pain relief, use this to ensure your hands don’t get sore.
14. Gift for Mum – always gets you in the good books.

Remember when your partner goes into labour you will need to take control so remember to know where both Mums and babies bags are. Any last minute things, which need adding to the bags (don’t forget Mums hand bag). Remember if you are driving practice fitting the car seat in, it may seem daft but when you come out of hospital the last thing you want is for your new born being out in the cold while you work out how it works.