Having a Baby
What to Pack in the Bag for the Hospital
The Short List For Dads
Bring to the Hospital
Leave at Home
Visit our post on what you need in the nursery. This link will take you to more info and optional affiliate links.
Preparing to Go to the Hospital
One Month Before Due Date
Prepare for the Birth
Things Not Important
Getting Ready for the Baby to Come
I have seen the questions frequently asked, “What does a Dad pack when they are going to the hospital with their partner?”
This is a great question and having done this four times, I think I have the answer.
Don't be overwhelmed. This is a natural, scary process.
The anticipation and uniqueness of the situation will make you a little frazzled. Don't be let down, you can make it through this.
Like most dads before you, there is going to be a concern for your partner and the baby. The excitement of the event is going to be very vivid and scary.
Be sure to be present and enjoy the fear and scare of the moment.
What to Expect
1. Fear
2. Scared
3. Unprepared
4. Excitement
5. Anticipation
6. Anxiousness
7. Feeling Inadequate
Prepare for a Baby
There is a lot that goes into the process of having a baby. The preparation can take about an hour up front and than just keep up on the small items.
Below is the explanation of lists up above:
-Plan the route to the hospital or birthing center so their are no interruptions on the way.
-Set up a tender for your pets and other kids and have a plan to meet them somewhere convenient for you, not them, when the time comes.
-Keep a half tank of gas in the vehicle, just in case you have to keep the car running in traffic or heaven forbid that baby comes out on the side of the road.
-Surprisingly, you will be packing quite a bit of things. Be sure to have a bag large enough for everything.
-Give you employer notice that your team is going to be having a baby. Let them know the due date and keep them up to date as the day gets closer.
-A really important item is to keep the house clean everyday leading up to the birth. There is no worse feeling than returning from the hospital to a home that has been ransacked by urgency and uncleanliness.
Pack the Bag for the Hospital
This is going to happen. Pack the bag early so there is no concern that something was missed. It will be a grab and go bug out bag!
-Get an extra toothbrush and paste and put some clean clothes in the bag.
-Bring good food. Most hospitals will let you use their fridge. This process might take a few days before the baby comes home. Plan to eat their quite a bit. Snack food isn't going to tie you over!! In my experience, hospitals did not feed me. I have heard that some do feed the dad. Check before you go and make sure you have enough food to eat.
-Know where your medical insurance card is and have it with you.
-Pack an extra charger for your phone, you will be taking lots of pictures. Don't for get your phone.
-Put the car seat in the car and have it ready. If it is a de-latching seat, secure the base properly and bring the seat inside with you. The hospital staff is required by law to ensure that car seats are properly secured in a vehicle before allowing you to leave.
-If you have a baby too small for a regular car seat, the hospital will provide a car bed.
-The hospital will most likely have a blanket and a diaper gift for you. They may not, however. Come prepared to wrap your new baby with a swaddle blanket. We demonstrated how to swaddle a baby here along with a bund of other Pro Tips for Dads.
Don't Be Afraid
This may seem overwhelming and scary and really exciting all bundled up. We dads have been doing this for a long time. Just make your partner as comfortable as possible and get her whatever she asks for, WHATEVER she asks for. She really just needs support, be that.
Resources:
Andrea Piacquadio, 2020, Man Waiting for Train, .jpg file, Pexels.com. Accessed, Jan. 28, 2021