Dad’s Hospital Bag: 10 Essentials He Will Actually Need In The Delivery Room

Labor is a marathon, not a sprint—for both of you. Hospital cafeterias have set hours, and labor doesn’t follow a schedule. Being caught hungry or dehydrated can sap your energy, making it harder to provide physical and emotional support. This first category is all about your own endurance.

1. High-Energy, Low-Odor Snacks and a Reusable Water Bottle: Think of foods that provide sustained energy without needing refrigeration or creating strong smells that might bother your partner (her sense of smell will be incredibly heightened).
   • Good choices: Granola bars, protein bars, trail mix, nuts, beef jerky, and dried fruit.
   • Why it’s essential: You might not have a chance to leave for a proper meal for hours. Staying fueled keeps you focused and physically capable of providing support, like counter-pressure during contractions. A large, reusable water bottle is a must-have to stay hydrated without constantly searching for tiny paper cups.
2. A Complete Change of Comfortable Clothes (or Two): You might be in the hospital for 24-48 hours or even longer. Labor and delivery can be messy. A fresh change of clothes can do wonders for your morale.
   • What to pack: A comfortable t-shirt, sweatpants or shorts, socks, and underwear. Most importantly, pack comfortable shoes. You will be on your feet. A light jacket or hoodie is also a great idea, as hospital rooms can get chilly.
   • Don’t forget toiletries: A toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant are non-negotiable. Feeling even a little bit refreshed can make a world of difference.
3. The Electronics Trio: Phone, Extra-Long Charging Cable, and a Portable Power Bank: Your phone is your connection to the outside world for updates, but it’s also a valuable tool in the room.
   • The long cable: Hospital beds are often far from outlets. A 6-foot or 10-foot charging cable is a game-changer, allowing you to keep your phone charged without being tethered to a wall.
   • The power bank: This is your insurance policy. If outlets are in use for medical equipment, a fully charged power bank ensures you never lose your primary communication and camera device.

This category of items isn’t for you—it’s for her, but you’ll be the one using them. These are the tools that transform you from a spectator into an active, indispensable part of the birthing team. Having these on hand shows you’ve thought ahead about her comfort.

4. Massage Tools and Unscented Lotion: Many birthing people experience intense back pain, often called ‘back labor.’ Being able to provide effective counter-pressure is one of the most helpful things a partner can do.
   • What to bring: A couple of tennis balls in a sock, a purpose-made back massager, or even just your own hands. Practice some basic massage techniques beforehand.
   • Why unscented lotion: As mentioned, her sense of smell will be on high alert. A scent she normally loves might become nauseating during labor. Unscented lotion allows for easier massage without overwhelming her senses.
5. A Physical Distraction or Focal Point: During the intensity of a contraction, having something to focus on can be incredibly grounding. While you are her primary focus, having a physical object can help.
   • Ideas: This could be a printed copy of your birth affirmations, a small, smooth stone she can hold, a favorite photo of the two of you, or even a string of battery-powered fairy lights to soften the room’s ambiance. It’s less about what it is and more about the intention behind it.
6. A Bluetooth Speaker and Curated Playlists: Music has a profound impact on mood. The clinical feel of a hospital room can be intimidating, and music is the fastest way to reclaim the space and make it your own.
   • Playlist strategy: Don’t just make one playlist. Create several for different phases of labor: a calming, ambient playlist for early labor and rest; an upbeat, energizing one for active labor; and maybe a playlist of her all-time favorite songs for pushing or celebrating afterward. Remember to download them, as hospital Wi-Fi can be unreliable.

Once the baby arrives, a whole new set of needs emerges. You’ll likely be staying at least one night, and being prepared for the postpartum period is just as important. These items cover logistics and the first precious hours with your new baby.

7. Your Own Pillow and a Small Blanket: The pull-out chair or cot provided for partners is notoriously uncomfortable. Hospital pillows are often thin and covered in plastic. Bringing your own pillow is perhaps the single greatest piece of advice for getting any amount of decent rest. A small blanket adds another layer of comfort. You need to rest to be a good support for mom and baby on day two.
8. Important Documents, ID, and Wallet: This seems obvious, but in the rush to get to the hospital, it can be forgotten. Have a folder ready with:
   • Your driver’s license or ID.
   • Insurance card.
   • Any hospital pre-registration paperwork.
   • A credit card and a small amount of cash for vending machines, the gift shop, or unexpected parking fees.
9. A Small, Thoughtful ‘Push Present’ or Note: A ‘push present’ doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s a gesture of love and recognition for the incredible journey your partner has just completed. It could be a simple piece of jewelry, a heartfelt, handwritten letter telling her how proud you are, or a framed photo of the two of you. Giving it to her in a quiet moment after the baby is born is a memory you will both cherish forever.
10. A Good Camera (and Knowing When to Put It Down): Your smartphone camera is great, but if you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring it for those first high-quality photos. However, the most important part of this tip is to be present. Capture the key moments—the first look, the first hold—but then put the camera down. Experience this moment through your own eyes, not just through a lens.

It’s just as important to know what not to pack. Overpacking can create clutter and stress in a small hospital room. The goal is to be prepared, not to move in. Here are a few things you can safely leave behind:

• Too much entertainment: You won’t have nearly as much downtime as you think. Leave the books, iPads loaded with movies, and gaming devices at home. Your focus will be entirely on your partner.
• Anything with a strong scent: Cologne, heavily scented snacks (like tuna or certain chips), and scented lotions are all a no-go.
• Valuables: Leave expensive watches or other non-essential valuables at home for peace of mind.
• Too many baby outfits: The hospital will provide everything your baby needs for the first day or two (onesies, swaddles, diapers). You only need one ‘going-home’ outfit for the baby.
• Anxiety about being perfect: You’ve prepared, you’re present, and you’re there for your partner. That is more than enough. You’ve got this.