Gear

12 Items Every Father-to-Be Should Have in His Hospital Go-Bag

Stuff you'll need, want, and just be glad you have.

by Jon Gugala
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Ah, the hospital go-bag for dads. This zipped bag of necessities for a stay in the maternity ward is standard practice for pregnant women. The contents are arranged and poured over weeks before the big day, with items added and subtracted until the perfect balance is met: this hair tie or that? Sweater or sweatshirt? But a hospital bag for dads is not really considered with the same energy. This makes sense. But it often results in forgetting items an expecting father will want — and need in his hospital bag— so he and his wife are comfortable and prepared when the baby arrives. To help you out, here’s a list of some necessities that should go in a hospital bag for dads to be, including a few of our favorite tried-and-true products that will make the next few days easier — and last for years after.

Hospital Bag for Dads: What to Pack for the Birth of Your Child

Nisolo Luis Weekender

A good go-bag requires a good bag. If you need a new one, try the Luis Weekender, which combines classic menswear materials in one great-looking bag. Waxed canvas is a historical stain- and water-resistant fabric that gets better with age, while the leather handles and shoulder strap are rugged and robust. Treated with care, this bag will last until your baby graduates college.

$248
Dopp Kit by Topo Designs

At some point in the small hours of the morning, you’ll notice the fuzz on your teeth and the crud in your eyes and want to rid it before the next round of contractions. So you'll need a good Dopp kit in which to place your most trusted toiletries. This one is roomy enough for your essentials and, thanks to its unique tetrahedron shape, balances perfectly on narrow bathroom sinks.

$34
PowerCore Slim 10000 Powerbank by Anker
$22
Sony a7R III Mirrorless Camera
$2
Icebreaker Anatomica Rib Boxers by Icebreaker

Before and after delivery, you could be spending upwards of three days in the hospital, likely without a shower and wearing the same clothes. That means your nethers are going to get funky. The Anatomica Rib Boxers are made of wool, and combine its superfine fabric in a mid-thigh cut that doesn't ride up. They wick sweat, fight bacteria and odor, and regulate temperature, cooling in the summer and warming in an AC-cranking room.

$22
Zenbivy Pillow

Most hospital pillows have less filling than a lettuce wrap. The Zenbivy Pillow inflates with a few breaths, but its plush cover is so soft that you’ll forget it’s air-filled. When not in use, it packs down to the size of an orange.

$49
Ace Crew Neck Sweatshirt and Sweatpant by Mack Weldon

A functional hospital bag for dads is one that has a comfy sweat set ready to go in it. Don't overthink it: for the long days and nights in the hospital, you'll need comfortable sweats that won't make it look like you're trying to lose weight for a wrestling match. The Ace Sweatshirt and Sweatpant more than fit the bill — and it's French Terry has a twist: a touch of stretch in its thick cotton fabric.

$68
Ginger Deep Tissue Massage Oil by Badger

Massage oil? That’s right. Massage oil. Because your wife will be sore and lying on an uncomfortable bed for hours and you’ll think Man, I wish I could give her a good massage. That’s when you’ll be glad you packed this oil, which combines the pleasant spice of ginger, cardamom, and lemongrass. Her lower back will thank you.

$18
Work Folio A4 by Bellroy

You thought you had a lot of stuff to sign following that ER trip after pickup basketball. Just wait until after the baby. Parenthood comes with a lot of paperwork. And you need a safe place to put it, not some manilla file folder. Store it all in the Work Folio A4, which has a soft leather cover, and can always fit a legal pad, pen, six cards, and a tablet. It'll serve you well for decades after you purchase it.

$299
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
$50

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