A New Dad Checklists: What to Bring to the Hospital

Sep 21
10:48

2011

Jack Bush

Jack Bush

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If you had a dollar for every time a father forgot to take something important with him as he rushed off to get his wife to the hospital when her labor pains started, you’d be wealthy. Red more please...

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If you had a dollar for every time a father forgot to take something important with him as he rushed off to get his wife to the hospital when her labor pains started,A New Dad Checklists: What to Bring to the Hospital Articles you’d be wealthy. If you’re an expectant father, get organized. Some of the most important considerations are discussed below.

The Trip to the Hospital

During the rushed trip to the hospital, with your wife showing the audible discomfort of labor is not the greatest time to stop for gas. When the baby is coming to term, make sure that you car’s gas tank is always topped off.

Things to Take to the Hospital

Remember – two of you will be racing to the hospital, but three or more of you will be coming home. Make sure that you have all of the supplies that are needed for both trips as well as the hospital stay.

Mom is going to need all of her routine medications. She’ll need a comfortable nightgown or she’ll be stuck with the fashionably deprived hospital wear. Bring all of her toiletries. She’s not going to feel her most glamorous after childbirth and will appreciate all of the cosmetic help she can get while at the hospital. After childbirth she will definitely need breast pads, heavy duty sanitary napkins, some disposable underwear, and a nursing bra. Many new moms are happy to be entertained by the hospital’s TV set in the room, but sometimes it’s nice to get away from the ambient noise with some relaxing music. Bring along an MP3 player or iPod just in case.

Your newest family member will need a few items while in the hospital and for the trip home. A vest and a baby gown are a must. A dozen nappies is a good idea. Newborns can be messy and are subject to rashes especially on their soft little bottoms. Bring along some skin creams and baby wipes. Bring clothing, appropriate to the weather, for the trip home. You’ll want a warm, cozy, happy baby to greet the rest of the family.

Most of what Dad will need personally are items to help him to endure the waiting game. Snacks, sandwiches, and soft drinks would be appropriate. Don’t forget the all important list of telephone numbers of people to call. Be thorough when you make up this list. You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by leaving then out of the great announcement. Bring plenty of reading material. Time can drag if you’re simply trying to entertain yourself with outdated hospital magazines. Keep a pen and paper handy for taking down important information from the doctor after the birth. Make sure that you have your camera with you. Years from now you’ll want to reminisce over the photos of the proud but tired mom looking adoringly at her newborn.

The Trip Home

The trip home is very important because you will take your little darling home now. First, you certainly should make sure you have a safe infant or convertible car seat to take the baby home and you have installed it correctly. Second, although it’s not necessary to bring clothing for the trip home on the trip to the hospital, don’t forget to bring it on the big day of the homecoming. Mom will have undoubtedly preselected clothes for her and for the baby’s homecoming. All you have to do is remember to bring it to the hospital.