If you are nearing your wife’s due date you will absolutely want to be prepared and ready to go at a moment’s notice. There are certain items that all daddies need to bring to the hospital on delivery day. Keep in mind that Mother Nature does not always consider your plans. You should have a backpack ready to go, so you can get up and get moving – no matter when Baby decides to arrive.

The bag you pack for the hospital will be your toolbox for the incredible and unpredictable delivery of your baby.

You never know how long it is going to take. All women are different, and just because you’ve heard stories about a few moms squeezing their babies out before daddy can even put his scrubs on does not mean this will be your experience. Use the following list to create your perfect “Daddy Go Bag”.

1.  Bag – First and foremost you’ll need to obtain a bag.  Make sure the bag can be dedicated solely to the birth of your child, so it can sit by the door or in the trunk of your car and be ready to go; the bag should NOT have a dual purpose at this time.

2.  Reading material – Get your Kindle loaded with a new book to read, or pick up a paperback from your local bookstore that you would like to read and pack it away in your Daddy Go Bag.

3.  Music – An iPod, or similar music device is essential, and a portable speaker system is even better in case your wife wants to listen to music.  There are travel size speaker systems that work very well.   Also pack headphones in case mommy does not want to listen music at the same time you do.

4.  Toiletries – Don’t forget your toothbrush and toothpaste! Of equal importance are deodorant, a shave kit, personal shampoo and conditioner, face wash, contacts, solution, etc.

5.  Medications – If you take medication on a daily basis don’t leave this at home! I also suggest Advil or Tylenol for any aches, pains or headaches you may get from sleeping on that impossibly hard and uncomfortable hospital chair all night long.  Throat lozenges are good, as the hospital air can be dry, and you do not want to get sick.  I also suggest packing a bottle of personal hand sanitizer; there are machines all over the hospital, but it is always nice to have your own bottle to use whenever you want to or need to.  Chapstick will also help combat the dry hospital in the air so pack a tube or two.

6.  Nutrition – Pack plenty of water and snacks. Protein bars, nuts, cookies and fruit are always great go-to snack foods that you’ll be glad you have accessible when hunger strikes.

7.  Money – You’ll need change for parking, change for vending machines, possibly a Starbucks card as well as about $20 extra for that emergency run to the hospital cafeteria. Make sure you’re prepared for anything!

8.  Clothing – I highly recommend packing a set of DaddyScrubs for the big moment.  They are doctor inspired scrubs that are super comfortable for the new dad to wear throughout the entire hospital stay – from Labor to Delivery to Post Partum.  Pack a few extra t-shirts, socks and underwear, too. And take my advice on this one and pack a hat; you might not get a chance to shower and a hat will at least hide your crazy hair.

9.  For Her – Although she will pack her own hospital bag there are a few things you can pack in your bag for your wife that may come in handy. Preselect and sign a Hallmark Card to give to her after Baby arrives. Additionally, I suggest a “push gift,” which is a special something (necklace, earrings, bracelet, etc.) that you give to your wife once Baby arrives to share in the excitement and give her something extra to remember the day by.

10.  Most Important – Bring your “A-game”; be alert, awake, attentive, and ready to help and support your wife wherever and however you’re needed.  Remember, she is having the baby and you are there to help.  So bottom line: do not complain about being tired or hungry or express your reluctance to sleep on a chair. She is having a baby – cater to her every need!

Good luck guys – and welcome to fatherhood.

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Packing the Daddy Go Bag appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

1. Ipod, MP3 or CD Player. Music or relaxation tapes can help you relax and distract you from the noises of the hospital
2. Camera and/or video camera. Make sure you document this Miracle!
3. Insurance info, hospital forms and Birth plan (if you have one)
4. A warm robe or sweater.
5. Socks and slippers.
6. Sugar free Lollipops or hard candies to help with dry lips and mouth.
7. Toiletries and personal items : hairbrush, deodorant, face wash toothbrush & toothpaste, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, contact lens & solution (if you use it) and a hairdryer.
8. Pillow. hospital pillows are very uncomfortable, bring what you will be most comfortable on.
9. Boppy (www.boppy.com) or My Brestfriend (mybrestfriend.com)- if you plan to breastfeed.
10. Nursing bra and nursing pads.
11. Nursing gown or nursing tank tops with pajama bottoms. if you plan to nurse)
12. Change and extra cash for the vending machines and cafeteria.
13. Cell phone and charger.
14. An overnight bag for hubby and pillow and blanket if he plans to stay. Some hospitals have these readily available, however some have a limited supply.
15. Headband or ponytail holder.
16. Comfortable clothes to go home in.
17. Maternity underwear that you don’t mind getting ruined.
18. Sleepers and onesies for baby along with socks and blankies that are good for swaddling. A couple of hats to keep their head warm too.
19. Baby brush and nail clippers.
20. Snacks for you and your hubby to grab during the day between meals.
21. A cute outfit for baby’s first picture.
22. Baby Diapers.
23. Aquaphor (www.aquafphorhealing.com). Can be used for babies dry skin and sore nipples if breastfeeding. Also can be used for chapped lips as the hospital air is dry.
24. A breast pump (if you plan to breastfeed) and nursing shield could help if you have problems with the baby latching on.
25. A binky, fufu, pacifier, or whatever you want to call it – if you choose to use one.
26. Don’t forget the carseat! Important Tip: Install it before the hospital trip so you are not trying to figure it out on that day. Use a stuffed animal to put in and learn how to adjust the straps properly.

The post HOSPITAL Check List appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.