essential lists
What your partner should pack in their hospital bag (yes, they need one, too!)
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As you move into the last weeks of pregnancy, it's time to get your hospital bag ready for when it's time to give birth, and it's also a good idea if your partner has one, too.
Once you’re in labour, there might be a lot of hanging around, so things to keep them busy are a good idea, as are snacks and even a change of clothes if the baby takes time to arrive.
More importantly, make sure they take things to help you, like a cooling facial mist or soothing massage oils.
It's a good idea if they pack their bag at the same time as you’re getting your own ready, so they don’t keep you waiting when the big day arrives.
And, if they want to bring music or a portable game console, make sure they pack headphones too!
1. Portable Phone Charger
*Power bank which can charge smartphones up to eight full times
*Built-in safeguards protect your devices against excessive current, overheating, and overcharging
*LED light indicator shows the remaining power when charging
A portable charger to help keep phones, tablets and other electrical equipment running is a clever and practical item to pack in your bag. You'll wonder how you ever lived without it – say goodbye to your phone running out of charge! It's particularly important if your hospital stay ends up lasting longer than you expected, or if you can't find a free plug socket on your ward.
2. Spare T-shirt, from £3.99
*100% cotton shirt that's cheap and comfortable
*Ideal for your partner to wear in the hospital, during or after birth
*Available in sizes from S up to 5XL and a multitude of colours
A change of clothes is a great idea, especially as you don't know how long you'll be waiting for junior to appear. Get a cheap, throwaway t-shirt in a dark colour so it won't show up stains, sweat or any other body fluids! They're also great for sleeping in, another factor to consider when your partner comes to the hospital with you.
3. Graze Protein Bites (15-pack)
*Bite sized rustic rolled oat banana flapjacks with mixed seeds and soy protein
*Made with whole oats and a source of protein and fibre
*Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
Keep your strength up with handy snacks, who knows how many meals you'll be missing!
4. Water bottle, from £15
*This steel water bottle from Chilly's comes in so many colours, prints and three sizes
*Insulated, so it keeps your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold
*The stainless steel material is durable, leak-proof and free from BPA, phthalates and toxins
This stainless steel bottle will keep drinks hot or cold, making it perfect for long hospital stays! Plus, it's so much better for the environment to re-fill it than keep buying single-use plastic from the vending machine – and it'll save money, too! Plus, your partner can choose from so many lovely designs – from shiny chrome to neon blue.
5. Wash Kit
*Includes full size Nivea Men shower gel, anti-perspirant and and moisturiser
*Carry bag can also be used to store toothbrush and toothpaste
*Full-size products which he'll get use out of at home, too
Contains everything you need to keep clean and fresh during an emergency overnight stay. Just pop a toothbrush and toothpaste in, and he's good to go!
It might also be a good idea to pack a flannel or small towel in his hospital bag, in case there aren't any at the hospital.
6. Wireless Headphones
*High-quality wireless headphones are great for passing the time and blocking out hospital noises
*Compatible with all Android and iOS media devices such as iPod, iPad, Android Phones, Android MP3 players
*Build in microphone so he can take calls, too
These bluetooth headphones are perfect for using on-the-go, without wires getting in the way! They have in-line controls so you can adjust the volume, play/pause, select songs and answer/hang up calls hands-free. The headband is so comfortable too, with an ergonomic adjustable headband and soft leather ear pads.
7. Mini Toothbrush Set
*Compact design easily locks into place to form a full-size toothbrush
*Toothpaste is included and stores neatly in the handle
*Two toothbrushes and two mini toothpaste tubes are supplied per order, so there's enough for the both of you
This mini toothbrush set is perfect for popping in a hospital bag ready-to-go! If you have it already in there, it reduces the chances of one or both of you forgetting to bring your regular toothbrushes if you leave in a hurry when it's time to go into labour. You could bring your own favourite toothpaste, or use one of the capsules provided.
8. Rejuvenating Facial Spritz
*Hydrating face spray which contains rosemary to gently tone your skin
*100% natural, organic ingredients that are suitable for all skin types
*Gently hydrates the skin and can be used before a heavier moisturiser
Even tired, sleep-deprived skin will feel rejuvenated and refreshed thanks to the natural ingredients as well as the cooling feeling of spraying the toner onto the face. Use this lightweight and non-greasy spray to revive your partner's energy during labour. You might need a bit of a squirt, too!
Want to read more about hospital and maternity bags?
- The best bags to take to hospital when you're giving birth
- What to pack in your hospital bag
- The best buys to help you through labour
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase from Amazon. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
