Hospital Goodie Bag 

for the Father-to-be

Since I have packed my own snacks and goodies, I decided to make a surprise bag for my husband filled with things he could use during our stay in the hospital. Sadly, Baby B is breech and so I have had multiple doctors at my practice advising me to have a c-section. I imagine that we will be there a little longer than for a natural delivery. 

I decided that for sturdiness and stability, I would use a tote bag that we already owned rather than using a large paper gift bag. It is made of canvas, has strong straps, and zips shut at the top. 

I have been rounding up several things to put into the bag that could make him comfortable while staying away from home. We are fortunate enough that our hospital has a cot-style bed in each recovery room for a partner or support person to stay with the mama. Hopefully, these items will also be useful beyond the hospital, in our first week back home. 

First, I packed some snacks that he enjoys. You could add some favorite snacks as well:

1. Candy
2. Energy/granola bars
3. Cookies
4. Jerky
5. Popcorn, chips, or pretzels

Next, I packed some beverage options. I packed the flavor of Gatorade that he likes, some Starbucks Via Instant coffee, and creamer packets.  Our hospital has a coffee and hot water station, but I thought I would pack some fun coffee. I also found this mug on Cafepress.com. He loves Spider-man-always has, always will. They had other super-hero themed dad items as well. 

Some drink ideas are:

1. Sports drink
2. Flavored water
3. Regular bottled H2O
4. Bottled iced tea or hot tea sachets
5. Soda

Then, I added some pharmaceutical items. 

1. Hand sanitizer
2. Tissue pack (for those watery-eyed daddies)
3. Headache relief
4. Over the counter sleep aid (just in case...doubt there will be a LOT of sleeping for a while though)
5. Mouth wash
6. Breath strips
7. Mints 

I also bought a neck pillow in case he has some time of resting while in a chair. Again...Spider-man. 

I thought while he was having some down time and babies are sleeping, he could read some parenting advice from one of our favorite comedians. The black notebook is a journal. Since he is a writer and also enjoys keeping memories, I thought he could journal about the first day or two of meeting the babies. Again from Cafepress.com I found this Spider-man dad shirt. First dorky dad t-shirt: check.

Some entertainment options include:

1. Books or magazines
2. Crossword and other puzzles
3. Journal, notebooks
4. iTunes gift card for apps/games/movie rentals
5. Games for gaming systems (if your husband is also 31 going on 9)

Finally, it is traditional for the new father to have a cigar to share with special friends and family. He's not really into cigars but what he lacks for interest in cigars, he makes up for with his love second to me. Scotch. I found a rare bottle three years back that I have been hanging onto for such an occasion. I wrapped the bottle and added it to the bag of fun. 

Well, those are some of the things I added to my surprise hospital bag for the dad-to-be. I'd love to hear some other ideas that you all have!

:) Rachel