Congratulations! If your due date is getting close, this is such an exciting time. I know packing a hospital bag can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to figure out what you actually need and what can stay at home.
In this hospital bag checklist, I am sharing what I would pack if I were preparing to give birth in Canada. My goal is to make the process feel simpler, calmer, and easier to organize before the big day arrives.
How I pack my hospital bag
I like to pack two separate bags instead of putting everything into one large bag. It keeps the essentials easier to find when things are moving quickly.
The first bag is a small bag for the delivery room. This is where I keep the items I may want during labour and delivery, such as my health card, phone charger, snacks, lip balm, and anything that helps me feel comfortable.
The second bag is a larger bag for after the birth. This one is for the mom and baby unit, and it includes the essentials I need for myself and my baby during the hospital stay.
When I pack my hospital bag
I think it is completely fine to pack early, and I would rather have the bag ready than feel rushed later. I recommend having everything packed by week 37.
I also make sure my partner knows where the hospital bag is and what needs to be added before leaving the house, such as phone chargers, snacks, or drinks. This is especially helpful in case my partner ends up bringing the bag to me.
Before buying anything for the hospital bag, I also like to remember that creating an Amazon baby registry may come with a free welcome gift and up to 15% off baby items, even if I do not plan to share the registry. You can click here to learn how.
Hospital bag checklist for Canadian hospitals
My delivery room bag
For the delivery room, I pack my birth plan, identification, health card, phone, charger, lip balm, and a hair tie if I need one.
I also bring anything I plan to use during labour, such as music, a yoga/exercise ball, a comfortable pillow, oil for massage, or anything else that may help me feel supported during birth and delivery.
I include water or other drinks, plus snacks for myself and my partner. Crackers, energy bars, almonds, and lollipops are easy options to have on hand.
I also like having a cup with a straw for easy drinking, slippers or flip-flops, and a camera or video camera if I want to capture special moments.
My hospital bag after birth
For myself, I pack comfortable clothing such as pajamas, a housecoat, flip-flops, and socks. I choose clothes that make breastfeeding easier, if that is part of my plan.
I also pack a going-home outfit for myself. I remind myself that maternity clothes are still completely fine and often the most comfortable choice after birth.
For postpartum care, I bring sanitary pads – maxi size, and I would pack a full pack of around 20. I also bring mesh postpartum underwear, since the hospital may provide a few pairs but some moms like using them for a few days after birth.
I pack extra underwear too, but I choose pairs I do not care too much about. I also bring a comfortable nursing bra.
A nursing pillow is another item I recommend bringing. The hospital may have one, but hospital nursing pillows can be older and well used, so I prefer having my own.
I also bring towels, Kleenex, and toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, and unscented lotion.
I pack snacks for myself and my partner, because hospital days can be long and unpredictable.
For sleeping, I bring my own pillow if I want extra comfort. The hospital will provide one, but if I bring bedding from home, I make sure it is not white, since hospitals may require bright colours or patterns.
I also bring a notebook and pen to track baby feedings and diapers. Using a phone works too, but I like having a simple backup option.
My baby’s hospital bag
For my baby, I pack newborn diapers. I would bring around 20 to be prepared.
I also bring baby wipes and baby diaper cream.
For clothing, I pack baby clothing for the hospital stay, including undershirts, sleepers or a nightgown, hats, socks, and mittens.
I include receiving blankets if I want to use my own. The hospital usually has receiving blankets available, but I may prefer bringing mine from home.
I also pack a baby towel for baby’s first bath, a baby blanket, a going-home outfit, and baby gentle soap.
A baby car seat is essential for going home. If my baby is due in the winter season, I also bring a car seat winter cover.
If I am planning to bottle feed, I bring baby formula for Stage 1 and the bottle I want to use. The hospital should provide formula if that is my choice, but to the best of my knowledge, they may only offer one option.
Click here to learn how to create an Amazon Baby Registry list and get up to 15% off baby items.
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Inspired by this post on Toronto New Mom Blog.
