- Pack a cozy robe and slippers, flip flops, or comfy shoes – these are ideal for wandering the ward or trips to the restroom.
- Pack comfortable, loose maternity clothing. Take some spares in case things get messy or you have to stay in the hospital longer than expected.
- Pack a towel or two as it might be nice to have your own from home.
- Pack nighties or open shirts that give easy access to baby, for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.
- Pack your own maxi pads or disposable underwear. You will likely be provided with some; however, some women have a lot of bleeding after birth—vaginal or C-section – and you’ll need some for the trip home.
- Pack a few pairs of roomy underwear. High-waisted and cotton will be comfiest.
- Pack a couple of nursing bras and some nursing pads. For more Breastfeeding essentials, see our checklist.
- Find out about breastfeeding support services that will be offered after your delivery in case you don’t get the hang of breastfeeding straightaway.
- Pack healthy snacks and beverages for you and your birth partner.
- Pack comfy going-home clothes. And an extra bag for dirty laundry.
- Pack miniature toiletries, face wipes, lip balm, hairbands, dry shampoo, washcloths, and a toothbrush.
- Pack some makeup, if it will help you to feel refreshed after delivery.
- Pack any tools that may help you sleep, like an eye mask and ear plugs or headphones.
- Don’t forget your phone and camera. To tell all your friends and family the good news and capture those precious first moments together.
- Pack an extra-long charger cable or a power bank, in case the sockets are far away.
- Consider music and prepare a playlist.
- Consider books and magazines or even movies downloaded to your phone, to keep you occupied during down-time.
- Pack a notebook and pen. Helpful for jotting down feeding times and any instructions from your healthcare providers.
- Don’t forget your birth plan and medical information. This is when it’ll really come in handy.
- Pack a few baby outfits (2-3 onesies and 2-3 sleepers depending on the season), socks, booties, hat, a baby blanket, consider an insulated car seat cover if it’s winter or cool weather, swaddling or receiving blanket, a small package of diapers, baby wipes, cotton balls, burping cloths, and scratch mitts.
- Bring an infant car seat for the trip home from the hospital. It is mandatory and a nurse will check to ensure the car seat is not expired and safe for use in Canada.
- Buy a big hospital bag to put all this in!
- With your “go-bag” on standby, you’ll need to know when you’ve gone into labour. Go to our Signs of Labour Checklist to find out.
Related articles
C-section recovery: Things to think about
As with any surgery, C-section recovery takes time and self-care. Here are some things to have in mind to help you heal, from C-section recovery time to cleaning C-section incisions.
3 mins to read
Getting baby’s nursery ready
New parents may not know that safest place for baby to sleep for the first six months is in their bedroom and in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian safety regulations.
3 mins to read
Questions to ask at your 12-week ultrasound
Finally, your 12-week ultrasound is here! This pregnancy ultrasound is an important one and is the most accurate way to estimate your baby’s due date.
2 mins to read
Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labour checklist
You probably think it’ll be obvious when you go into labour, but every mom’s labour is different and it usually doesn’t happen like you’ve seen in movies.
2 mins to read
Your Maternity Leave and Parental Leave checklist
It might seem a while away, but ahead of the arrival of the new addition to your family, it’s a good idea to begin preparations towards your leave and to find out what you are entitled to.
2 mins to read
How to deal with morning sickness at the start of pregnancy
Morning sickness can strike at any time of day or night, especially at the start of pregnancy.
2 mins to read
Taking baby out for the first time guide
Taking baby out for the first time can be daunting. This checklist should help make it easy for all your baby friendly days out.
2 mins to read
Baby names help
Need inspiration for baby names? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favourite name, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet baby face-to-face.
2 mins to read
How to cope with first trimester anxiety
Suffering from first trimester anxiety? You’re not alone, 1 in 10 pregnant women experience this pregnancy symptom in their first trimester. Here’s how to keep the feelings under control.
2 mins to read
Planning a baby shower checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party.
2 mins to read
Working out your birth plan
Giving birth is less daunting if you have a birth plan prepared to help the day go as smoothly as possible. See our birth plan guide below.
2 mins to read
Questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment
Your first prenatal appointment is here! With so much going on, it helps to have a list of pregnancy questions on hand to ask your healthcare provider.
2 mins to read
How to cope with pregnancy pains and discomfort
As your body changes, pregnancy pains and discomfort can occur, especially in your back, legs and feet. The good news is, there are ways to ease your pregnancy aches and pains.
2 mins to read
Breastfeeding essentials
Planning to breastfeed but not sure what you’ll need? Here is a list of our first-time breastfeeding tips to help you prepare.
2 mins to read
Your checklist of prenatal testing questions
Baby health checks start before they’re even born. Here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider about prenatal testing.
1 min to read
The benefits of breastfeeding
Breastmilk has everything your little one needs to grow*—and offers benefits for you, too.
3 mins to read
Birth plan | Labour Signs
Here’s an outline that starts with your third trimester, and takes you right through to your upcoming labour.
4 mins to read
Tips to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy
Did you know? If you’re thinking about starting a family, making small changes to your diet and lifestyle now can have a big impact on your baby-to-be in the future.
2 mins to read
Your Pregnancy & Birth Team: Choosing a Midwife, Location, and more
You might think it’s too early to start planning for the big day, but it’s never too early to starting thinking about what kind of birthing experience will be the ideal one for you.
5 mins to read
Related tools
Your week-by-week pregnancy calendar
Track your pregnancy week by week and learn more about your pregnancy stages, the symptoms, and your baby's development.
Baby Name Generator
Trying to find the perfect baby name? Get inspiration from our baby naming tool
Due Date Calculator
So, when are you due? It depends on the conception date—but since that’s tough to tell, here’s how to calculate your baby’s expected birthday!
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby