Your hospital bag checklist
- 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.
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