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Creating a Hospital Bag Checklist Packing Checklist for Labor & Delivery Packing Checklist for After the Baby is Born Baby Hospital Bag Packing Checklist for Birth Partners, Parents and Surrogates Leave at Home For Older Siblings

Creating a Hospital Bag Checklist

The last few weeks before your baby arrives can be a stressful time. When you learned you were pregnant, giving birth seemed like it was so far away, and now it’s crunch time. You’ve probably been sterilizing bottles, folding burp cloths, organizing onesies and preparing freezer meals in an effort to stay busy and stave off any nervousness you may have about the arrival of your little one.

One of the last things you’ll likely prepare is a bag that’s packed with items you’ll need to take with you to the hospital. Even if you’re planning a home delivery, having a bag ready in case of emergencies is a smart idea. This step can bring a fair amount of peace of mind, especially if you’re already feeling scatterbrained. You’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief even if you go into labor early, because you’ll be all packed and ready to go.

When putting together your items, remember that you’ll need supplies for you, your partner and for your new child. This hospital bag checklist will help ensure that you have everything you need to feel comfortable during labor, delivery and the time you spend in the hospital afterward.

Packing Checklist for Labor & Delivery

It can be difficult to truly feel prepared for labor, since every woman’s experience is completely different, but having a bag packed with items that make you feel relaxed and comfortable can be a big help. Some Canadian hospitals recommend that expectant mothers bring two bags: one for labor and one for the hospital stay.1 Another option is to bring one bag, but to put the things you’ll need for labor on top so they’re readily accessible.

  • Identification. Your ID card and Health Card should definitely be brought to the hospital.
  • Comfort items. Hospitals provide pillows and blankets, but you might prefer to bring your own. Make sure they’re easily identifiable and have bright pillowcases on them so they don’t accidentally get swept up by cleaning staff.2
  • Pain management. You might want to bring a hot/cold pack for back pain or a tennis ball to help relieve pressure. Packing massage cream can be a smart idea as well.2 You may wish to pack a stopwatch to help you time contractions.
  • Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, bodywash, facial cleanser and moisturizer.
  • Towels. Two towels and washcloths (plus some extras for your birth partner) if you have specific towels that you prefer. The hospital will have towels.
  • Hair care. Shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo and a hairbrush. You will almost certainly want a shower after your baby is born, so bring whatever products you’ll need. You’ll also want to bring a few hair ties if you have longer hair.
  • Footwear. Flip-flops are a must for the hospital shower, and slippers or warm socks with no-slip tread are necessary for keeping your feet warm in the hospital.
  • Eyewear: Glasses, lens cleaner, extra contact lenses, solution and case.
  • Sleepwear. A sweatshirt/sweater and two pairs of pajamas.
  • Robe or nightgown. Hospitals provide gowns, but there’s nothing like one from home. Having a comfortable gown from home might help you relax.
  • Snacks and drinks. You might want to pack these items in a small cooler in case your room doesn’t have a fridge.3
  • Birth plan. You should talk to your doctor about creating one together.4 This plan helps to detail your wishes and makes it clear what you do and don’t want during your labor and delivery.
  • Extras for labor. Hospitals recommend that expectant mothers pack lip balm, a portable music player and headphones, and something to focus on like a photo.5 If you bring electronics, like a cell phone or tablet, make sure that you also bring a long charging cord for each device. Labour may take longer than you think it will; bring a book, e-reader, laptop or magazine just in case. You may also wish to bring along a list of phone numbers for friends and family so you and your partner can share the good news when your baby arrives.

Packing Checklist for After the Baby is Born

Once your little one makes their arrival into the world, you and your child may move from the labour and delivery unit of the hospital to the Mother and Baby Unit. If you’ve packed a separate bag for after birth, you may be asked to leave it in your car until you switch rooms.2

  • A pen and paper. You’ll need to fill out a number of forms for your new addition. You may also want to take notes so you remember the information your doctor shares with you.
  • Heavy flow feminine pads. You will experience some postpartum bleeding, and these will help to absorb that. You’ll want to bring an entire package.
  • A peri-bottle. Using the restroom after giving birth may be tricky. This bottle will help keep you feeling clean.
  • Maternity underwear and bras. You’ll need five to eight pairs that you can throw away if you need to. Thongs are not suitable after you’ve given birth.2 The bras you pack shouldn’t have underwire, and you may wish to pack nursing bras that will make it easier to breastfeed your child.1
  • Nightgowns. If you’re planning to breastfeed your child, make sure that whatever nightgowns you pack are designed for nursing and can be opened in the front.
  • A comfortable outfit for going home. Think a loose-fitting shirt or dress and pants with an elastic waist. Your body may not feel normal after you’ve had your baby, so dress for comfort and allow yourself some grace.

Baby Hospital Bag

Your new baby will need more than love from his mother. Pack your new addition a bag of necessities to make your first few days together more comfortable.

  • Baby clothes. Pack a few options for your little one. You might find it easier to use zippered sleepers with built-in booties and mittens, or you might prefer a simple onesie. Make sure you pack a few different sizes, as not all newborns will readily fit into newborn-sized clothing. You’ll also want a cute, weather-appropriate outfit for your child to go home in. Bring a hat to keep their heads warm and mittens to keep them from accidentally scratching themselves.
  • Blankets and burp cloths. Some may be used for swaddling; some may be used for feeding. You might also use receiving blankets to line the car seat to ensure a snug fit for your baby.4
  • Diapers and wipes. Bring a pack of newborn diapers and a pack of baby wipes to the hospital. You may also opt to bring a tube of diaper rash cream or a tube of petroleum jelly.
  • Infant car seat. This should be properly installed in your car ahead of time, and you should feel comfortable using it and adjusting it. This seat should be CSA certified and is necessary for hospital discharge if you’re driving home.4
  • Feeding essentials. If you’re planning to breastfeed, you’ll need breast pads, lanolin/nipple cream and a nursing pillow. If you opt to formula feed your newborn, you’ll need bottles, formula, a bottle brush and soap, and a nursing pillow to prop up your baby while they eat.
  • Baby book. Capture your newborn’s hand and footprints in a book that you’ll use to record all those first memories.

Packing Checklist for Birth Partners, Parents and Surrogates

  • Snacks and drinks. The hospital only provides food after baby is born and only for the person who delivered, so birth partners should be sure to bring some things to nibble on as they wait for baby’s arrival.
  • A journal or pen and paper. For keeping track of contractions, feeding sessions or taking notes.
  • Picture ID, insurance information and hospital forms. The hospital will ask for these. The mother may ask their partner to be in charge of this information, but both people should have identification.
  • Money. Hospital vending machines may take change, paper bills or credit cards. Be prepared for all three options.
  • An extra bag. To carry gifts and items from the hospital to home.
  • Clothing. If your partner is planning to spend the night at the hospital with you, they may need a change of outfit suitable to the weather, something to sleep in and a blanket and pillow of their own. Hospitals will typically only supply a sleeping mat for partners.5
  • Other essentials. Pack any eyewear and toiletries you may need for a standard overnight trip.
  • Wi-Fi hotspot: Hospital Wi-Fi can be spotty; a personal hotspot can provide a backup.

Leave at Home

When you’re putting together a list of things you’ll need for the hospital, there are a few things you’ll need to remember to leave behind.

  • Anything valuable. Jewelry needs to be taken off during delivery and nice clothing can become damaged or get lost, so might as well leave it all at home.4
  • Hazardous items. Avoid safety risks for everyone—especially baby—by keeping toys and other objects with small or potentially dangerous parts away.
  • Scented creams, perfumes or candles. Hospital wards are scent free environments.

For Older Siblings

New babies are exciting, and adults may find it easy to fawn over their tiny hands and feet. However, your older children are just as important and may feel some resentment towards their new sibling. Make sure they feel included in the birth of their new brother or sister and understand that they’re gaining a sibling, not being replaced.

  • Books/playing cards/puzzles. If your older children are coming to the hospital, you’ll want to pack a few things to help keep them occupied.
  • Photos. Bring photos of your other kids so they can see they’re on your mind, too.
  • Gifts for older siblings. Give big brothers and sisters a present “from baby.” This may help to ease the transition and make older siblings feel special in a moment where they may be feeling left out.

If you forget anything at home, many hospitals offer pre-packaged kits of essentials for sale. These kits may contain diapers, baby wipes, pads, a peri-bottle, disposable mesh underwear for mom and helpful information about settling in with your newborn.1,4

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time for you and your family, make sure you’re prepared when it’s time to head to the hospital.

  1. https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=crib-birth-list
  2. https://www.nygh.on.ca/areas-care/maternal-newborn-and-paediatric-care/pregnancy-and-birth/guide-pregnancy-and-birth/giving-birth/what-bring-hospital
  3. https://patienteduc.fraserhealth.ca/file/having-your-baby-your-hospital-stay-4648.pdf
  4. https://www.mountsinai.on.ca/patients/having-a-baby-at-mount-sinai/labour-and-birth/what-to-bring-to-the-hospital-pdf
  5. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/labour-and-birth/planning-your-delivery/packing-birth-hospital
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