Hospital Bag Checklist: What To Pack For Labour, Birth & Stay
Is this your 36th–37th week of pregnancy? If yes, you’ve landed on this page at just the right time. It’s time to start prepping for “the day” you’ve been eagerly waiting for over the last few months.
Labour can begin unexpectedly, and having everything packed in advance means one less thing to worry about when it is time to go. This checklist is designed for both vaginal and C-section births and is planned around a possible 3-day stay, so you are prepared even if there are minor complications or delays in discharge.
Most Canadian hospitals and birth centres provide the medical essentials for labour, birth, and newborn care, but parents are usually expected to bring their own comfort items, clothing, and consumables like pads, diapers, and toiletries. Sort items into separate bags by category: a folder for documents, a duffle for clothes, a toiletry bag for hygiene items, and a smaller bag for snacks and electronics.
How To Organize Your Hospital Bags
Staying organized makes a big difference when you arrive at the hospital and need to find things quickly. Instead of throwing everything into one large suitcase, break your packing into mini-bags or cubes so your partner or nurse can easily grab what you need without digging through everything.
Keep documents in a clearly labelled folder in a front pocket, toiletries together in a travel kit, and baby items in a separate bag that can be brought out after birth. Use the checklist below as a guide, then tweak it to fit your lifestyle.
For Mom: Essentials & Comforts
First, pack your hospital bag for yourself—you’ll want personal items to make you feel more comfortable during and after labour.
Important documents
Pack these in a folder that is easy to access at admission.
- Health card
- Hospital card or registration details
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Pregnancy record / prenatal file
- Current medications list
- Birth plan (if you have one)
Clothing for labour and postpartum
Aim for soft, loose, and nursing-friendly pieces that you do not mind getting messy. Suggested quantities are based on a 3-day stay:
- Nursing bras – about 3, comfortable and supportive
- Pajamas or nightgowns – 2 sets, ideally button-down or nursing-friendly
- Maxi dress or loose outfit for going home – 1
- Robe or gown – 1, for layering and modesty during walks or visits
- Mesh or high-waisted underwear – 3–4 pairs
- Socks with grip – several pairs for warm, stable feet on hospital floors
- Slippers or slip-on sandals – 1 pair
Postpartum and personal hygiene
Hospitals may provide a limited amount of postpartum products, so bringing your own trusted items can make a big difference.
- Peri bottle – 1, for gentle perineal cleaning after birth
- Postpartum pads – about 7–9 heavy-flow or maternity pads
- Travel-size toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant
- Unscented lotion and lip balm
- Hairbrush and hair ties
- Glasses or contacts supplies
- Nipple cream – 1 tube, especially helpful if you plan to breastfeed
Comfort items for labour and recovery
These items are optional but often make the experience more comfortable and calming.
- Handheld fan or small portable fan
- White noise machine or a portable Bluetooth speaker for music or relaxation tracks
- Snacks: energy/protein bars, dry fruits, candy, crackers, cut veggies
- Electrolyte drinks or hydration powders (as allowed by your care team)
- Phone charger and power bank
- Book, iPad, or laptop for downtime
- Small pillow from home (with a unique pillowcase so it does not get mixed with hospital linens)
For Baby: Tiny Essentials For A Safe Trip Home
Most hospitals provide baby’s first blanket and some diapers, but you will want to bring what you need for your stay and for going home. Quantities below are based on a possible 3-day stay.
Clothing and warmth
- Swaddle blankets – about 3
- Going-home outfit(s) – 1–2, weather-appropriate
- Extra sleepers or onesies – 2–3
- Scratch mittens – 2–3 pairs
Diapering and hygiene
- Newborn diapers – at least 1 small or travel-size pack
- Baby wipes – 1 travel-size pack, gentle and unscented
Safety and transport
- Infant car seat – 1, properly installed in the car before discharge
Most Canadian hospitals will not let you leave by car without safely placing your baby in an approved car seat—treat this as a non-negotiable must-have.
For The Support Partner: Practical Back-Up
Your support person will likely spend many hours with you, so they need a small bag as well. Recommended items include:
- Change of clothes and undergarments – 2–3 sets
- Comfortable hoodie or sweater and socks
- Basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, travel-size body wash
- Medications they take regularly
- List of important contacts (family, pediatrician, etc.)
- Phone, charger, and possibly a power bank
- Snacks and a reusable water bottle
- Simple comfort items: book, tablet, or laptop
Final Tips Before You Zip The Bag
Once you have everything gathered, use your checklist to mark items as “packed” or “to buy,” so nothing gets missed in the rush. Keep the bags in an easy-to-grab spot near your front door or in your car trunk from around 36–37 weeks onward.
Remember that this list is a guide, not a rulebook—adjust it to your reality, your hospital’s policies, and what makes you feel calm and confident for the big day.
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