Click Here to Download Printable PDF Version: Hospital Bag Packing Guide
Consider this guide to help you get started packing your hospital bag. Add/remove anything to meet your own needs!
BIRTH PARENT
- Comfortable, Loose Clothing: Oversized T-Shirts, Nightie, High-Waisted Sweatpants or Leggings, Pajamas
- Light Bathrobe
- Nursing Bra
- Warm Socks
- Disposable Briefs OR Postpartum Underwear: High-Waisted, Able to Fit a Large Pad, Dark-Coloured, Size Up, Our local hospital does NOT provide mesh briefs
- Slippers and/or Sandals
- Shoes that can easily be slipped on/off to go home in
- Bathing Suit (if you prefer to use in the tub) or your birthday suit works fine too!
TOILETRIES
- Face Masks
- Hand Sanitizer
- Prescription Medications
- Glasses / Contact Lenses with Solution
- Lip Balm
- Nipple Cream
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Body Wipes (you may not feel up to a shower or be able to after a C-Section)
- Skin care
- Face Wipes
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Bodywash
- Hairbrush
- Hair Tie
- Headband
- Makeup
BABY
- Infant Car Seat
- Baby Wipes
- Receiving Blankets (2)
- Newborn Hats (2)
- Newborn Outfits (Short-Sleeved Onesie and a Sleeper)
- Seasonal Items (e.g. Snow Suit, Warmer Blanket, Outdoor Hat)
- Scratch Mittens
PARTNER
- Change of Clothes
- Bathing Suit (if they’re planning to support you in the tub)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Pillow
- List of Important Contacts
COOLER
- Light Snacks for Labour: Granola Bars, Protein Bars, Pretzels, Crackers, Hard Candy, Gummy Bears, Dried Fruit, Easy to eat Fruit or Vegetables (banana, apple, grapes, carrot sticks)
- Popsicles
- Fluid Replacement Drinks (Sports drinks, Coconut Water, Juice)
- Honey
OTHER
- Health Card
- Birth Plan
- Brown Envelope containing Prenatal Records and Preadmission Form
- Water Bottle
- Notebook and Pen
- Breastfeeding Pillow
- Long Phone Charging Cable
- Camera
- Phone
- Laptop or Tablet with Charging Cable
- Headphones
- Eye Mask – Hall lights are only dimmed, Useful for Shared Rooms to Block All Light Out
- Ear Plugs – Useful for Shared Rooms, your Neighbour’s baby may not share the same sleep schedule or a late night transfer may wake you
- Change for Vending Machine
- Bluetooth Speaker and Charger
- Breastpump – Can be used to help promote labour if your contractions space out or decrease in intensity before starting a medical augment
COMFORT & ENVIRONMENT
- Extra Pillow (in distinct pillowcase – colourful or patterned so it doesn’t get confused with white hospital pillows)
- Bath Towel (hospital towels can be small and scratchy)
- Small Fan
- Electric Candles
- Essential Oils
- Massage Oil or Lotion
- Heating pad or hot water bottle
- TENS machine
- Rebozo
ITEMS PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITAL
- Pads
- Peri-Bottle
- Birth Balls
- Pacifier
- Diapers
- Formula