Hospital Bag Checklist for Canadian Parents

For labour

• Loose, breathable clothes for early labour (bring a going-in outfit you don't mind ruining).
• Lip balm, hair ties, hair clip.
• Water bottle with a straw — you'll need one-handed drinking.
• Snacks for after the birth (Canadian hospitals often don't feed you for hours).
• Phone, charger, and a long cable — hospital outlets are never where you want them.
• A birth plan printed on one page, kept in the bag's front pocket.
• Optional: massage tool, essential oils, playlist, TENS unit if that's your plan.

For postpartum

• Two or three pairs of high-waisted, dark, disposable-style underwear.
• Overnight-size pads (the hospital provides some, but never enough).
• Nursing bras (if applicable) and a robe you can nurse in.
• Nipple cream and breast pads.
• Comfortable going-home outfit — think loose, not pre-pregnancy.
• Toiletries you actually use: toothbrush, face wash, moisturizer, hairbrush, deodorant.
• Flip-flops for the shower.
• Slippers with a real sole for hallway walking.

For the partner

• A change of clothes and PJs; hospital delivery rooms are hot.
• Toiletries and a toothbrush.
• Snacks and a refillable water bottle — hospital cafeterias close early.
• Phone charger and a paperback for the quiet stretches.
• Contact list for who to text and who to call, in what order.
• Cash / card for parking, which adds up fast.

For the baby

• Installed car seat in the car (many hospitals check before discharge).
• One newborn-size going-home outfit and one 0–3 month as backup.
• A hat and a swaddle blanket.
• A muslin or two for spit-up.
• Warm layer for the car seat depending on the season.

Diapers, wipes, and receiving blankets are supplied by the hospital during your stay — don't waste bag space on them.

Paperwork folder

• Provincial health card.
• Photo ID for both parents.
• Insurance card (private and any workplace group benefits).
• Birth plan and any birth preferences discussed with your provider.
• Hospital pre-registration confirmation.
• Newborn registration forms (many hospitals hand them out on arrival — bring backup pens).

What not to pack

• Jewellery or anything valuable.
• Candles (not allowed).
• Full-size toiletries — you'll use travel sizes.
• Newborn diapers or wipes (supplied).
• An entire library — one book is plenty.