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If you are planning to give birth at a hospital, this is the ultimate hospital birth checklist to help you remember to pack all the necessary hospital bag items from home. It is also helpful to label everything that is yours with your last name so you don’t forget it when you leave the hospital—and even if you do, you can retrieve it easily.
When to Start Packing Your Hospital Bag:
I began packing my hospital bag a month before my due date. Packing early took a lot of anxiety and pressure out of worrying about forgetting hospital bag items. My midwife suggested I could be having an earlier delivery, so I took her suggestion to heart and didn’t want to panic when the time came.
Make sure to go over your packed bag with your partner so they know exactly where everything is when the time comes!
I recommend that you add any items you don’t have to your baby registry for the registry completion discount.
C-section moms:
I had an emergency c-section after trying for a natural birth, so I did not pack specifically for a c-section delivery. However, there isn’t a drastic difference of what I would pack if I went back to have a scheduled c-section for my possible next birth. I will include my suggestions for c-section moms below.
There wasn’t any comprehensive list online that I found useful, so here is my take on the ultimate hospital birth checklist so you don’t have to do the deep dive that I did.
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You can download the above PDF of the Hospital Bag Checklist by clicking the link for free!
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Documents needed for hospital delivery
You can read my post on “Hospital Admission for Labor and Delivery Process” and download the fillable excel sheet linked in that post and complete it with your important information and contacts.
What to wear to the hospital to give birth
Depending on the season you are giving birth, you will want to dress accordingly. When it is colder, I recommend that you have a large, oversized coat but NOT overdress in too many layers as it will just create more work for you to take the clothes on and off. Clothes seem to expand right when you need to pack them away, so less is more. I recommend you wear the same outfit to and from the hospital.
On the opposite side, I would recommend that your partner dress in layers from an undershirt/T-shirt all the way to a zip up hoodie and a jacket. They do keep the maternity ward quite warm, but as your partner is helping you and the baby recover postpartum, they will need the extra layers to regulate their body temperature.
- Button top or a loose top that can be easily taken off.
- High waist pants – for c-section moms, it will be extremely difficult to try to squeeze into yoga pants after birth. I wore these Lululemon Align High-Rise Pants pretty much all the way through my pregnancy, but I don’t recommend them for after delivery. I will recommend to either wear a button up dress or something your partner can easily help you slip into like a loose pair of joggers. Remember after delivery, your belly will still be the size of around 5-6 months pregnant.
- Slip on shoes – this is very important. Your feet will likely be swollen, and you will be getting in and out of bed multiple times. You do not want to wear anything with laces or anything hard to put on. I gave birth at the end of October, so I wore these UGG slippers that kept my toes toasty.
What kind of bags to take to hospital for delivery
I recommend packing 3 separate bags:
- One overnight bag for your baby. This will make it easy for you and your partner to quickly find items and clothes for the baby, and not have to sort through other items. This one I linked from SkipHop is SO useful with many useful compartments, and I still use it to this day.
- One carry-on suitcase with wheels for yourself. A carry-on suitcase that has two large separate compartment is best for you to separate your items from pre-birth to postpartum. You should also bring at least two laundry bags (one for you and one for your baby) to put your soiled clothes to quickly toss them into the laundry when you are home.
- Your husband/birth partner can bring a backpack. Keep in mind that he will need to carry all 3 bags from room to room while you go from the delivery room to the aftercare room. He should pack light and have room for any items you want to bring back from the hopsital. If you don’t have a backpack already, look for a diaper backpack because it’ll be useful from here on out!
Important hospital bag items for mom
Pre-delivery:
- Lip balm – hospital air is very dry. My favorite one is the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
- Large water bottle with straw – a bottle that you do not have to tilt and drink from. I got a Hydro Flask and used the straw lid. It’s very versatile and you can use different lids for different purposes. I’m all about multi-purpose and multi-use.
- Hand cream – best to go with one that is fragrance free and baby safe. You do not want to be touching your soft newborn with crusty hands.
- Hair tie – this seems like a non-brainer, but you want to bring this for before and after delivery. You want your hair to be out of your face. Best to even have a headband.
Post-delivery:
- Nipple cream – I loved Motherlove Nipple Cream as it easily melted into the skin, organic, lanolin-free and very moisturizing. You can use this even as a pumping lubricant.
- Breast pads – not because you might be leaking (since colostrum is thick), but to prevent your clothes/maternity bra to be stained by the nipple cream because they are oil based and are hard to wash out.
- Nursing pillow – I bought the Nook Niche Nursing Pillow. It’s all natural and organic, slightly larger than the typical nursing pillow like the BreastFriend or the Boppy and way more multifunctional. I use it for my own naps, and it works great as a tummy time pillow.
- Button up pjs with high waist pants – this one is SO soft and comfortable. You want easy access to the boobs for breastfeeding.
- Bath robe – especially important for breastfeeding moms. It will feel like you’re constantly exposed because you’re learning to breastfeed. It’s also helpful to quickly cover up because there will be many, MANY healthcare professionals coming in and out of your hospital room at all times.
- Sleeping mask/eye cover – the lights will always be on, and you want to get some shut-eye in between the feedings, check-ins with the nurses, and washroom breaks. If you want extra quality sleep, you may consider bringing some ear plugs too.
- Cozy socks – You will want to keep your toes toasty especially for moms giving birth in the winter. Cold extremities makes it more difficult to fall asleep, and you’ll need all the cat naps in between feeds.
- Feminine wipes – make sure you get the FLUSHABLE type. It makes a world of a difference compared to regular toilet paper. This one by Aleva also works, but it has a stronger smell.
- Tucks pads (or witch-hazel pads) – to cool down there.
- Adult diapers – I bought a box of Depend from Costco, or you can check out Walmart (linked) for best pricing on a smaller pack.
- FridaMom upside down peri bottle – yes, it’s worth it for the upside down nozzle.
- Going home outfit – I would recommend that you wear whatever you wore to the hospital to pack fewer items.
- Laundry bags – I packed one for each of us so all the dirty laundry can be tossed into the washer as soon as we got home.
- Optional – makeup or hairstyling items. I didn’t bring a huge makeup bag or anything, but I did bring a few essentials to freshen up for a few photos to remember the first moments with my newborn.
C-section mom tips:
- Bring compression socks due to swelling from anesthesia.
- All bottoms including underwear needs to be high waist above your c-section scar. You can consider a Belly Bandit if you aren’t planning to use the disposable adult diapers and want more compression/support around the belly area right away.
- Compression/Recovery support belt. I purchased this one with 3 belts to try out for my c-section the second time around because I remember feeling very “jiggly” after birth. I cleared it with my OB, and she said to not use the pelvis waist/belt yet until the scar recovers.
- Warmies. These are a new discovery of mine and they are weighted plushies that are microwaveable. They are meant for kids but it’s quite heavy and feels great on the belly for recovery or if you’re giving birth in the colder months!
I would recommend you ask for stool softeners from the hospital so it will be easier for you to go before you leave. You wouldn’t want to strain yourself. It takes a few hours to work and will not be immediate.
Important hospital bag items for baby
- Newborn diapers – for my hospital, they provided some but not enough for a two-night stay. My favorite is the Pampers Pure line of diapers, my daughter has been using these since day 1 until now in size 5.
- Wet wipes – for some reason the hospital only had dry cloths and no wet wipes.
- Newborn onesie with footie (2) – these softest onesies from Kyte baby are my favourite because they are so stretchy and can easily accommodate baby for longer. For quicker delivery, you can also get them from Amazon. I also really like these organic cotton footies from Amazon. More affordable, thicker material and washes well.
- 0-3 months onesie with footie (2) – you never know if you’re having a bigger baby than expected! Always better to be prepared. For quicker delivery, you can also get them from Amazon. I also really like these organic cotton footies from Amazon. More affordable, thicker material and washes well.
- Newborn pacifier – these were the only ones that really fit into my newborn’s mouth. These Philip ones were a close second and my daughter took these too.
- Swaddle blanket (2) – although the maternity ward is usually warm, the newborn cannot regulate their temperature yet. The hospital towels were so rough probably because they’ve been washed a thousand times, so bring your own!
- Newborn hospital hat – a hat is important to help them regulate their body temperature. The one that the hospital provided was VERY rough and tattered. I kept it as a keepsake but I put the one I brought on her immediately.
- Burp cloths (3+)– you will need many, MANY of these everywhere all around your house. I prefer these Comfy Cubs ones in white. It’s large, soft, super absorbent and easy to wash.
- Travel sound machine – this really helped calm my newborn even with a frantically crying newborn in the next room.
- Car seat – this is extremely important because you CANNOT go home without putting your newborn in the car seat properly and the nurse letting you go. I brought a newborn head support for the car seat but this is totally optional.
- Winter babies – Winter car seat cover is a must! You don’t want to be strapping your newborn into the car seat with a thick jacket as this is a suffocation hazard. Same with blankets.
- Optional – Baby foot and hand print kit – this one by Pearhead was the easiest to use by far, and lasts more than 4-5 uses! Your baby is only 1 day old once, and they grow SO FAST.
Important hospital bag items for dad
- Dress in layers and leave some room in the bag to bring home items from the hospital (extra diapers, diaper cream, pads, etc).
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Deodorant.
- Water bottle.
- Wallet with photo ID.
- Snacks – for himself since the mom will not be able to eat if she chooses to get an epidural.
- Phone and other electronics (iPad, laptop based on your preference).
- Headphones.
- Phone charger(s) *TIP: Label these with your last name so you don’t lose it at the hospital.
- Pen and paper – keep this with your important documents in your single folder/zipper file bag as mentioned in my post about “Hospital Admission for Labor and Delivery Process“.
- Cash – just in case the machine doesn’t work for parking, or he wants to get something at the vending machine.
- Optional – Phone Tripod (this was super useful to take photos or videos while we were pre-occupied or wanted a photo without asking someone else. Also useful later for moms at home by themselves and want to take videos/photos with baby.)
Unnecessary hospital bag items
- Shampoo and conditioner – you will likely want to shower at home.
- Your own “hospital gown” – I bought one and I regret it. You will want to wear what the hospital provides since it will be very messy.
- Your own pillow – you can ask for more pillows, and this is a lot to carry.
- Birth ball (exercise ball/yoga ball) – check with your hospital, mine was provided but I did not use it. I highly recommend having one at home before labor though!
- Breast Pump – check with your hospital, but my hospital provided a hospital grade breast pump and the nurses taught me exactly how to use it.
Nice-to-do for your caregivers
Giving birth was the only time that I had an extended stay at a hospital. I had an exceptional experience at the Burnaby Hospital with the caregivers, namely my doctor who performed the c-section and the nurses.
Each time the nurses changed shifts, they wrote their name on the whiteboard and introduced themselves. Although my birth experience was traumatic, I felt cared for and understood by these ladies. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to work in the labor and delivery unit. They are all heroes.
Next time I am giving birth, I would be packing some small thank-you gifts (some candies, chocolates, snacks, and pens) for the nurses and staff. I hope you consider the same.
Updated: I got 9x gift sets with lip balm and hand cream for my nurses after the birth of my second daughter and they all appreciated it so much. I calculated for 8 hour shifts so 3 nurses per 24 hours over 3 days. I ended up taking 3 sets home because a few of the nurses were working consecutive days.
This post was all about providing you with the most helpful hospital bag items checklist from my experience giving birth at the Burnaby Hospital in British Columbia, Canada.
I recommend that you pack your bags in advance, think of anything else you might want to add to your bag throughout your third trimester, and review the contents with your partner.
Best of luck to all new moms and congratulations on your new bundle of joy!
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