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What’s in My Hospital Bag

Packing my hospital bag in Canada was slightly different from other countries, esp coming from the US. Canadian hospitals typically provide very basic postpartum supplies, which means being prepared makes a big difference to your comfort—especially for longer stays or C-section recoveries. Fortunately for me, my girlfriend shared her hospital bag checklist with me and I am sharing it here.

This Canada-specific hospital bag checklist covers Mom, Baby, and Partner, based on what most Ontario and Canadian hospitals do (and do not) provide.

When to Pack Your Hospital Bag in Canada

Pack your hospital bag by 32–35 weeks. We started ordering stuff late and so ended up packing in 36 weeks. Many Canadian hospitals recommend being ready earlier due to limited on-site amenities and shorter postpartum stays (24–48 hours for vaginal birth).

What Canadian Hospitals Usually Provide (Confirm with Your Hospital)

Most hospitals in Canada provide:

• Basic pads (limited quantity)

• Peri bottle

• Baby diapers (small supply)

• Basic wipes

• Hospital gown for delivery

They do NOT usually provide:

• Nursing bras or pillows

• Toiletries

• Baby clothes or blankets

• Formula (unless medically required)

• Breast pump

• Disposable underwear

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom (Canada)

Documents & Essentials

• Health card (OHIP or provincial equivalent)

• Hospital registration paperwork

• Birth plan (printed or digital)

• Phone + long charging cable

• Insurance documents (if private room requested)

Clothing & Comfort

• 1-2 comfortable Gown/robe or nursing-friendly pajamas: Baby is like a heat source. As soon as baby is out, you feel cold. I gave birth in December and suddenly I was under 3 layers.

• Cozy socks and slippers: Slippers are nice to have when you have to use bathroom or walk a bit in the room.

• Nursing bras (2–3) : It is nice to have it but is not must have. It helps to practice with it.

• High-waisted underwear or disposable postpartum underwear: These are must -have. I preferred the disposable postpartum underwear. Frida Mom Postpartum Underwear were the best for me.

• Going-home outfit (loose, maternity-sized) : Something loose and comfortable that makes you feel good.

Toiletries & Recovery

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, moisturizer

• Lip balm (essential in dry hospital air)

• Hair ties / claw clip/ Hair brush

• Peri bottle spray ( A Peri bottle with a upside down spry nozzle is an absolute Must)

• Optional:

• Nursing pads (disposable or reusable):

• Iced Postpartum pads: you will get the iced ones from the hospital but I preferred the Frida one for pain relief too.

• Optional: soothing foam (optional but helpful), Nipple cream and Nursing pads (disposable or reusable)

Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby (Canada)

Canadian hospitals expect parents to bring all baby clothing.

Clothing

• 2–3 newborn outfits (zippers preferred)

• One sleeper in 0–3 months (babies are often bigger than expected)

• Mittens

• Socks

• Newborn hat

• Swaddles

• Seasonal blanket (especially important in winter)

Pack each set of onesies, mittens, diapers, and socks in individual ziplock bags. This makes it much easier for the nurse or your partner to quickly find what’s needed. After delivery, things can feel overwhelming, and this small step was incredibly helpful for us. I later used the same approach for organizing my son’s clothes in the diaper bag as well.

Diapering

• Newborn diapers (small pack)

• Baby wipes (unscented)

• Diaper cream

Optional

• Pacifier (if you plan to use one)

Hospital Bag Checklist for Partner / Support Person

Essentials

• Government ID

• Phone + charger

• Wallet

• Snacks and refillable water bottle

• Comfortable clothes

• Hoodie or sweater (rooms can be cold)

• Toiletries (for overnight stays)

Optional but Helpful

• Pillow and blanket

• Cash or credit card for parking/food

• Downloaded entertainment (Wi-Fi can be unreliable)

Feeding Essentials (Canada-Specific)

If you plan to breastfeed:

• Nursing pillow (hospitals often don’t provide one)

• Breast pads

• Comfortable nursing bras

If you plan to formula feed or combo feed:

• Ready-to-feed formula (check hospital policy)

• Bottles and nipples (some hospitals allow them)

Car Seat (Mandatory in Canada)

A rear-facing infant car seat is required to leave the hospital in Canada.

Checklist:

• Installed and inspected before due date

• Newborn insert attached

• Blanket for winter months (no bulky coats). We also had a car seat winter cover since our babe is a December born and that was very helpful. We felt he was protected from cold more than he felt it I guess... 😀

✨ Our Hospital helped and checked car seat readiness before discharge.

What NOT to Bring

• Too many baby clothes (newborns mostly stay swaddled)

• Expensive jewelry

• Large suitcases (space is limited)

• Heavy blankets or pillows (unless medically needed)

Curated by Buyforbaby.ca — built by a mom, for parents navigating pregnancy and newborn life in Canada.