Hospital Bag Checklist: What You Actually Need (and what can stay home)
You do not need three suitcases and a rolling cooler. You need a handful of things that will keep you hydrated, grounded, comfortable, and able to focus on labour.
As a doula, I have been in more hospital rooms than I can count. I see the same pattern every time. The people who pack light move easier, feel calmer and stay present. The people who overpack spend half their time digging through bags.
Let’s simplify this for you!
When to start packing
Start gathering your essentials around 36 weeks and leave your bag by the door. Do not worry about perfection. You can always add last minute things when labour starts.
If you live in Alberta, download the AHS parking app now and add your vehicle's license plate. Your future self will thank you when you are not trying to register your car between contractions in a hospital parking lot.
The moment you decide to go to the hospital
Take a breath. Trust that you have what you need.
Grab:
Your hospital bag
Your water bottle
Your phone and charger
Your partner
Head to the car. You are doing great.
What to pack: the essentials
For the person giving birth
Comfort + clothing
Hairbrush and elastic or scrunchy
Cozy socks and slip on shoes (grip socks are nice if you like to walk during labour, but you can also just wear socks and sandals too)
A comfortable labour gown if you do not want the hospital one. Look for the soft ones with snaps or buttons down the back and front or shoulders.
Loose clothing for after birth. Think: high waisted, comfortable, soft.
Hydration
Large water bottle with a straw
You will not want to tip a bottle up between contractions. Trust me.Electrolytes. Labour is a marathon. Hydration matters.
Snacks
Protein bars, applesauce pouches, honey sticks, gummy candy or dates
Choose things that are easy to eat between contractions.
Toiletries
Lip balm
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Face wipes or face wash
Deodorant
Mint gum or Tic Tacs
(I do not know why, but breath gets stale during labour. Mint also helps nausea.)
Coconut oil
A doula favourite.
Can be used on the perineum before pushing.
Works like magic on your newborn’s bum to keep meconium from sticking.
Phone charger with a long cord
Outlets are always in the most inconvenient places.
For the baby
You do not need a full newborn wardrobe. Baby will mostly be skin to skin.
Pack:
One newborn outfit
One backup outfit in case of spit up or blow out
One receiving blanket
One toque or hat
You can absolutely use the hospital’s diapers, wipes, and swaddles. Save your own stash for home. If you strongly prefer your own brands, bring only a few.
For postpartum (recovery stay)
Use the hospital supplies. Their underwear and pads are functional and disposable. Save your cute postpartum lounge set and premium pads for going home.
If you want, pack:
Going home outfit that is loose and soft
A lightweight robe
Nursing bra or tank
The hospital provides:
Pads
Mesh underwear
Diapers and wipes for baby
Peri bottles
For your partner
Keep it simple. One small backpack is enough.
Pack:
Snacks or sandwiches
Water or drink of choice
Phone charger
Change of clothes in the car
(No need to bring everything into the hospital at once.)
Partners forget this every time, so here it is in bold:
You will not be leaving the room much. Bring food.
Calgary hospital bonus:
Most hospitals have a Good Earth cafe on the main floor.
Their mac and cheese is elite, but they have lots of great meal/snack/drink options that are much better than the hospital cafeteria.
Pack it all in one bag
If you do not have a doula with you, your partner will be supporting you and carrying everything. One condensed bag is the goal. If you think you may want more items for the postpartum stay, leave a secondary bag in the car. You can grab it later when things are calmer.
Extra items that are nice but not essential
TENS unit (some people find this very helpful in early labour)
Playlist and portable speaker/headphones
Small diffuser with one very mild scent (check with your hospital first. Peppermint, lavender, or clary sage are my go-to’s)
Eye mask and earplugs for sleeping postpartum
You really do not need
A full makeup bag
Multiple outfits for baby
Books, laptops, journals (Most people do not touch them.)
If you are a “just tell me what to pack” person
Here is the condensed version.
Top 10 non negotiables
Water bottle with straw
Electrolytes
Lip balm
Snacks
Hair elastic/ brush
Cozy socks and slip on shoes
Comfortable labour gown or sports bra and shorts
Coconut oil
Long phone charger
Baby outfit and receiving blanket
Everything else is optional.
