I Waited Too Long to Pack My Hospital Bag…

Learn From Me: What to Pack for Birth & Postpartum

With my 1st pregnancy I vividly remember my doctor telling me:

“Make sure your hospital bag is packed by 36 weeks. Otherwise, you’ll be crawling around trying to get it together.”

Well…

At 37 weeks, in the middle of the night, back labour started and my water broke right away.

Sure enough, I was crawling around, telling my husband what to pack between contractions and tears.

Don’t be like me 😅 Pack your bag early.

Important Documents

✅ Prenatal records from midwife or doctor

✅ Birth preferences and contact numbers for care team

✅ Wallet with: ID, provincial health card, cash/coins for vending machines & parking (or hospital parking app installed on your phone)

For the Trip & Hospital Arrival Vehicle

✅ Vehicle full of gas and ready

✅ Blanket and pillow for car ride (and hospital use)

✅ Towel to sit on

✅ Car seat installed safely

For Labor & Birth

✅ Massage oil, massage tools (tennis ball, comb, etc.)

✅ Heat pack

✅ Hair ties, lip balm, lotion

✅ Flip-flops, slippers, comfy shoes, or grippy socks

✅ Clothes you want to wear during labor

✅ Pillow and pillow case (not plain white or pastel)

✅ Speaker, camera, and/or phone + chargers.

✅ Headphones (if you want)

✅ Music playlist prepared

✅ Journal, affirmations, crystals (if using)

✅ Battery-operated candles or salt lamp

✅ 100% pure essential oils (if using)

✅ Water bottle and snacks

For Your Birth Partner

✅ Change of clothes

✅ Swim shorts (to join in the shower, or if planning a water birth)

✅ Socks & shirt

✅ Comfortable shoes

✅ Toiletries

✅ Pillow and sleeping bag

✅ Overnight stuff

✅ Snacks and water

After the Birth

✅ Toiletries for hospital stay (lotions, toothbrush, hair brush/comb, shampoo, soap)

✅ Clean, comfy clothes

✅ Big comfy (“granny-style”) underwear

✅ Nursing bras & breast pads

✅ Nipple cream

✅ Robe or cozy PJs

✅ Pads or adult diapers (diaper are a game changer and helpful to wear during labour, especially once your water breaks.)

For Baby

✅ Outfit & soft hat for going home

✅ Blanket + outdoor clothing

✅ Diapers & wipes (if you have a preference, the hospital will supply both while you are there)

✅ Gentle soap (optional for first bath)

✅ Soft washcloths (optional for first bath, the hospital has washcloths too)

✅ Receiving blankets (if you have a material preference)

✅ Burp cloths

Last Minute checklist

📍 Save this slide to your phone to check before heading out!

✅ Hospital bags

✅ Snacks & easy-to-eat food

✅ Water or electrolyte drinks

✅ Cooler + contents

✅ Wallet (ID, hospital card, cash for parking or parking app for the hospital)

✅ Prenatal records & birth plan

✅ Glasses/contacts

✅ Weather gear (mitts, raincoat, etc.)

✅ Pillow, blanket, sleeping bag with a distinct pillowcase

Tip: Pack by 34–36 weeks, even if you “feel like you have time.”

Because when labor starts, the last thing you’ll want is to be crawling around telling someone where your toothbrush is 😅

Save this post, share with a friend, or tag someone preparing for birth.

Need help planning, or want a more in depth list message me, I’d love to help.

Nicole ♡