What to Pack for Labour and Delivery

September 23, 2026

As your due date approaches, it is smart to get all your ducks in a row for baby’s arrival. Sure, you’ll want to prepare the nursery and stock up on all those adorable onesies, but don’t forget the all-important hospital bag. To help you pack, we spoke to a few moms—some first time and others on their second or third child—to get their advice on the items they found most useful for their labour and delivery. Here is our list of essential (and some less essential) items to pack in your go bag so you are ready when the time comes. You can download the checklist, add to it, or personalize it as needed.

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What to Pack for Labour and Delivery

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When to Pack Your Hospital Bag

Everyone is different. Some of us are planners and like to have everything ready well in advance. Others are more last-minute kind of people. Either way, you should have your hospital bag packed and ready to go by week 36 or 37. However, if you are a high-risk pregnancy, some OB-GYNs recommend having your bag ready at 35 weeks. But remember, there are some things you just cannot control so it is better to be prepared. As one mom told us, “Every labour is different. In my case, my water broke 4 weeks before my due date. Luckily, I had the baby room and my hospital bag all ready even then. One thing I would tell mothers would be not to dream of your ideal labour. Be prepared to be flexible.” Another mom—whose second child arrived so quickly the midwife almost didn’t make it on time for the delivery—jokingly remarked, “There’s also a possibility you won’t need the hospital bag at all!”

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Knowing how long you’ll be in the hospital or at the birthing centre will determine a lot of what you bring. For vaginal deliveries, expect to stay in the hospital for 24 to 36 hours. For c-sections, stays are typically between 36 and 48 hours, while stays at birthing centres are usually only 24 hours. But remember, the duration of your stay can vary based on your health and the health of your baby.

Things to Pack for Baby

Diapers, if the hospital or birthing centre is not providing them. We recommend about 8 to 10 per day as well as some wet wipes.
Pyjamas, undershirts, and onesies. One mom pointed out that bringing clothes in different sizes was a smart move. “For the items, I would add that it’s great to bring onesies in different sizes (everything I had with me was too small).”
A coming home outfit and hat. Pick an outfit that is appropriate for the season (and cute to boot for all those pictures!).
A blanket or swaddle. Two moms we spoke to agreed that a swaddle was a game changer for them. “I only figured out their importance a week or two in.”
Baby mittens. These aren’t necessarily a must, but many parents agreed that they liked having them to prevent baby from scratching their face.
An infant car seat. This is mandatory if you are going home by car.

Things to Pack for the Partner

Comfortable clothes and shoes. Labour and delivery can be quite long, so make sure you wear comfy clothes. If you plan on staying in the hospital after the delivery, pack pyjamas and a change of clothes as well.
Toiletries. Think toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, any medications, and contact lens solution if needed.
Pillow. Once baby has arrived, most hospitals encourage parents to room-in with their baby. This means learning to sleep when baby sleeps. So, a good pillow will help you catch some much-needed ZZZs.
Food and drinks. One mom told us, “Snacks for dad because labour can be long…”
Reading material or entertainment. A fully charged e-reader, a book, or even a tablet to keep you entertained while you wait for baby to arrive.
Cell phone and charger.

Things to Pack for Mom

We consulted the Government of Quebec website for a list of things to pack and spoke to some moms on what they found most helpful. Here is a checklist of items you will likely need and some “nice to have” ones as well.

Your health insurance card or other proof of insurance and your hospital card.
Your pregnancy notebook and pregnancy follow-up forms (Quebec) or any other health records.
Your birth plan (if you have one).
Your vaccination record.
Comfortable clothes for labour and delivery (if you don’t want to wear the hospital gown).
Comfortable clothes for the day and pyjamas or sleepwear for the night. One mom recommended a “breastfeeding nightgown.”
Slippers, shower shoes, and warm socks.
A change of clothes and underwear.
A going-home outfit (season appropriate).
Large sanitary pads (heavy flow) or adult incontinence diapers.
One to two nursing bras.
Toiletry kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, lip balm (hospitals can be very dry), hairbrush, hair elastics, contact lens solution, etc.
Cell phone with downloaded music playlist, charger with extra-long cable, headphones or earbuds.
Entertainment material, such as books, a fully charged e-reader, tablet, etc. One mom specified that she really enjoyed having her Kindle with her. “If you are induced, you are stuck in bed, but nothing is really happening for hours. So you have time to read or watch something.”
Snacks and drinks.
Accessories to help relieve pain and make you more comfortable both during labour and after delivery. These are the nice-to-have extras, such as massage oil, an essential oil diffuser, a white noise machine, extra pillows, your nursing pillow, a stability ball (ask if the hospital has any), and, of, course, your Magic Bag hot compress. We especially love the Extra-Large Cushion Style.

Knowing what to pack in your hospital bag may seem daunting, especially for new moms. Every mom is different and will have her own creature comforts. Just know that some items are more essential, while others are a matter of personal preference. Use our downloadable checklist and add to it to ensure you have everything you need for the big day. Good luck!

Download the Checklist