What to pack for labour and delivery

What to pack for labour and delivery
What to pack for labour and delivery: Suggestions for baby and parents

Packing for the hospital isn’t always easy, especially when there are so many things to remember. Here are some suggestions to help you pack. Tip: When deciding how many clothes, diapers, and sanitary pads to bring to the hospital or birthing centre, you should plan for a 24- to 48-hour stay.

For mom

  • Health insurance card and hospital card if you have one
  • Birth plan
  • List of all medications you are taking, if any
  • Comfortable clothes for labour (if you don’t want to wear the hospital gown) and warm socks
  • Bathrobe
  • Slippers and shower sandals
  • A few changes of underwear
What should you bring to the hospital or birthing centre? Download our checklist so you don’t forget anything.
 
  • Pyjamas and a change of clothes
  • Clothes for the trip home
  • Nursing or maternity bra, nursing pads, nipple cream
  • Large, extra-absorbent sanitary pads or adult incontinence underwear (4 or 5 per day)
  • Toiletry kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, mild soap, hairbrush, hair elastics, lip balm, contact lens solution and case, etc.
  • Glasses and case
  • Accessories to help relieve pain, e.g., heating pad, hot water bottle, massage oil, essential oil diffuser, and soft mood lighting
  • Tissues
  • Snacks and a water bottle with a straw (you can also bring a hydration drink containing electrolytes)
  • Books, magazines, pencil and paper
  • Cell phone with pre-downloaded music playlists, charger, and headphones

For baby

  • Diapers (8 to 10 per day) and wet wipes
  • Baby care products (e.g., mild, unscented soap)
  • Pyjamas and badysuits
  • Blankets
  • Baby hat
  • Clothes for the trip home
  • Infant car seat (mandatory to leave the hospital)
  • Car seat cover or cold-weather/cool-weather clothes depending on the season

For the other parent

  • Pyjamas and a change of clothes
  • Pillow
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Books, magazines, pencil and paper
  • Toiletry bag
  • Cell phone with charger
Naître et grandir

Scientific review: Anouk Landry, nursing science staff manager for the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, CHU Sainte-Justine
Research and copywriting:The Naître et grandir team
Updated: January 2026

Photo: GettyImages/FG Trade Latin

Resources and references

Note: The links to other websites are not updated regularly, and some URLs may have changed since publication. If a link is no longer valid, please use search engines to find the relevant information.

  • Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. “What to Bring to the Hospital.” ciusss-ouestmtl.gouv.qc.ca
  • Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. “Préparer sa valise pour l’accouchement : quoi apporter?” 2021. ciusssnordmtl.ca
  • CHU Sainte-Justine. “Préparer sa valise Préparation du séjour à l’unité des naissances.” 2023. chusj.org
  • CHU Sainte-Justine. Ma valise de maternité : aide-mémoire. 2022. chusj.org
  • Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. Your Stay at the Birthing Centre. 2025. chumontreal.qc.ca
  • MUHC. Little Hospital Guide for Parents: What to Put in Your Suitcase? cusm.ca
  • Institut national de santé publique du Québec. “What to bring to the hospital or birthing centre.” From Tiny Tot to Toddler. 2025. inspq.qc.ca
  • Maison de naissance Côte-des-Neiges and CIUSSS-COIM. Items to bring at the Maison de naissance. cdn.ciussscentreouest.ca

Share