What Should Be in Your Go-Bag

It’s never too soon to prepare for labour. It’s important to consider what you, or your loved one, may need, before and after delivery. Hospital stays for labour can range between 2-3 nights, so it’s important to pack everything you may need for that length of time.

We recommend you pack your go bag around 35 weeks; earlier if your families have a history of premature birth. Now is also a good time to communicate with other family members, teachers, and babysitters that you may need extra support in the next few weeks. Additionally, contact your doula or any birth team members at this time, to keep them in the loop about the coming weeks.

An overnight bag or a small suitcase should fit everything you need. It’s best not to overpack, so you’re not searching for things when you need them. Packing cubes may also help you find things quicker, when needed.

General Items:

First, you’ll need the essentials.

ID
Insurance information
Any additional hospital paperwork (allergies, intolerances, etc.)
Birth plan (this is a good time to start thinking about birth preferences, i.e. if you’d prefer a caesarean)
Emergency contact sheet

Next, you should consider what you’ll need to be away from home for several days. For both partners, this will include simple items, such as:

Snacks (non-perishable and fibre rich)
Phone charger
Back-up phone charger

For the Mother:

Hospital Stay

Mom will be unable to leave the hospital for several days, it’s a good idea to come prepared with the things you need most, from your first contraction to the moment you head to your car.

The most import things to bring are those that will keep her healthy while in hospital. Including the snacks we mentioned above, it’s a good idea to bring:

3 days of medication
Plastic drinking cup or water bottle

Personal care items also top our list of necessities! There are many things you can bring in your bag that will keep mom feeling fresh throughout her hospital stay.

Set of toiletries, including any makeup you might want
Contact lenses, and your back-up glasses
Bathrobe or gown
Flipflops for shower
Headband or hair elastic
Body lotion
Lip balm
Ice pack/hot water bottle
Two tennis balls in a sock/massager

As for comfort, needs vary from mom to mom, but here’s a starting list. You may not have a private room when you get to the hospital. There are several items you can bring to help you control your environment a little bit more.

Mask or n95 respirator
Headphones or earplugs
- Now is also a good time to sit down with your partner and put together a birth playlist
A pillow from home

To make your stay easier, to take your mind away from the contractions, consider packing things for entertainment, for passing time. This could include:

Movies or TV series downloaded onto a tablet
A portable DVD player
Prenatal books
Novels
Small board games or a pack of cards
You can also pack a journal, or a baby book, if you want to document the day

For After Labour

You may stay in hospital a night or two after your delivery. Make sure you bring items you can use to care for yourself in this stage. Labour is a big deal, it’s huge. You just did something completely miraculous, and your body needs time to rest and heal. These are the items we recommend:

Comfortable pants
Nipple cream
Maternity pads
Peri bottle or water spray bottle and sponge
Fresh clothes and undergarments to leave the hospital, including a jacket or raincoat for surprise storms

For Your Baby:

The absolute must-have for your new baby is a car seat. It is illegal to drive with a baby in a car without one. Specifically, a rear-facing car seat is required in many states and provinces, for at least the first year or two of your baby’s life. Check your state or province legislature to know what you need. Consider installing your car seat around the same time you put together your go-bag, so you know you’re ready. You don’t want to be rushing to install it after your baby is already born.

Your baby may also need:

Baby nail clippers or mittens
Soother
Diapers and wipes

It’s best to come in with supplies for your baby. The hospital will have some supplies, but resources, prices, and insurance coverage vary. Additionally, you may appreciate bringing supplies for when you bring your baby home;

A blanket (you could also bring a receiving blanket)
Onesie/body suit for your baby (and a hat!) sizing for 0-3 months

For the Father:

Dad has a little more flexibility, as he can travel between the hospital and home, when needed. Dad may need many items from the above list, such as medication

A journal or a baby book, for writing and documenting your baby's first days
- Mama might be exhausted or in pain after labour, take over documentation for her, if she isn’t able to keep track herself
This also goes for photography, so bring a camera
Cash, not a lot, just a little
Stock up freezer with meals

A small amount of cash is good for buying quick snacks from hospital cafeteria or vending machine. In addition, freezer meals are easy for a labour partner to grab and return quickly to the hospital. They’re also a good option for babysitters/caretakers to give to your children at home. Around the time you install your car seat, you should begin prepping freezer meals. One extra meal a week, for the final 5 weeks of pregnancy should be plenty.

Please click here for a printable copy of this list, for your own reference! And click here for a copy with a blank background.

Resources and Further Reading

https://www.pampers.com/en-us/pregnancy/giving-birth/article/what-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag-go-bag-checklist

https://www.thebump.com/a/checklist-packing-a-hospital-bag

https://theexploringfamily.com/family-life/canadian-hospital-bag-checklist-for-labour-and-delivery/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/articles/z43vjfr#z8k8s82

https://kinfertility.com.au/blog/labour-bag

https://www.parents.com/laws-on-children-car-seats-8667171

https://www.savvynewcanadians.com/car-seat-rules-in-canada/