Your Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist in Canada

Part 2 - Hospital bag checklist in Canada – Postpartum care

Congratulations! Your baby’s birth day has arrived! Enjoy all the cuddle time as well as a little down time for yourself.  This part two of your hospital bag checklist is for you!

• Post-partum pads or adult diapers. (These are different from your regular menstrual pads)
• Comfortable clothing – include at least two outfits. In the case of a c-section, it is important to bring pants that are not tight around the pelvic area. PJs, sweatpants, dresses and skirts are great options.
• If you plan on breastfeeding your baby:
  • Nursing bra, nursing tops, and a nursing pillow. (Be sure to check out best nursing pillows options)
• Healthy snacks
• Nipple cream
• Pre-natal vitamins
• A few comfortable panties

Part 3 - Hospital bag checklist in Canada – Baby essentials

The third portion of your hospital bag checklist is probably going to your most favourite and exciting part! You get go shopping and check out all the baby must-haves for your little bundle.  If you need ideas on what to buy or want to find out more about various brands out there, The Baby Show Toronto or the Bump, Baby and Toddler Expo 2022 are great opportunity to do your one-stop shop.  Usually exhibitions will have samples to give out and those are the perfect trial size to include when you are preparing your hospital bag checklist. It'll save you the trouble of buying and bringing the full-size package of product you may or may not end up liking on your baby.

This section of the checklist is all for keeping your baby nice and comfortable during their time in the hospital.

• Diapers – newborn sized diapers will be the most suitable size for majority of babies.
• Formula and bottles
  • Usually manufacturers will send you a trial pack of formula samples before baby arrives. Those are great to bring with you!
• A pack of wet wipes
• Diaper rash cream
• Swaddles – these can be receiving blankets or ones with Velcro to keep baby warm and tight
• Pacifier
• Going-home outfit and baby hats
• Baby lotion
• Baby hair brush
• Burp clothes and washcloths
• A sentimental item such as a security blanket that baby will grow up with
• Infant carseat
• If weather is cold, be sure to bring extra blankets and clothing for baby on the trip home
• Phone number of your pediatrician – so you can book their first check up appointment as soon as they’re born!
• Phone number of your Toronto newborn photographer – similarly, be sure to notify your baby photographer so they can book you in ideally between 5-14 days old to capture all the precious newborn moments for your family
• Pen and paper – there will be lots of information nurses and doctors will share with you. Ranging from duration and frequency of feeding times, to jotting down how many times diaper changes, and filling in paperwork for baby’s birth registration, etc.