Hospital Bag Checklist Canada: What I Actually Used After Having Twins During My Sixth Pregnancy
Hospital Bag Checklist Canada: What I Actually Packed and Used After Having Twins
Six pregnancies. Seven babies. And somehow… I still managed to overpack my hospital bag. 😂
You'd think I would have this figured out by now, wouldn't you?
But after coming home from delivering our twin boys, I unpacked my duffel bag and found clothes I never wore, games we never played, and nursing supplies that hadn't even been touched.
Some things were genuinely unnecessary. Others went unused because an emergency C-section and a difficult recovery completely changed our plans.
And I think that's an important distinction.
If you're wondering what to pack in your hospital bag, especially if you're giving birth in Canada, I'm sharing everything I brought, what I actually used, what I could have left at home, and what our hospital provided.
Consider this your realistic hospital bag checklist for labour and delivery, from a mom who's done this a few times and still hasn't perfected the art of packing light.
For context, I delivered our twins at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital in Ontario. Every hospital is different, so definitely check with yours before assuming they'll provide the same supplies.
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Brittany — a mom of seven, home renovation enthusiast, an Amazon bestselling author, podcast host, and a business owner who’s all about keeping life real and doable. I know firsthand how messy, beautiful, and overwhelming motherhood can feel, and I share from that space of “in the trenches” right alongside you.
Here, you’ll find encouragement, practical tips, and honest conversations about balancing family, work, and your own sense of self. My hope is that you’ll walk away feeling a little lighter, a little more seen, and a whole lot more equipped to create a life that works for you and your family. Follow me on Instagram @brittanynmiller_ for more.
Table of Contents
My Hospital Bag Checklist Canada: The Quick Version
Before we get into all the stories (because, trust me, I have a few), here's a quick hospital bag checklist based on what I found useful.
Hospital bag essentials for mom
Phone and charger
Comfortable going-home outfit
Full-coverage underwear that can accommodate postpartum pads
Comfortable bra
Socks and a light sweater
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and skincare
Makeup, if that's something you enjoy
Refillable water bottle
Headphones
A book, puzzle, or other small entertainment option
Nursing supplies, if they fit your feeding plans
Notebook and pen
Laptop and charger, if you'll actually use them
Hospital bag essentials for baby
One or two going-home outfits per baby (they will likely spit up at least once while you're trying to take photos)
Properly fitted infant car seat
Any diapers, wipes, or feeding supplies your hospital asks you to bring
Optional baby name sign or keepsake kit
Hospital bag essentials for your partner
Change of clothes
Phone and charger
Snacks or easy meals
Refillable water bottle
Toiletries
Something to do during downtime
The biggest takeaway? You probably need less than you think, but what your hospital provides makes a big difference.
Let's get into what happened with our hospital bags.
Want to see what actually made it out of my hospital bag after delivering our twins? 😂 Watch the YouTube video below as I unpack everything, share what I used (and what never left the bag!), and chat about what I'd do differently after six pregnancies and seven babies.
What I Packed in My Hospital Bag for Labour and Delivery
Phone, Chargers, and My Laptop
My phone and charger were non-negotiable. So was my laptop.
Do you need a laptop to have a baby? Absolutely not.
But as a small business owner and content creator, I like having it with me during the waiting portions of a hospital stay.
This time, I actually used it to update blog posts and prepare social media content while we waited for the babies to arrive.
I also had grand plans to film content before delivery and maybe even while we were in the hospital.
Did any of that happen? Nope.
Between having twins and recovering from an emergency C-section, my content creation plans went right out the window.
My laptop did come in handy for some of the newborn paperwork, though, so it definitely earned its place in my bag.
Skincare, Makeup, and Toiletries
I know some people think bringing makeup to the hospital is unnecessary, but I always pack mine.
It's not because I feel like I have to wear makeup after having a baby. It's simply something that helps me feel a little more like myself before heading home.
Those first few nights with a newborn (or two!) can be challenging enough, so if spending a few minutes doing my makeup makes me feel better, I'm going to do it.
Here's what I brought:
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Facial skincare products and moisturizer (I love Prose's custom skincare use this link for $20 off!)
Makeup
A small amount of body wash
I didn't bother packing my entire haircare routine because I had showered before going to the hospital and wasn't planning to wash my hair during our stay.
I typically go one to two weeks between hair washes anyway, so packing full-sized shampoo and conditioner didn't make sense.
My advice: Pack the toiletries you'll realistically use, not everything sitting in your bathroom.
What Clothes Should You Pack in Your Hospital Bag?
This is probably the category where I overpacked the most.
I brought shorts, a sweater, extra T-shirts, leggings, a nursing shirt, several bras, underwear, socks, and the dress I wore to the hospital.
And I barely wore any of it.
Why I Didn't Need Multiple Hospital Outfits
During my previous inductions, I've generally changed into a hospital gown pretty early.
Between monitoring, examinations, IVs, having my waters broken, and postpartum recovery checks, I haven't spent much time wearing regular clothes.
I also have a history of delayed postpartum haemorrhages, so the medical team tends to keep a close eye on my bleeding and recovery.
Getting dressed simply isn't high on my priority list. For me, the most important outfit is usually the one I'm going to wear home.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't bring comfortable clothing. I just wouldn't pack several complete outfits unless you know you'll want them.
Bring Layers, Even for a Summer Baby
Our twins were born in August, but that doesn't mean the hospital was consistently warm.
I've been absolutely freezing during previous deliveries, even in September.
This time, I was so hot during labour that I actually asked a nurse for a fan!
Afterwards, I went back and forth between feeling hot and cold, and the room could get chilly overnight. A lightweight sweater and socks are worth having, even if you don't end up wearing them.
Just keep in mind that sleeves can sometimes be awkward when you have IV lines.
The Bras I Packed
I brought four bras:
A nursing bra
A sports bra
A regular bra
Guess which ones I used?
The regular bra and the strapless bra.
Personally, I like wearing a strapless bra underneath my hospital gown during labour. I don't love feeling completely uncovered, and I've found it easier to remove than a bra with shoulder straps once I'm connected to IVs.
I wore my regular bra home after realizing I wouldn't be nursing.
That's just my personal preference, though. What you can wear will depend on your care and your medical team's instructions.
Don't Forget Comfortable Postpartum Underwear
This is not the time to pack cute underwear that can barely hold a panty liner.
I brought approximately three pairs of comfortable, full-coverage underwear that would accommodate postpartum pads. Most people would call them Grannie-panties. They are the opposite of sexy but they are the best for postpartum to hold the massive pads you'll be using.
Our hospital provided mesh underwear, but I've never found the supposedly one-size-fits-all version particularly comfortable.
Having my own underwear meant I could wear something that actually fit once I was ready to get dressed.
I also packed a few additional clothes because we planned to stay at my mom's house for at least one night after being discharged.
Those were clothes for after the hospital, though, not necessarily things I needed during our stay.
Hospital Bag Checklist for a C-Section: What Changed for Me
I think this deserves its own section because one of the biggest lessons from this delivery was that you can pack for one birth experience and end up having a completely different one.
I went into the hospital hoping to nurse our twins during our stay.
Unfortunately, I ended up needing an emergency C-section under general anaesthesia, followed by treatment for bleeding and clotting complications.
I wasn't really able to hold the babies for roughly the first six hours after delivery.
By the time I was able to spend time with them, they'd already received formula from the hospital, and I decided not to continue with nursing.
That meant several things I'd packed specifically for breastfeeding never got used.
Nursing Supplies I Packed but Didn't Use
I brought:
A nursing bra
A nursing shirt
Reusable breast pads
I've had challenges breastfeeding across several pregnancies. My longest breastfeeding experience was six months with my first baby, and previous injuries made subsequent attempts more difficult.
Usually, I plan to try nursing while we're in the hospital without bringing every possible breastfeeding accessory.
That was my plan this time too.
I particularly like my reusable breast pads, which have a more absorbent, sports-fabric feel and a non-slip backing. The cotton ones I'd tried earlier in motherhood tended to stay wet and develop an unpleasant smell, so I much prefer these.
But this time, none of those nursing supplies came out of my bag.
And that's okay.
They weren't bad things to pack. They were things that made sense for the birth and feeding experience I was hoping to have.
What I Didn't Pack for Feeding
I didn't bring a breast pump, nursing pillow, bottles, a pumping bra, or milk storage bags.
We did have formula available as a backup, but we left it in the car because our hospital supplied formula for the twins.
If you're putting together a hospital bag checklist for a C-section, I would encourage you to think about your mobility and recovery needs, especially when choosing clothing and organizing your bag.
Comfortable underwear, accessible toiletries, and having someone who can grab things for you can make a difference.
But don't assume my experience means you won't need feeding supplies or other postpartum items. Your hospital and medical team can help you prepare for your specific circumstances.
What My Partner Packed in His Hospital Bag
Grayson packed his own bag, and from what I remember, it was pretty simple. Mostly clothes, his phone, his charger, and snacks.
We have different charging ports on our phones, so we couldn't just share one charging cord.
Snacks Are a Must
The hospital provided meals for me, but not for Grayson.
And because the cafeteria had limited hours, we didn't want him constantly having to leave to find food or paying for delivery.
Granola bars and other easy snacks were perfect. We also each brought a refillable water bottle, which was much more convenient than repeatedly asking for cups of water.
What We Didn't Bring
We skipped bringing our own pillows and blankets. I know those are hospital bag essentials for some people, but we've always been happy using what the hospital provides.
For us, they weren't worth the extra things to carry.
What to Pack for Entertainment During Labour
One thing I've learned after six pregnancies is that labour can involve a lot of waiting.
Sometimes there's time to read, play games, or watch something. Other times, you have absolutely no interest in doing any of those things.
I packed a few different entertainment options this time, and some were much more successful than others.
Headphones
I brought my headphones and used them on the trip before delivery.
We had moved from the St. Thomas area to the Chatham area during my pregnancy, but I stayed with my original OB, which meant a longer trip before heading to the hospital.
Headphones can also be great if you like listening to music during labour. Personally, I'd rather use headphones than a speaker because Grayson and I don't always agree on music choices.
A Book I Never Read
I packed a novel thinking I might finally have time to finish it. I didn't read a single page (it is a really good book though!).
I've read during previous labours, so it wasn't a completely unrealistic idea, but this time something else caught my attention.
My Murder-Mystery Puzzle Book
One of my favourite things I packed was my Murdoku puzzle book.
If you haven't heard of Murdoku, they're picture-based logic puzzles with a murder-mystery theme.
You read clues about different characters, figure out where everyone belongs on a grid, and use the remaining space to identify the victim and murderer.
It's not gory or scary. Just a fun logic challenge.
I brought the second volume, which has different puzzle themes, and I worked through almost the entire pirate section. I think I completed about 16 puzzles while Grayson was napping during labour!
It kept me entertained for more than an hour, so I'd absolutely pack something like this again.
I had also been looking at other mystery puzzle books. One I'd ordered didn't arrive in time, another ended up on my wish list, and I left Montague Island Mysteries at home because I sometimes find those puzzles more challenging than I want.
Apparently, there's a limit to how many heavy books one duffel bag needs. If you haven't tried Murdoku before I highly recommend it! Here are the links to Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3 (currently only available for pre-order)
A Small Board Game We Actually Played
We sometimes bring a deck of cards to the hospital, but this time I packed a game called Wrong Party.
We'd been meaning to play it together, and it was small enough to fit on the hospital table. We did actually played it and had fun!
That said, I think it works better with more than two people. I've played it with our kids too, and my oldest daughter understood the strategy better than my five-year-old.
I'd probably choose a different two-player game next time and save this one for family game nights.
Speaking of games, if you're looking for more ways to have fun together as a family, check out my blog post on our favourite family board games! I'm sharing the games we actually play and love, including options that work for different ages, so you can spend less time searching for something everyone will enjoy and more time making memories together.
The Escape-Room Games We Didn't Play
I also brought a few mystery escape-room-style games that we hadn't tried yet.
The problem?
Once we opened the instructions, we realized we needed space to spread out all the cards.
And tiny hospital trays aren't exactly ideal for that.
Lesson learned: a small game box doesn't necessarily mean the game itself takes up very little space.
If you're packing games for labour, check how much room they require before adding them to your bag.
My Notebook and the Newborn Paperwork Checklist
My notebook goes pretty much everywhere with me. The hospital is no exception.
I had baby-name ideas, checklists, content ideas, and plenty of space for the random things I remembered while lying in bed.
We also like to choose our babies' names before leaving the hospital so we can start getting their paperwork organized.
Newborn Registration and Paperwork in Ontario
While we were in the hospital, I used my laptop to work on newborn paperwork and Grayson's Employment Insurance application.
Some of the things on my checklist included:
Registering the babies' births
Applying for birth certificates
Applying for Social Insurance Numbers
Completing child-benefit registration
Working on parental leave paperwork
If you're giving birth in Ontario, you can find newborn registration information through Service Ontario.
For maternity and parental benefits, check the current requirements through Service Canada.
I also had a few medical follow-ups on my list:
Book the babies' first doctor's appointment
Confirm hearing-screening appointments
Keep discharge paperwork ready for the doctor
Track any additional follow-up appointments
Our usual plan is to have the babies seen by a doctor within their first week, including a weight check.
The audiology clinic actually called while I was still in the hospital to arrange the twins' hearing appointments.
Of course, you don't have to spend your hospital stay filling out forms and checking things off a to-do list.
That's just how my brain works.
If you'd rather focus entirely on resting and cuddling your baby, the paperwork can wait until you're ready, provided you follow any required deadlines and medical instructions.
What I Packed in the Hospital Bag for Our Twins
You might think packing for twins means bringing twice as much of everything.
Surprisingly, their hospital bag was one of the simplest parts of our packing.
One Going-Home Outfit for Each Baby
I brought one sleeper for each twin, in different colours.
That's it.
You could absolutely bring a backup outfit in case of spit-up or diaper accidents, but I didn't see the need to bring an entire newborn wardrobe.
During our hospital stay, the babies spent much of their time out of regular clothes for checks and care.
We really only needed outfits to bring them home.
Two babies. Two sleepers. Not two giant duffel bags.
Baby Name Signs for Photos
I ordered baby name signs because I wanted to take cute pictures of the boys in their hospital bassinets.
Unfortunately, the signs didn't arrive until the day I delivered and had to be brought to me afterwards. But after the C-section, I wasn't exactly feeling up to staging newborn photos.
So we saved those pictures for home.
One little tip from making the signs: acrylic markers gave me much cleaner lettering than the Sharpies I'd used previously, which tended to bleed.
Although I still managed to start writing the wrong number on one of the signs. So apparently better markers don't guarantee perfect execution!
Baby Handprint and Footprint Kit
I also packed a baby handprint and footprint kit. I love capturing those tiny newborn hands and feet within the first week or so.
For the twins, I ordered a double pack so I could make one handprint and one footprint for each baby.
But again, I didn't end up using it at the hospital.
And that's something I want to emphasize: you don't have to accomplish every special newborn activity before you're discharged.
The pictures and keepsakes can happen at home. Your recovery matters more than checking off a photo list.
What Canadian Hospitals Provide After Delivery: Our Ontario Experience
This is probably one of the most important sections if you're researching a hospital bag checklist in Canada.
I've noticed that some hospital bag checklists include absolutely everything: diapers, wipes, postpartum pads, peri bottles, baby wash, formula, and more.
But I've never needed to bring all of those things to my deliveries.
At St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, many everyday postpartum and newborn supplies were provided.
That doesn't mean every Canadian hospital will provide the same items, so please check with your own maternity unit before deciding what to leave at home.
What Our Hospital Provided for Mom
During our stay, I received:
Postpartum pads
Mesh underwear
A peri bottle
Medications needed for my hospital care
I didn't pack my own postpartum pads or peri bottle because I knew what had been available during my previous deliveries.
Always follow your medical team's instructions about medications after delivery.
What Our Hospital Provided for the Babies
For the twins, we received:
Newborn diapers
Dry cleansing cloths
Baby body wash
Baby hats
Blankets
Formula during our stay
Baby laundry detergent samples
Diaper coupons and promotional offers
Cards for recording baby details
The hospital provided dry cloths that you wet with water rather than regular baby wipes. Personally, I prefer using wet wipes at home, so those cloths usually end up being repurposed for household cleaning.
We also received promotional offers for baby sample programs.
I'd signed up for some of those during earlier pregnancies, but I didn't find them worthwhile enough to bother this time.
The Surprising Number of Diapers We Brought Home
This was actually the first time I'd received an entire pack of newborn diapers in each baby's going-home bag.
Each pack had 20 diapers. With twins, that meant we came home with 40 newborn diapers!
During previous deliveries, I remember receiving closer to half a dozen or a dozen. So even my own experiences at the hospital have varied.
Our twins weighed 6 lb 6 oz and 6 lb 12 oz, so I expected them to wear newborn diapers longer than some of my bigger babies.
Still, I don't like stocking up too heavily on newborn sizes.
I generally keep newborn diapers at home along with a box of size ones, because some of my babies have outgrown newborn diapers surprisingly quickly.
All the Paperwork We Brought Home
The hospital also sent us home with quite a bit of information.
Some of it included:
Hearing-screening and newborn-screening information
Newborn stool colour guidance
Jaundice testing and follow-up instructions
Maternal blood-clot information
Baby-care and feeding resources
Postpartum depression and mental-health resources
Birth-registration and benefit information
Discharge paperwork for the babies' doctor
Prescriptions and medication tracking information, when needed
One of our twins needed two additional jaundice checks after discharge, so those instructions were particularly important. My advice is to go through the paperwork rather than assuming everything is just another informational handout.
Some documents need to go to appointments, while others explain follow-up care for you or your baby.
Do You Need to Bring Your Baby's Car Seat Into the Hospital?
I learned this lesson with our very first baby.
We had purchased a large three-in-one car seat and installed it in the car. When it was time to leave the hospital, the staff wanted to see us buckle the baby into the seat.
Which meant Grayson had to carry that enormous car seat all the way from the parking lot into the hospital.
It wasn't exactly convenient.
Within the first couple of weeks, we switched to a portable infant car seat because it worked better for our family.
I loved being able to move the seat between the car base and stroller without constantly buckling and unbuckling a tiny newborn.
For the twins, we left their infant seats in the car until we were getting ready for discharge so we didn't have to carry it around the hospital as we moved rooms. We also brought the stroller and left it in our car so we could put both of the car seats on the stroller when we left the hospital.
My recommendation: Ask your hospital what its car-seat discharge process looks like.
You should also make sure every seat is appropriate for your baby's size, is within its expiry date, and is installed and used according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can review Canadian car-seat guidance through Transport Canada.
Now that we've had portable car seats, that's all I will ever use for infants. They are just so convenient! These are the ones I love, and the stroller that goes with it (the attachments to add the second seat to the stroller are sold separately but for us have been well worth the investment!). It easily works for our big kids who ride in the 'Rumble Seats' and the Mesa car seats clip in on the top and bottom if I'm just going out with twins. There are so many configurations you can do with the different seats it really does work for everything.
What I'd Leave Out of My Hospital Bag Next Time
After unpacking everything, I realized there were quite a few things I could have left at home.
But I don't think every unused item was a packing mistake.
The nursing supplies made sense for my original feeding plan.
The extra layers were reasonable based on how cold I've been during previous deliveries.
And the newborn keepsakes were things I genuinely wanted to use.
Life just didn't unfold the way I'd expected.
That said, there are a few things I'd simplify next time.
Things I'd Pack Less Of
Extra outfits I probably won't wear
Multiple bras
Large books I might not open
Games that require lots of table space
Full-sized toiletries
Extra baby outfits we don't realistically need
Things I'd Definitely Pack Again
Phone and compatible chargers
Basic toiletries and skincare
Comfortable postpartum underwear
A going-home outfit
Socks and a lightweight layer
Refillable water bottles
Easy snacks for Grayson
Headphones
A small puzzle book
My notebook
My laptop
One or two sleepers for each baby
I'd also bring feeding supplies that match my intentions, after confirming what the hospital can provide.
Of course, packing my hospital bag was only the beginning of our twins' birth story! Things definitely didn't go quite as planned, and if you're curious about what happened when we welcomed our identical twin boys, you can read my full twin birth story or watch our delivery experience on YouTube. From an unexpected emergency C-section to finally meeting our boys, it's a story I won't soon forget! ❤️
Hospital Bag Checklist Canada: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack in my hospital bag in Canada?
Start with comfortable clothing, basic toiletries, your phone and charger, postpartum underwear, feeding supplies if needed, a going-home outfit for your baby, and essentials for your support person. Ask your hospital whether you need to bring diapers, wipes, postpartum pads, and other supplies.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
It's a good idea to have your bag ready ahead of your expected delivery, particularly if your pregnancy or birth plan means you may need to go to the hospital earlier. Your maternity care team can help you decide on appropriate timing.
Do Canadian hospitals provide diapers and postpartum pads?
Some do, but what they provide varies. My Ontario hospital supplied newborn diapers, postpartum pads, mesh underwear, a peri bottle, and other supplies. Check directly with your hospital before leaving these items at home.
What should I pack in my hospital bag for a C-section?
In addition to your usual essentials, prioritize comfortable clothing, underwear that works with postpartum pads, and toiletries that are easy to access while you're recovering. Ask your care team whether they recommend anything specific for your planned or possible C-section recovery.
How many baby outfits should I bring to the hospital?
I brought one going-home sleeper for each twin. A backup outfit can be useful for spit-up or diaper accidents, but you don't necessarily need several changes of clothes if your hospital provides what your baby needs during the stay.
Should I bring a breast pump or bottles to the hospital?
That depends on your feeding plans and what your hospital provides. I didn't bring a pump or bottles, and our hospital supplied formula for the twins. Discuss your needs with your maternity team before deciding what to pack.
Do I need entertainment in my hospital bag?
You might appreciate something to do during the waiting periods, especially if you're being induced. I enjoyed my murder-mystery puzzle book and a compact game, but my novel and escape-room games went unused. Choose something you genuinely enjoy that doesn't require much space.
Final Thoughts: Pack for Your Plans, but Leave Room for Them to Change
When we had our first baby, we showed up at the hospital with three or four duffel bags.
Which, of course, meant carrying all of those bags home again, along with a newborn, a car seat, and everything the hospital sent with us.
Six pregnancies later, I like to think I've gotten a little better at packing.
This time, even with twins, we brought significantly less.
And somehow, I still had things I didn't use.
But that's motherhood, isn't it?
We make plans, prepare for every possible scenario, and then our babies have their own ideas about how things are going to unfold.
My biggest piece of advice when creating your hospital bag checklist is to pack what will make you comfortable, check what your hospital provides, and give yourself permission to change the plan.
You don't need a perfectly packed hospital bag.
You need the things that support you, a little room for the unexpected, and as little extra stuff to carry home as possible.
Because once your baby arrives, you've already got plenty to carry. ❤️
Let's Stay Connected!
If you're navigating motherhood, preparing for a new baby, or just love a little peek into the beautiful chaos of family life, I'd love to have you join me over on Instagram!
I'm sharing life as a mom of seven, our adventures renovating a 100-year-old farmhouse, running a small business and all the little moments in between. From newborn twins to everyday motherhood, there's never a dull moment around here! 😂
Come say hi and follow along at @brittanynmiller_. I'd love to connect with you!
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