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What to Bring to the Hospital

Learn more about what to bring to the hospital when you are having a baby.
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It is important to pack a hospital bag with items that you, your support person and your baby will need during your stay. The hospital has a limited supply of items such as maternity pads, diapers or wipes.  

Helpful hint: You may wish to have a smaller bag for your labour. Items such as a breast/chestfeeding pillow or the car seat can be left in your car until your baby is born.

You may want to bring the following items to the hospital when you arrive for the birth. You can also download or print out a copy of the What to Bring to the Hospital Checklist (PDF).

For yourself

  • Your health (OHIP) card or other valid health-care coverage
  • Current medication list
  • A favourite pillow with a pillowcase and an infant feeding pillow if you have one
  • Labour support items such as massage oil, massage tools or a tennis ball, a physical therapy ball, hot or cold packs, a picture or other object to focus on
  • A hand-held or small battery-operated fan
  • Easy-to-digest snacks, popsicles, drinks or sports drinks (can be frozen into ice cubes) packed into a soft-sided cooler bag
  • A copy of your birth plan (talk  with your health-care provider about creating one together)
  • Comfortable clothing for your stay such as a night gown or pajamas, bathrobe, slippers and socks
  • Loose fitting clothes to go home in
  • Breast/chestfeeding bra and breast/chest pads
  • Four or five pairs of underwear
  • Overnight sanitary napkins  
  • Toiletries such as lip balm, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, emery board and others
  • Hairbrush or comb and elastics, clips or a hair band
  • Glasses and contact lens care items
  • Water shoes for shower use
  • Pens, pencils and note paper
  • Phone and charger
  • For your partner or support person
  • Credit card
  • List of phone numbers of family and friends
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Watch with second hand
  • Camera
  • Change of clothes and comfortable shoes
  • Pajamas or lounge wear if staying overnight on postpartum unit
  • Phone and charger

For baby

  • Diapers (20 disposable newborn size)
  • Baby wipes
  • Emery board to file fingernails
  • Cotton baby hat
  • Baby sleepers
  • Onesies or undershirts
  • Clothes for going home
  • Baby receiving or swaddle blankets
  • CSA-certified car seat brought up to the room (needed for discharge if you are driving home in a private vehicle)
  • Receiving blankets for your baby and to line the car seat to ensure a snug fit

If you forget anything, some items might be sold at The Sinai Shop located on the 17th floor.