Interactive checklists to help you prepare for the hospital, your birth, and life postpartum. Check items off as you go — then print or email any list.
Maternly · maternly.ca
🏥 Hospital Bag Checklist
Pack at least 2–3 weeks before your due date · Printed from Maternly
🏥 Hospital Bag
Pack at least 2–3 weeks before your due date
Your progress0 / 30 items
Clothing & Comfort
✓
Comfortable robe or front-opening nightgown
✓
Slippers with non-slip soles
✓
Nursing bra × 2, or comfortable bralette
✓
Loose, comfortable bottoms × 2–3
✓
Going-home outfit (loose & comfy)
✓
Warm socks × 2–3 pairs
Toiletries & Hygiene
✓
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
✓
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (travel sizes)
✓
Lip balm and face moisturizer
✓
Hair ties and brush or comb
✓
Postpartum pads or adult underwear
✓
Nipple cream (lanolin or coconut oil)
Documents & Admin
✓
Health card (OHIP or provincial equivalent)
✓
Photo ID
✓
Birth plan (printed copies × 2)
✓
Insurance / benefit information if applicable
✓
Pediatrician's name and contact info
Comfort & Entertainment
✓
Phone charger and portable battery pack
✓
Earbuds or headphones
✓
Snacks you love (granola bars, dried fruit, nuts)
✓
Reusable water bottle
✓
Pillow from home (put a coloured pillowcase so it's not confused)
For Baby
✓
Infant car seat (installed before you leave!)
✓
Going-home outfit for baby (newborn + 0–3 month sizes)
✓
Swaddle blanket × 2
✓
Hat and socks for newborn
✓
Pacifier if you plan to use one
Maternly · maternly.ca
📝 Birth Plan Checklist
Share this with your care team · Printed from Maternly
📝 Birth Plan
Share a copy with your care team at the hospital
Decisions made0 / 28 items
Labour Preferences
✓
Decided on pain management preference (epidural, nitrous, natural, or open to options)
✓
Noted preferred labour positions
✓
Discussed use of birthing ball, tub, or shower
✓
Noted music or ambience preferences
✓
Documented who you want in the room
✓
Noted any food/drink preferences during labour
Delivery Preferences
✓
Discussed episiotomy preferences with care team
✓
Noted pushing position preference
✓
Decided on immediate skin-to-skin contact
✓
Noted delayed cord clamping preference
✓
Decided who will cut the cord
✓
Noted photography / video preferences
After Birth
✓
Decided on breastfeeding vs formula (or combination)
✓
Noted rooming-in preference (baby in room vs. nursery)
✓
Decided on circumcision (if applicable)
✓
Noted Vitamin K injection preference
✓
Noted erythromycin eye ointment preference
✓
Discussed cord blood banking if interested
C-Section Preferences (if applicable)
✓
Discussed gentle/family-centred caesarean option with OB
✓
Noted screen lowering or mirror preference for birth
✓
Confirmed support person can be in OR
✓
Asked about immediate skin-to-skin in OR
Shared With Your Team
✓
Shared plan with OB or midwife at prenatal visit
✓
Printed copies to bring to hospital (× 2)
✓
Shared with doula if you have one
✓
Shared with support person attending the birth
Maternly · maternly.ca
💙 Postpartum Recovery Checklist
Take care of yourself, mama · Printed from Maternly
💙 Postpartum Recovery
Prepare for the fourth trimester — your recovery matters too
Your progress0 / 30 items
Physical Recovery Supplies
✓
Peri bottle for post-birth hygiene
✓
Witch hazel pads or Tucks pads
✓
Heavy postpartum pads or adult briefs (stock up!)
✓
Sitz bath or portable sitz basin
✓
Ice packs or postpartum padsicles
✓
Stool softeners (constipation is common — ask your OB)
✓
Nipple cream and breast pads
✓
Nursing pillow (Boppy, My Brest Friend, etc.)
Feeding Support
✓
Connected with a lactation consultant (IBCLC) if breastfeeding
✓
Breast pump obtained (many covered by benefits)
✓
Milk storage bags if pumping
✓
Formula and bottles ready if formula feeding or combo feeding
Mental Health & Support
✓
Talked with partner/support person about postpartum mental health expectations
✓
Identified a therapist or mental health professional to call if needed
✓
Know the signs of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety
✓
Have PSI Canada helpline saved: 1-800-944-4773
✓
Joined or bookmarked a local mom group or online community
Help & Meals
✓
Meal train set up with family or friends
✓
Freezer meals prepped before due date
✓
Household help arranged for first 2 weeks at home
✓
Night nurse or postpartum doula booked if desired/possible
✓
Pelvic floor physio appointment booked (recommended at 6 weeks postpartum)
Admin & Leave
✓
Applied for EI maternity benefits (apply as soon as you stop working)
✓
Notified employer of leave dates in writing
✓
Applied for Canada Child Benefit (CCB) after baby is born
✓
Registered birth with provincial vital statistics office
✓
Applied for baby's SIN number (needed for CCB and RESP)
Maternly · maternly.ca
👶 Newborn Essentials Checklist
Everything you need before baby arrives · Printed from Maternly
👶 Newborn Essentials
Everything you'll need for your baby's first weeks
Items ready0 / 32 items
Sleep
✓
Safe sleep space (crib, bassinet, or play yard with firm, flat mattress)
✓
Fitted crib sheets × 3 (extras for middle-of-night changes)
✓
Sleep sacks or wearable blankets × 2–3
✓
White noise machine or app
✓
Blackout curtains in baby's room
Feeding
✓
Bottles × 4–6 (even if breastfeeding, good to have)
✓
Bottle brush and drying rack
✓
Formula on hand (at least a small can, even if breastfeeding)
✓
Burp cloths × 8–10
✓
Bib × 4–6
Diapering
✓
Diapers (newborn and size 1) — stock both sizes, babies grow fast
✓
Baby wipes (unscented)
✓
Diaper rash cream (Penaten, Desitin, or zinc oxide)
✓
Changing pad with washable cover
✓
Diaper pail or a plan for diaper disposal
Clothing
✓
Onesies (newborn and 0–3 month) × 6–8
✓
Footed sleepers × 4–6 (snaps or zippers — zippers are easier at 3 am)
✓
Hats × 2–3
✓
Socks or booties × 4–5 pairs
✓
Season-appropriate outerwear
Bathing & Care
✓
Baby bathtub with sling or insert
✓
Baby wash and shampoo (fragrance-free)
✓
Soft hooded towels × 2
✓
Nail file and baby nail scissors or clippers
✓
Rectal thermometer (most accurate for newborns)
✓
Nasal aspirator (Frida NoseFrida is popular)
Getting Around
✓
Infant car seat — installed and inspected
✓
Stroller compatible with infant car seat
✓
Baby carrier or wrap
✓
Diaper bag stocked and ready
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