How to Pack the PERFECT Hospital Bag for Birth in Calgary & Airdrie

If you’re preparing for birth in Calgary or Airdrie, one of the last things on your to-do list might be packing your hospital bag. And let’s be honest — it can feel a little overwhelming. Do you really need three outfits for baby? How many snacks? Will you actually use that giant exercise ball you saw on Pinterest?

Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. This isn’t a generic checklist — this is a mom-to-mom guide based on what’s actually useful for local families heading into Calgary and Airdrie hospitals.

🥤 Snacks & Hydration — Your Energy Lifesavers

Hospital food doesn’t always arrive when you want it, and partners especially get hungry quickly. Pack:

• Easy grab snacks (granola bars, crackers, trail mix)

• A water bottle you love (bonus points if it has a straw)

• Electrolyte packets like Liquid IV or Gatorade

👉 Pro Tip: Some Calgary hospitals close their cafeterias early, so late-night snacks can be a lifesaver.

🛁 Comfort Items That Make a Big Difference

Whether you plan for an epidural or not, comfort matters during your stay.

• A loose nightgown or robe

• Slippers or cozy socks

• Washcloths and your favorite unscented lotion

• Lip balm (hospitals are so dry!)

• Phone charger with a long cord

Optional extras: essential oils, affirmations, or a playlist you love. Even with pain meds, a little atmosphere can make a huge difference.

👩‍🍼 Breastfeeding & Baby Essentials

Hospitals provide basics like diapers and wipes, but here’s what’s worth packing:

• Nursing bra + pads

• Nursing pillow if you plan to breastfeed

• Lanolin cream for sore nipples

• Baby’s going-home outfit (pack two sizes just in case)

• Blanket for baby’s first car ride home

💦 Showers, Not Tubs

Most Calgary-area hospitals don’t have tubs for water labor, but they do have warm showers. That water can feel amazing on sore muscles — don’t forget flip-flops and a towel if you’d rather use your own.

💛 Support Team Must-Haves

Your partner or support person will thank you for these:

• A pillow and blanket (hospital chairs aren’t comfy)

• Their own snacks

• Change of clothes

• Toiletries (so they don’t have to leave your side)

📸 After Baby Arrives

I always recommend booking your newborn photographer during your second trimester. That way it’s one more thing checked off your list, and you don’t have to stress about finding someone last minute once baby is here.

Then, once your little bundle of joy makes their arrival and you’re busy texting friends and family the good news, don’t forget to also send a quick message to your newborn photographer. This gives us a heads-up so that in the next couple of days we can finalize your newborn session date. That way, you’ll have everything lined up to capture those tiny features and sweet early moments before they change.

👉 Book your Session with Meagan Paige Photography - www.meaganpaige.com/contact

✅ Hospital Bag Checklist

🌟 For Mom

• Loose nightgown or robe

• Nursing bra + pads

• Slippers or cozy socks

• Lip balm (hospitals are dry!)

• Unscented lotion

• Hair ties or headband

• Phone charger with a long cord

• Going-home outfit (comfy, loose clothes)

🥤 Snacks & Drinks

• Granola bars, nuts, crackers

• Electrolyte packets (Liquid IV, Gatorade)

• Refillable water bottle with a straw

• Snacks for your partner

🛁 Comfort Items

• Washcloths + towel (your own is nicer than hospital ones)

• Pillow from home (with a colored pillowcase so it doesn’t get lost)

• Small bag of extras (essential oils, affirmations, playlist, etc.)

• Flip-flops for shower

👶 For Baby

• 1–2 going-home outfits (newborn + 0–3 month just in case)

• Blanket for car seat ride home

• Car seat installed + checked ahead of time

  (Hospital provides diapers, wipes, and swaddles — no need to overpack!)

💛 For Partner / Support Person

• Change of clothes

• Pillow + blanket

• Toiletries

• Snacks + drinks

• Book, headphones, or something to keep busy during downtime

📸 Bonus Reminder

✔️ Book your newborn photographer in your second trimester so it’s one less thing to worry about.

✔️ Once baby arrives, send your photographer a quick text — that way you can finalize your newborn session date in the first few days after birth.

Final Thoughts

Packing your hospital bag doesn’t need to be stressful. Stick with comfort, snacks, baby basics, and a few personal touches — the hospital will handle the rest.

✨ Want a complete checklist you can print and check off? Click Here!

✨ Ready to reserve your newborn session in Calgary or Airdrie? Click here to connect with me today.