Your Calgary Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack From a Mom of Two
I've had the hospital bag conversation with hundreds of expectant Calgary mamas, and I've done it myself twice. Here's the honest, practical version — what actually gets used and what sits untouched at the bottom of the bag.
Practical Note for Calgary Families
The four main delivery hospitals in Calgary — Foothills Medical Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, South Health Campus, and Peter Lougheed Centre — have varying parking situations and entrance protocols. Check the specific hospital's website for current parking information (it changes). Have your health card accessible immediately.
For Labour
- Comfortable, loose clothing — a nightgown or large t-shirt you don't mind ruining, or a hospital gown (they provide them, but some mamas prefer their own)
- Slippers with grip and flip flops (for the shower)
- Hair ties — plenty of them
- Lip balm — hospitals are dry
- Snacks for your support person — they will be there for hours, the cafeteria has limited hours, and a hangry support person is unhelpful
- Phone and charger — a long cable is better than a short one; you may not be next to an outlet
- Entertainment — podcast playlist, music, Netflix downloads for the early labour phase
- Birth plan (if you have one) — printed, 1 page, shared with your midwife or nurse on arrival
For the Postpartum Stay
- Comfortable, loose, dark-coloured clothing — postpartum involves blood; bring things you'll be fine ruining
- Maternity pads — the hospital provides them but bring your own for the drive home
- Toiletries — travel size, basics only. Dry shampoo. A small makeup bag if that matters to you.
- Phone charger (yes, again — it's so important)
- Breastfeeding supplies if nursing — nipple cream, breast pads; hospital will provide support but not supplies
- Pillow from home (optional) — hospital pillows are fine but many mamas prefer their own
For Baby
- First outfit — simple, soft, easy to put on. A sleeper with accessible snaps
- A swaddle or blanket from home — something meaningful for the first photos
- Car seat — installed and inspected before you arrive at the hospital. You will not be allowed to leave without one properly installed. Many fire stations and car seat clinics in Calgary offer free installation checks.
The Photography Reminder
Your phone fully charged, kept accessible, is your most important camera for those first moments. These images — raw, real, hospital-bright — are genuinely precious even if they're technically imperfect.
If you want professional images of those first hours, Fresh 48 photography (in-hospital newborn photography within 48 hours of birth) is an option — ask me about it.
Book your newborn session before you deliver so your dates are already set when baby arrives.
Fernanda Bautzer Photography · Calgary · Newborn Photography.