Preparing for Your Baby’s Arrival in Canada: A Guide for International Intended Parents
The weeks leading up to your baby’s birth are exciting, emotional, and understandably overwhelming—especially when you are travelling from another country.
A little preparation before boarding your flight can make your stay in Canada much smoother, allowing you to focus on what matters most: welcoming your baby.
Confirm Your Travel Documents Early
Before making travel arrangements, ensure everyone travelling has the correct documentation.
Depending on your citizenship and method of travel, you may require:
A Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa)
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
A passport that remains valid beyond your planned departure date
Requirements vary by country, so check with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada well in advance. Processing times can fluctuate, so it is always best to apply early.
You should also research the documents and visa requirements your baby will need to leave Canada and enter your home country.
Plan to Arrive Before the Due Date
Babies rarely follow a schedule.
Whenever possible, we generally recommend arriving in Canada at least two weeks before the estimated due date. If there are pregnancy complications or concerns about an early delivery, your support and medical teams may recommend arriving sooner.
Flexible flights and accommodations are strongly encouraged. Being nearby allows you to participate in important decisions and provides the best opportunity to be present for your baby’s birth.
Expect to Stay in Canada for Several Weeks
Every family’s timeline is different, but international intended parents should be prepared to remain in Canada for approximately two to six weeks after the birth.
During this time, you may need to:
Complete your baby’s birth registration
Obtain the birth certificate
Finalize legal parentage documents
Apply for your baby’s passport or emergency travel documents
Complete citizenship or visa requirements
Receive medical clearance for international travel
Avoid booking an inflexible return flight before your baby is born. Your lawyer, agency and home country’s embassy or consulate can help you understand the expected process and timeline.
Pack Your Essential Documents
Keep important documents together and easily accessible. We recommend bringing:
Passports and travel documents
Visa or eTA confirmation
A copy of your surrogacy agreement
Your baby’s insurance documentation
Your own health and travel insurance information
Prescription medications, with enough for a longer stay than expected
Contact information for your agency, lawyer, hospital, surrogate, support person and accommodations
Bring both digital and paper copies whenever possible.
Bring the Basics for Yourself
Pack the same practical items you would bring for any extended trip or hospital stay, including:
Phone and device chargers
International power adapters
A toothbrush and personal toiletries
A reusable water bottle
Comfortable clothing and footwear
Any daily medications
A small hospital bag
Credit cards with available room for unexpected expenses
Try to pack for several weeks without bringing your entire home. Many intended parents purchase several baby items in Canada and bring an extra suitcase so they can take those items home afterward.
Pack for Canadian Weather
Canadian weather can change quickly, and temperatures may be very different from what you are accustomed to at home.
For the baby, consider:
Lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing
A sun hat for warmer months
Warm fleece layers and a winter hat for colder months
Blankets for outdoor use and transportation
Blankets should never be placed loose inside a car seat or used in the baby’s sleep space. Avoid fully covering a car seat or stroller, as this can restrict airflow and cause overheating.
If you are arriving during the winter—particularly from a warmer country—you may also need:
A heavy winter jacket
A toque or warm hat
Mittens
A scarf
Waterproof winter boots
Ice cleats for walking on slippery sidewalks
Your support person can help you understand the expected local weather and source anything you may not own.
Consider Arranging Formula in Advance
Infant formula is widely available in Canada, but the Canadian brands or formulations may differ from what is available in your home country.
If you want to use a particular formula, consider arranging for it to be shipped to your Canadian accommodation before you arrive. Confirm that your hotel or accommodation will accept and safely store the delivery, and check the courier and Canadian import requirements first.
Airport exemptions for baby formula may depend on the type and amount of formula and whether you are travelling with an infant. If you arrive in Canada before your baby, a large supply may be subject to additional screening or restrictions.
All food brought into Canada must be declared and may be inspected by border officials. Review the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s personal import requirements, as well as your airline and departure airport’s policies.
Use a Canadian-Certified Car Seat
If your baby will travel in a vehicle, you will need a properly installed rear-facing infant car seat before leaving the hospital.
Car seats used in Canada should display the Canadian National Safety Mark, which confirms that the seat meets Canadian standards. A car seat purchased in another country may not be certified for use in Canada, even if it meets that country’s safety requirements. Transport Canada recommends checking for the National Safety Mark.
For most international intended parents, borrowing or purchasing a Canadian-certified car seat after arriving is the simplest option.
Check Stroller and Car-Seat Compatibility
If you plan to use a stroller with your infant car seat, confirm that the two products are compatible. Car-seat adapters are not universal, even when products appear similar.
You may choose to:
Purchase a compatible car-seat and stroller travel system
Borrow the items locally
Purchase a stroller separately
Use a properly fitted baby carrier for shorter outings
Your surrogate or support person may be able to help source or borrow these items. You can also use Amazon Canada, major box stores or reputable second-hand marketplaces. Rental services are available in some areas, but the prices can be quite high.
Always use extra care when buying a second-hand car seat. Its history, expiry date and Canadian certification must be confirmed.
Arrange a Safe Place for Your Baby to Sleep
Before your baby arrives, ensure your accommodation has a safe sleep space. Some hotels and Airbnb hosts can provide a crib or bassinet upon request, but availability and product standards should be confirmed in advance.
Your baby should sleep alone, on their back, on a firm and flat surface in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian safety requirements. Keep the sleep space free from pillows, loose blankets, toys, bumper pads and other soft items. You can review Health Canada’s safe-sleep guidance.
A car seat, stroller, swing, bouncer or baby carrier should not be used for routine or overnight sleep.
Purchase Most Baby Supplies After Arriving
Canada has everything you will need for your newborn, including:
Diapers and wipes
Clothing
Bottles and sterilizing supplies
Pacifiers
Baby bath products
Nursing pillows
Breast pumps, if applicable
Diaper bags
Blankets for supervised use
These items are readily available through Walmart, Costco, Shoppers Drug Mart, Carter’s, Amazon Canada and other Canadian retailers.
Rather than travelling with bulky baby equipment, consider purchasing, borrowing or arranging the larger items once you arrive. Your surrogate or support person may also be able to help you find local options.
Final Thoughts
International surrogacy journeys involve many moving pieces, but thoughtful preparation can make an enormous difference.
Travel with flexibility, bring your essential documents, arrange a Canadian-certified car seat and safe sleep space, and purchase or borrow most baby supplies after arriving. Most importantly, stay in regular contact with your agency, lawyer, support person and healthcare team.
Plans may change, but you will not be navigating those changes alone. The more prepared you are before arriving, the more you can focus on enjoying those unforgettable first days with your baby.
