Expecting a new arrival? Congratulations from us!
As the end of your pregnancy draws close, we want you to truly embrace this incredible milestone. A time that marks the end of one journey and the start of a whole new, and very exciting, chapter in your life.
Packing your hospital bag is likely to be one of the last things you do as you prepare to meet your precious little one. So where to begin? With a plethora of information and so many products available to expectant new parents, it's important not to get overwhelmed, or indeed, carried away.
This read is by no means a definitive list, but we do hope that it helps to ease any unnecessary worries and stress that you may be feeling. Giving you more time to plan for the main event.
We’ve highlighted some of our tried and tested favourites below, as well as a handy checklist to help take the hard work out of choosing.
For Mama
A good bag is an ideal place to start. Searching for one that meets all your needs can be a bit of a minefield. It has to tick several boxes. Compact yet roomy, versatile but practical and of course, it needs to look good too. Choose from our collection of favourites, handpicked to fulfil all your parenting needs.
For versatility we adore the coveted quilted Paris Change Bag from sustainable brand Nobodinoz, perfect for the hospital, birth and beyond. Or how about their gorgeous Gala Changing Bag, another stylish option, complete with a practical waterproof outer. And, for sheer luxe appeal then the Saunton Backpack from PacaPod has our heart. This leather beauty really is the ultimate change bag - seeing you through from the delivery ward right through to the toddler years. Have a browse at our full range.
You may wish to have a bag for you and a separate one for baby’s items, which can help make things easier to find.
Packing your bag a good month before your due date is also a good tip. That way, you are prepared and can relax and enjoy those last few weeks.
Next up, a good toiletries bag is a must have for storing all those skincare essentials in one handy place. Be sure to read our checklist above for all those beauty basics that we just can’t leave home without.
These pretty organic cotton toiletry bags from Nobodinoz fulfil all our needs - sustainable, stylish and fully lined, with a waterproof coating to prevent any unwanted spillages. And, these sweet wash pouches from Avery Row are perfectly sized and include clever elasticated inner pockets, ensuring all of those essentials are within easy reach. The Baby and Me Organiser Bag from Cuddledry is a nifty, well thought out space saver, with two separate zippered sections, one for mama and one for baby. Genius.
Don’t forget to add these earth friendly staples too. Wild and Stone are a beautiful sustainable brand who produce bamboo toothbrushes and travel cases, reusable razors and make-up remover pads. All plastic free and recyclable too. Plus, these super absorbent, reusable bamboo breast pads from Mama Designs are totally washable, making them a great money saver whilst doing their bit for the environment too.
Top of our wish list for mama are these stunning dressing gowns from Malabar Baby. These lightweight robes are made from luxurious Indian cotton voile with hand stitched detailing. With a belted tie, they are nursing friendly and make a perfect cover up for trips to the shower or for walking around when on the hospital ward. Pick your favourite print. Be sure to check out their beautiful baby towels in coordinating designs too.
If you take one thing, make it the BBHugme pregnancy and nursing pillow. Ok, admittedly it’s not the most compact item, but we promise you will thank us. This ingenious piece of kit is a best seller and multi award winner, and it’s easy to see why. It ties easily around your waist to provide optimum support for your neck and shoulders as well as added comfort for your little one. Super lightweight, it comes with a handy travel bag for easy transportation too.
For Baby
A coming home outfit has to be one of the most exciting purchases you will make. Comfort is key here of course as well choosing something that looks and feels suitably special. We stock a wide range of carefully selected wares for newborns, all crafted from natural, organic materials, perfect for the most sensitive of newborn skin.
Discover the sweetest ready made sets from beautiful independent brands including these stunning luxury hand crafted pieces from Marie Chantal. Bearing their iconic angel wing design, they are truly one of a kind. Shop the full curation of bonnets, sleepsuits, knitted cardigans, booties and more.
Incidentally, Rosie Meringue crafts the most adorable handmade wooden announcement plaques and signs, perfect for that first photoshoot . Check out their full selection of wording and designs that will really tug at those heartstrings and make a wonderful keepsake.
The unsung hero of any hospital bag has to be the humble muslin cloth. These little baby essentials are a real parenting saviour that you really won’t be able to live without. Just the ticket for mopping up spills, using as a nursing cover up, bib, blanket, lightweight towel - you name it, it can do it! Our advice is to invest in the best quality that you can afford, preferably organic cotton like these gems from Liewood. The Lewis comes in a handy pack of two, with an array of sweet Scandi inspired colourways and prints to suit your personal style. Plus they get softer with each wash too. Browse our extensive collection of muslin cloths available at Scandiborn.co.uk
If sustainability is high on your agenda, then look no further than these wonderful reusable diapers from eco brand Roam Nappies. The clever design means that they fit babies from birth, right up to toilet training. With built in tech to prevent leakages, the inserts are made from natural bamboo terry cloth with built in antibacterial properties. Be sure to snap up a matching wet bag for storing dirty or clean nappies whilst out and about.
A hooded towel is a real winner for your tot’s first dip. A perfect little wrap to snuggle them up in and help prevent any tiny tears. Take a look at these super soft organic hooded favourites from Liewood with their adorable animal faces. Or these award winners from Cuddledry with their unique apron design.
Another staple, a baby blanket, is something you will reach for over and over again. For us, a blanket must be soft, lightweight and breathable. Plus ideally, it needs to stand the test of time. There’s something so special about passing on a treasured heirloom, ready for future family generations to enjoy. This soft cotton knitted stunner from Emily Rollings fits the bill, with its neutral colourway and classic design. As are Avery Row’s oh so dreamy collection of knitted beauties, complete with nostalgic scallop detailing.
And last, but most certainly not least, a car seat is vital for the trip home from the hospital, as well as an investment piece that you will use for the months and years to come.
Check out Doona, the car seat of dreams. The first ever fully integrated travel system, it truly is the perfect car seat and stroller combo. Go from baby carrier to newborn car seat and stroller in just one click of a button. Prepare to be wowed.
Full of clever tech and cutting edge design, these ultra chic wheels are safe, compact and stylish - made for busy parents on the go.
That’s all for now. We hope you enjoyed this little read and wish you well on your parenting journey.
Grab yourself a (decaf) cuppa, pop your feet up and shop the full range of products for baby, parenting, home and lifestyle over at Scandiborn. And, if you're in need of some nursery inspiration, why not have a read at our Neutral Nursery, Space or Animal Safari themed interiors blogs. Plus, you can shop the whole look from our full collection of themed interiors online too.
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