This 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. Scandiborn has highlighted some of their 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. Have a browse at our full range.
You may wish to consider a bag for you and a separate one for baby’s items, which can help make things easier to find during your hospital stay. 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.
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 later. 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. Plus for extra points, the cover is removable and fully washable.
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 pieces from Little Dutch in the softest teddy cotton.
Shop our full curation of bonnets, sleepsuits, knitted cardigans, booties and more.
The unsung hero of any hospital bag has to be the humble muslin cloth. These underrated 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 Scandi brand OYOY. These beauties come 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
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 our collection of super soft baby bath towels and robes, hand picked for their superior quality and cute prints, plus they are crafted from the softest organic cotton too.
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 Liewood fits the bill, with its neutral colourways and classic design.
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 uber 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.
Essentials for you
Birth Plan/notebook/pen
Healthy drinks and snacks - natural oat bars, fruits, nuts and seeds etc., peppermint tea, nursing tea
Large refillable water bottle
Toiletries Bag
Essential Toiletries - pocket mirror, comb, face wipes, toothpaste and toothbrush, moisturiser, lip balm, any essential makeup products
Water spray
Eye mask and earplugs
Comfortable nursing friendly nightwear/nightshirts x 3
Slippers/sliders
Clothing for coming home (a spare set of clothing is also a good idea)
Underwear - we recommend over the bump/high waisted cotton briefs and nursing bras
Dressing Gown - A great cover up essential
Towel - quick dry/travel towels are a clever space saver
Cotton bag/laundry bag - Ideal for storing any dirty/used items for washing
Sanitary products - high absorbency sanitary pads
Hair ties/clips
Hand sanitiser/antibac wipes
Breast pads
Book/s / magazines
Headphones/airpods/portable speaker
Phone charger
Essential oils
Pregnancy/nursing pillow
Spare change/bank card for hospital parking fees
Essentials for baby
Nappies
Natural baby wipes
Nappy bags
Cotton wool pads
Muslin cloths
Baby blanket
Mittens
Bonnets or hat
Sleepsuits x 4 - organic cotton are perfect for sensitive newborn skin
Vests x 4
Jacket/cardigan
Coming home outfit
Bibs
Pacifier/s
Car Seat
So, off you go. Get organised and start creating your wishlist of perfect products to make sure you are the best 'packed' mumma on the maternity ward!
If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), you probably know that there are certain foods and nutrients that become especially important once you’re pregnant. But nutrition plays a vital role even when trying to conceive, much like laying a strong foundation before constructing a house.
Certain nutrients create that foundation by supporting egg and sperm health (yes, nutrition matters for both partners), hormone balance and creating a hospitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant. In fact, studies show that certain nutrients can help increase fertility and improve success rates for both natural conception and fertility treatments.
In other words, nutrition is a key player in the TTC journey, but getting the right nutrients in the right quantities can be tricky. That’s where supplements come in. Just as you’d take a multivitamin to fill in nutritional gaps for optimal health, fertility supplements can give you that extra nutrient boost.
Choosing supplements for your fertility journey
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.