Inside India Clevely’s perfectly packed hospital bag.

What’s in Your Hospital Bag India Clevely, Founder of London Velvet?

Newborn Essentials Every Parent Should Have.

Preparing for your baby’s arrival can feel overwhelming, but having the right items in your hospital bag can make all the difference. 

What are the absolute must-haves for your hospital bag for both mum and baby?

For me, it’s all about comfort and practicality, with a few little luxuries thrown in. A really good hand cream is completely non-negotiable (I swear by Santa Maria Novella), and snacks are essential. This time around it was salted nuts and some of the Deliciously Ella Salted Almond Caramel Cups. Cosy slippers and a good selection of If Only If nighties also made such a difference, it helps you feel a tiny bit more like yourself in a very un-glamorous setting.

For baby, I start with the bag itself – I designed my London Velvet Baby Bag after having our first son. It has buckets of space with amazing compartments for all the smaller bits you need, and accessories including a Nappy Pouch and Changing Mat - all which match the corduroy on the bag so you feel a bit more put together than you feel with your complete set! Packing cubes are a game changer, mainly so you can calmly (or not so calmly…) direct your husband or partner to exactly what you need at 3am. A soft cashmere baby blanket is such a treat, I was given one with my first and it makes that little newborn cocoon feel even more special. And alongside all the essentials such as nappies and muslins etc, on both occasions I have packed a “red carpet” going-home outfit. Completely impractical, no one will see it, and they’ll grow out of it before you walk through your front door. But it feels like a lovely way to mark the moment.

Are there any items that are often forgotten but really come in handy?

Spare baby clothes - plural! You will need more than one outfit. Accidents happen constantly, and usually at the least convenient moment. I’d also recommend downloading a few feel-good series in advance. Hospital signal can be very hit and miss, and you never quite know how long you’ll be in for.

How much clothing does a newborn actually need for the first few days?

If you fully lean into the newborn bubble, very little. They eat, burp, sleep, repeat and tend to stay in one outfit a day unless there’s an accident. I’d say around six vests and corresponding baby grows is more than enough - I love the Baby Mori range as they’re so incredibly soft and have a very practical zip rather than poppers.

Which toiletries and comfort items are most useful for mum during and after birth?

I absolutely swear by the Frida postnatal range, especially after a C-section - the cold compresses and Frida briefs are heaven. Bringing your own pillow is a game changer, and then it’s just those small familiar things: a good hand cream, gentle body wash, and anything that makes you feel a bit more human again. It’s also important not to neglect baby skincare – organic is key, so once they’re a tiny bit older and used to bath time the Clara’s Corner Squeaky Clean Body Wash followed by the Clara’s Corner Rosy Cheeks Balm for any dry patches is dreamy. The bottle and pot are also compostable which I LOVE!

Are there any newborn essentials that are surprisingly unnecessary?

Swanky newborn clothes. As gorgeous as they are, babies basically live in baby grows for the first month, so most outfits get one outing at best.