Paige is the island’s first baby of 2021

Born on 2 January just before midnight at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital she was the island’s first baby of the New Year and weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces.

Proud mum Toyah Davies said that it was perfect timing to welcome her daughter into the world.

‘I was determined that I didn’t want a 1st January baby because of the birthday parties with a hangover, and everyone’s had enough by the time you get to the 1st.

‘But I thought it would be good to have a birthday before the schools go back, so the 2nd worked out well.’

Being pregnant during a pandemic might not seem ideal, but Mrs Davies took it all in her stride.

‘It’s been absolutely fine. I think there was a few less appointments, although being a second pregnancy I don’t know if that was normal, but it’s been stress-free, really.

‘They asked me to do a Covid test at 39 weeks so that was the only different thing to the pregnancy, but I phoned on Saturday to get the test and then went straight into labour.

‘I couldn’t imagine being pregnant in England with all the Covid restrictions. I see on the group chats that people have to wear masks and gowns when they go into labour, partners aren’t allowed in some places.’

Paige’s big sister, Harper, who is nearly two years old, has already started to pay an interest in the baby, even though at the hospital she was naturally more interested in the balloons.

Dad, Josh Davies, said they felt relieved to be in Guernsey.

‘It was just after lockdown when we found out and Toyah always said that we have been really lucky that we’ve been living here and been able to do the things we’ve been doing, but this year has been great in terms of family time. I’ve been able to be with Toyah when she needs me to be with her, my job’s been really accommodating, so it’s fallen really well for us.

‘I think it’s going to be nice story for her to tell when she grows up that she was first baby in Guernsey in 2021.

‘Some people are looking at it in a really positive light because of last year, and who doesn’t like a newborn baby?

‘Everybody was commenting on social media and all wishing us well and it was really nice to see.

‘It’s something you wouldn’t get anywhere else.’

Mrs Davies started getting contractions on Saturday night, and after arriving at the hospital Paige was in a rush because the time between entering the delivery room and the birth was just 12 minutes.

Paige is described as a typical newborn who is getting used to the sights and sounds of home.

She likes feeding, sleeping, and being talked to.

Her dad has spotted a few signs of a nascent personality.

‘She sticks her tongue out quite a lot and Harper didn’t do that, so she might be cheeky.’

The Lions Club of Guernsey presented the lucky parents with a special children’s money box, plus £100-worth of vouchers from Creaseys.