The first baby born on National Day arrived on the stroke of midnight to the surprise of her parents.

Beverie Goh Rui Xuan was delivered naturally at Thomson Medical Centre right on the dot, just in time for Singapore's 51st birthday.

The girl, who weighed 2.9kg, is the first child of marketing manager Benjamin Goh, 28, and accounts executive Jade Ho, 27.

It was only later that they learnt that Beverie, born a day early, was Singapore's first National Day baby.

"I feel very happy and honoured," said Ms Ho. "National Day will be another significant day to look forward to."

The couple received a gift pack worth nearly $1,000 from the hospital, which included diapers, milk powder and a book on nutrition written by one of its paediatricians.

At Mount Alvernia Hospital, another baby girl, Toh Xiu Hui, was born a second after midnight. Weighing in at 3.5kg, she was the second baby to be born this National Day.

Her parents - customer service officer Wong Ying Ying, 37, and Mr Raymond Toh, 39, who is self-employed - received a $600 hamper from the hospital, which included a baby car seat and vouchers.

Despite having just given birth, Ms Wong was full of energy yesterday as she chatted about plans to buy dresses and ribbons for her daughter.

Ms Wong said: "We are delighted and thankful that our little girl is finally here in time to celebrate National Day. Best of all, everyone will always remember and celebrate her birthday - countdown and fireworks every year!"

At KK Women's and Children's Hospital, associate technician Nur Hasinah Abas and technical officer Mohammad Haffiz Rosli, both 29, welcomed their first child at 12.03am.

The boy, weighing 3.3kg, arrived five days early. His parents have yet to decide on his name.

In celebration of Singapore's 51st birthday, Madam Hasinah received a free room upgrade for delivering the hospital's first National Day baby within the first five minutes after midnight.

Madam Hasinah said: "We're excited that our son will be sharing his birthday with the nation... (I hope he will) be a filial and healthy good boy."