A midwife has explained the seven things every expecting mum should have in their birthing bag ready to take to the hospital after new research by Asda found many took entirely the wrong things to hospital. Some admitted they grabbed their gym bag in panic, while others picked up their food shopping, instead of the birthing bag – despite most parents packing for the hospital 15 weeks in advance.
People said everything from frozen peas, TV remotes and even toasters had accidentally been taken to the maternity unit, as well as a tube of tomato paste and a pair of black stiletto heels.
Asda has teamed up with My Expert Midwife to offer expert guidance through their ‘Call the Midwife’ live chat service. The service provides real-time reassurance.
In addition to birthing bag blunders, the survey also revealed a host of other childbirth mishaps – including forgetting to organise child care for the other kids, having to fill the car up on the way and forgetting the family dog is still in the back seat.
One in twenty said their waters broke in the supermarket, at a friend’s house, in the lift on the way up to maternity or in a work meeting, while five per cent ended up taking the wrong exit on the motorway.
Many dads nearly ended up missing the birth after they popped out for a coffee or sandwich and some mistakenly sent a photo to the work WhatsApp rather than the family one.
Charlotte Hoskin from My Expert Midwife said: “I’ve seen all sorts of unexpected things pulled out of hospital bags on the big day, some of them quite funny! From corn on the cob to a harmonica. It’s no surprise that parents-to-be often feel overwhelmed. There’s so much information out there, it can be hard to know what to trust or where to shop to get good value. That’s why I’ve put together my top tips of what to pack and a few surprising essentials you might not have thought of. And remember no matter how much you prepare, things rarely go exactly to plan, and that’s completely okay.”
Asda’s Baby Event is live now until September 30, with savings of up to 58% on over 500 products.
ITEMS PARENTS-TO-BE BROUGHT TO THE HOSPITAL
- Hair dryer
- TV remote
- The toaster
- A bag of frozen peas
- Sunglasses
- A tube of tomato paste
- Hair straightener
- My weekly food shop
- A pair of black stilettos
- My swimming kit
- My gym bag
- A pair of hiking shoes
- A wooden spoon
- Lingerie
- My office laptop
- An umbrella
- My kids’ school bag
- My sewing kit
- A dozen eggs
- Measuring tape
TOP PACKING TIPS FROM EXPERT MIDWIFE, CHARLOTTE HOSKIN:
- START EARLY – Pack around 36 weeks and do it with your birth partner so they know what’s where.
- COMFORT FOR MUM – Include nipple balm, soft, loose clothing, and gentle skincare to support your recovery.
- GENTLE CARE FOR BABY – Cotton wool or fragrance-free wipes and a soothing bum balm are ideal for delicate newborn skin.
- DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE BASICS – Pack plenty of nappies, maternity pads, and yes, big knickers! They’re essential.
- THINK OF BOTH PARENTS – Bring snacks, long phone chargers, and toiletries. Pack separate bags to stay organised.
- KEEP IT SIMPLE – A few, well-chosen, trusted items are all you need, and there’s no need to overpack
- DOUBLE CHECK YOUR BAG – A checklist helps avoid those funny (and sometimes stressful) mix-ups.
