Quote from Penny McCarthy on September 18, 2025, 12:26 pm

New research commissioned by Asda to launch its September Baby Event has revealed the weirdest, most wonderful, and at times downright hilarious birthing mishaps, with packing the wrong things to take to the hospital and bringing the wrong bag entirely among the most common blunders, according to the 1,000 parents polled. The findings highlight how stressful hospital bag prep can be, and the Baby Event helps by offering everything you need in one place alongside your weekly shop.

The research found that 21 percent forgot to pack all their post-birth products, and 15 percent EVEN picked up the wrong bag entirely, with one in ten (12 percent) grabbing their gym bag in panic. Eight percent went a step further and picked up their toolbox instead of the birthing bag.

Toothbrushes (37 percent), slippers (26 percent), toothpaste (26 percent), nappies (23 percent), pants (22 percent), pyjamas (20 percent), phone chargers (20 percent) and baby clothes (15 percent) were all left at home. Nursing bras (14 percent) and fans to keep cool (11 percent) also ranked among the most commonly forgotten items – showing that some of the most useful but underrated items rarely make it into the bag.

Despite many of the essentials being left behind, the research found some of the more unusual items to make their way to the maternity ward with nail clippers, packets of frozen peas, game players, TV remotes and EVEN toasters all making the journey by accident.

To further take the stress out of hospital bag prep, Asda has teamed up with My Expert Midwife to put essentials for pregnancy, birth and recovery alongside the weekly shop, while also offering expert guidance through their ‘Call the Midwife’ live chat service. The service provides real-time reassurance during the moments that matter most – from trying to conceive through to pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Three percent of dads nearly ended up missing the birth after they popped out for a coffee or sandwich, with a further three percent admitting their birthing partner passed out at the sight of the epidural needle. More alarmingly, three percent mistakenly sent a photo to the work WhatsApp rather than the family one, while two percent were so tired, they put their dog’s name on the birthing form, instead of their baby’s.

Yet, despite the mishaps – and a fifth (21 percent) admitting they weren’t prepared for the baby’s arrival - two thirds (62 percent) say that even though it was chaotic, it was a beautiful experience.

Charlotte Hoskin from My Expert Midwife comments, "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 cravings to a little but wonderful 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."

   WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG, ACCORDING TO 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.

Asda’s Baby Event is live now until 30th September, helping parents-to-be prepare for birth (and beyond) with ease, with savings of up to 58% on over 500 products on Rollback and Asda Price. Dedicated shelves in-store bring all the essentials together in one place, from trusted brands at great value. Highlights include:

• Pampers Nappies 24-pack: now £2.78 (was £3.98) – save 30%
• Aveeno Baby Bath: £3.98 (was £4.62)
• My Expert Midwife Nipple Balm: £8.38 (was £12.48)
• Nuby Flask: £22.88 (was £39.98) – over 40% off
• My Expert Midwife Spritz for Bits: £9.98 (was £14.94)
• Mam Breast Pump: £21.98 (was £47.98)
• Lansinoh Nursing Pads 60-pack: £3.97 – 40% off
• Tommee Tippee Bottles 3-pack: £14.38 (was £16.23)
• SMA Baby Formula 800g: £8.43 (Asda Price)

A spokesperson from Asda comments, “It's clear from the research that amid the excitement and chaos of preparing for a new arrival, essentials are often overlooked - from nursing bras and baby clothes to even a spare pair of pants for mum. We know that preparing for a new arrival can feel overwhelming and the costs can really add up, so we’re here to take off some of that pressure. Our Baby Event, running from now until 30th September, brings together everything parents-to-be might need — all in one place and at great value, Asda prices. From hospital bag essentials to everyday baby must-haves, we’re proud to support growing families with trusted products and great deals across the event."