What is a baby shower?

Baby showers are often seen as an American tradition, however they are becoming quite popular in the UK too.  There are many different versions of what a baby shower is.  In a nutshell, it’s a special occasion (and wonderful excuse!) to have a party and celebrate the imminent arrival of a new baby with close friends and family.

The celebration can be lavish or low key  – it depends on the mum-to-be, what you think she may like and of course budget.

Although many people think it ought to be a surprise, this needs careful consideration.  Perhaps asking the mum-to-be what she would like, such as when to have it and who she would like to invite might be a good idea!

Who should organise the baby shower and where?

The general consensus seems to be anyone but the mum-to-be!  A close friend or family member could take the lead.  Better still, perhaps a few people may want to share the organisation.   The venue depends on how many people are coming.  It could be a small cosy affair at someone’s house.  If there are quite a lot of guests, you may need to hire somewhere larger.

In essence, the baby shower can be as expensive or low key as you want  – whatever suits the mum-to-be.   The two most simple options are to ask guests to chip in a little money to organise it and buy food, decorations and a gift for the baby/ new parents.  Alternatively, ask different people to bring plates of food and/or decorations to help share the cost.

When is the right time to have a baby shower?

Towards the end of the pregnancy is considered the best time to have a baby shower (but not too close to the due date just in case the baby is early).   Baby showers are often seen as occasions to help provide emotional support, advice and gifts to the new parents.

Many parents don’t like buying or receiving baby products early due to superstition so having a baby shower in the last 6 -8 weeks is generally a favoured option.

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Who ought to be invited?

Traditionally the baby shower seemed to involve women only, namely close friends and relatives.  However, there’s nothing to prevent the dad-to-be and partners coming or having who you want.

The main point is to have a celebration so there are no strict rules.

It might be diplomatic to ask the mum-to-be who she would like.  Would she like to involve her grandmother, other family members, work colleagues, friends? If she is struggling with the politics of who to invite, perhaps there could be two.  One organised by – and for – close family.  The other with friends.

What happens at a baby shower?

Themes for baby showers seem to be popular.  Blue and pink are obvious ones or neutrals if the sex of the baby is unknown.  Other ideas are nursery rhymes or themes from classic children’s books.  There doesn’t have to be a theme though.  Perhaps a few decorations, some food and of course gift giving!  A lovely idea might be to take photo’s of the event for the mum-to-be.  Guests could sign the mount of the photoframe and it makes a wonderful keepsake gift.  There are also activities such as baby prediction cards where guests are asked to leave their predictions for the baby.

Gifts

Gift giving is part of a baby shower.  Often friends and family may want to give something to help new parents when the baby arrives.  Gifts don’t have to be expensive.  Often work colleagues or friends may form a kitty and club together to get something bigger.  However, it doesn’t always have to be expensive.  The thoughtfulness behind a gift is often very much appreciated.

Although gifts are often bought for the baby it may be a lovely thought to buy something for the mum – even some mum-to-be bath products for before or after the birth can be very welcoming.

I remember a friend coming to hospital with some bath pamper products for me after the birth of my daughter and 13 years on I still recall lying in a lovely bubble bath and just what a treat it was!