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Who gets a Baby Shower?
Tradition used to hold that only a first-time natural mother was showered, but in recent times every baby may get a shower and his or her mother gets as many parties as she has babies.
Who gives a Baby Shower?
Originally it was considered improper for family members to host a baby shower, but these days anyone can host a baby shower other than the mother-to-be herself. Female friends are the most common hostesses.
Who comes to a Baby Shower?
Any family or friends the mother-to-be wants to come. Unless it's a surprise shower, it's a good idea to let the mother-to-be see the guest list and suggest any additions. Though traditionally an all female event, the father and other male relatives or friends may be invited. The hostess should take a co-ed guest-list into account when planning the party; the guys generally don't go in for cutesy games and delicate finger foods. Possible guests can be contacted by phone or talked to in person, and there are many types of creative available for that extra special touch.
When do you have a Baby Shower?
Baby showers used to be given for the mother after the birth her baby, but it's more common now to have the shower two or three months before the due date. If the shower is thrown after the baby is born, allow sufficient time for the mother to recover her strength and desire to attend a party.
Where do you have a Baby Shower?
Most baby showers are held in someone's home, but there's no reason that other places can't be used. Maybe the mother-to-be's favorite restaurant is a better spot, or some rented space that can accommodate a bigger crowd.
What do you do at a Baby Shower?
Baby showers are all about making a well deserved fuss over the guests of honor. Gifts are given, treats enjoyed, and baby-themed games are played. The most important thing is to let the mother-to-be know how special she and her little one are to the people in attendance. Discussing possible themes or activities in a group can help the ideas to start flowing. See our page for some fun and easy-to-do suggestions.
What gifts are appropriate for a Baby Shower?
The right kind of gift really depends on the particular shower. Sometimes a gift certificate may be fine, other times a very personalized gift might be a better choice. Its helpful to check if the mother-to-be is registered anywhere. While it's hard to go wrong with much needed standard baby-supplies ( toys, diapers, formula, clothes, etc. ), some showers call for a different approach. For example, if the mother-to-be has had several children ( and showers ) already, then it might be nice if some of the gifts were more for her than the baby. See our page for many more creative gift ideas that can be ordered in just a few clicks. .
What is the order of events at a Baby Shower?
A typical baby shower might go as follows:
- Welcome the guests with any door-prizes.
- Introduce everyone if needed and have a few drinks or snacks.
- Play games.
- Have more food.
- Let the mother-to-be open her gifts
- Relax and chat with still more drinks and food.
How long should a Baby Shower last?
Naturally people should stay as long as they're enjoying themselves and schedules permit, but two hours seems to be a good length of time to plan for. Showers for co-workers that are being held at the office can require a little more planning to schedule, and you may not have as much time available. Having one or two people setup and decorate the shower site early can help save more time for the festivities.
What do you eat at a Baby Shower?
Full meals aren't normally served at baby showers. Finger-foods, sweets and light snacks, possibly in the theme of the party ( if there is one ) are more common. Alcohol, and perhaps caffeine, should not be served out of respect for the abstaining mother. See our page for some tips on choosing foods.
What games ( if any ) do people play at a Baby Shower?
There are any number of baby shower games that may be played, such as guessing the the size of the mother-to-be's tummy, or matching the guest to their baby pictures. A number of small prizes should be on hand to reward the winners. Games should be easy and only take a short time to play. Two or three games should be enough; more than five will have most guests glancing at their watches. See our page for some fun game ideas that all guests can participate in.
What about...?
Sometimes special circumstances arise in any occasion. What if, for instance, one of the intended guests recently miscarried? What if the mother-to-be is single, or is adopting? What about any number of other socially delicate situations?
The answer is almost always found by using tact, compassion and communication. As long as every mother and every child is treated with the love and respect they deserve, then the baby shower in question is bound to be a positive and joyful experience.
Should you invite exes to the baby shower?
You are thinking of inviting your ex’s to your baby shower. There are many things to think about if you are going to do this.
- Do they get along with all the guests invited?
- How well are YOU getting along with them?
- If you don’t have contact with that person ever, you shouldn’t invite them.
- You want a fun day and no trouble for the mom-to-be.
- Make sure there is no legal issues pending on any one you invite with the mom-to-be (example: unpaid support, property)
- Ask the mom to be to give you a guest list, this way you will not leave out anyone she wishes to invite.
Everyone wants to make this day special for the mom-to-be and dad if he is invited. You do not want hard feelings over inviting someone who is not much welled liked or wanted around. Discussing this with the family beforehand may be the best thing to do. If everyone agrees then invite him or her. Otherwise maybe it would be in the best interest not to.
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