Many people are still a little bit confused about what exactly is supposed to happen at a baby shower, so if you’ve been tasked with organising one for your best friend or colleague, it’s a good idea to know exactly what’s expected of you.
What is a Baby Shower?
A baby shower is a party that usually happens before the birth of a child were guests ‘shower’ the expectant mum with gifts. While in the UK it has always been traditional to wait until after the birth before giving gifts, the baby shower trend has taken over from this. Yet you can still have it after the birth. There are pros and cons to both of these, so it’s best to talk to the mum-to-be herself or to her family before you start organising.
Before the Birth
This is the tradition that has come to us from the States, and it does have its benefits. For one, an expectant mum can put together a small gift registry of items that she needs before the baby gets here. She can then have the nursery set-up and any additional items bought in preparation. While all gifts are welcome, sometimes buying from a registry instead of the usual cuddly toys and clothes that tend to appear after the birth, can really help a new family out.
After the Birth
If you are hosting a party after the birth, it can also double as a naming day. Everyone will know baby’s name and gender and can buy gifts accordingly. This way, the new parents can get all of the visitors over in one day, and it brings a sense of normalcy with it after the birth.
How to Organise a Baby Shower in 5 Steps:
Pick a Date
It’s important that the date works with the
majority, if not all, of the people invited. If it is happening before the
birth, it’s usually in the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. If after, it’s
going to be more likely to change, but normally it is at least 8 weeks after
the birth.
Venue and the Invite List
A baby shower doesn’t always have to happen at someone’s house. To get away from the pressures of hosting in your own space, consider hiring a chilled-out venue where everyone can gather. Then, think about sizes, and consider who will be on your invite list.
Décor
Some decorations are essential for any baby
shower, and there are a number of themes that work really well. As baby showers
have grown more popular, decorations have popped up in loads of shops, and of
course there is always a whole range of items available online. A cake is traditional
and can decorated to match your theme.
Games
Games at a baby shower are essential. There
are a whole range to choose from as well, that start at the sweet and innocent
and go all the way into ‘diaper’ humour. If the mum to be doesn’t know the
gender, having everyone guess is fun, and games are a great way to break the
ice between people who might not know each other too well.
Other Things to Remember about baby showers:
While the expectant mother can’t have any
alcohol, having a few mimosas or something similar aren’t out of place at a
baby shower, just forego the shots!
Food is always essential. Having cakes and
sweet treats is good, but savoury nibbles should also be included.
Let everyone know the final date in plenty
of time and send out invites. If there is a gift registry, make sure the guests
know about it.
Keep birth and pregnancy horror stories to
a minimum. If someone tries to talk about anything too gross, change the
subject. A baby shower is not the place.
Stick to the ending time. No one likes
guests that stay past their welcome, and particularly not If you’re heavily
pregnant. Take the reins and make sure everyone leaves on time.
What are the best baby shower activities?
There are so many fantastic baby shower activities, but some of our favourites include:
Baby Shower Bingo
Create bingo cards with baby-related items or predictions about the baby, like the due date or baby’s first word. How cute is this icebreaker for getting everyone engaged?
Diaper Raffle
Ask guests to bring a pack of diapers in exchange for a raffle ticket. The prize could be a gift voucher or a small keepsake, making it a practical and enjoyable activity.
Baby Name Suggestions
Guests can suggest baby names, and the parents-to-be pick their favourite. You can even tie it into the event’s theme, making it a little extra special.
Onesie Decorating Station
Provide plain onesies and fabric markers or paints for guests to decorate. This creative activity gives everyone a chance to leave a personal touch, and the baby will have adorable, custom outfits!
Guess the Baby Food
Offer a variety of baby food jars, and guests have to guess the flavour. It’s a playful and often hilarious game, and is a super wholesome way to break up the day.
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