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Baby showers were virtually unheard of in the UK 15 years ago, but now the American trend has caught on and it’s safe to say that just like Elf on a Shelf, it is here to stay. Many people are still a little bit confused about what exactly is supposed to happen at a baby shower however, 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 nursey 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. It also gives the new parents an
excuse to not see visitors for a time after the birth, as no one will be
bringing round presents and interrupting while they try and get into a new
routine. Not only that, but it’s something for mum to look forward too as her
pregnancy progresses.
After the Birth
Some expectant mothers would rather wait
until they have had a healthy child, and everyone is back home and doing well
before celebrating. Call this superstition, but many in the UK don’t like the
new baby shower tradition for exactly this reason. 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.
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
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. Afternoon
tea is popular for baby showers, after all, the mum can’t drink! Yet there are so
many unique baby shower venues for hire in London, that you’re sure to find something
to suit everyone tastes.
Decide who’s invited
As a baby shower is a more modern
tradition, everything about it is flexible. Most often, it is the mum-to-be’s
closest female relatives and friends, but if the boys want to get involved,
then there’s no reason why they shouldn’t! Having dad there as well can add a
lot of fun to the party and will provide you with even more ideas for
entertainment.
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.
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.
A baby shower is a time for the ultimate
celebration of bringing a new life into the world. It should be relaxed,
carefree, and above all, good fun. Your friend or colleague is sure to remember
the party your throw for them for years to come, and it will be a welcome break
for them as they reach the end of their pregnancy or are still adjusting to
life with a new-born.
