What Is a Baby Shower – Planning, Etiquette & Important Questions

What Exactly Is a Baby Shower?

A baby shower celebrates the upcoming birth of a darling baby girl or boy. Family and friends gather together to show their love and support for the mom-to-be. The event usually includes refreshments, games, and many heartfelt gifts to ensure the parents-to-be have everything they need for their little one.

Why is it Called a Baby ‘Shower’?

The main purpose of a baby shower is to provide the mom-to-be with everything she needs for her newborn. Loved ones referred to this as “showering” the mother with gifts, which is how this event got its name.

Where Does Baby Shower Tradition Come From & What is a baby showers meaning?

The meaning of a baby shower is universal, it is to celebrate and support the expect mom. Names may change, it could be a mom shower, or sip and see, or some other alternative. But in the end it’s the same goal. Give her support and community.

There are many theories about the history of the baby shower. Some believe baby showers were started during ancient times, while others say they began in the 1940s in America. The various eras are probably due to the concept of a baby shower changing so much over time.

One idea is that baby showers started around or before 1500 A.D. with the Native Americans when people gave gifts to pregnant women. Another school of thought says that baby showers originated with Egyptians and Greeks.

They gave gifts, not to the mother but to their deities.

It may have taken some time, but baby showers eventually made their way around the world. Since there are many different cultures and places involved, it seems that these celebrations became a sort of world collaboration.

Baby shower history is not very straightforward. Still, we do know that it eventually evolved into what it is today. Family and friends have a chance to gather, give gifts to the new parents, and celebrate the birth of a child. As with many traditions, it is a mix of many ideas, traditions, and customs, which in turn means, there are many types of baby showers out there.

Who Should Attend a Baby Shower?

You should invite close family and friends of the mom-to-be to the shower. That includes parents, grandparents, siblings, and best friends, but co-workers, neighbors, and other friends can also be great additions to the celebration, if they’re close with Mom. If the guestlist looks like it has a little too many ‘acquaintances’ on it, consider hosting multiple showers instead. This is a great solution for if your invite list gets a little long, but you still want to include everyone.

Who Should Throw a Baby Shower?

Traditionally a close friend or family member serves as the baby shower host. But it’s ok to ask a less “traditional” loved one to host the event. Really, anyone who will do an amazing job planning and organizing the shower is a great choice.

What if you’re the mom-to-be and want to host your own baby shower? That’s totally ok too! More and more moms are choosing to throw their showers themselves for various reasons. We also see many parents-to-be planning their own virtual showers.

When Should You Have a Baby Shower?

You want to allow plenty of time before the baby arrives to have a baby shower. Showers typically take place anywhere from 28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. This allows lots of time before baby arrives for mom to get the nursery ready with generous gifts from loved ones. This time frame is also when mom is still mobile and can easily walk around, making it a more enjoyable experience for her.

Places to Have a Baby Shower

There are so many great baby shower venue options to choose from. Locations can include a community clubhouse, a church hall, or a rustic barn venue. Match your venue to your theme by hosting a spring-themed shower at a tearoom, or a nautical-themed shower at an oceanside restaurant. If a friend or family member wants to open their house to guests, an at-home party is a wonderful option as well.

Are there several long-distance relatives on the guest list? Consider hosting a virtual baby shower to include those who aren’t able to attend in person.

Baby Shower Planning 

Hosting a baby shower takes lots of planning and organization. Your baby shower checklist should include these important steps:

• Set a budget
• Make a guest list
• Choose a theme
• Book a venue
• Send invitations and collect RSVPs
• Decide on food and decor
• Plan games
• Prepare gifts and party favors

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? We’ve got your back! The WebBabyShower planner helps you organize your shower from start to finish. Create a baby shower website, choose a theme, keep track of RSVPs, and more.

New Baby Shower Traditions 

More and more baby shower hosts are shifting away from traditional shower rules to create an event that best supports the mom-to-be. Modern baby showers include hosting virtual events, throwing a co-ed shower, and choosing unconventional themes.

The best “rules” to follow are that of inclusive baby shower etiquette that allows mom to have the event she deserves. Only follow baby shower etiquettes that help you stay organized and make your celebration a success.

FAQs

Should you have a baby shower for a second (or third or fourth) child?

Every baby should be celebrated. That’s why it’s completely acceptable to host a shower for a second, third, or fourth baby. Sometimes hosts will throw a baby sprinkle, which is a lighter version of a shower. This is a great option if the new arrival already has a few hand-me-downs from siblings like a crib, stroller, etc.

Do baby showers need games and a theme?

While it’s not required to have games and a theme at a baby shower, it does add to your guests’ experience. Games keep guests entertained throughout the event. Consider throwing in a few of these hilarious baby shower games.

Having a baby shower theme helps to tie in your decor, menu, games, shower invitations, and other elements for a cohesive feel. Whether you go with teddy bears, superheroes, unicorns, spring flowers, or another theme, it adds an element of fun.

What are co-ed showers?

A co-ed shower includes both male and female guests. This inclusive baby shower is becoming more popular and is a fun experience for everyone. Co-ed showers can include BBQ or sports themes, karaoke, lawn games, and more. Check out more ways to host a great co-ed baby shower.

Should you register for baby shower gifts?

It’s up to the mom-to-be if she wants to register for baby shower gifts. Some expecting mothers prefer to have a registry that lets guests know exactly what they need for their little one. It also makes it easier for long-distance loved ones to purchase and send gifts straight to the mom-to-be.

While it may feel like a registry is asking for guests, a baby shower is meant to provide the parents with necessary baby items.

Should you send thank you notes to people who attended your baby shower, and when?

You should absolutely send thank you notes to your baby shower guests and anyone who sent you a gift. Typically 2-3 weeks after the shower is customary. As you write your thank you card, show your appreciation for any gifts you received and the love and support from your guests.

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