Baby Shower Etiquette

Who should throw a baby shower?
Former baby shower etiquette says that anyone outside of the family should host a shower. Time has certainly changed to where anyone other than the expectant mother and her mom can throw a baby shower. Most commonly, a sister, aunt or good friend of the mommy-to-be is the host. Nowadays, co-workers, any relative, or close friend are fine with throwing the shower.

When should the Baby Shower be held?
Traditionally, a baby shower is held between one and two months before the birth of the baby. It is best to stay clear of the due date in case of an early delivery. Also, gift wise, there's enough time for exchanges of duplicates, if needed. Having the shower in this time frame will also give the expectant mother enough time to purchase other necessities that she may not receive from the shower, before the baby arrives.

It is a great idea to talk with the expectant parents first to avoid scheduling conflicts. Grandparents of the baby should also be consulted with to be sure that they are able to be present.

Sometimes, showers are scheduled after the arrival of the baby. This is called a "Welcome Baby Shower". This is following NEW baby shower etiquette. Sometimes, parents who have suffered past pregnancy loss or infant loss prefer to have this type of shower. With this type of shower, the guests are able to focus in on the gender of the baby, and also fill in gaps with gifts that the parents do not yet have, and are able to give unique baby gifts. The newborn present at the baby shower is also a great way to break the ice for any gathering! Other things to consider is whether or not this is an adoption baby shower being planned.

Location:
Often, the baby shower is held at a home, church or restaurant. Now, people choose to hold showers at country clubs, restaurants, bars and parks. Some people choose to make it an overnight event combined with spa treatment! When deciding upon a location, take weather into consideration to determine whether it should be indoor or outdoor.

Who should be invited?
Baby shower etiquette used to be that the first born was the only one to have a shower. Typically, it was also a "women only" event. The men usually were not in attendance, they normally would show up with their friends at the end of the party to help out with the presents. Today, that has all changed. Women have numerous showers for the same baby. Also, showers are repeated for babies born after the first born.

Baby shower invitations are the most formal way to invite guests to the shower. Consider using an effective baby shower checklist and/or planner to keep you organized. It is important to include the following:

Who pays for the shower?
According to proper baby shower etiquette, the person who hosts pays for the shower. This is considered the present to the expectant mother from the host. To split the costs, multiple people come together to plan and host the shower to cut costs down.

• Place her in a comfy chair
• Get the Mommy-To-Be's favorite food for her
• Make sure she is always drinking lots of water
• Get her something for her feet to be raised
• Massage her shoulders a little on down times
• Help her up and down from the chair
• Monitor her mood and the amount of stimulation going on
• See if you can get her anything a few times during the baby shower

Personally assisting at the shower will be respected by all the guests and a appreciated greatly by the Mommy-To-Be.

Baby Shower Food:
It is typical to serve some sort of food and beverage. Showers used to take place around the afternoon hours where women would have tea and light snacks with their umbrellas on a sunny day. Today, the type and style of food is up to the discretion of the host. Dependent on what the Mommy-To-Be likes, and budget of the party, there can be many options of what is to be served. Click here for great baby shower food ideas. People choose to have baby showers with a planned menu from finger food to full dinners in restaurants. Tea is not typically the beverage of choice, cold beverages such as baby shower punch, have since taken the place of tea, along with coffee and wine. Click here to take a look at some of my favorite baby shower punch recipes. Baby shower cakes for the shower is typically standard baby shower etiquette.

Can fathers have showers?
Absolutely! Fathers typically can get together at a restaurant, bar, or house for socializing. A father's shower can have baby shower gifts as well to continue the tradition. Enjoying company, drinking and eating is what a father's baby shower is mainly about. The Father-To-Be's parents or best friend might want to say a few words or make a toast, or give advice to the new father.

Click here for Baby Shower Food Ideas

Click here for Baby Shower Cakes

Click here for Baby Shower Checklist

Click here for Adoption Baby Shower

Click here for Baby Shower Gift Ideas