ETIQUETTE

Throwing a baby shower is an honour and lots of fun, but can also be stressful. Many people may be involved with different opinions on how the baby shower should be thrown. We have included some of the more common baby shower questions that are asked or may come up below to help make your baby shower a major success:

Who Hosts the Baby Shower:

Historically, the baby shower was hosted by someone outside of the family (friend, co-worker, Aunt etc.). Today, anyone other than the Mommy-To-Be and her mom can throw a baby shower for her friend or family member! It is most common for the Best Friend, Aunt, or sister to throw the Mommy-To-Be the baby shower! It is becoming more common for co-workers, cousins, groups of friends, or church/temple friends to throw the shower and much appreciated. A party planner can be appointed and organise a lot of the items on the day.

When To Throw A Baby Shower:

It is traditional to have a baby shower one to two months before the baby is born. It is important to not have the shower too close to the Mommy-To-Be's due date in case she delivers early. It is also helpful to have it far enough away that the Mommy-To-Be has time to return items that she receives duplicates of or are not what she wants. She will also need time to order or purchase the items she did not receive that may have been on her baby shower list.

Surprise Baby Showers:

Although the surprise baby shower is not traditional, sometimes it is nice for a second baby shower (if the Mommy-To-Be is going to have a second) to throw a surprise party. Keep in mind that surprise parties can be a little stressful for the Mommy-To-Be as well as the planners since you need to make sure you invite the right people without asking and pick an available time when the Mommy-To-Be and family will be around. It is our suggestion to not have this type of party as the first baby shower, but if there are going to be multiple showers then this can be fun!

Welcome Baby Showers:

A welcome baby shower is "after the fact" of the little one being born! This is not traditional party but a great way to have people that could not make the baby showers join in on the fun. The issue with welcome showers is that the new parents will probably be overwhelmed with the new baby and want some alone time. The Welcome Baby Showers, for this reason, are usually thrown a month or two after the baby is born to give the parents time to adjust. The nice thing about welcome showers is that the Mommy-To-Be can tell her host and guests what she still doesn't have for the baby so it is a great way of her getting all the essentials she still does not have.

Baby Shower Location:

Traditionally, the baby shower is held at a home, church/temple or restaurant. Today, it is common to see baby showers at country clubs, parks, restaurants, bars and any place where people can gather! I prefer the warmth of a baby shower at some friend's house since it is more quaint, comfortable and homey! If there is a second or third shower, a restaurant with a private room, bar or church/temple are great places to throw the baby shower! Baby showers have also been made into overnights at a spa or hotel for those who may have a little larger budget. It is important to take cost into consideration since someone will have to pay for the shower. It is also important to think about the weather and time of day when the baby shower is going to take place to figure out where the baby shower should be thrown.

Who To Invite To The Baby Shower:

Historically, a baby shower was only for the first born as well as there was only one shower so everyone important to the Mommy-To-Be was invited (women only). Today, many woman have multiple showers for the same baby and that it is not only for the first born anymore! It is important to follow the suggestions we have listed below:

- Check with the Mommy-To-Be's parents on who to not forget to invite.
- Make sure there are no schedule conflicts with the important people going (Mommy-To-Be, her mom, her husband who may want to show up at the end, best friends)
- Make sure to give guests a few weeks to purchase the baby gifts so send invites way in advance.
- More formal way to invite with real baby shower invitations (email to follow up with guests if you can get their email sent to you)

Should Men Be Invited:

Traditionally men were not invited to baby showers since it was a woman oriented party, however it was common for the man to show up at the end to help his wife with the presents. Today, many things have changed and it is absolutely okay for the men to be a part of the baby shower, in many cases couples parties or the husband coming at the end of the baby shower with his friends. The only drawback for men being a part of the baby shower is the atmosphere changing. That is, us girls may not be as "girly" and sentimental when the men are there teasing or making comments which is why for the first baby shower, it is nice to have only the women present with the men coming at the end.

Who Pays:

It is customary for the person who is the host (or hosts) to pay and it is considered the Mommy-To-Be's present from that person (or those people). Today, it is common for multiple people to throw the baby shower together which helps in splitting the cost.

Baby Shower Gifts:

Yes, it is customary to provide the Mommy-To-Be with some type of gift at the baby shower. Gifts can range from all shapes, sizes, and prices.

Mommy-To-Be's "Liaison":

Last, but not least, one of the nicest things anyone can do for the Mommy-To-Be is to be her personal Liaison during the baby shower. Due to the fact that the Mommy-To-Be feels bloated, tired, exhausted and maybe even a little stressed. It is helpful for someone to be there for the following:

• Place her in a comfy chair
• Get the Mommy-To-Be's favourite food for her
• Make sure she is always drinking lots of water / soft drinks.
• 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

By doing the courtesies above, you will be the Mommy-To-Be's favorite person and respected by all the people at the baby shower.

Baby Shower Food:

It is customary to serve some type of food and beverage, but this may vary. Traditionally, a baby shower was at high tea hour (Afternoon) where women with their umbrellas would site around on a warm day and get together having tea and light snacks. Today, anything goes as for food; from finger foods, appetizers, candy on tables, to full meals at restaurants. Tea has been replaced more with cold beverages, coffee, wine and other drinks. Usually a standard is having a cake for the baby shower's Mommy-To-Be. It is important to decide what to serve based on:

a.. Mommy-To-Be's wishes
b.. Budget
c.. Length of baby shower
d.. Location of baby shower
e.. Amount of guests invited
f.. Time of Day
g.. Season

I hope you find the baby shower information above useful and helpful in planning your baby shower.

CHECKLIST FOR A BABY SHOWER

Please, click here or on the graphic below to download our checklist for a baby shower, which you may print afterwards...