Parties set to celebrate soon-to-be mothers are known as “baby showers” because the attendees “shower” the moms with gifts. The term “baby shower” is also inspired by “bridal showers.” In the 19th century, brides used to open gift-laden parasols before their weddings, which gave the illusion of a literal shower of presents!
Whose name do you put on the baby shower invitation?
or "Welcome Baby Girl!" To include on the invitation: the name of the expectant mother or parents; the host's contact information and address, RSVP information, and reply-by date if necessary for party planning; and, if revealed, the baby's gender.
What are some themes for baby shower?
What are some themes for a baby shower?
- Rubber Ducky-Themed Baby Shower.
- Mustache-Themed Baby Shower.
- Game of Thrones-Themed Baby Shower.
- Nautical-Themed Baby Shower.
- Dinosaur-Themed Baby Shower.
- Cowboy-Themed Baby Shower.
- Harry Potter-Themed Baby Shower.
- Lumberjack-Themed Baby Shower.
Are baby showers only for first baby?
When it comes to tradition, a baby shower is held only for the first baby. Baby showers came about to help the parents-to-be prepare themselves for a new first baby (with a first baby, mom and dad need to buy lots of basic baby supplies they didn’t have beforehand, including large items like a baby stroller, a baby high chair, a baby car seat, baby crib, etc.).
How to plan a baby shower?
Nine to Ten Weeks Before:
- Determine who will host the shower.
- Select a date and time.
- Determine a budget.
- Select a venue.
- Finalize the guest list.
- Confirm the baby’s gender just in case mom-to-be wants a specific color palette.
- Choose a theme for the baby shower. ...
- Order your baby shower invitations and matching thank you cards.
What else can you call a baby shower?
15 Best Alternatives To Baby ShowerBaby sprinkle. A baby sprinkle is a low-key alternative to a traditional shower. ... Book drive. ... Virtual baby shower. ... Baby shower in open space. ... Drive-through baby shower. ... A day of pampering. ... A dinner party. ... Diaper shower.More items...•
What do you call a small baby shower?
What is a baby sprinkle or a baby sprinkle shower? A baby sprinkle is a type of baby shower to celebrate a family's second child. Instead of a traditional shower, the gifts are often diapers, wipes and a few outfits since many families who are expecting their second child already have a lot of the gear they'll need.
Why do they call it a baby sprinkle?
The name says it all: Instead of a bigger party where first-time parents are showered with gifts, a baby sprinkle is a more casual, relaxed gathering where the guests of honor are "sprinkled" with support and potentially smaller gifts.
What do you call a 3rd baby shower?
For those not in the baby-shower trenches, a sprinkle is a baby shower lite, a Diet Coke of baby showers, designed to celebrate the impending birth of a second (or third or fourth. . .)
What is a traditional baby shower?
Guests bring small gifts for the expectant mother. Typical gifts related to babies include diapers, blankets, baby bottles, clothes, and toys. It is common to open the gifts during the party; sometimes the host will make a game of opening gifts.
What can I do instead of having a baby?
53 Things You Can Do With Your Life Besides Having KidsTake up a fun new hobby you've always wanted to try.Travel and explore the world to your heart's desire.Start a non-profit organization for a cause you feel passionately about.Be an involved and loving aunt or uncle.Start your own business.More items...•
Who should host a baby shower?
Who Hosts a Baby Shower? Most baby showers should be hosted by a sister, mother, mother-in-law, or close friend. Baby showers were traditionally thrown by family members who weren't close with the parents-to-be, to avoid the assumption that close family members wanted to collect gifts for themselves.
Who throws the baby shower?
Typically, a close friend or family member will throw your shower, but coworkers or another loved one can all host the party. While every baby shower is unique, the host usually takes care of organizing everything — so you can sit back and enjoy being celebrated.
Who should host a baby sprinkle?
A baby sprinkle should not be hosted by the parents or immediate family. Instead, friends and siblings can join in to host the sprinkle, and certainly anyone can be invited although it's best to keep the list of invitees small, especially now, in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Should I have a baby sprinkle?
Etiquette says that a baby shower should be given for the first baby only, and should be given by a non-family member. So, when a second baby comes along and a sprinkle invitation arrives, you might be a little put off at first. The family already has all the baby essentials.
Are co ed baby showers common?
They are becoming more popular and mainstream, but they aren't for everyone. Some moms like the idea of sticking to the traditional girls-only shower, while others like the idea of mixing things up and getting everyone involved.
What is a Jack and Jill baby shower?
A Jack & Jill shower is more or less a co-ed baby shower where not only can the mother-to-be, her gal pals, and family celebrate but the father-to-be and his male friends and family can also join in.
How do you plan a lowkey baby shower?
How to Plan a Low-key + Classy Baby ShowerDon't go too crazy on decor.Definitely have snacks & a mock-tail (with the option of adding alcohol!)Have some kind of fun, optional activity.
What is a diaper baby shower?
Also known as a “Dadchelor Party” or a “Man Shower”, a diaper party is a baby shower for guys. Normal baby showers are held for the mother. Gifts for the baby, such as clothes or strollers, are also given. However, a diaper party is not a typical baby shower.
What do you call baby showers after the baby is born?
Baby showers after the baby is born are most commonly called postpartum baby showers. There are also several other names for a baby shower after the baby is born such as meet the baby party or a sip and see the party.
What to consider when hosting a baby shower?
The main thing to consider is that it will be mostly family and close friends are invited to the party, much like in the traditional baby shower. You can decide to host the party or have a friend organize it for you. There are several things you will have to consider.
Why do you have a sip and see party after birth?
It would be a good idea to hold the baby shower party after the baby’s birth because you are sure it will be all about the baby.
How soon after birth should you have a baby shower?
How soon after birth should you hold a baby shower Party ? If you’re holding the party after the baby is born the party should ideally be 2 to 3 months after the baby’s birth. That will ensure the mother has healed from the birth process, and the baby is old enough to have many people see them.
Why do you have a baby party at your parents house?
The logical reason would be to host the party at the parents’ house. That way, you limit the distance the new mum has to travel and prevent fatigue for the baby. You can also decide to hold it at a close friend’s place.
What is the purpose of a new parent's birthday?
The new parents or close friends plan such an event, the main agenda being to give family and friends a chance to meet and greet the new family member. It involves celebrating the bundle of joy with close friends and family.
Can you hold a baby all the time?
Most people come to see and hold the newborn. However, the baby cannot be held all the time, so it’s crucial to ensure you have a few games to liven up the event. You can also consider the ideas we have shared below to liven up the party.
How to decorate a baby shower?
Give everyone fabric paints and a plain white one-piece and bib to decorate. The best part of this messy-but-brilliant baby-shower activity is that it's not only fun for guests, but the mom-to-be ends up with handmade keepsakes that she'll actually use. Leave it casual, or turn it into a contest by having guests vote on their favorite piece and giving the winner a bottle of wine. Another option: Have each guest write a message or draw a picture with permanent markers or fabric paints on a square of fabric; then, post-party, Mom's craftiest friend can sew the squares together into a cute play blanket or quilt.
How long should a shower be?
"Depending on the size of your guest list, gift-opening can go on and on, and a shower should really be three hours long at the most," she says. And, of course, even if your guests insist that a thank-you note isn't necessary, you should always send one. (You have up to the baby's 2-month birthday to say thanks without being late, according to EmilyPost.com.)
Is it okay to have a second baby shower?
Although it used be considered a faux pas by etiquette experts to have a second-baby shower, it's totally okay these days. " A shower is about celebrating the new life – and if people want to celebrate every birth, even if they have 20 kids, that's fine," says Cheri Osmundsen, a mom of three in San Clemente, California.
Is a baby shower good for you?
Soon enough, just about everything in your life is going to revolve around your baby. If that's not reason enough to let someone throw you a fabulous mom-to-be bash, consider this: "A baby shower can really help you feel less overwhelmed by equipping you with a lot of what you'll need when the baby arrives," says Jodi Cohen, cofounder of JOWY Productions, a Los Angeles event company. Whatever helps relieve new-parent stress is a very good thing. That's why we're answering expectant moms' most common baby-shower questions.
What is the host for a baby shower?
For the host: The host is traditionally a friend or family member of the parents-to-be. Set a date that will work for the parents-to-be, generally two months before the due date.
How long does a baby shower last?
Lasts about two hours. A baby shower is more elaborate affair that celebrates the transition to parenthood. It's often appealing to first-time parents, who often need a lot of baby gear and have more time available to help plan (or at least voice their preferences to the baby shower host).
What is a baby sprinkle?
A baby sprinkle is similar to a baby shower. Both are parties that celebrate the coming of a tiny new family member. The difference is that the baby sprinkle is a more-casual, lower-key affair – a mini version of the full-blown baby shower. Here's a quick look at some specific differences between a baby shower and a baby sprinkle:
What is the etiquette of a baby sprinkle?
The etiquette of a baby sprinkle is the same as a baby shower. Baby sprinkle gifts tend to be practical, such as diapers, a double stroller or car seat, and new baby clothes. Popular sprinkle shower theme ideas include rain showers and (of course) candy sprinkles. Make sure to include big brothers or sisters in the party planning – it will help ...
Why do you sprinkle your baby?
Including your older child or children in a baby sprinkle is a great way to help them get excited about the new baby.
What to do if baby registry isn't listed on invitation?
For the guest: RSVP with your response. Bring a gift. If a baby registry isn't listed on the invitation, ask the host for a registry link or specific gift ideas.
What to do for a rain shower?
Consider a rain shower theme with clouds, a sun, and rainbows. Use tinsel decoratively to symbolize a light rain, add umbrellas to mocktails, or serve cloud-shaped cookies. Baby sprinkle party favor idea: travel-size shower gel and a pouf.
What are the rules for a baby shower?
Although there are no official rules about what should happen at a baby shower vs. a sprinkle, the two events might look something like this: 1 A baby shower is often more formal, features a variety of games and decorations, and has a bigger guest list. Because first-time parents need so much new gear, a traditional shower usually includes a full baby registry . 2 A baby sprinkle is usually more casual than a traditional shower and focuses on surrounding the seasoned parents with warmth and love. Since the guests of honor likely already own most big-ticket items, the registry might include smaller essentials such as diapers, wipes and onesies.
What is the difference between a baby shower and a sprinkle?
a sprinkle, the two events might look something like this: A baby shower is often more formal, features a variety of games and decorations, and has a bigger guest list. Because first-time parents need so much new gear, a traditional shower usually includes ...
What is a baby sprinkle?
The name says it all: Instead of a bigger party where first-time parents are showered with gifts, a baby sprinkle is a more casual, relaxed gathering where the guests of honor are "sprinkled" with support and potentially smaller gifts.
What to put on baby sprinkle registry?
A few ideas to consider adding to your baby sprinkle registry, depending on your situation: Diapering products: Basics you’ll need right away and will go through quickly, such as diapers , diaper cream and wipes.
Do you need to register for a baby shower?
However, other families may need to register for bigger items (for example, if there's a big age gap between siblings and the parents need to stock up on newborn gear all over again).
Do you need to decorate with baby sprinkles?
Since baby sprinkles are usually informal, the host doesn't need to go all-out with elaborat e decorations , fancy invites and gift bags. While it's not necessary to choose a specific theme, many parents and hosts find that it does help make decorating easy.
Can you email baby sprinkle invites?
When it comes to baby sprinkle invites, don't worry too much about formality. If the host wants to mail traditional invitations, that’s totally fine, but know that a email invite works well, too. Baby sprinkle etiquette usually recommends that you not include registry information on the invite, but have it handy for those who ask (no doubt a few will!).
What is a sprinkle in a baby shower?
For those not in the baby-shower trenches, a sprinkle is a baby shower lite, a Diet Coke of baby showers, designed to celebrate the impending birth of a second (or third or fourth. . .) baby, but with an intimate guest list and smaller-scale gifts—more Sophie la Girafe, less Uppababy Vista. The presumption is that a mother ...
When to toast baby 2?
2: the “sip and see,” offers Meier, “a casual, small celebration or party, often unisex, which takes place typically in the first weeks or month after the baby is born.
What is the golden rule for second showers?
Above all, the golden rule for second showers and sprinkles is to gauge the mother-to-be’s take. Any woman who expresses that she’s not comfortable with yet another party in her honor, says Post, “would not be a good candidate for a sprinkle.”
Is Blake Lively's second baby shower socially acceptable?
This pesky question arose again this week, when reports of Blake Lively ’s second baby shower (possibly attended by her friend Taylor Swift) surfaced: Are second showers, or sprinkles, socially acceptable? According to a few modern manners gurus, yes—and no. It really all depend s on the circumstance.
Do you need a baby shower for a second child?
“If you already have that, you don't need a baby shower.” Particularly if the second child is of the same gender as the first, the assumption is that the family is well stocked with clothing and blankies. Registering for gifts for a second child of the same gender could be seen as “greedy,” notes Myka Meier, founder of New York’s Beaumont Etiquette.
