For the Parent (s)
- Three–Four Months Before Baby’s Arrival Decide if/when you want a baby shower It’s totally up to you whether your baby shower is before or after your baby arrives, the proximity to baby’s arrival date, or if you have a shower at all. ...
- Day of the Baby Shower Just relax—you’re the guest of honor! ...
- One–Two Weeks After the Baby Shower Send thank you cards ...
When is the right month to have a baby shower?
When Is the Best Time to Have a Baby Shower?
- Typical Timing. In years past it was common to have a baby shower at the very end of the third trimester. ...
- Don't Schedule It Too Early or Too Late. A baby shower should not be held before the 20-week mark in pregnancy. ...
- Different Timing. A family may have a variety of reasons for holding a baby shower earlier or later in the pregnancy.
What should I expect at a baby shower?
- Deviled eggs
- Bruschetta
- Shrimp cocktail
- Mini-meatballs in a sweet and sour sauce
- Skewered marinated mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes
- Deep-fried cheese ravioli with marinara sauce for dipping
- Fruit salad
- Vegetable crudite platter with spinach dip
- Cookies, plus the cake of course
When is the typical time for a baby shower?
The short answer is that there's no "right" time — some parents opt for a shower early on in their pregnancies, while others wait until a week or two before their due dates. Ultimately, the timing of your baby shower depends on what works for you, your family and the person hosting the event. When should you have a baby shower?
When can I take a shower Holding my Baby?
Your child can take a shower without being held as soon as he's able to walk. But you'll still need to stay close by to make sure he's safe and to handle the soaping, shampooing, and rinsing. To prevent falls, place a non-slip mat in the shower.
Who is supposed to throw a 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.
Is 6 months too early for a baby shower?
Don't Schedule It Too Early or Too Late A baby shower should not be held before the 20-week mark in pregnancy. Showers held too late, after 38 weeks, run the risk of the baby joining you for the baby shower. Use these two marks as your best guide.
What is a sprinkle baby 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.
What should you not do at a baby shower?
Baby Shower Dos and Don'tsDo involve the guest of honor in the planning process. "No opening of presents, no games, no crust-less bread. ... Don't surprise mom-to-be. ... Do keep food and drinks simple. ... Don't exclude the guys (or the kids)
Is 7 months too early for a baby shower?
The short answer is that there's no "right" time — some parents opt for a shower early on in their pregnancies, while others wait until a week or two before their due dates. Ultimately, the timing of your baby shower depends on what works for you, your family and the person hosting the event.
Is it bad to have an early baby shower?
There's no hard and fast rule, but many baby showers happen one or two months before the baby's due date. Throwing the shower sooner is fine, too; maybe there are scheduling constraints or concerns about the baby arriving early, for example.
Why is baby shower done in 7th month?
In some families the ceremony is held when the mother-to-be completes her seventh month of pregnancy. It is believed that after the seventh month, the baby and mother are in a safe phase. In some families it is celebrated at the end of the eighth month.
Is it OK to not have a baby shower?
We believe it's a party society makes us feel obligated to have. And if we don't, we're seen as going against the status quo. We're opting out for many reasons…. But in short FOR US this is the right decision for our life and child…and here comes the feistiness…it's not against the law to not have a baby shower.
When is it more common to have a baby shower?
As families more and more lived farther apart, it became more common to have a baby shower earlier in the third trimester. This is when the vast majority of baby showers occur now. Having more than one baby shower for pregnancy also is a factor in some of the parties being held earlier.
When to hold a baby shower for twins?
Expecting twins or other multiples : When a mother is expecting twins or other multiples, you might hold a baby shower very late in the multiples, you might hold a baby shower very late in the second trimester or earlier in the third trimester.
How many baby showers do mothers have?
Email. Photodisc / Getty Images. Most mothers will have at least one baby shower celebrating their first pregnancy and many mothers will have them for their subsequent pregnancies. One of the most common questions is about the best time to have a baby shower.
Do you have to go to bed rest during pregnancy?
The mother may have to go on bed rest later in the pregnancy. This also gives her a bit of time to prepare, going through what she needs to get her nursery ready for the multiples. Religious or cultural beliefs: Some cultures and religions have taboos against having a baby shower before the birth of a baby.
Can you have a baby shower at a family reunion?
It could be at a family reunion that was already scheduled or that you have every year. Seasonal, holiday, or other gatherings: Sometimes if the family is far-flung, having a baby shower around a holiday or another family gathering where most people will already be together is appropriate. It can take some planning to do both together ...
When did baby showers start?
Baby showers are a relatively recent phenomenon, rising in popularity during the baby boom of the 1940s and '50s. Nowadays they’re filled with joy and fraught with expectations. To ensure everyone—including the mother-to-be —will have a good time, follow these guidelines for planning the perfect pre-baby bash.
Who should host a baby shower?
According to tradition, baby showers should be hosted by a friend or distant relative (like a cousin or an aunt) instead of a close family member. This supposedly avoided the appearance that the family was simply on a mission to collect gifts.
Do you have to give gifts at a baby shower?
They’re not required to give gifts . If they wish, they may send a package to the home of the host, who can have it on hand for the baby shower. But they certainly aren't obliged to do so—a shower invitation is an invitation to a party, not a demand for a gift. It would be perfectly fine for the invitee who can't make the party to wait until ...
Is it necessary to host a baby shower for a second child?
Every pregnancy deserves celebration, but since the true purpose of a baby shower is helping new parents acquire gear and supplies, it's probably not necessary to host one for second or third children. Instead, consider throwing a baby shower designed to make their lives easier when they've got a newborn and other children to juggle.
When do you set a date for adopting a child?
For parents adopting a child, you might set a date once the child has arrived in their home.
Can a sister host a baby shower?
In fact, it's usually considered perfectly acceptable for a sister, mother-in-law, or even the guest of honor's mother to host or co-host a baby shower. It's still unusual for a mother-to-be to host her own shower, though.
Who should be on the guest list for a mother to be?
Naturally, close friends and family members should be at the top of the guest list. Beyond that, only choose guests who would gladly celebrate the mother-to-be and buy her a gift. You should certainly consult with the guest of honor and let her invite whomever she wants (keeping in mind any limitations on space, of course).
How to decide when to have a baby shower?
How to Decide When You Should Have Your Baby Shower. Once you get beyond the initial shock of getting a positive pregnancy test, you’ll start to settle into the idea of becoming a parent. As the doctor appointments and ultrasounds come and go, it will all begin to feel more real. Soon, you’re going to bring a baby home.
When do you have a shower during pregnancy?
Take any personal, religious, or cultural traditions into consideration before setting a date. That being said, most showers are held in the last two months of pregnancy.
What is a sprinkle for a baby shower?
A sprinkle is a light shower where guests may bring a few necessities (diapers, bottles, and more) and turn more of the focus toward honoring the addition to the family.
What is a baby shower?
A baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate your baby-to-be. It can also ease the financial burden of all those “must-have” baby items. Don’t get too bogged down planning and preparing for a big party late in your pregnancy. In the end, your baby doesn’t need that much stuff.
When do you deliver multiples?
Women carrying twins are six times more likely to deliver multiples before week 37 than women carrying just one child.
Can you have a virtual baby shower?
The good news is that no matter what happens, you really can have a shower whenever and wherever. Even the best plans sometimes need to be modified due to unexpected situations. There are websites like Web Baby Shower that help you host a virtual shower with friends and family from across the globe.
Can you shower if you are on bed rest?
Bed Rest. If you’ve been put on bed rest at home or in the hospital , your shower situation might change entirely . You may still be able to lay low and put your feet up while having some close friends and family come to your home.
When should you send baby shower thank-you notes?
It's always a good idea to send thank-you notes in a timely manner if you can. For baby shower thank-you cards in particular, sooner rather than later is smart — you don't want to have the task hanging over you after your little one arrives!
Who hosts a baby shower?
The point of a baby shower is for your community to "shower" you with gifts. Typically, a close friend or family member will throw your shower, but coworkers or another loved one can all host the party.
What is the job of a baby shower host?
Your only job at your baby shower is to be a gracious guest of honor and gift recipient. But you may want to give your host a break and pitch in with (or at least offer) the following:
What to do if your baby shower is virtual?
If your baby shower is virtual, be sure that wherever you join in from has a strong WiFi signal so you don't lose the call and miss out on any moments.
How long is a virtual baby shower?
Virtual baby showers can be shorter, about a half hour to an hour, because Zoom fatigue can come on fast.
What is a baby registry?
Creating a baby registry is a great way to identify the items you'll need before your little one arrives. While some guests like to do their own thing and go off-list, many of your guests will likely appreciate the guidance and want to gift you items that you need. Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating a registry:
Can you throw a baby shower for a second baby?
What about baby showers for subsequent pregnancies? Baby sprinkles, or baby showers for second- and third-time parents, have become more common only recently, so if your friends, family or coworkers want to throw showers for all your beautiful babes, why stop them? Keep in mind that it's particularly helpful to register for gifts for subsequent babies, because depending on when you had the first child, you may not need a load of supplies — only a mountain of diapers!
When is a baby shower good for a pregnant woman?
For pregnant moms-to-be, baby showers typically happen sometime during the third trimester. Around four to eight weeks before her due date is a good time.
How long should a baby shower last?
The typical amount of time for a baby shower to last is about two hours. That gives your guests plenty of time to eat or snack, chat with the mom-to-be, play games (if you’re offering games), and watch the mom-to-be open her gifts. Another option is a drop-in baby shower.
What is a baby shower?
Baby showers are a time to celebrate the little one on the way and give special (and needed!) gifts to the mom-to-be. But whether you’re hosting a baby shower, attending, or are the expecting mom, you probably have baby shower etiquette questions.
What is good baby shower etiquette?
Once you’re at the event, good baby shower etiquette includes keeping conversation encouraging and lighthearted!
What to do instead of a baby shower?
Baby Sprinkle. If you (or the parents-to-be) want a lighter, low-key party, consider throwing a baby sprinkle instead of a shower. This is a great option for the second (and beyond) child! A baby sprinkle won’t have all the bells and whistles that a baby shower does.
What to ask a pregnant mom?
Still, it’s a good idea to ask the expecting mom if she has any preferences (did somebody say “pregnancy cravings?”). Also ask if she’s OK with you ser ving refreshments that she can’t enjoy, such as alcohol.
Can you have a shower with kids?
Now, showers can also include men and kids. It simply depends on the vibe you want to create and who the expecting mother wants to include.
When to put on baby registry?
Once the shower date is set, the guest or guests of honor should create a baby registry (if they're planning to use one) at least a couple of months before the party. Figuring out what to put on a baby registry can take a while. And it's a good idea to give guests several weeks to shop for a gift.
What to do if you are hosting a shower for a friend?
If you're hosting the shower for a close friend, you may have some ideas about the guest list already. It's best to consult with the guest (or guests) of honor before finalizing your list , though. That way, you won't accidentally leave out someone important – or invite someone they would rather not include.
Is a surprise baby shower a good idea?
Think long and hard before choosing to throw a surprise party. If your guest of honor doesn't like surprises or was really hoping for a specific type of event, you could put them in an awkward position. On the other hand, if you let the future parents in on the arrangements, you can be confident that they'll be pleased with the outcome.
What is a baby sprinkle?
For parents who prefer a smaller event the next time around, consider throwing a " baby sprinkle ," which is a scaled-down version of a full shower.
Is it bad to throw a baby shower?
It used to be considered bad manners for a family member to throw a shower because it might seem like you're asking for gifts. But these days, just about anything goes. Any relative, close friend, or close co-worker should feel perfectly okay about planning a baby shower. It's still rare for the mom-to-be or grandparents-to-be to host a shower, but that may be changing.
Is it bad luck to shower after a baby arrives?
If it's best for cultural or logistical reasons to throw a shower after the baby's here, no problem. (In some cultures, it's considered bad luck to celebrate a baby or buy gifts before the baby arrives.) The point is to celebrate the addition of the baby to the family and to shower the parents-to-be with love and support – and some of the stuff they'll need.
Is it safe to shower for a second baby?
Showers for a second or subsequent baby have become more common and are considered appropriate. Parents whose children have a large age gap may be especially appreciative, because they may not have held on to their old baby clothes and gear. (Plus, some gear – like car seats – can become dangerously outdated.)
What are the rules for a baby shower?
Traditional baby shower etiquette still firmly applies to the planning aspect of the baby shower. The following rules apply to who can throw the shower in most settings: 1 It is considered inappropriate for you or your spouse to throw the baby shower. 2 It is considered rude to ask someone to throw you a baby shower. 3 Typically a close friend or one of the grandmas-to-be will throw a baby shower. 4 It is acceptable to have a sister or other family member throw the baby shower.
Can you have a sister throw a baby shower?
It is acceptable to have a sister or other family member throw the baby shower. Usually, someone will step up to throw a baby shower fairly early on. If you don't hear talk of a baby shower in the works consider who the likely candidates are for baby shower hostess.
Is it inappropriate to throw a baby shower?
It is considered inappropriate for you or your spouse to throw the baby shower.
Can you have multiple baby showers?
Who throws a baby shower can lead to some issues depending on the makeup and relationships within your family and friend groups. Some people will wind up having multiple baby showers thrown for them, sometimes without their knowledge until it's too late to combine them.
When did baby showers start?
Baby showers have been around in the U.S. since (no surprise!) the baby boom in the late '40s and '50s. So, too, has baby shower etiquette, an indispensable code of conduct for guests, hosts, and even moms-to-be. By following the few simple guidelines below, you can help ensure the forthcoming bundle of joy gets the wonderful welcome they deserve—and baby’s mom gets a well-earned day of fun.
Can you send a gift to a baby shower?
Speaking of the RSVP, be sure to respond to it promptly, just as you would for any other event. “If you decline the invitation,” Post adds, “you are not obligated to send a gift, though may send one if you choose to .”
Is it okay to sprinkle a baby?
Parents having second, third, or more babies have usually accrued plenty of infant gear. But it’s absolutely fine to have a “sprinkle” in honor of the newbie, says Post. "There might be other things you need that are more basic, like everyone needs a million onesies when they have a newborn," she explains, "although a sprinkle really is just a chance to wish everyone well and celebrate that there’s a new baby coming.”
Is a baby shower a coed celebration?
It’s a brave new world out there, and baby showers are evolving to include coed celebrations, says Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of etiquette legend Emily Post and a co-president of the Emily Post Institute. “There are Jack and Jill baby showers all the time,” she notes, and they're sure to differ from women-only showers in areas like decor (less pastel); food (more hearty fare); and games (gender neutral).“Every parent is absolutely entitled to a shower!”
What is the etiquette for a baby shower?
Some etiquette standards hold fast whether it's your first shower or your fifth. "A baby shower should not be hosted by the parents or immediate family, such as mom or mom-in-law," says Gottsman. "Friends and siblings can join in to host a shower, and certainly anyone can financially contribute." Etiquette also allows the host to include any requests from the parents-to-be, whether it's a bar full of creative mocktails for the pregnant mother, a ban on Baby Bingo, or a private gift opening session. "The guest of honor does not have to open all of the gifts in front of the guests," she adds. "You can opt to open them later and just enjoy the party."
How to celebrate a second baby shower?
"For a celebration for a second or third or fourth baby, you might want to include only close family, call it a celebration rather than a shower, and make it clear you are inviting them to celebrate," notes Gottsman. Include a note with the invitation that requests no gifts, and if anyone ignores it, put the gifts out of sight immediately to prevent awkward moments with the other attendees. Instead of a ladies' brunch or girls-only soirée, design a low-key, family-friendly celebration for before—or after—the baby arrives: Have the kids decorate bibs or onesies for their new sibling or cousin, give aunts and uncles a chance to write messages for the baby to read on his 18th birthday, set up a photo background to create a book of photos for the little one to look back on. "I recommend you curtail the guest list and, if you're on your third or fourth child, I really hesitate to encourage another shower," she continues. "A luncheon to honor mom or a barbecue once the baby is born feels different than a shower ."
Who should not host a baby shower?
Some etiquette standards hold fast whether it's your first shower or your fifth. "A baby shower should not be hosted by the parents or immediate family, such as mom or mom-in-law," says Gottsman. "Friends and siblings can join in to host a shower, and certainly anyone can financially contribute.".
Does the guest of honor have to open gifts?
"The guest of honor does not have to open all of the gifts in front of the guests," she adds. "You can opt to open them later and just enjoy ...
