Everything You Ever Needed To Know About Baby Showers

A baby shower celebrates the impending arrival of a new baby. Friends and family unite to “shower” the expectant parents with gifts, advice, and good wishes.

What is a Baby Shower?

A baby shower is a party held to celebrate a mom-to-be and her unborn baby. The expectant mother is given gifts to help welcome and care for the new baby. Baby showers date back to ancient civilizations that held celebrations to honor pregnant women.

What is the Purpose of a Baby Shower?

The purpose of a baby shower is to:

• Honor the pregnant woman and celebrate her journey to motherhood
• Provide gifts and supplies she will need after the baby’s birth
• Offer the mom-to-be advice and support from experienced moms
• Allow friends and family to gather and express their excitement about the upcoming birth

What Happens During a Baby Shower?

Common baby shower activities include:

• Playing games like guessing mom’s baby bump size or predicting birth details
• Opening gifts like clothes, blankets, diapers, and baby care items
• Eating cake, snacks, and refreshments
• Giving parenting tips and sharing birth stories
• Taking photos to remember the special day

The mom-to-be unwraps gifts while guests watch and react. She can expect to receive 10-15 gifts at a typical shower.

How Many Months After Baby Shower?

Most baby showers occur around 4-6 weeks before the due date. This timing allows the parents to acquire supplies they’ll need after birth. It also prevents showers from happening too close to labor when the mom needs rest.

What is the First Thing You Do at a Baby Shower?

The host traditionally greets guests at the door as they arrive. Name tags or games like guessing the due date get everyone mingling. The mom-to-be makes an entrance after some guests have arrived.

Do Moms Open Gifts at Baby Showers?

Yes, opening gifts is a main event at most baby showers. The mom-to-be unwraps each present in front of the guests so they can see her reaction. Some moms open gifts after the shower and send thank-you notes later.

How Long Do Baby Showers Last?

Baby showers typically last 2-3 hours. Shorter showers of 1-2 hours keep the focus on socializing, games, and gift opening. All-day or full weekend showers allow for additional activities.

How Far in Advance Should Baby Shower Invites Go Out?

Send baby shower invitations 4-6 weeks before the planned event date. This gives guests time to RSVP and make arrangements to attend. Order invitations eight weeks out so you have a buffer before mailing them.

What Activities Are Done at a Baby Shower?

Fun baby shower activities include:

• Playing games like baby bingo or pinning a diaper on a baby doll
• Decorating onesies using fabric markers and stencils
• Doing crafts like making baby headbands or flower hair clips
• Taking pictures in a photo booth with cute props
• Writing advice cards with parenting tips for the mom-to-be

What are the Rituals Done in Baby Shower?

Some common baby shower rituals include:

• Guessing the baby’s birth details like gender, due date and time
• Having guests taste or smell baby foods and think the flavors
• The mom-to-be wearing a “sash” or corsage that says “Mom-to-be.”
• Playing the wedding tradition of having her wear a garter that guests remove with teeth
• Rubbing her belly for good luck and making a wish for the baby

Do You Make a Speech at a Baby Shower?

It’s common for the host, close friends, or family to make short, casual speeches about the mom-to-be. Guests also share brief advice and well wishes when the mom opens their gifts. But formal speeches are not required if the guest of honor prefers a more relaxed shower.

Who Pays for a Baby Shower?

The baby shower host traditionally pays for the event expenses, including venue, food, drinks, decorations, games, and activities. But co-hosting or asking attendees to contribute a small amount is acceptable. The guests supply the gifts.

Who Gives the New Mom a Baby Shower?

A close friend or family member usually hosts the baby shower, not the expectant mother. It’s improper for moms to host their own showers. Often, a sister, cousin, or co-worker volunteers to be the host. Grandmothers commonly host, too.

What if No One Throws Me a Baby Shower?

If no one offers to host a shower, the mom-to-be can politely ask a friend or relative. Or she can have a more intimate gathering, like dinner with a few loved ones before the birth. Having no shower is okay, too. Refer to guest selection tips when planning your guest list.

Who is Honored at a Baby Shower?

The guest of honor is the expectant mother. But friends may also give a baby shower for the mom and dad together, called a Jack and Jill shower. Adoptive parents are honored at adoption or “welcome” showers. Grandma may get her own grandma shower.

How Many Guests Should Be at a Baby Shower?

Aim to invite about 1-2 guests each year of the mom’s age. For a 25-year-old, that’s 25-50 guests. The venue size and budget also affect numbers. Keep it intimate with just close family and friends if preferred.

Does the Father Go to the Baby Shower?

Traditionally, baby showers were only for female friends and relatives. But many now also include men. Ask the parents if they prefer a women-only or co-ed couples baby shower before finalizing the guest list.

Does the Baby Shower Host Buy a Gift?

Yes, the host should supply a gift too. It can be something smaller or for the mom rather than baby items since the hostess is already providing the party. Host at your own home, keep costs down, or co-host if you have budget concerns.

Can a Mom Throw a Baby Shower for Her Daughter?

It’s common for new grandmas to host a shower for their daughters. But be mindful not to impose if your daughter wants something different. Offer to co-host with her sister or friend so she has a familiar face there, too. Read about baby shower cake ideas

A baby shower lets loved ones gather to celebrate a mom-to-be before her new baby arrives. With gifts and advice, they “shower” her with support at the start of a fantastic journey.