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A woman’s life changes as soon as she becomes a mother. Your whole world starts to revolve around your baby, with their needs becoming your top priority – and rightly so. As such, you definitely deserve an amazing baby shower before diving into that phase in your life. A baby shower not only helps you relieve the stress of becoming a new parent but equips you with almost everything that you need when your little one finally arrives. With modern showers focusing more on creating a fun and comfortable experience for you and your guests, we take a look at things that every new parent needs to keep in mind when it comes to their baby shower.
1. Who Should Host The Shower?
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Traditionally, baby showers are hosted by someone who is a friend or a distant relative of the mom-to-be. Close relatives have always avoided throwing the shower as that was perceived as the family simply collecting gifts. However, people are much more liberal these days about who hosts the shower. Modern baby showers could be hosted by anyone from the mother, mother-in-law, or a sister, for that matter. However, the guest-of-honor does not usually throw her own shower.
2. When To Throw The Baby Shower?
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When it comes to timing, it is always best to organize the shower at least four to six weeks before the due date. This gives the new parent enough time to get stuff that the baby might still need. It also ensures that the person would not go into labor in the midst of the shower. Alternatively, people are also increasingly considering throwing a “welcome baby” party post-labor, especially if the parents are planning to have a naming or christening ceremony for the newborn.
3. Whom To Invite To The Event?
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Curating the guest list for your shower can get a little tricky. Make sure you add your close family and friends to the list. However, you could skip distant relatives, acquaintances, and your mom’s sister’s friend, for that matter. The goal is to invite people who care about you so that they could all share the happiness with you without feeling obliged to attend. Also, it is always best to provide the host/hostess with the list of people you would want at your shower so that the process becomes easier for them.
4. Planning A Shower For The Second Or Third Pregnancy
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Unlike earlier, when hosting a shower for the second or third baby was considered superfluous, people these days don’t really care for the most part. Showers are a way of celebrating a new life. So if you wish to throw one for each of your kids, it is totally up to you. However, if you feel odd throwing a lavish party for your second or third pregnancy, maybe you could go for a low-key event or brunch with your closest friends.
5. Hosting Co-ed Showers
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Co-ed showers are becoming a trend, with inviting male friends and relatives to the event becoming increasingly common. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with hosting a co-ed event, including guys would most likely change the chemistry of your shower. Traditional “female-only” baby showers offer the mom-to-be with a bonding experience with her close female friends and family. On the other hand, you could have lots of fun at a co-ed baby shower as well. If you are planning on having such an event, make sure to also consider your partner’s suggestions so that he would be comfortable at the event as well.
6. Ditching The Conventional Way Altogether
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If the traditional baby shower set up is not your cup of tea, fret not! Quite a lot of women have lately been considering transforming their “shower” into a more intimate event with their close friends or loved ones. This could be anything from a casual girls’ night out to an intimate soirée with your favorite people. You could also go for a relaxing mani-pedi or find an in-home spa service and unwind for the day.
We hope that our tips help you have a baby shower that you would actually enjoy. Let us know in the comments section how you planned your shower.
