A baby shower is a popular party in the Anglo-Saxon tradition in honor of the expectant mother. Contrary to appearances, this is not a new trend. As early as the 18th century, ladies would meet to shower a pregnant woman with gifts, support, and love, to chat, and to share their experiences. Today, the baby shower takes the form of a proper party – not just with gifts, but also with a buffet, games, and other attractions. How do you organize such a party? Find out how to plan a baby shower.
Planning a baby shower – who should do it?
The baby shower party is usually organized by the closest women in the expectant mother's circle of friends and family. Thus, the party can be planned by her mother, mother-in-law, sister, close cousin, or friend. Often, the party is a surprise for the future mother.[1,2]
Often, the pregnant woman decides to organize a baby shower herself. In this case, however, she should only suggest that she would like to have this type of party. The organizational tasks, the menu, the decorations, and receiving the guests should be handled by someone else so that the pregnant woman feels special and this day does not tire her out too much.
What is the perfect time for a baby shower?
Basically, a baby shower is always organized before the birth. This event is intended to be an opportunity to celebrate before the parents immerse themselves in their babysitting duties. It is best to plan the party in the third trimester. From the 6th to the 8th month, the pregnancy is usually stable and the woman feels significantly better than at the beginning.[3]
A suitable time for a baby shower is usually an afternoon on the weekend when all invited guests have enough time to help with the organization and have fun. The party itself should not last too long so as not to tire out the expectant mother. Two or three hours of joyful meeting with your loved ones are enough.
See also – How a pregnancy calculator works?
Baby shower ideas – How to choose the perfect location?
It is most convenient to organize a baby shower at the young mother's home – it saves her the stress of getting to the party or transporting the gifts. However, if the pregnant woman's apartment is not suitable, a friend's or mother-in-law's apartment, a café, or a restaurant is an alternative solution. It is also good to match the chosen location to the baby shower party ideas. If the idea is a boho picnic, it is worth choosing a place in the countryside, but if the baby shower is held in a glam style, it is better to choose an elegant restaurant.
How to organize an interesting baby shower?
So that the baby shower does not become boring, it is worth looking for baby shower ideas. You can get inspiration on what entertainment to offer the future mother and the guests. When efficiently organizing a baby shower party, it is very helpful to choose a specific theme to which individual elements of the party are adapted: decorations, games, snacks, music. Popular baby shower ideas include a guest book, quizzes, cake cutting, creative games, e.g., painting baby caps, photo sessions.
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[1] Montemurro, Beth (2006). “Origins of Bridal Showers and Bachelorette Parties”. Something Old, Something Bold. Rutgers University Press. pp. 26. ISBN 0-8135-3811-4. [2] Robin Elise Weiss (2009). The Complete Illustrated Pregnancy Companion. Fair Winds. pp. 320. ISBN 978-1616734435. baby shower history and tradition. [3] Le Carré, Camille (1999). El gran libro de etiqueta. Digital Publications, Inc. ISBN 978-09-3919-365-3. Consultado el 27 de septiembre de 2012.
