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Baby Shower FAQ
By Rachael Bender of BlueSuitMom.com
Who should have a baby shower?
Traditional showers were only thrown for first-time moms. In recent years this has been expanded and it is now acceptable to have a shower for each pregnancy. A mother also might have multiple showers - one for friends, one for co-workers and one for family.
When should a baby shower be thrown?
The best time to throw a shower is 6-8 weeks before the expectant mother's due date. You don't want the mother to be physically uncomfortable and you don't want to risk the mother could going into labor before or during the shower. This also gives the mom-to-be a chance to purchase baby gear that she may not have received as gifts. Some cultures throw the shower after the baby is born. If this is the case, you'll want to make sure the mother has had time to recover from the delivery.
Click here for our Baby Shower Checklist & Timeline
Who should throw the shower?
Years ago, it was considered improper for a member of the mom-to-be's family to host a baby shower. However, now it is much more acceptable and quite common for the shower to be thrown by a sister, mother, mother-in-law, best friend or co-worker. Some people still consider it tacky if the shower is thrown by the mother-to-be.
Where should a shower be held?
Many showers are thrown in the home. However other good locations include country clubs, restaurants or, in the case of a large shower, rented space.
Who should be invited and how many guests?
You should check with the mother-to-be to see how many people she wants to invite. If it is a surprise shower you'll need to check with her husband, best friend and mother to compile the guest list. The number of invitees depends on the type of shower.
What about inviting guys?
There is a trend of throwing co-ed showers which include the mom and dad. Typically these showers do not have the silly baby shower games that may occur at other showers.
What should be on the invitation?
Mother to be's name
Date and time of the shower
Hostess' name and phone number
Address of shower
Map of shower location (optional)
RSVP date and phone number
Shower theme (optional)
Sex of baby (if known)
Click here for Precious Moments printable shower invitations
How long should the shower last?
Generally a shower should be around 2-3 hours. The mother-to-be will most likely be worn out if the shower is any longer.
What do you do at a shower?
At their heart, baby showers are about celebrating the gift of life. They are a chance to fuss over the guest of honor, the mother-to-be. Traditionally baby showers are also a time to shower the new parents with baby gifts. There are different types of showers; some are more whimsical and may include baby games (click here for game ideas) other may forgo the games , instead choosing to have an elegant lunch or tea.
Most showers include time to watch the mother open the gifts so that they can properly "ooh and aah" over the precious baby gifts.
Do I have to play shower games?
No. You could have an elegant afternoon tea or a sit-down lunch at a country club. It's up to you.
Rachael Bender is the co-founder of BlueSuitMom.com, a site for working mothers. She is currently expecting her first child due December 2007.
