How to host a baby shower

Who is given a baby shower?

The history of a baby shower is quite long, but always has the same purpose. To celebrate both a new baby entering their family and a new mother being created too.
Traditionally, a baby shower is given to the mother to be. All other women that are close to the mother to be are invited to share gifts and wisdom.
The modern woman now finds herself sharing the experience with the father to be and co-ed baby showers are becoming more popular than ever before.
It is also common for baby showers to celebrate the birth of an ‘unexpected surprise’ to already practising mums and dads. Long after they have given away their baby items, they too need to begin all over again.

When to give a baby shower?

It is most common to host a baby shower approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the baby’s due date.
Of course, this is purely a guide and some mothers choose to have their baby shower 6-8 weeks prior to be able to make any last trimester purchases which were not presented to them from their baby shower.
Some mothers to be find their baby just could not wait to join them and in this instance, it is perfectly acceptable and enjoyably held after the birth.
When you have decided the approximate timeframe, it’s time to set a date. Keep in mind any major holidays approaching or special occasions such as weddings which may clash with your date.

Who runs a baby shower?

Who runs a baby shower is as varied as the person who is given the baby shower.
In some cultures a group of women host a shower collectively; some mothers have their mothers or a close friend. And some choose to host their own.
It is up to the mother to be to think who they would like in control of their baby shower and it a good idea to speak to the mother to be to get an understanding of what it is she would like to achieve for the day.
The host or hostess’ are responsible for the theme of the day (after consulting the mother to be perhaps, unless she is ok with total surprises). This could be a theme around baby feet, nursery rhymes, well-loved book characters or anything at all.

What happens at a baby shower?

Traditionally, a baby shower has five main component’s –
1.      Welcoming your guests
2.      Playing games
3.      Opening gifts
4.      Supper
5.      Thanking your guests

It’s a great idea to welcome your guests and introduce them to other friends and family whom they may not know. This is also an important task for the host/ess so the mother to be is not spending all of her time ensuring people are mingling. A great idea is to present each guest with a name tag and how they know the mother to be.
Games are an integral part of the modern day baby shower. The amount of games should vary with the amount of guests attending. Just like a game of bowling, the more players you have, the longer each game takes to complete. Guest up to 15, its suggested up to 6 major games, with less as the guest limit increases. 25 or more guests, 3-4 major games should be enough.
Opening gifts and supper can be interchangeable where either can be last. If people have worked up and appetite or a thirst from the days play, then now is a great time to take 5 and present your guest with something to eat and drink. While they gather around, you can announce gifts will be opened and they are free to see them now, or afterwards. Alternatively, you can incorporate the gift opening with a final gift bingo game to entertain guests while presents are opened. This leaves the mother to be free after opening gifts to enjoy time chatting to her guests over something yummy.
Finally, be sure to thank all your guests for coming to help celebrate your special day.