What should a baby shower include?

In this article

  • Who should host the baby shower?
  • When should the baby shower be held?
  • Where should we hold the baby shower?
  • What kind of invitations are right for a baby shower?
  • What should we do at the baby shower?
  • How big should the budget be?
  • Who should be on the invitation list for the baby shower?
  • Can I throw a shower for the expectant mum and dad?
  • Is it okay to throw a baby shower for a second child?
  • Is a surprise baby shower a good idea?

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Baby shower planning
What should a baby shower include?
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Who should host the baby shower?

It used to be considered bad manners for a family member to throw a shower because it might seem like you're asking for presents. But these days, just about anything goes. Any relative, close friend or close work colleague should feel perfectly happy about planning your baby shower.

When should the baby shower be held?

Any time after conception is fine, but most mums-to-be appreciate a shower later in pregnancy.

By then, she can be sure that all is going well. And a party can be a welcome diversion as the months tick by. Besides, it makes it seem more real if the mum-to-be is touting a big belly.

Before setting a date for the party, talk to guests you really want to be there. They may be able to warn you about any prior commitments.

You may also have to take into account the prior commitments of grandparents, if you want them to come, too. Nothing is worse than planning a party and sending out invitations, only to find that the most important people can't make it.

If the mum-to-be decides to have the shower after the baby is born, that's fine, too. Then guests can bring gifts specific to the baby's name or sex. And with a newborn baby to fuss over, there'll be lots to talk about!

Where should we hold the baby shower?

You need to consider the location before deciding on how many people to invite. Ideally, the party shouldn't be held at the mum-to-be's house. It's not fair for her to have to worry about cleaning up before everyone arrives and after they've gone.

If the mum-to-be does want to be at home, you could ask a few of the invitees if they'll stay behind to help clear up.

You could ask around to see if anyone else is prepared to host the event at their home. If not, consider booking a room at a community hall or local pub or restaurant, or having tea and cake at the mum-to-be's favourite café.

What kind of invitations are right for a baby shower?

You can send traditional invitations by post, or invite the guests via social media or email.

Make the theme of the shower clear on the invitation, as well as including the basic who, what, where, when, and RSVP instructions.

Find out if the parents-to-be have created a registry with a baby shop or department store. Or they may have written a list of items they want that guests can consider purchasing for them. If so, you can share that with the guests when you invite them. Or offer the information when guests RSVP.

Plan to send invitations out early enough so the guests have at least a few weeks' notice. This should give them enough time to work the shower into their calendar and shop for the perfect present.

Baby shower themes

Get ideas for boys', girls' and neutral themes.More pregnancy videos

What should we do at the baby shower?

Before finalising your activities, consider the following:

  • You may want to choose a theme to tie everything together. Although it's not necessary, it can help you make decisions about the various elements of the party and it's often fun for guests.
  • You'll probably want to serve some kind of food and drink, depending on the time of day, your budget, and how formal or casual you want the shower to be.
  • Baby showers usually aren't complete without some fun or silly games. But don't worry if your guests aren't the competitive types, there are plenty of other kinds of activities to keep them entertained.
  • It's common to give a goody bag to everyone who attends a baby shower, or you can just offer individual prizes to guests who win games.

How big should the budget be?

If you don't want to pay for the whole thing yourself, the best way to cover the cost is to ask each guest to chip in. When working out how much it might add up to, factor in the following:

  • the main gift, if you all want to contribute to a bigger, combined present
  • food, drinks, paper plates and cups, and disposable or compostable cutlery
  • going-home goody bags
  • prizes for games
  • venue hire
  • decorations
  • cake

Who should be on the invitation list for the baby shower?

If you're hosting the shower for a close friend, you probably have a good idea of who you'll need to invite. But it's best to consult with the guest of honour before finalising your list. That way you'll avoid leaving out someone important or inviting someone your friend would rather not include.

Can I throw a shower for the expectant mum and dad?

Although many baby showers are still for women only, baby showers for both women and men are becoming more popular. Some dads even have their own separate baby shower. It really depends on the type of party you're planning.

Is it okay to throw a baby shower for a second child?

Showers for a second or subsequent baby are becoming more common. There’s always reason to celebrate a new baby, whether it’s a large or small affair. If there’s a wide age gap between the children, parents may be appreciative of receiving items that they have already given away or thrown out from overuse.

Sometimes parties for second or subsequent babies are called "baby sprinkles". Think of it as a scaled-down version of a full shower. So, for example, instead of a party with games and activities, think about throwing an afternoon picnic in the park or preparing a delicious brunch for close family and friends.

Is a surprise baby shower a good idea?

A word of caution: think long and hard before deciding to throw a surprise party. If the parents-to-be don't like surprises, they may feel awkward and the party may not be as memorable as you'd hoped.

Unless you're sure they'd appreciate your efforts, it's safer to let them in on the arrangements. That way you can be confident that the stars of the baby shower will be pleased with the outcome.

Get even more great baby shower tips:
  • Be inspired by six awesome baby shower games.
  • Check out these brilliant pregnancy-safe party food ideas.
  • Take a look at these innovative invitation ideas.

What should guests do at a baby shower?

7 Unspoken Baby Shower Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Follow.
Everybody's welcome. Getty Images. ... .
Every baby gets celebrated. Getty Images. ... .
Little ones are welcome if the invite says so. Getty Images. ... .
Watch what you say and do. Getty Images. ... .
Careful with the foods and booze. ... .
Say a genuine thank you. ... .
Don't skip the sip and see..

Who is traditionally responsible for a baby shower?

Who Hosts a Baby Shower? Most baby showers should be hosted by a sister, mother, mother-in-law, or close friend. Baby showers were traditionally thrown by family members who weren't close with the parents-to-be, to avoid the assumption that close family members wanted to collect gifts for themselves.

What do hosts do at a baby shower?

As host, you'll be busy keeping an eye on the food and mingling with guests. Assign the gift-list job beforehand to a friend or family member of the mom-to-be. They'll jump into action when the time comes, and you'll remain free to be an “I've got everything handled” party host.