Parenting Guru

Trying to throw a baby shower is far different than thinking back to the ones we attended or even the ones that were thrown for us. We have to consider what the mother to be wants and does not and make sure we plan the shower in a timely manner. This article will cover the basics of a baby shower.

The first question that comes to mind is who should throw the shower. Now traditionalists say that only friends of the mother to be should throw the party and that it is inappropriate for a family member to do so. If you are looking to be proper a family member should not throw the shower because some people may feel that action sends the message that the family is trying to illicit gifts. However, this is usually not the case and in today’s world it is just as common for a parent or sibling to throw the party as it is for a close friend.

Once the hostess’s are decided the next step is to determine the guest list. The number of guests will depend upon the atmosphere in which you are trying to create. A large shower is better for a more party like celebration, but if you are looking to throw a shower that is intimate and which allows the guest of honor ample time with each guest the shower list should not exceed 25 people. Close family and friends on both sides should be invited. You should also consult the mother to be if there is anyone else she wants there as well as anyone who she does not feel comfortable inviting.

In the ever changing world of baby showers one thing that might need to be considered is throwing a modern co-ed shower. This would allow both the men and the women to celebrate together in one place. If this is the way you want to go you may want to reconsider the decorations, the food or the activities to best suit everyone’s tastes.

If the couple wants something modern but the woman still wants her own shower you may want to consider having a shower for the women and a party for the men, this would allow both partners to celebrate the upcoming birth in their own way.

Now that we know what type of party is being thrown, who is throwing it and who is being invited it is time to decide when it will be. An ideal time for a baby shower is near the end of the sixth month through the beginning of the eighth month. This will ensure that the mother to be will have a small chance of going into labor before the party. This will also help the expecting parents know what they do and do not have in time to finish shopping and to put all the baby’s new things in place before the arrival.

The invitation design can be anything from a basic white to a theme that is being used in the nursery. If possible the invitation should either correspond with the nursery theme or the party theme. The invitation should include the guest(s) of honors name, where and when the shower is being held, a map to the shower, the hostess’s name and number, when to RSVP by, the sex of the baby is known, the shower theme if any and any places the parents to be are registered to and under what names.

Finally, the shower! The length of the shower varies but should be at least two hours and probably should not exceed four hours. You may want to put aside the first 30-45 minutes to greet guests. Appetizers and finger foods should be available at this time. One that period is over if there are any games planned they should be done now. You can either play all the games in succession, or you can have them while the guest of honor is opening presents, as breaks between these activities. Another thing to consider is presents for game winners and door prizes.

Now you can start planning your own baby shower.

Pamela Kazmierczak runs an online shopping site specializing in all your gift buying needs such as Baby and Children Gifts and Baby Gift Baskets