Over time, baby shower etiquette has become more and more relaxed. The most important things to remember are to have fun and make sure the mom-to-be is comfortable!
1) Who Should Host The Baby Shower?
The role of Baby Shower Hostess usually goes to a close friend or family member.
idea: pair up with one or two girlfriends and host the shower together. This takes all of the responsibility (both time-wise and financially) off of one person.
2) What Is My First Step?
Meet with the mom-to-be (and/or dad-to-be) to find out:
Meeting with the parents usually gets the juices flowing for great baby shower ideas!
Surprise shower? Get invite list from a member of the family or maybe you already know who to invite!
3a) When Should The Baby Shower Take Place?
Ideally, baby showers are held 2-3 months before the baby is born. This way the mom is still able to get around somewhat easily. But any time is fine. It is ultimately up to you and the mom-to-be.
Weekends are an ideal time to hold the baby shower. Guests are usually ready to unwind and relax. Have a late-morning brunch , and afternoon lunch, or an evening appetizer!
3b) When is it okay to have another shower if you were already given one for a previous child?
This is a tricky one. People have different views regarding this issue. In general, it is okay to have another shower if your children are 4 or more years apart (the logic being, styles have changed, items such as swings and strollers may be old or damaged, or the parents-to-be may have gotten rid of previous baby supplies- especially if it is a "surprise pregnancy!)
It is also acceptable to have a 2nd shower if your child is a different gender from your previous child.
4) Where Should The Shower Be Held?
Anywhere!
Follow Our Simple Baby Shower Checklist (free printable PDF)
My best friend has a LOT of friends and family out of state who will not be able to come to the shower.
Would it be totally crass to put a suggestion of a place where they could donate money (for big ticket items - car seat, stroller, crib, etc) in the wording of the invitation instead of them having to worry about a registry or shipping anything?
I absolutely don't want to offend anyone but I also want to help my friend get the items she needs for the baby. HELP!
ANSWERS
I would say, gift cards are always welcome . I threw a baby shower and put that as a side note, my sister got a lot of letters/cards with gift cards and checks from out of town guests.. she was able to get all her big items in time for baby.
Gift cards are becoming a more accepted form of baby shower gift. A decade ago it would have been rude to suggest guests buy a gift certificate - but I definitely think that times have changed and it would be fine to say something like "to save on shipping costs, Babies R Us offers gift cards" - or something that suggests you have the best interest of the friends or family in mind.
You've read all about baby shower etiquette. Now put it into motion by following our checklist.
Newborn babies have very basic needs, so the necessary supplies are quite minimal. Some essential items to have on hand include:
It's important to remember that every baby is different, so you may find that your own baby has different needs. But this is a good starting point for gathering the essentials.
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