If you are the baby shower planner, you must know the expecting mother pretty well. Still, it is always a good idea to ask her what she does and does not want for her event. You may be surprised to learn about her thoughts in regard to her shower.

Before sending out invitations, ask the expecting couple when the best time is for them! We would not want the guest of honor to have a scheduling conflict. Other important participants to ask in advance are the grandparents-to-be. Another factor to take into consideration is timing relative to the due date – having the shower when the mother-to-be is already sporting a belly, but not too close to the due date, so she is comfortable and can enjoy her own party, is important.

When planning the party, it is always best to ask the guest of honor who should be on the guest list. You do not want to make assumptions or miss an important guest, accidentally.

Surprise baby showers can be a great deal of fun, but before you go ahead with such a surprise make sure the expecting mother likes these sorts of surprises. If you think there is a chance that she may not like this, it is best to not throw one so nobody is uncomfortable.

During the party, make sure the expecting mother is comfortable. A comfortable chair and a controlled temperature can make a big difference in her comfort level! An uncomfortable pregnant woman will be miserable and have a hard time enjoying herself.

When putting together the menu think of the mother to be. Large portions are not suitable for her now. If she suffers from heartburn you may want to ask what she can and cannot eat, spicy foods may be unsuitable for her, as well, or if she has gestational diabetes sweets may be inappropriate.

Before planning the activities for the baby shower, consider what the mother to be would like. Will traditional shower games be most appropriate or maybe a less traditional theme is more suitable. If you are not sure, ask her what she would like. She may want to be involved and share some of her own ideas.

One main event at baby showers is gift opening. To help out the guests, as well as make sure the expecting mother is getting what she really wants, take her to the store and help her start a baby registry. She may also start one online, if she prefers. This way everyone will be happy.

Yes, there are traditional do’s and do not’s to planning a baby shower. There are specifics for who should and should not throw or plan the shower (the expecting couple and/or their family should NOT be planning it, so it doesn’t look like they are asking for presents.) There are books and websites about baby shower activities and decorations, but do you really have to be restricted by rules? This is strictly up to you; after all, it is YOUR shower, isn’t it?

And why shouldn’t you have it your way? So tell whoever throws you this event what you want; if you are into games or not, where you would prefer it to be (at home, outdoors, a restaurant?) and when. It will be a great help for them too, something to start with, rather than having to come up with everything themselves. Just remember not to take over too much… sit back and relax at your party.

Traditionally baby showers are for the expecting moms only, but who is to say you cannot have a shower for both expecting Mom and Dad? Remember, this is your celebration.

There is no ‘best’ time to have a baby shower. It is usually held before the baby is born, in order to help the new parents get ready for the baby. After the shower, the expecting couple will know what they still need to purchase, in preparation for the arrival of their baby.

Invite whoever you would like to be at your party. It can be a large event or an intimate gathering. It is all up to you – guest list included.

Should you have a baby shower for your second child, third child…? This is also your choice. Why not celebrate every child’s beginning? It may be different than your first shower, since you will know what you want, or need from experience.

Happy Baby Shower!

In the United States, Canada, and a growing list of other countries, a baby shower is an event to celebrate the expected birth of a new baby by presenting gifts to the parents to be at a party. Traditionally, a baby shower is held only for the mother-to-be, and is attended by women only. This is because the original intent was for women to share wisdom and lessons on the art of becoming a mother.

Traditionally, baby showers were given only for the family’s first child, but over time, it has become more common to hold them for subsequent children as well.

Deciding whether you should have a baby shower is personal as well as cultural. Some cultures celebrate the birth of a child only after the delivery for various reasons such as religion, belief and/or superstition. Others may choose not to have a shower due to a previous miscarriage or other unfortunate experiences.

Many moms to be and their family and friends see the baby shower as a celebration of the new life coming to the world. It is also a great excuse to get everyone together…

Whatever you choose for yourself and your baby, weather you have a shower or not, if it is a small gathering or an elaborate event, get someone to either throw it for you (you have enough on your plate with your baby coming) or help!