Baby Shower Etiquette - Your 10 Most Common Questions Answered

Baby Shower Etiquette: Your 10 Most Common Questions Answered

Are you thinking about hosting a baby shower for a close friend or family member, but not sure of the proper way to do it? The tips below will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about hosting a baby shower.

Throwing a baby shower is an honor and allows you to explore your fun and creative side, but it can also be a little stressful. You want everything to be just right, and of course, lots of people have their own opinions on how the baby shower should be done. Read on to learn the answers to some of the most commonly asked baby shower questions.

Who Should Host the Baby Shower?
Historically, baby showers were hosted by someone outside of the family, such as a friend, co-worker or special friend of the family. Today, anyone (other than the mother-to-be and her mom) can host a baby shower, but it is most common for the best friend, aunt or sister to do the honors. However, it is perfectly acceptable (and much appreciated) for co-workers, cousins, groups of friends, or church friends to throw a baby shower.

When Should I Have the Baby Shower?
The traditional time to have a baby shower is one to two months before the baby is born. Why so early? There are several reasons. There's always the chance that the mom-to-be will deliver early, so it's best not to schedule it too close to the due date. It's also helpful to have it a little early so that the mom-to-be has time to exchange any duplicate items she receives or return items that weren't quite what she wanted. She'll also need time to order or purchase the items she wanted but did not receive, plus have time to set up the baby's nursery.

Who Do I Invite to the Baby Shower?
In the past, baby showers were typically for women only: friends, family and coworkers of the mom-to-be. However, it is becoming more common to have couples baby showers. If the mom-to-be is close friends with many couples, she may enjoy this option, but be sure to check with her to see what she prefers. Of course, if the mom-to-be is having several showers, she may want your shower to be a "friends only" or "family only" shower. Ask for her input!

Who Pays for the Baby Shower?

The person hosting the baby shower is responsible for the costs associated with it. But remember, there's nothing wrong with a group of friends hosting the shower. That way, the cost and the responsibility is divided up among the group of hostesses.

Can I Throw a Shower for a Second Baby?

You may be wondering if it's acceptable to host a baby shower for a friend's second baby. In the past, baby showers were only given for the first baby, but it's becoming more common to have a baby shower for each child. After all, each child and experience is unique. Expectant mothers with other small children may not need the big essentials (crib, stroller, car seat), but there are lots of other fun things you can give as gifts (clothes, diapers, toys). On the other hand, if the mom-to-be has other children that are significantly older, she may need the "big essentials" after all! Be sure to check with the guest of honor about what kinds of gifts she needs.

Is an Adoption Shower a Good Idea?
By all means, yes! Adoptive mothers are just as excited about their new arrivals as pregnant moms are, and still need the same baby essentials. Help an adoptive mom celebrate her new arrival just like you would anyone else, but try to leave out any references to 9 months, labor and delivery, etc., unless you know the mom-to-be is not sensitive about those issues. This is also an instance where you should wait until after the mom-to-be has her new bundle of joy, just in case the adoption doesn't work out.

Can I Host a Shower After the Baby is Born?
It's perfectly acceptable to have a baby shower after the baby is born. In fact, it may be a more practical solution if the parents chose not to find out the sex of the baby beforehand or if the mother was sick or bedridden before delivery. Plus, it's a great way for everyone to meet the baby! Check with the mom-to-be to see if this is an option she would like.

Where Should I Have the Baby Shower?
Baby showers are usually held at a home, church or restaurant, but today it's also common to see baby showers at country clubs, parks or any other place where people can gather. Homes remain the popular choice, since they are warm and inviting.

Do I Need to Serve Food?
Some type of food and drink is usually served at baby showers, but the type varies. If the shower is held during a meal time, a meal may be expected. This can be anything from catered food to potluck. If the shower is held during a non-meal time, light snacks are usually fine. In both instances, baby shower cake should be served. Also be sure to have a couple of different types of beverages available.

Do I Need to Provide Favors?
Baby shower favors are not required, and generally not expected - but they are a fun idea and they make guests feel appreciated and welcome. It's perfectly fine for shower favors to be small and inexpensive. Things such as baby bottles filled with candies, pretty soaps or lotions, small potted plants or baked goods in decorative containers all make thoughtful favors that thank your guests for attending.

Want to know what mistakes to avoid when throwing a baby shower? Click here!