Things to know about a baby shower

A baby shower, an old tradition that has been around for centuries, is an event for the expecting parents to become prepared before the birth of their child. Traditionally, guests bring along gifts that would assist the parents in taking care of the child. Mothers can receive support from other moms who narrate the difficulties they faced during pregnancies and how they overcame them. Additionally, there is an arrangement of games and food that make the baby shower event an enjoyable one.

How to decide on a location for baby shower? A virtual baby shower?

The first thing you need to do is decide the location where you want to host your party. If you have space in your house such as a backyard or a garden would be a nice location. Indoors can work too depending on the number of guests that are invited. But if you want to invite guests from different locations, a virtual baby shower is a great idea and there are plenty of ways to make it fun and exciting. 

How to decide a theme for your baby shower?

Themes are an important part of baby showers. They help to set the tone and create a festive mood for the guests. You can either go with a general baby shower theme or something specific to your baby’s gender or interests. If you have chosen a specific theme, make sure to send out invitations that reflect it. For example, if you are having a baby shower for your baby boy, don’t send invitations with pink butterflies but colorful trucks instead.

How to send invitations for the baby shower?

Once you have decided on the venue and the theme is set, it is time to start designing invitations for your baby shower. You can either use printable baby shower invitations or send personalized invitations via WhatsApp. These days, sending animated internet invitations for events is common; you may even create them yourself! You can download, email, or print these invitations to give to your guests by visiting websites like Etsy or Pinterest for creative and theme-related ideas. However, you must ensure that invitations are sent out at least 15 days before the baby shower date to give your guests enough time to mark their calendars. Once the guests confirm, be sure to add them to the baby shower guest list so they can join in on all the fun. You can also use augmented reality infused greeting cards to stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends. 

Create a schedule for the baby shower

Consider planning a timetable for your party where you can organise a variety of activities and sessions for your friends. This will add excitement to your baby shower in unexpected ways, such as the 12:00 p.m. meet and greet, the 12:30 p.m. baby name game, the 1:00 p.m. gift opening, and so on.

Do you need a big budget for a baby shower?

You do not need an unlimited budget to host a baby shower for your baby. The first step towards hosting a baby shower is setting a realistic budget which will allow you to cover all the baby shower essentials. There are a number of great ideas that you can use that do not require spending a lot of money. Here are a few baby shower ideas on a budget:

Baby Shower decoration ideas

There is no need to go out and spend a lot of money on baby shower decorations. A few simple ideas can go a long way. Put some balloons, décor and confetti to create a unique look for your baby shower. Traditionally baby showers are baby blue and pink themed. You can choose any one from these depending on whether the baby shower is for a boy or a girl.

Food and Drink for the baby shower

What is a baby shower without food? You can choose to have a sit-down meal or go with the buffet style. If you are on a budget, then you can easily make baby shower snacks on your own. Unless you are planning to ask your guests to bring their own food, you need to plan the menu for your baby shower. You can save money by preparing the food yourself. 

Baby Shower Photo Booth

Another great idea is to have a baby shower photo booth. Memories are priceless! What better way to make the baby shower a memorable one than to have the guests pose at a photo booth?

Baby Shower Game Ideas:

A game is always a must at every event especially baby showers because it gives the guests something to do. There are many baby shower games to choose from and you can easily find one that suites the personality of your guests. There are games for all ages, so no one will feel left out. If you want to keep it simple, then a baby guessing game would be perfect.

Here are some baby games you can play:

• Plan baby shower games and activities to keep your guests engaged throughout the baby shower. These are not only fun but also help your guests bond with each other. An interesting baby shower game that can be played is baby bingo. Another game idea is to have a scavenger hunt. Split your guests up into teams and give them a list of things to find or do. The team that completes the scavenger hunt first wins!
• Baby-themed Pictionary: Make your visitors guess what the meanings of several baby-related images and emojis.
• Best and worst Parenting Advice: However, keep it open to everyone so you can hear some tales about how they were raised. This game is perhaps the one that parents love playing the most.
• Baby Pictures: Make a movie or presentation showcasing everyone's images at your party, or ask your participants to email you a photo of themselves when they were newborns before the occasion. Ask them to recognize which baby image belongs to the friends that are present.
• Make your own game: You may make interactive games and trivia for your buddies on these user-friendly platforms. By energising your guests and fostering healthy rivalry, the quizzes will make your baby shower lively and engaging.

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Bath time baby toys

Choose from brightly colored ducks and fish, boats with holes on them to let water flow through or even rubber toys that stick to the bathtub.

Baby Hooded Towels

Hooded towels make it easier to dry off the baby’s head, preventing the baby from catching a cold right after a shower. Hooded baby towels come in various adorable designs and styles and is a perfect gift for a baby shower.

Books

Even if baby isn’t reading yet, they will love looking at pictures in books. Board books can serve as a memorable gift for a baby shower.

Swaddle blankets

Swaddle blankets are used to wrap a baby and to ensure the baby won't feel too warm or cold. It is a gift that can be easily used all year round, even in hot weather and are lightweight blankets that pack down small, so they're always accessible on the go!

Bouncer

These are baby seats that have a vibration setting to calm babies. There are many baby bouncers on the market with different features like lights, sound and music which might entertain the baby while mom showers or cooks dinner.

Baby washcloths

A washcloth is one of the most used baby essentials. They are easy to carry around and are great for everyday use. It can also be used for bath time, burp/spit up clean up, gentle face/facial cleansing, make-up removal, kitchen wipes etc. An organic bamboo washcloth can be a valuable baby shower gift.

Stroller

There are hundreds of baby strollers to choose from but it is best to go for one that has all the features you want like reclining back, adjustable handle height and cup holders.

Should I host a baby shower?
A baby shower is an exciting event, however the key is to keep it simple. Do not overwhelm yourself or make it feel like a burden. Just think of it like an event where you meet parents, learn from their experiences and even collect some gifts in the process!