News of a baby on the way is exciting for everyone and often welcomed with a party of some sort. The mom-to-be is showered with attention and gifts on this special day.
But all-too-often the guest of honor leaves the party feeling overwrought and even more anxious about the big day. Maybe they were given strange baby things that left them wondering, “What on earth do I do with this?” Or maybe they were inundated with unwanted advice or challenging birth stories from other moms.
But all-too-often the guest of honor leaves the party feeling overwrought and even more anxious about the big day.
Either way, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when hosting a baby shower for your bestie.
DOs
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Plan the shower for a date and time when it’s most comfortable for the mom-to-be. Meaning not when she’s 38 weeks pregnant and feeling tired, achy, and possibly emotional about the approaching due date. The ideal time is around 7 months pregnant. Plus, she’ll have time to organize her new baby things beforehand.
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Ask the mom-to-be what she wants in terms of a party. A big dinner party or small, intimate luncheon? Spicy tacos or mini cupcakes? Perhaps there are foods that she can’t eat, and you don’t want those at the party.
- Ask the grandmothers to help.
- Include the guys and kids. Jack and Jill baby showers are a great way to bring spouses into the fold.
- Designate one person to take pictures and one person to help with baby gifts (hand them to the mom-to-be so she doesn’t have to get up and keep a record of who gifted what).
DON’TS
- Make shower games a must. Some love them; some don’t. It’s up to the mom-to-be. And if you’re on the fence about the shower games, look for some to play that are a little less personal for the guest of honor. She might not enjoy having everyone guess how large her stomach is?
- Tell stories of your horror birth, your postpartum struggles or breastfeeding tales.
- Inundate the guest of honor with your list of “must haves” when it comes to newborn things. While a few tips are often helpful and welcome, the truth is that what works for one mom might not work for another, and she has likely spent months on her own researching baby products and already made up her mind.
- Have booze. But if you must, offer non-alcoholic options as well.
- Make it a surprise. Maybe you don’t realize it, but the guest of honor is probably spending her days in stretchy leggings and slippers for comfort and wouldn’t want to arrive for her party wearing them. Give her a chance to rest and prepare, both physically and mentally, for being on her feet and the center of attention for a few hours.
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