“How Do I Plan A Baby Shower During Pregnancy?”

How Do I Plan A Baby Shower During Pregnancy?

A good baby shower requires a lot of planning. The good news is as an expectant mom you shouldn’t have to do any of the planning!

Traditionally friends and family members of the expectant parents throw a baby shower as a way to celebrate the upcoming birth of a new baby. Baby showers are also a means of offering new parents some of the gifts and supplies they will need to help raise the newest member of their family.

Hosting A Baby Shower
You will probably find during your pregnancy many people offer to throw you a shower. The role of the host is planning the baby shower. The host can be a friend, family member or co-worker. If several people offer to host your baby shower, consider allowing them the opportunity to co-host. This typically resolves any party planning etiquette issues.

Is it ever appropriate to host your own shower? Many people frown on the mother to be hosting her own shower. The entire point of a baby shower is to spoil the mom to be before the birth of her baby. If you find you are approaching your delivery date and no one offers to host your baby shower, you might try throwing a few hints to a close pal, friend or family member. A mother-in-law or sister sometimes becomes a wonderful party planner when need be.

When Should I Have My Shower?
Your host will ask you several questions to help plan your baby shower. These will include asking for a list of invitees and finding out when you want to have your party. Typically most mothers have a baby shower about a month before their due date. This is late enough in the pregnancy that most mothers know whether they are having a boy or a girl (if they want to!) and can plan a “themed” baby shower.

Some parents are superstitious however, about having a baby shower before the birth of their baby. If this is the case you can always have a shower in the month following the baby’s birth. A great idea for post birth baby shower’s include hosting a nursery decorating baby shower, where all participants help decorate the new babies birthday.

Steps For Planning A Baby Shower
The first step in planning a baby shower is deciding on a theme. Many parents simply stick with a boy or girl theme. That said, there are hundreds of different themes to choose from. You can for example, match the baby shower theme to your baby’s nursery. You can select colors as a theme or a favorite cartoon character or image as a theme.

Once you decide on a theme, here are some other important steps in the baby shower planning process:

•  Decide on a guest list.
•  Decide whether you want the party co-ed or girls only.
•  Decide on a gift registry if appropriate. Proper etiquette dictates that you shouldn’t include registry information on an invitation, but may supply it to guests when they RSVP.
•  Plan on a location. This is usually some place other than the mom-to-be’s home so she doesn’t haven’t to worry about cleaning up after the party.
•  Decide on a cake and some snacks or a meal for guests.
•  Decide on a few baby shower crafts or games.

Fun Baby Favor Ideas
Many parents like to provide their guests with party favors for winning baby shower games or for attending their baby shower during pregnancy. Great ideas include:

•  Baby socks filled with candies or chocolates.
•  Baby bottles filled with candies.
•  Candied pacifiers.
•  Baby themed cookies and cakes.

The most important aspect of party planning for a baby shower during pregnancy is fun. Remember to keep things light hearted and easy. Your baby shower should be a fun filled event that you look back on and cherish for years.