Answers to your Baby Showers Etiquette Questions!
Baby shower etiquette has truly evolved over the years as baby showers have become more and more popular. Below you will find some commonly asked questions about etiquette for baby showers or you can ask your own etiquette questions
- Is it acceptable to have more than one Baby Shower?
- How long are Baby Showers?
- Is it cool to throw the Baby Shower after the baby is born?
- What about an “Adoption Baby Shower?”
- Is it OK to invite men?
- Who plans the Baby Shower?
- Who Pays for the Baby Shower?
- Is there a limit to the number of guests that should attend?
- Who typically gets invited to a Baby Shower?
- What is the best way to invite guests?
- When do people typically throw a Baby Shower?
- Where are Baby Showers held?
- What is typically on the menu for a Baby Shower?
- What is a Baby Registry and is it required?
- When is a good time to start a baby shower?
- I didn’t have a baby shower for my other children, is if ok to have one for this one?
- I want to help more with the planning of the Shower?
- Is it OK to tell the guest that children are not allowed at the Baby Shower?
- What is a “Baby Advice Book?”
1. Is it proper etiquette to have more than one Baby Shower?
Absolutely! Now days, most people have more than one shower. They have a shower with their family, a shower at wok, and maybe even a separate shower with their friends. As for a Baby Shower for a mother having her second child this is also perfectly normal as it is now the norm to have extended periods of time between children. Since this is the case, the expecting mother may not have all the items she needs for a new baby. Even if the children are close together, a baby always needs diapers, wipes, onesies, diaper bags, etc. You could have a “Bear Necessities” theme with lots of teddy bears and specifically state that the expecting mother only needs the small everyday items necessary for raising children. If the expectant mother already has everything, then throw an “Afterbirth Party” where the guest bring items to help the expecting mother remember what life was life before pregnancy. These items could include lingerie, caffeine products, gift cards to seafood restaurants, clothing, etc.
2. How long are Baby Showers?
This is really up to you but according to most baby showers etiquette, I would suggest at least an hour and a half if you are having the whole caboodle! Leave time for games, signing the Mommy Advice Book and opening gifts!
3. Is it cool to throw the Baby Shower after the baby is born?
Yes. In fact this is how it was done traditionally. The expectant mothers would have Baby Showers as a way to introduce the new baby as traditionally the new baby was kept indoors until about six weeks to reduce the infant’s chances of catching viruses or diseases.
4. What about an “Adoption Baby Shower?”
Of course you should throw those expecting parents in your life an Adoption Baby Shower! This is their new baby and they are just as excited as all other new parents. If they have any other children, try to include them in the shower to make any transition or adjustments easier for the entire family and if the adopted child is older then, just call it a Welcoming Party. I would not treat an Adoption Baby Shower any differently than any other Baby Shower but I would make for certain not to make any arrangements until all the paperwork is complete! You do not want things anymore difficult if things fall through, even if you intentions are good.
5. Is it OK to invite men?
Traditionally it was all about the ladies but “Co-Ed Baby Showers” are quite the norm now-a-days. Ask the expecting mother if she would like to have the father their allow him to invite some of his buddies also. Place snacks on all the tables for the men to eat while the expecting mother is opening gifts and be sure to pick some really good Co-Ed Baby Shower games like “Baby Shower Jeopardy” or Baby Shower Price is Right.
6. Who plans the Baby Shower?
Anyone except the expecting mother. It could be the best friend, co-worker, Aunt, Sister, Mother, etc.
7. Who Pays for the Baby Shower?
Again, anyone except the expecting mother. One person could fit the bill while another plans or a bunch of loved ones could come together and help plan and fund the Baby Shower together.
8. Is there a limit to the number of guests that should attend?
While playing the normal Baby Shower Games with a large number of people could prove difficult and the cost of favors could add up, there is no limit to the number of guests that can attend a Baby Shower. In fact, the more the merrier.
NOTE: Baby Shower Party Favors are not required for any Baby Shower
9. Who typically gets invited to a Baby Shower?
Anyone the expectant mother approves of. If this is a Workplace Baby Shower, it would typically include all co-workers who wishes to attend and any special relatives the expecting mother would like to invite. You should get together with the expecting mother to prepare the guest list.
10. What is the best way to invite guests?
Emailing invitations would be the best bet for an inexpensive baby shower. You can also email them, post them in the local newspaper, or if it is a Workplace Baby Shower, hang invitations on Bulletin Boards. See Invitations for more information.
11. When do people typically throw a Baby Shower?
4 – 6 weeks before the due date. If this is a Workplace Baby Shower, plan to throw the shower at least one month before the expecting mother’s last day of work.
12. Where are Baby Showers held?
They could be held in a restaurant, the hostess’s home, or in the meeting room at work. It is up to you!
13. What is typically on the menu for a Baby Shower?
Finger foods, meat, cheese, fruit, or veggie trays are typical items you may see on a Baby Shower Food Table along with punch, cheese balls, and of course cake. Sometimes the menu will match the theme of the Baby Shower.
14. What is a Baby Registry and is it required?
A Baby Registry is a unique tool stores use to allow the expecting mother to store their wanted items and then when the guests either go to that store or to that store’s website, they can pull up the expectant mother’s wish list. It is not required, but it does make things easier for the Planner/Hostess because it will reduce the amount of people calling to ask for gift ideas.
15. When is a good time to start a baby shower?
This depends on what type of food you want to serve, the mood you want to set, and the day. If this is an office baby shower, then the obvious answer would be during lunch time. For a family or friend baby shower, I would suggest picking a time that most likely will fit the menu. If you are having finger sandwiches, then you should have a baby shower at noon, whereas if you are having a fancy salmon dish, you probably want to do it around 5 or 6. Also consider whether there will be children attending. How late are their parent going to want to be out? Would it be better if they could go outside and play?
16. I didn’t have a baby shower for my other children, is if ok to have one for this one?
Of course! In fact, some people are concerned with the exact opposite. They feel as though since they had a shower with their first child, then perhaps they are being greedy asking for another shower for their other children. A baby shower is a celebration of life! Sure we shower the mother with gifts and help her prepare for the baby, but in the end it is supposed to be about congratulating the mommy-to-be on her greatest gift….each time!
17. I want to help more with the planning of the Shower?
You help by offering a list of items you would like to receive and a list of people you would like to attend. Try to be sensitive to the host, but if it concerns something that you just can’t live with — like wooden Tweety Birds for a Spiderman Nursery — then nicely or jokingly offer a suggestion.
18. Is it OK to tell the guest that children are not allowed at the Baby Shower?
Yes, there are reason why children should not attend the Baby Shower. Perhaps the location of the Baby Shower is not child proofed and some of the guests have really small children. Maybe it is a surprise and the hostess does not want the little ones ruining it or maybe it is simply a way to cut down on the cost of activities and food. All of these reasons are acceptable and I am sure that the guests would be more than understanding.
19. What is a “Baby Advice Book?”
These are cute little books, also known as Mommy Advice Books, that are passed around at Showers for the guests to input their valuable parenting advice. They are wonderful keepsakes for the mommy-to-be.
