| Author:
Jacqueline Courtiol Although a newborn's
arrival into the world can be a joyful occasion, it can also bring a lot of stress...not
just for the parents, but for family and friends as well.
Baby showers are the perfect example. While they are used to celebrate the arrival of a
brand new life into the world, they can also be stressful for the person hosting the
occasion. If you are planning to throw a baby shower for a friend or a relative, and you
are not sure exactly how to start organizing it, this article provides some tips.
Best time for a baby shower?
The best time to throw a baby shower is on the weekend, preferably mid-morning to late
afternoon. Why? Because people work during the week. Also, consider having the baby shower
later on in the mother-to-be pregnancy, around 9 weeks before the birth is best.
A baby shower can also be held after the birth of the child. This is the best plan if the
mother-to-be is having complications with her pregnancy.
How many people should I invite to a baby shower?
One normally invites anywhere from 10 to 20 people to a baby shower. What one should also
take into consideration when inviting people, is whether or not the location of the baby
shower can accommodate only a few or a large group of people.
How long should a baby shower last?
A baby shower generally lasts about two to three hours. That should be enough time for
everyone to mingle, the presents to be opened, and food eaten. Also, take into
consideration the mother-to-be is more easily exhausted.
Who should pay for the baby shower?
The host/hostess should pay for the baby shower. A baby shower is perceived as a gift from
the host to the bride. It is not unusual or wrong for the host to ask family or close
friends to help out monetarily. So, if you need some financial help, don't be shy in
asking family and close friends. What is not acceptable is asking the mother-to-be for
monetary help.
Should I throw a surprise baby shower?
If you are thinking of throwing a surprise shower, you may want to rethink. Surprise
showers can cause the host all kinds of problems, namely making sure the mother-to-be
arrives at the shower on time. The best plan is to throw a baby shower that the
mother-to-be is aware of because she can offer much needed suggestions to the host.
Do you need to send out invitations?
Yes, one needs to send out invitations for a baby shower. It does not have to involve
fancy stationery. One can go to any greeting card store and purchase invitations at a
reasonable price. It is also important that you send out the invitations a few weeks in
advance, preferably three to four weeks.
Can I have games at the baby shower?
Games are indeed very popular at baby showers. However, baby showers are primarily
about the food, drink (non-alcoholic), presents and conversations. So while having games
at a baby shower is fine, do not feel pressured to have them. If you do opt for games at a
baby shower, be creative and make sure the games center on the baby and mother-to-be.
When should the presents be opened?
The presents should be opened after food has been enjoyed and games played, if you decide
to have them.
Baby Shower Themes
In this day and age, a lot of baby showers have themes. There are advantages to a theme
orientated baby shower. It can certainly make the shower easier to organize. You can make
up your own them theme or use some already established popular baby showers themes, which
include:
Tea party, which can be fun.
Book party, where everyone brings books as gifts for the baby and mother.
Diaper party, where the baby shower centers on gifts that deal with the bare necessities
like diapers or baby bottles.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesBase.com
About the Author:
Jacqueline Courtiol, M.A. Ed. is a veteran teacher, mother and business owner. She is the
founder of http://www.coliccalm.com a provider of natural homeopathic remedies for relief
of infant colic and gas that are recommended by pediatricians. More information can be
found at http://www.coliccalm.com/baby_infant_newborn_articles/baby_colic_treatment.htm .
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