Baby Shower Planning and Hosting

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby shower. Below are some important topics to consider when planning:

1) Who will host the shower?

The person that plans and hosts the shower can be anyone, but is usually someone who is close to the new or expecting mother. Normally, a close friend or family member will do all the preparations, but sometimes the new mother will help as well, particularly with the guest list. Sometimes a small group of friends can plan the event together.

In the event of a surprise baby shower, planning must occur more carefully and invitations should be sent out in secret. In this circumstance, people who are not as close to the new mother will be involved in acquiring supplies and getting the word out.

2) Who should be invited?

Be sure to invite all the mother's friends and family to the event. If planning a surprise party, make sure that everyone you tell helps spread the word. A close friend or family member may know most of the mother's friends, but it can also be helpful to ask co-workers and other friends to make sure that no one is left out.

Also, men are increasingly being included in these parties. An all women's shower can be different than a shower with both men and women, so the planner should consider these things as well.

If other young children will be in attendance, then make sure to plan events for them too. Not planning for children is a common oversight that adults make when planning parties of this nature. Baby shower games are a fun way for both children and adults to celebrate.

3) Where and when should the shower occur?

The party should be held at a location that is comfortable to the new mother. Oftentimes, the most common place to host a party is at a friend's or family member's home. In this case, the mother will not have to worry about cleaning up afterwards.

Sometimes, the party is hosted at the mother's place. This can be convenient as well because the mother doesn't have to go anywhere. Friends of the mother can help with the clean up afterwards.

For larger baby showers, banquet halls or other locations can be rented. Other places include parks, restaurants, catered dining rooms, or anywhere else that might be appropriate. It is okay to plan things differently as long as the mother and everyone else has a good time.

Most baby showers occur several weeks before the baby is due. Sometimes showers occur after the baby is born, which allows the guest to see the new baby. When to have the baby shower is entirely based on the preferences of the host and the mother.

Most showers occur on the weekends. Saturday is a popular day for these parties. They can occur in the afternoon or evening, depending on various factors, like people's schedules and how much you want to spend. Generally, dinner parties are more expensive than hosting lunch.

4) What activites should be planned?

There are many games and activities that can be planned in advance to make a baby shower memorable. Baby themed games are a fun way for everyone to celebrate a new baby. Do a search for "baby shower games" on the internet and you will find many games, some of which you can purchase and some that are free.

A short speech of congratulations is also a nice surprise for the new mother. If such a speech occurs, it is usually from a close friend or family member. A good time for congratulations is before eating lunch or dinner.

Finally, make some time before, between, and after events for everyone to mingle with the new or expecting mom.

5) What kind of food is appropriate?

The food at the party does not necessarily have to be baby-themed, although that can be a nice touch. The most common baby-themed food is baby shower diaper cake. Your local bakery can also make other items like cookies and pastries in the shape of baby blocks, pacifiers, rubber ducks, and other baby items. Or you can make them yourself. Most importantly, make sure to pick food that everyone will enjoy.

If you are hiring a caterer, then be sure to ask them about their ideas and experiences with baby showers. They may have some creative ideas that you may not have thought about.

6) Decorations and party favors.

Your local party supply store will probably have plenty of decorations for your baby shower. Specifically themed decorations can also be purchased online.

Buying party favors for your guests is always a nice way to say thank you for coming. These gifts for your guests can range from themed candies to more expensive keepsakes, including personalized items. Special prizes can also be given out for game winners or other people who have been important in the mother's life and during the pregnancy.

7) During the party.

Greet the guests when they arrive and have others help out if necessary to make sure everything runs smoothly. And finally, don't forget to have fun after all the planning and preparation.

Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more articles on baby showers, check out our Baby Shower Ideas (http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/articles) and more baby articles at Baby Lullaby.

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits and resource box remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

---

Baby Shower Gifts

As a host, you need to consider the people that... Read More

Showered with Mom-to-Be Merriment

Your friend's having a baby. What an exciting time for... Read More

What Happens When During the Baby Shower?

To be precise, anything can happen anytime as long as... Read More

Baby Shower for Second Baby

Having a shower for second baby used to be considered... Read More

Your Baby Nursery - Decorating a Fabulous and Functional Room

Decorating a baby nursery can be one of the most... Read More

Five Easy Steps to Potty Train Your Baby

No?Don't let your child pee or poop every where and... Read More

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was... Read More

First Birthday Party: Game and Activities for Little Guests

Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his... Read More

Robeez Shoes ? A Baby Shower Gift That Moms Will Thank You For

Robeez shoes help your baby put their best foot forwardIf... Read More

Unique Baby Bedding - Because Every Baby is Special

All parents want something absolutely unique for their baby. Be... Read More

Educational Toys That Stimulate Chidrens Mind

When children start to walk more steadily, run, push, pull,... Read More

A Babys Sleeping Pattern

Sleeping..A newborn baby spends most of her time on two... Read More

Baby Clothes for Your Baby Shower Gift

Baby clothes are one of the most popular types of... Read More

Baby Shower Decorations

When decoration for a baby shower, there are a few... Read More

Baby Poems for Saying Whats On Your Heart

Baby poems and baby shower poems can express any sentiment.... Read More

Baby Birthmarks

As many as one in three babies are born with... Read More

Important Features to Consider When Buying a Baby Crib

With all the different features of baby cribs, it can... Read More

Potty Training Facts

Potty training, toilet training, toilet teaching or toilet learning are... Read More

How Can I Teach My Toddler to Share?

Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist-Hostess

Using baby shower checklist-hostess are the best way to stay... Read More

Etiquette for Baby Shower

Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but... Read More

Child Safety in the Home

In the 15-year period from 1982 to 1996, the leading... Read More

Four Problems and Solutions on Feeding Your Newborn

Parents always want to give their babies the very best.... Read More

The Personality Traits Of A Taurus Baby

Your Taurus Baby..April 20 - May 20Taurus babies are usually... Read More

How to Protect Your Baby from SIDS

What do These Things Have in Common: An Epidemic of... Read More

The Character Traits of the Typical Libran Baby

Your Libra Baby..September 23 - October 22Libras can be really... Read More

Baby Girl Clip Art

The online baby girl clip art images help you to... Read More

Freezing Homemade Baby Food

With our twin boys getting ready to start solid food,... Read More

Raising Baby On The Cheap

Have you ever read those reports on the cost of... Read More

Whats With Celebrity Baby Names?

It seems that the days of naming your son or... Read More

A Surprise Baby Shower Can Be the Perfect Way to Celebrate

Throwing a surprise baby shower doesn't have to be difficult.... Read More

You Have a New Person at Home: Babys Fourth Month Guide

Baby is into her fourth month now.Mom's milk is best.Breast... Read More

Gift Giving For Baby

Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you... Read More