When do i have baby shower

Consider, for example, a "stock the freezer" shower or a "Mom and Dad" shower, with gifts like movie passes and promises of babysitting. Naturally, close friends and family members should be at the top of the guest list. Beyond that, only choose guests who would gladly celebrate the mother-to-be and buy her a gift. You should certainly consult with the guest of honor and let her invite whomever she wants keeping in mind any limitations on space, of course.

It's becoming increasingly common to include men—friends, spouses, and relatives—on the guest list. But inviting men does change the chemistry of the party. You need to decide whether you want that traditional "female-bonding ritual," with lots of oohing and aahing over adorable baby clothes and exchanging of labor tales , or whether you're looking for a more co-ed experience.

Also consider the personality of the dad-to-be; some may relish sharing in every aspect of the pregnancy , while others may be uncomfortable with the idea of being a guest of honor at a baby shower. Ask the mom-to-be about her preferences on the matter. Even at an all-girls party, the expectant dad often makes an appearance towards the end of the shower to thank everyone for the gifts. Opinions vary about registering for baby shower gifts.

If you do decide to register, you can do it through a store, catalogue, or online service. These options are practical and time-saving for the guest of honor, who can avoid duplicates and returns. Registries are also helpful for guests who may not know what to give. Here are two rules to follow for baby shower gift registries :.

If they wish, they may send a package to the home of the host, who can have it on hand for the baby shower. But they certainly aren't obliged to do so—a shower invitation is an invitation to a party, not a demand for a gift. It would be perfectly fine for the invitee who can't make the party to wait until the baby is born , and then send a gift. Usually within two to three weeks after the shower—unless, of course, the baby's birth intervenes.

In that case, it's fine to wait until after the hectic postpartum period is over. It's nice to thank your hosts with a special token, too. No worries — we have tips for just about every aspect, from when to have your baby shower, to who should host, to what games you can play. There's no hard and fast rule, but many baby showers happen one or two months before the baby's due date.

Throwing the shower sooner is fine, too; maybe there are scheduling constraints or concerns about the baby arriving early, for example. If it's best for cultural or logistical reasons to throw a shower after the baby's here, no problem. In some cultures, it's considered bad luck to celebrate a baby or buy gifts before the baby arrives. The point is to celebrate the addition of the baby to the family and to shower the parents-to-be with love and support — and some of the stuff they'll need.

When scheduling the party, first talk to the parents-to-be and settle on a date and time that will work for them. You may also need to work around the schedule of any VIP guests, like the baby's grandparents.

Once the shower date is set, the guest or guests of honor should create a baby registry if they're planning to use one at least a couple of months before the party. Figuring out what to put on a baby registry can take a while. And it's a good idea to give guests several weeks to shop for a gift. It used to be considered bad manners for a family member to throw a shower because it might seem like you're asking for gifts. But these days, just about anything goes.

Any relative, close friend, or close co-worker should feel perfectly okay about planning a baby shower. It's still rare for the mom-to-be or grandparents-to-be to host a shower, but that may be changing. If you're hosting the shower for a close friend, you may have some ideas about the guest list already. It's best to consult with the guest or guests of honor before finalizing your list, though.

That way, you won't accidentally leave out someone important — or invite someone they would rather not include. If the parents-to-be have close friends and family who live far away and can't make it to the shower, consider setting up a time during the event when they can be included through a video call. Make sure they get an invitation with all the details. Virtual baby showers have become more popular and are a nice way to include far-flung friends and family members.

Although many baby showers still follow the "women only" tradition, coed baby showers are also popular. Some dads even have their own baby shower. It all depends on what sort of gathering the expectant parents prefer. Showers for a second or subsequent baby have become more common and are considered appropriate. Parents whose children have a large age gap may be especially appreciative, because they may not have held on to their old baby clothes and gear.

Plus, some gear — like car seats — can become dangerously outdated. There's always reason to celebrate a new baby, whether it's a large or small affair.

It could mean that they will have to have an early baby shower to avoid risks later on or to have a simple baby shower with guests limited to close family and friends. In some cultures, it is the norm to wait till the baby is born to throw a baby shower, or it could also be a personal preference of the parents. It also comes with the added benefit of the guests being able to meet the baby and have them as the guest of honor at the event.

A post-birth baby shower also helps guests choose the appropriate give for the baby. It could reduce the number of reasons ranging from work, travel, other plans or anything else which takes up the time. In such instances, the mother can have a baby shower early or late, depending on what works for her. Everybody has special people in their lives who are more important than the others, the VIPs! There are several reasons why you could have a baby shower early and not just when you have the obvious baby bump in the last trimester.

The first trimester is too early to have a baby shower, but the second trimester is a sweet spot as your pregnancy is going well, and there is also little morning sickness or tiredness during the day.

The early baby shower also gives you plenty of time to buy things and even hold a party in which you can participate in the fun games along with your guests. The sixth-month mark, which is around 24 weeks, is a good time for an early baby shower.

If you wish to make it earlier, then you can go for the 20th week and have a baby shower along with a gender reveal party. The second trimester is an ideal time if you wish to keep the baby shower at the earliest. Your guests would love to bring presents for your baby, and that can help quite a bit in building up your baby supplies.

When it comes to the right time to throw the baby shower, it could range anywhere from three to six months after the delivery. During this time, your baby is more settled and less susceptible to the stress of meeting new people. You will also be more relaxed and ready for the event. So when do people have baby showers? The right answer is- whenever it works out for them!

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