Baby Shower Etiquette

These days, baby showers can pretty much be whatever the mom-to-be and the host of her shower would like it to be.  It's always good to know what the general rule of thumb is, though.

A shower is generally held 8 weeks before the mother's due date.  It's a time to not only shower the mother with gifts she will need upon the baby's arrival, but to provide love and support and an opportunity for her to see her friends and family before all things baby. 

While not as common, it's also perfectly appropriate to host a shower after the baby is born.  This way, everyone can meet the newborn.  And for some mothers, they're more comfortable with this because it means the baby will be the one at the center of attention. It can also help new mom's create a nursery that's specific to their new child. If you're going to go this route for your baby shower, you may want to wait until the child is past a month old so that the new parents have a bit of a routine under their belts.

Showers are traditionally for the mom-to-be and her female friends.  However, it's becoming more and more common for baby showers to be co-ed so the dad-to-be and his friends can also be in attendance.

It's also fine for expectant moms to have more than one shower.  She may wish to have one just with family, and another just with friends.  Or, if she has lots of friends and family back where she grew up, she may opt to have one there, and another that is local.

Since a key aspect of the shower is to help the parents prepare for baby's arrival, be sure to include the registry information in the shower invitations.

If either of the expectant parents' own parents live close by, be sure to ask the mom-to-be if she would like them to be invited to the shower.  If so, you may want to include both mothers in the planning, or have them take on a particular role at the shower.  The baby's arrival is just as important to them as it is to the parents-to-be, and they should have a special part in the festivities.

No matter what type of baby shower you decide to have, it will undoubtedly be special because welcoming a new baby is such a unique occasion.