The Baby Shower

WHAT IS A BABY SHOWER?
Traditionally, a close female friend throws the Baby shower and invites all the women close to the mother - to - be, to shower her with gifts and well wishes for the coming baby. It is all about celebrating a new life and welcoming a new baby to the world. Not just the couple's first child, but all babies are a cause for celebration - and this is the purpose of a Baby shower. Below are some easy steps to help plan the special day.

WHO WILL PLAN / HOST
The shower can be hosted by a close friend of the mother-to-be, co-worker or female family member of the father-to-be. Traditionally, it is considered improper for a family member of the mother-to-be to host because showers are primarily a gift-giving event.

GUEST LIST
Compile the guest list and consult with the parents-to-be who they would like to have. These normally include friends, family and co-workers. The number of guests is optional, but this can range from 10-20 people although it can be more or less. Remember that guests will want to spend time with the mother-to-be, so make sure the number of guests keeps the event intimate.

You may want to bear in mind people you would like to invite who may have suffered miscarriages or having difficulty conceiving. You should definitely send invites to these friends and let the decision of attending be theirs. If someone decides not to attend, respect their decision and be understanding. Remember to get all the required addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

SHOULD THE MEN BE INVITED?
The answer to this really depends on what type of shower you are planning on hosting. For the most part, guys likely will not be interested in playing traditional "shower" games and eating cutesy foods while ooohing and aaahing over a mum-to-be's tummy! However, a shower can be a special event for expecting dads as well as mums if they're done with women and men in mind; and why shouldn't the dad-to-be get some of the attention and share in the gift opening and fun?

If the party is not a surprise, be sure to check with the mum-to-be as to whether the dad (and his friends) would enjoy a baby celebration. If she agrees, go from there. If you are including games at your shower, be sure to make them "men friendly." And have plenty of food available for your male guests. It would be a nice touch to include gifts that are special for the new dad -- why not get our Daddy 'dootie' duty belt, which is always a hit!

LOCATION
Once you have your guest list, you need to think of where to hold the shower. Generally, they are held at the home of the hostess, but you can choose to have it at the local park if it is nice and sunny, hire a hall or even at the mother-to-be's favourite restaurant. Wherever you choose to hold the event decide on a location that is easy to get to and will accommodate the needs of the party.