9 Things You Always Wanted to Know About Baby Showers

6. What about the men?

Traditionally, a baby shower was a women-only affair, but it’s becoming more common to include men on the guest list. It’s totally up to the expectant parents if it’s going to be a co-ed celebration and whether the traditional party games and activities will be changed to suit everyone.

7. How about gifts?

A baby shower centres around gifts being given to the expectant mother as well as the party itself. Some parents-to-be may choose to create a gift registry which makes it easier for guests to select gifts that the parents want and need and avoids double ups (or triple ups) on items. Others may feel that registering is somewhat demanding and prescriptive, some are happy for guests to select their own gifts. The important thing is that all gifts are accepted graciously as guests have gone to great effort and often expense to choose their gift.

8. How will you say “Thank you”?

It is important for the guest of honour to send out thank you cards or notes to everyone who came to the shower and who gave or sent gifts. Be sure to send out the notes within a couple of weeks of the shower (unless the baby was born in that time). Handwritten thank you notes are the best, try to avoid impersonal emails or text messages.

9. Shower for baby number 2?

Baby showers are usually only held before the first baby is born as it is traditionally a way to help the parents gather items to prepare for their new baby. If you do want to celebrate the impending birth of a subsequent baby, perhaps invite a small group of close friends and family and take the emphasis off gift-giving. Some refer to this as a “baby sprinkle”.