The etiquette guide to baby shower celebrations.

Be considerate

Every expectant mother perceives her baby shower differently. Some like to be surprised, some may have a clear idea of how their baby shower should look and feel like while the others may simply give you basic inputs of the guest list, preferred dates and choice of gift registries. Whatever the case may be, ensure that you are considerate and understand the needs of the expectant mum. It’s their special day, make it a memorable one! Timing Baby showers are usually scheduled within the last two months of the third trimester. The sooner you plan the shower, the calmer and comfier the expectant mum will be.

Hosts

A baby shower can be an expensive affair, an economical meetup or somewhere in between depending on how much each host is willing to pool in. The expectations of the mum-to-be also plays a very important role in the baby shower budget. The best practice in order to get down to the actuals is to first have a discussion with the expectant mum and understand the guest list, food and venue suggestions, if any, after which you move on to discuss the same with the other hosts. Hosting a shower is a collective affair of family and friends so be transparent at all times.

Gift registry

Some people may feel that creating a gift registry and sending it out with baby shower invites is unpleasant. However, you must know that as friends and family, we are bound to help the parents-to-be prepare for their newest addition and ease their financial burden by providing the right gifts. Also a gift registry ensures that the expectant parents do not end up having duplicate gifts.

No stuffed toys

Do not add stuffed toys and animals to the gift registry as most expectant mums will be relieved if they have their baby basics in place. These quintessential must-haves include, diapers, wipes, onesies and other baby supplies.

Thank you note

A thank you gesture in the form of cutesy photo frames, box of chocolates or cookies will definitely complete a baby shower party. However, this isn’t a mandate. If you have budgets that can stretch, then try including these little thank you boxes at the exit of the baby shower party.  We hope this basic etiquette rule book helps you host the best baby shower ever. Get moving!