August 25, 2008

Should Men Take Part in a Baby Shower and More Critical Considerations

Today , baby shower etiquette has evolved from a set rules and procedures to a few flexible guidelines from which to base the structure of your shower on. Although there are no specific rules on how to be the hostess of your baby shower, there are some basic rules of thumb that will help you have an amazing shower that will be comfortable and enjoyable for you and your guests. This article will answer all of the questions that you may have in mind and will address the issues at hand that matter when planning a baby shower. There is more to know than just shopping for the unique gift baby will love.

Who should host the baby shower?

Years ago, the tradition was for non-related friends or co-workers to host the event. However, today, many expectant mothers like for their own mothers and sisters to plan and host the event. The decision of who should host of the shower is completely up to you. In today’s society, anyone from the mommy’s sister, to her mom, to her best friend, to her co-worker, is done . There is no right or wrong host. The important part here is that whoever decides to host the baby shower be close to the mother and know her very well, in order to plan and execute the event according to her taste and desires. The hostess of the baby shower is more likely to know what the mom would prefer in the way of baby personalized gifts because she will undoubtedly know the new baby's name, if it has been chosen.

When is it appropriate to have the baby shower?

Typically, a baby shower is held about one to two months before the newborn’s due date. This is a good time because the mother will know the gender of the baby by this date, and it will be easier to shop for things knowing if the baby will be a boy or a girl. One or two months ahead of the baby’s birth date also gives the mother time to buy the items that she did not receive or that she is missing, before the baby’s arrival. Some people opt to have the shower a few weeks after the baby is born. This is also perfectly acceptable, and completely up to you.

Where should the baby shower take place?

Depending on the number of invitees, hosts can choose to have the shower at a house, a restaurant, or a banquet hall. The location of the baby shower is the host’s decision, and is dependant on the budget , too. When deciding on the place for the celebration, consider the size of your audience, the mommy’s preferences, and the total costs.

Can I invite men to the baby shower?

Whether you decide to have an all-woman baby shower or a co-ed baby shower is up to you. Years ago, most women had women-only showers, but today, co-ed baby showers have become increasingly trendy. This gives the daddy-to-be, his friends, and male members of the family a chance to attend in the celebration.

When considering details about the baby shower, it is critical to cater to the mommy-to-be and her preferences. There are no set do’s and don’ts in today’s society. More and more taboos have been broken, and many things have become appropriate and acceptable, as long as the expectant parents are content with the celebration. One thing that is becoming more and more apparent is many of the participants are wanting to show up with the most unique practical baby gift baskets.

Filed under Parenting by cureface

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