Friday, March 15, 2013

How to Organise a Stress-Free Baby Shower

By Alice Johnson


If you know someone who is having a baby, why not celebrate it! Baby showers are fresh from the US and are the perfect opportunity to say congratulations while showing mum-to-be a good time. They can be small or large gatherings, are traditionally all-female, and let you bestow treats on the expectant mum. These can be items she will need for her new arrival or something to make her feel special!

Anyone can organise a baby shower, except for the mum-to-be! She needs to be spoilt, so suggest the idea to mutual friends or her family. They will be happy to get involved and can help take the stress off you. You may decide to keep it a secret, or get her opinion on it first.

Baby showers can take place whenever is convenient, but bear in mind that most are held in the last trimester. A few weeks before the due date the excitement and emotions are running high. She will appreciate the chance to talk to some friends and unwind before her new arrival.

Baby showers can be held in the home or in places such as community centres, village halls, or even cafes. It is never a good idea to host it in the mum-to-be's home; carrying around a baby for nine months is enough without having to clear up after a party! The venue should be arranged early and be easy for everyone to get to.

Make sure that everyone she would want to be there is invited. Baby showers are traditionally girls-only parties, but it can be nice to invite the future dad. Think about the people she is closest to; get full names, phone numbers or email addresses at the very least. Social networking sites are also very useful for getting in touch.

Websites like Facebook are cheap and easy for party-planning, allowing you to send invites and get replies quickly. Depending on how big your shower is, you might want to split the budget with the guests or at least a few of her closest friends. Baby showers don't need to be costly; they are all about celebrating the mother and her new baby.

You could also ask everyone to bring a dish each. Make sure you know what everyone is bringing so you don't end up with twenty potato salads! Or maybe you have a friend that is a great cook, and wouldn't mind helping out? Ensure it is safe for the expectant mum to eat as well as everyone else too!

Baby showers are not all about the presents; in fact, they about the mum-to-be most of all. Most guests opt for clothes or accessories for the baby, but many parents do not know the sex of their new arrival. You could think about what gift would mean a lot to your friend, such as a handmade present or a spa day especially for expectant mums.

Above all, baby showers are a time to celebrate a new arrival into the world while having fun. Avoid stress and remember the basics to ensure a good time!




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