Baby Shower Party411

Baby Shower Party Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone loves a baby shower because everyone loves babies! They’re so cute and tiny, what’s not to love? But if you’re planning a party for the future mom and dad, the baby shower for the impending arrival may become a stressful experience. Fear not, the following list of frequently asked baby shower questions will allow you to enjoy the party as much as your guests.

Q: Who should be invited to the baby shower?
A: Traditionally baby showers guests tend to be all women – family and friends of the mom-to-be. But there’s no reason not to invite the dad-to-be and his friends. Parenting has changed so much in the last ten years and stay-at-home dads are not that unusual, so why not make it a coed baby shower? The new parents may get some unique advice!

Q: Should you include the names of the store(s) where the parents-to-be have registered on the baby shower invitation?
A: Absolutely! If the parents have taken the time to register, then there are specific items that they need or want. Besides, many of your baby shower guests will be delighted to have gift ideas.

Q: If the parents know the name and sex of the baby, should it be included on the baby shower invitation?
A: This is a very personal issue and the decision should be made by the mother, or parents-to-be. Some people like to share the name and sex of the baby with everyone, others with just family or a few close friends. If the information is known, and public, including it on the baby shower invitation may make it easier for guests to buy gifts.

Q: What is the best time of day to have a baby shower?
A: The time of the baby shower is probably best determined by the type of food you want to serve. If you want to keep the baby shower simple, don’t have it too close to lunch or dinner. At an afternoon baby shower, you can offer simple desserts, fruit and a special baby shower cake. It will be delicious without requiring a huge amount of preparation.

Q: How long should a baby shower be?
A: Baby showers are never very long. You can probably assume the baby shower will last about 2 hours depending on the number of guests and how many (if any) games you play. Keep the party moving because guest of honor may tire easily, and you don’t want her leaving her own baby shower exhausted.

Q: What are some baby shower gift ideas?
A: If it’s a first baby, there is no “bad” baby shower gift. Clothes, books, toys are all wonderful. If the baby shower is for someone in your office, you may consider going in on a gift with several people. Remember, if the baby shower is for someone living out-town, or in a very small apartment or house, gift cards to nationally owned stores might be nice.

Q: Do we have to play baby shower games?
A: Games at a baby shower are totally optional. Ask the guest of honor in advance how she feels about baby shower games. And try and gage the crowd – some guests will love the idea of playing baby shower games and others will hate it. If you’re not sure, plan few and see how well they are received; you may be pleasantly surprised.

Q: What are some fun baby shower games?
A: Well, there are tons of baby shower games to choose from but here are some ideas to get you started. Invite everyone to write down a favorite piece of parenting advice anonymously and then guess who it came from. Or let everyone suggest a most and least favorite baby name and explain why it’s loved or hated. Baby trivia, a speed diapering contest (perfect for a coed baby shower) or bottle races (who can drink the liquid of your choice the fastest out of the bottle) will all leave your guests laughing.

Q: Do I have to give prizes to the winners of the baby shower games?
A: No, you are not required to give prizes for the baby shower games you play but a little one is always nice. If you want to stay with the baby shower theme, a baby bottle filled with candy or bubble gum or chocolate cigars in pink and blue will be well received. Non baby shower theme prizes could include small potted plants, note paper or cosmetic mirrors – maybe all in pink or blue?

Q: Are you supposed to give out party favors at a baby shower?
A: There is no hard and fast rule about party favors. It’s always nice to give guests a little “parting gift” but it is not required. Personalized baby shower candy bars or mint tins are always well received. For a more lasting memento, take a picture of each guest with the mom-to-be and send it along with the thank you note (that is required!)