What is a Baby Shower?

If you are thinking of having or organising a Baby Shower party you’ll probably know that Baby Showers are an American phenomenon and have only recently arrived in the UK. Here at MumStuff.co.uk we are proud to stock a great range of stylish baby shower goods to suit any taste and budget and currently ALL our Baby Shower products have FREE delivery!

To help you through the maze of information about Baby Showers, we’ve out together some key facts to help you plan your party!

History

You may not be surprised to learn that the custom of buying gifts for the new parents is not a new one. There is evidence that in ancient times the Egyptians and the Romans often bestowed gifts upon new babies and parents. However, to buy a gift for an expectant mum is relatively new.

According to TheBabyCorner.com, “in the late 1800′s, Victorian ladies began having teas for mummy but not till after the baby was born because pregnant women did not appear in public. In the early 1900′s, the teas transformed into “showers” (based on the “showering” of the bride before her marriage) and umbrellas became symbolic because it was customary for ladies to carry parasols when they attended these afternoon gatherings”.

Another suggestion is that the baby-boom post World War Two was the catalyst for the celebration of pregnancy.

Purpose

• 1. A Baby Shower allows friends and family to share the joy and excitement of welcoming a new life into the world,
• 2. Provide emotional support to new mum/ parents.
• 3. Often provides cash strapped parents with much needed products for the baby.
• 4. Allows a little ‘me-time’ for mum-to-be with her friends and a chance to receive some great pampering gifts see Mum-to-Be Gifts

Who should organise a Baby Shower?

Anyone except the expectant mum-to-be! It’s often a best friend or sister that organises the party.

When should the Baby Shower be held?

Baby Showers are held before the baby is born, and usually toward the end of pregnancy, three or four weeks before the baby is due. They also tend to be held in the afternoon.

Who should be invited?

If you’re hosting the Baby Shower, you may have some ideas about the guest list, but it’s best to consult with mum-to-be. That way you avoid leaving out someone important or inviting someone they would rather not include. (See our selection of invitations).

What about hosting a shower for the expectant mum and dad? Although Baby Showers is still a female preserve, in the USA co-ed parties are growing in popularity. Another party-planning consideration: Think long and hard before choosing to throw a surprise party. If your mum-to-be doesn’t like surprises, you may be putting her in an awkward position.

What do you do?

Anything goes! At MumStuff we stock Baby Shower Tableware and decorations to make organising a Baby shower simple. Once you’ve decorated the room, you need to supply some food – nothing too fancy! It’s often fun to have a cake made for the mum-to-be or even collect some of her baby pictures (without her knowing!) and make a collage!

Baby Shower games are ever popular. One nice idea is for each party member to write a little piece of advice for the mum-to-be and put them all together to form a special book. It’s all a bit of fun!

If you have any queries just send Click here to send us an e-mail and we’ll be happy to help.

The MumStuff Team