Welcoming the impending arrival of a new baby boy or girl into the world is a great excuse for a celebration. Holding a baby shower is the perfect way to honor the mom-to-be and pamper her a little bit as well as share some fun and practical gifts for her and the little one. It doesn't matter if you are a sister, sister-in-law, mom or friend who needs some advice on how to plan a baby shower, this is a happy occasion and can be filled with as much fun and creativity as you can concoct. For the inside information that will make it child's play, check out our tips on how to plan a baby shower:
* Who Should Throw a Baby Shower?
Traditionally - somebody who isn't a relative, but these days ideas are far more relaxed and it often falls to the person who has the most time available, more funds or somebody who really wants to do it - no matter what their relationship is to the mom and baby.
* When Should the Baby Shower be Held?
A baby shower is usually held before the baby is born, so any time after conception is perfectly acceptable. It is a good idea to have it in the last few months as it can create a cheerful, pampered day for an expectant mom who is feeling the strain of pregnancy. It is also more fun if mom is sporting a big tummy!
Talk to the couple and find out when they will be free. During a pregnancy, the mom is often in demand by grandparents, doctor's appointments and days when she is just very tired, so make allowances for that. You will also want to be sure that all important friends and relatives are able to attend.
If you really want to plan a baby shower after the baby is born then do so. This may be a good idea if the mom has a difficult or dangerous pregnancy or so that gifts can be sex specific.
* Who to Invite?
Before you make the final list ask the parents to be if they want to include anybody else (you may have left Aunt Sally out!) or if there is anybody on the guest list that mom and dad would prefer didn't come.
Whether the shower is planned to include mom AND dad is up to you (and them!) but these days the old 'ladies only' style shower has been replaced by showers that are attended by anybody with a relationship to the parents-to-be.
