Baby Shower Hosting Tips and Advice

Although there are no set in stone rules in regard to baby shower etiquette, there are many traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation, which remain unchanged. So, these traditions are the ones that will probably come to mind when you decide to plan a baby shower around proper etiquette.

There is no official list of do’s and don’ts, when it comes to planning the event. You need to take into consideration things like the location of the shower, the number of guests who will be in attendance and whether or not the shower will take place before or after the baby is born.

As the rule, the hostess of the baby shower is usually a close friend, of the mother-to-be. However, it is certainly acceptable for a sister or sister-in-law to plan the celebration, as well.

Grandmothers should not take on hosting duties, simply because they should be considered guests of honor… right along with the expectant mother.

Etiquette tells us that it is also acceptable for two or more women to co-host the baby shower. This makes it easier on everyone involved, both financially and when it comes to getting stressed out, as the event draws near.

Traditionally, a baby shower was only held for the firstborn, in the family. This is because larger items such as car seats, strollers and highchairs were used for subsequent children as well. The same goes for clothing items, blankets, crib ensembles and more.

Because of today’s skyrocketing prices, it is much more commonplace to hold a baby shower for each child, in the family. Even though the mom-to-be has already acquired the larger items, she can never have enough diapers, formula, baby food and bath supplies.

If the mother-to-be is adopting, there is no reason why you shouldn’t hold a shower to celebrate the joyous event. After all she still needs all of the same things that any new mom needs.

Although, it is wise to wait until the baby has actually been placed in the home, before you celebrate. Sadly, many adoptions fall through because the birth mother changes her mind, at the very last minute.

Many dads feel left out, when they aren’t included in the baby shower festivities. Etiquette-wise there is nothing wrong with them attending the shower… at least for the last half hour or so.

It is not proper, however, for him to start loading gifts into the car before the guests leave, should the baby shower be held in a location other than his home.