The American custom of throwing a baby shower has crossed the Atlantic, and is becoming increasing popular with mothers to be in the UK. A baby shower is the perfect occasion to spend some time with the mother before the baby is born and an opportunity for friends and family to give their gifts for the baby and mother. Although the custom of baby showers is becoming more widespread, there are a few key points to bear in mind when invited to attend or organise one.
Organisation and Timing
It is not customary for the mother herself to organise a baby shower. Usually it is a sister, close friends or work colleagues who take on the hard work of organising a venue, food, games and invitations. The whole process should be kept stress free for the mother, but the decision about whether or not to keep the shower a secret is a controversial one. A baby shower is usually held in the last three months of the pregnancy, but not too close to the due date as the tiredness experienced in late pregnancy can make a party more of an ordeal than a pleasure.
Location and Catering
Normally, a friend or family member will volunteer to have the baby shower at their home, but if this is not the case, another good option is to hire out a church hall, community centre or function room. Catering can be provided by an outside firm, or everyone can club together to organise some sausage rolls, sandwiches and crisps. Most baby showers also feature some sort of cake or cupcakes, decorated with a baby related theme.
Gifts
One of the main reasons for holding a baby shower is to give gifts for the mother and the baby. Some mothers go as far as putting together a list for their baby, much as you would for a wedding gift list. Whoever is organising the shower should have a fair idea of what gifts would be appropriate, but if not it is a good idea to buy something for both the mother and the baby, perhaps some bedding or clothing for the baby and some nice John Masters organic toiletries for the mother. Many groups of friends get together to buy one larger gift, or club together to buy a pamper hamper which can be packed with baby wipes, lotion, nappies, massage cream and John Masters goodies or perfume for the mum.
Games and Decoration
The sky is the limit when it comes to baby shower entertainment and games. Games should be kept lighthearted and simple, such as word searches based around baby related words, competitions to guess the weight of the baby when it is born, asking everyone to write words of advice for the new parents, or even a sweepstake to guess the name of the new arrival. If the mother knows what sex her baby will be, it is easy to decorate the location in shades of pink or blue, but if the gender is a secret, opt for pastel shades of green and yellow to keep things neutral.
Citations:
Plaisirs Boutique offer a large range of John Masters Organics products which make great baby shower presents as they're kind to the skin and great for new mums.
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