Perhaps you’re expecting a child in the near future. Perhaps you know someone who is. Perhaps you’ve been given the charge of planning an event for a family member or friend and you’re a bit out of sorts. We’re here to help with any questions you might have regarding the custom of having baby showers, and how to organize it.
What is a Baby Shower?
The baby shower traditionally is a celebration of the imminent birth of a newborn baby. The mother-to-be and baby-to-be will be the main focus of these celebrations. The aim of baby showers is to offer an emotional bond with the mother and to gather many of the things needed to care for the baby. Baby shower gifts are given to the mother-to-be. Since babies are born with lots of things and the list is costly! Showers for babies can be complicated occasions that involve games and activities but they also can be more relaxed and natural. It is contingent on the objectives of the host and the needs of the mom-to-be.
Where did Baby Showers Begin?
The baby shower we understand it today is a new invention. It was published in Emily Post’s book “Etiquette the Blue Book of Social Usage” in 1937. Because it was not mentioned in earlier versions of this book (1927 or 1922) it is reasonable to believe that this custom was not widespread in the time of the book. In the time of the book the shower was referred to as”stork shower “stork shower.” and was just one kind of shower and there were kitchen showers, larder showers and of course bridal showers.
In the past it was considered acceptable to have your shower at morning and only intimate female close to the mother were invited.
The tradition that women were surrounded by relatives and close friends was not a new idea and was commonplace in the American colonial times women hosted “birthing celebrations” at the residence to celebrate the birth of their mother. At these gatherings, women including a midwife as well as close female friends and family who would join the mother when labor started and then remain with her for several days until labor was over. At these gatherings, women who attended would share jokes as well as comfort and encourage mothers, and share stories and recipes. The idea was to help the mother during her labor and to strengthen the bonds of the community.
Once labor was completed after which there was the “Lying in” period. The time of “Lying in” was between three and four weeks. During this time, women of the local community would arrive to the mother’s house to have tea, eat and assist with household chores to ensure it was possible for the new mother to recuperate. The mother would then thank her women’s community with an “groaning celebration” where she cooked an elaborate meal for the women who had assisted her.
Alongside the party of groaning New mothers were aware that they’d be able to repay women who had helped by attending birthing celebrations and even laying on their ovules as a reward.
The custom of giving gifts to guests at modern baby showers actually began in the Victorian period. The celebrations of birth took place following the birth, as Victorian women would conceal their pregnancy for whenever possible and then withdraw from the public sphere when it was no longer able to be kept secret. After the birth women’s friends and families would host an evening tea party for the mother-to-be. If gifts were presented typically, they were handmade.
Modern medicine has taken birth away from the care of midwives and eventually, out of the family home completely. Modern medicine also decreased the mortality of mothers and infants as well as birth celebrations prior to the birth of the baby began to become commonplace.
Baby Showers Across the World
In India Godh Bharai
Godh Barhai ceremony is a traditional Indian ritual. Godh Barhai ceremony in India is usually held in seven or eight months of pregnancies because the baby and mother are considered safe during this time. The word Godh Barhai refers to “to to fill up your lap.” The mother-to-be be is attired in a particular dress, and is anointed with oil by the elder women of the family. The lap of the mother-to-be is then filled with gifts, sweets and fruits and may also be dressed in jewellery.
The dance and singing is a common feature during dances at Godh Barhai. Here’s a video of the Godh Barhai dance performance. On the clip, you’ll watch the expecting mother sitting in a special chair that is decorated with floral arrangements.
Gifts offered during the Godh Barhai are only for the mom-to-be. The baby’s gifts are presented at a ceremony following the birth.
In Afghanistan The Sixth Night
In Afghanistan the celebrations of childbirth take place after the baby is born. Traditionally, it occurs during the night of sixth following the birth. The celebration brings family and friends family members together for a grand meal. Presents are given to the baby’s needs, such as diapers, clothing as well as toys. Baby boy celebrations are more elaborate than celebrations for girls.
The Dominican Republic – Baby Shower
Within the Dominican Republic, baby showers are an event to behold! They are huge, extravagant celebrations that involve families and friends of both genders. The shower planning is usually kept from the parents of the baby and can be arranged as a surprise celebration. It is usually a large amount of food available, and dancing and music are not uncommon.
When should I host the Baby Shower?
In the US Baby showers in the US usually take place in the afternoon, possibly as a relic of Victorian tea parties of the past. A baby’s shower usually scheduled between four and six weeks prior to when the baby is due. This will ensure that the pregnancy is on track and the risk of miscarriage being a small one and that the shower doesn’t get delayed by the premature birth or birth.
The timing of the shower, naturally will depend on the mother’s health and her preferences for the time of the shower. If the shower isn’t an unexpected event, you should talk to the mother-to-be about her preferences.
It’s also becoming more frequent for people to have baby showers at dinnertime as an example brunches for baby showers. The rule that is enforced in the afternoon does not have to be observed strictly.
How do I throw an Baby Shower?
Two ways you can end in planning and putting on the baby shower. You either offer to or you are asked to. The baby shower is usually hosted by a family member or friend of the mother. It is perfectly acceptable for the expecting mother to ask for someone to throw her a shower.
Typically the person who hosts the shower usually is not someone from the immediate family (this is thought of as a gift grabber by family members, and may seem snooty) It is usually an extended family member or a friend who is close to them.
The Guest List
The process begins with your guestlist. Baby showers are usually intimate events, which involve the mother-to-be’s most intimate female family members and friends. You should consider who among the people in the family and friends are going to be most likely to to honor the birth of the child as well as consult with the mother-to-be on whom she would like to wish to invite to the party. If you’re a close friend or family member, you might be some discord in the family you’re unaware of.
Although baby showers have historically been exclusively female-only events however, it is becoming more fashionable to host “co-ed” showers for babies with women and men. In addition, some people organize multiple showers. This is due to the fact that throwing a huge celebration can be difficult for women who are late in their pregnancy. Also, the mother-to be may prefer to create separate groups for example, one shower for friends, a family shower and a shower for coworkers.
Invitations
Send invitations out up to six weeks prior to your shower date. This allows guests to buy gifts, and also gives you have time for planning the event itself. Make sure you request an RSVP so that you are aware of the number of guests you need to anticipate. Don’t include a the registry or information about gifts on invitations as this is considered to be rude. You may give the information to guests who want it. It is possible to send invitations via email or social media, but it’s good to mail a paper invitation, in addition to electronic invitations. Some guests might want to keep the invitations as keepsakes.
If the family doesn’t wish guests to bring gifts such as is the case with a shower for a third or second baby or in the event of multiple showers certain to mention this in the invite. “No gifts, please.” is a good enough message. Family members and friends are likely to have other occasions to gift gifts. However, the opposite gift request is not something that should be considered.
Shower Favors
Shower favors are little gifts presented to guests of the shower. It’s a good idea if you have the budget, especially if guests bring gifts. It’s a thoughtful gesture of appreciation.
Shower favors are typically small presents. Sometimes, they’re just keepsakes. Sometimes they’re just a small amount of candy packed in a nice small bag. Since baby showers are usually only for women candle, lip balms or bathing products are frequent. A tiny stuffed animal could make a wonderful present for a keepsake.
Find a way to match your favors to your budget! There is no need to give an extravagant or personal gift to show your appreciation A small gesture will suffice.
Games and Activities and Games
Because of the urbanization that is a hallmark of modern living in the US It is common for individuals from various social groups attending baby showers. This means that a lot of the guests won’t have a connection with one another. This can be awkward but planning activities and games will make it easier for those who will be making new acquaintances in the very first place. There are plenty of ideas for games and activities that can be found on the web. Choose one that best suits the personality and preferences of the mother-to-be.
Food and Drink
The food served at baby showers are usually light and simple to eat. Think snacks and food items. Sandwiches, tea plates salad plates with cheese, pickles and olives are all popular options. They’re also very easy to prepare. For desserts, you can opt for cakes or biscuits. Be aware of the restrictions on diets for the mother and her guests in mind. Pregnant women shouldn’t eat raw cheeses, for instance while some guests could be gluten or lactose intolerant or vegan or vegetarian. Be sure to provide acceptable food items for all guests You do not want anyone feeling excluded or uncomfortable.
To drink coffee and tea, these are the most popular, along with punches and fruit juices. Because the mom-to-be will likely be not drinking alcohol, it is recommended to stay clear of alcohol-based drinks.
Gifts
It was common for the mother-to be to open her gifts for the shower at the event, but that’s not the case anymore. Particularly for large gatherings often, it can take a long time and would be monotonous for people to wait for mom to open all of her gifts. If the mom-to-be isn’t at ease opening all the gifts be sure not to make her.
It is best to have an area that guests can use to deliver gifts and other items to the mother-to be, to make sure she doesn’t have to be concerned with receiving each present each one at a time.
When is the best time to stop?
A lengthy party could be stressful and exhausting for mommy. The baby shower early in the afternoon should commence with lunch and finish prior to dinner time. It is acceptable to include an end time on invitations and also to set the time at which it will come to a close. Just saying, “thank you all for coming,” can get the message across.
Remember that the mother-to be is the main guest. If she’s surpassed the number of guests she can invite, the shower will end shortly.
After the party has ended If you’ve held the party at your home, make sure you assist guests with gifts or other packages. If you’ve held the party at her house, make sure to remain and tidy up. Don’t leave any mess for the mother-to-be. clean up the trash and dishes and clean up the decorations and throw any food leftovers put away.
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