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baby shower FAQs

Baby Showers are an established tradition in the United States, Australia and many Latin American countries and are now fast becoming a popular event over here in the UK.  They are a great opportunity for family and friends to get together with the mum-to-be before baby arrives and her life changes forever!  If you're thinking of planning a shower for a friend or relative here's our essential guide to help you on your way.

Who should host the baby shower?
Traditionally, anyone except the mum-to-be!  Friend, work colleague, mum or sister - it really doesn't matter, the important thing is that someone takes the initiative to host the shower.  It is also perfectly acceptable for more than one person to host a baby shower. It can be fun for a group of friends to share the responsibilities and excitement of planning and hosting this special event. 

If, however, you are a pregnant, would love a shower and don't have anyone to organise it - don't worry!  It's becoming far more common for the mum-to-be herself to throw her own shower - do don't feel awkward about it.

When do I throw a baby shower?
Showers are normally given before the baby is born, generally a month or two before the mum's due date - you don't want the party to clash with the early arrival of the baby!  Some people prefer to hold a "welcoming shower" a few weeks after the baby arrives, particularly if guests want to bring gifts specifically for a boy or girl. This is also an option if there are special out-of-town relatives (baby's grandparents, for example) that are coming post-birth and would love to attend the shower but cannot arrange two trips.

Where should I have the shower?

Showers can be held anywhere as long the mum-to-be doesn't have to get involved in clearing up afterwards!  You should consider how many people you are going to invite and how much time you have to spare to organise the party. Also, try to think about what the pregnant mum would like - an informal cosy affair in a friend or relative's home or somewhere chic and fabulous such as a hotel or restaurant where she can have a more grown up and sophisticated party. It really all depends on what atmosphere you are looking for and how much money you want to spend. Take a look at our venues section for more ideas.

Who do I invite? How should I invite the guests?
You'll probaby have some ideas about who to invite to the shower, but it is always a safe bet to run the guest list by the mum-to-be to make sure you haven't left anyone out.  You can invite guests via a phone call or an e-mail (be sure they check their mail regularly!), but the written invitation is still the most preferable way to kick off a shower. Written invitations are a great opportunity to set the tone for the party and are also a handy reminder for the guests to keep on their notice boards!

The answer to this really depends on what type of shower you are planning on hosting. For the most part, guys are probably not as likely to be interested in playing traditional "shower" games and eating cutesy foods while ooohing and aaahing over the mum-to-be's presents!  However, a shower can be a special event for expecting dads as well as mums if they're done with women and men in mind; and why shouldn't the dad-to-be get some of the attention and share in the gift opening and fun?

If the party is not a surprise, be sure to check with the pregnant mum as to whether the dad (and his friends) would enjoy a baby celebration. If she agrees, go from there. If you are including games at your shower, be sure to make them "men friendly" and have plenty of food available for your male guests. It would be a nice touch to include gifts that are special for the new daddy—a book on fathers and children, an "I love my daddy" bib for the baby, or maybe a frame dad can take to the office to display a new picture of his baby.

What should we do at the shower?

Have fun! The baby shower should be comfortable and fun for everyone, but most importantly the mum-to-be. Traditional showers often consist of a greeting time as guests arrive and mingle, a light lunch or afternoon tea, a few games, and the opening of gifts so everyone has a chance to 'oooh' and 'aaah' over the presents! 

Who pays for the shower and how much should you budget?

Traditionally, those hosting will pay for the shower, although nowadays it is perfectly acceptable to ask guests to contribute or co-host it to share the costs with someone else.  If you choose to have the shower at a hotel or restaurant you can let guests know what the cost is 'per person' for the event as you would for a Christmas party or similar function. 

Are showers only for the first baby?

It's wonderful to hold showers for second and third babies - they're just as special as the first aren't they?  Traditionally showers for second and third babies are called 'Baby Sprinkles'.  They are exactly the same as baby showers but the mum-to-be may appreciate the opportunity to have a 'sprinkle' in more grown-up surroundings without the other little darlings in tow!  

What about gifts?

Part of the fun of baby showers is choosing a lovely gift either for the mum-to-be or baby.  If you're hosting the shower you may wish to put a gift list together in consultation with the pregnant mum so guests have some ideas about what to get.  Please don't feel awkward about gift lists - you are not demanding presents - they are simply there to help your guests choose a gift for you and can be really useful - especially for work colleagues or those who have no experience with babies!

What are favours?

Favours are small tokens of appreciation which are traditionally given out at the end of the shower to say 'thank you for coming'. Here at the bump company, we have a delightful selection of favours for you to choose from including exquisite towel cakes, delicate bath treats and delicious chocolates, home-made cookies and cupcakes.  All our favours can be found in the Baby Shower Shop.