A baby shower is more than just a celebration of the impending arrival — it’s an expression of love and support from the mom-to-be’s community, a moment of joy and anticipation, and an opportunity to shower the mom-to-be with care and affection.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, from understanding the expecting mom’s needs to picking the perfect gift, setting up the theme, and much more.
Understand the New Mom’s Preferences
The cornerstone of any successful baby shower is the comfort and happiness of the mom-to-be. Therefore, it’s essential to understand her likes, dislikes, and needs. But how do you find out what she wants without spoiling the surprise? The answer is simple: You listen!
Listen to her talk about her pregnancy journey, the things she misses, and the things she’s excited about. These can all give you invaluable insights into what might make her happy at the baby shower! It’s about more than normal baby shower must-haves — you need to focus on what will make her feel special and loved.
Pick the Perfect Gift
The best place to start for inspiration with baby shower gifts is with something practical. With that in mind, a high-quality pumping bra is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to a new mom.
A pumping bra is a lifesaver for breastfeeding moms — it frees their hands during pumping sessions, allowing them to multitask and making the process more comfortable and convenient.
You could also opt for a chic diaper bag, a set of organic cotton baby clothes, a stylish and functional baby carrier, or a gift card from her favorite maternity store.
Consider forming a gift registry or a wish list if you’re the mum-to-be’s close friend or family member. It can help guide the guests toward what Momma really needs and wants, ensuring that every gift brings a smile to her face.
Concoct a Creative Theme
Just like her gifts, the shower’s theme should reflect the mom-to-be’s personality and preferences. Is she a fan of all things vintage? Opt for a retro baby shower theme. Does she love nature and the outdoors? A woodland-themed baby shower might be just right.
The theme is not just about the decoration — it will also inform the choice of food, invitations, games, and even the dress code. Have fun with it and let your creativity flow!
Plan the Menu
The food you choose should be more than just tasty. It needs to be something the mom-to-be can enjoy, considering her food aversions or cravings.
Consider comfort food, nutritious bites, and perhaps a few of her favorite dishes. Bite-sized finger foods are always a hit at these events, too, like sliders, mini-quiches, or even veggie-based sushi rolls (no raw fish for Momma!).
Add a selection of refreshing drinks — both non-alcoholic and boozy for those who wish to indulge — and a dessert station featuring her favorite sweet treats. With a carefully curated menu, the baby shower will surely leave a delicious memory in your guests’ minds!
Organize Fun and Memorable Games
Baby shower games entertain the guests and create an engaging and interactive environment at the bash. The trick is to pick games that are easy to understand, inclusive for all guests, and filled with laughter.
Consider classics like “Guess the Baby Food,” “Don’t Say Baby,” or “Who Knows Mommy Best.” These games often end in bouts of laughter, making the occasion even more enjoyable.
Set Up a Comfortable Atmosphere
Ensuring a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere is key to making the baby shower memorable. After all, you want the mom-to-be to feel like a queen for the day! Your venue should have plenty of seating and room for everyone to move around. If you’re having an outdoor event, ensure enough shade and perhaps even some fans to keep guests cool.
When it comes to decor, less is often more. A tastefully decorated venue with thoughtful touches reflecting the theme and personality of the mom-to-be can do wonders. A playlist of her favorite tunes playing in the background will add a charming personal touch to the event.
Don’t Neglect Invitations and Guest Management
The invitation should reflect the shower’s theme, include all the important details, and perhaps have a personal note. It’s the first glimpse guests will have of the exciting event, so make it count!
When managing RSVPs, a friendly reminder a week before the event can help you confirm the guest list. As guests arrive, welcome them with a warm smile, direct them to their seats, and introduce them to others.
It’s Time To Party!
Today is about making the mom-to-be feel special, loved, and supported. Keep checking in with her throughout the event to see how she’s doing, if she needs anything, or if she wants to start a particular game or activity. She should never have to lift a finger!
Planning a baby shower can seem daunting, but with the right planning and execution, it can be a joyful and rewarding experience. So, here’s to creating a fantastic day that will be remembered with fondness and love by the new mom in your life!
