Baby Showers

A baby shower is a party in which expectant parents receive gifts or money for their expected child. By convention, a baby shower is intended to help parents get things that they need for their baby (such as basic layette items), especially items they may not be able to afford. more...

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It is a fairly recent tradition in the United States and in other cultures influenced by American culture or media.

Traditionally, a baby shower is held only for the mother-to-be, and only women attend. However, many people choose to have baby showers for both parents, and some people have a men-only shower. It is not uncommon for a parent to have more than one baby shower, such as one with friends and another with co-workers. A baby shower is generally arranged by a close friend or relative of the parents-to-be. Traditionally, it was considered improper for a family member to host because the event centers on gift-giving.

Baby showers have become more common in the past few decades, as families have become smaller and each child gets more individual attention. Though they are traditionally only held for the first child, they can also be arranged for subsequent children and for children who have been adopted. It is common for the host to provide baby-themed games during the shower. In some regions, shower favors (small gifts for the guests) are common.

Not all Americans hold baby showers. For example, in Jewish tradition, nothing may be bought for the baby before it is born. But many American Jews today do not subscribe to that tradition. Many Italian-Americans also do not hold baby showers. Some people prefer to hold showers after the birth of the baby. Some believe that giving gifts before the baby can be bad luck, because there can be a miscarriage.

Baby Shower Activities

While there are no set guidelines for what constitutes a baby shower, there are some traditional activities that are common at baby showers. Often, showers are luncheon or afternoon tea parties. While the most important part of the gathering is just gathering the mother-to-be's friends and family around her to celebrate the coming of a baby, activities, games, food and drinks give guests something to do and serve as ice-breakers for those guests who are unacquainted.

Some classic activities at baby showers include:

Baby shower bingo; Guess the due date; Guess the expectant mother's girth: guests cut pieces of ribbon or yarn to a length they believe matches the mom-to-be's tummy circumference; Guess the baby food flavor: guests have to taste-test several flavors of baby food and try to identify them;

Usually, at a baby shower the guest of honor opens the gifts in front of the other guests. This allows everyone to admire the tiny clothing and fun baby gear.

While you can serve any food and beverages you desire, it is traditional to have a baby shower cake.

Other terms

"Daddy's shower" refers to a men-only shower for the dad-to-be.

Read more at Wikipedia.org