Baby Showers

Come Rain or Shine… We All Love a Baby Shower! What better way to celebrate the miracle of a tiny new life, than to honour a Mummy to be with a celebration of her pregnancy.

Baby Showers are increasingly popular now in the UK, with current trends following from the US where they have been around for some time and where the name Baby Shower originates.

• A Baby Shower is a party thrown to celebrate the pending arrival or recent birth of a new baby. Gifts are given to the Mummy to be and friends and family attend to show love and support. Traditionally a women only event, (although some parents do have Baby Showers for both parents to be) Baby Showers are a very affectionate and happy event for the expectant Mummy as she is preparing to embark on the journey of motherhood. Baby Showers are usually thrown in the latter stages of pregnancy as this is when the mummy to be will getting ready for the arrival of her baby, although they can be held at any time or if preferred after the baby is born. Baby Showers are usually thrown by close friends or relatives of the Mummy to be as they know her best and can ensure she has the perfect Shower to suit her needs.
• There are many different styles of Baby Showers and many often have themes, Baby Showers don’t have to be expensive but if they are to be successful they require careful planning. Here at Tots and Rockers we love organising Baby Showers, they can be hosted anywhere from friend’s homes to restaurants or even outdoors if the sun is shining. They are usually announced by invitation and this is the best time to advise if a gift is required. There are a few things to remember when planning a Baby Shower; firstly that they should be tailored to suit the Mummy to be, there are no set rules on where, when and how, only that it should be a memorable, stress free and happy occasion for the Mummy to be. Games are often played although if the friends attending are very close they may not be needed to get things going. There are lots of baby focused games from guessing the sex of baby, tasting baby foods blindfolded to identify the contents, naming celebrity children, estimating the date the baby will be born, quizzes and lots more.
• Gifts are usually given and depending on the Mummy to be these will usually be baby clothes, baby toys, baby equipment or receiving blankets, it is a good idea not to purchase personalised items until after the birth. Some guests like ideas of what the new Mummy would like to receive, this is when wish lists are helpful and also avoid the same gift being bought twice. If the Baby Shower is a surprise close relatives could advise on gifts or gift cards could be a good idea, also presents for the Mummy herself if baby goods have already been bought.
• There are also lots of other great ideas and not all have to be expensive, homemade dishes to freeze are a thoughtful gift, as the new mummy will be tired in the days following her birth. If cost is an issue why not offer your time as a gift? Offers of free babysitting, offering to help out with the shopping or in the home are always welcomed. A Baby Shower is generally paid for by close friends and family, although, it can be arranged by a group of friends or colleagues who may all wish to contribute towards the event. A great way to reduce the cost of hosting a Baby Shower is to ask each guest to bring a donation of party food or drink. Like every good party, food and drink are important, not forgetting that the Mummy to be will be avoiding alcohol, raw meats and soft cheeses. An Afternoon Tea Shower is a popular choice, or for the ultimate glamour girl a Mocktail Shower (mock-cocktail) is a great opportunity to get dressed up. If the mummy to be is feeling the strain of pregnancy then a Pamper Shower will be just the thing to revitalise her, either at a Spa or have a therapist come to your chosen venue.
• It is a great idea to create a memory book of the event including photographs and advice for the mummy to be. Ask the guests to write down the best advice for new mums, parenting and pregnancy or kind words of encouragement, to record in the memory book. Making a time capsule for the baby is a fun memento, or even asking guests to write promise cards of things they will teach the baby or new Mummy to help them through their journey of life together.

Remember as every pregnancy is unique then so too, should your Baby Shower! We offer a full bespoke planning service to make your Baby Shower extra special or if you would like adcvice on ettiquete and gift sugestions please drop us an email info@totsandrockers.co.uk or call us on 01273550620