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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2017)
10 - EASTERN OREGON PARENT - April 2017 Baby shower basics: Ideas and tips on the four W’s By JENNIFER COLTON Planning a baby shower can be overwhelming, but it’s easy to straighten out with a simple sys- tem: who, what, when, where. We all know the why: Giving a mom-to- be (and maybe dad, too!) a celebra- tion and a chance to share their excitement with their friends and family. Here a few tips to help you get started with planning a baby shower — and stay within the rules of good etiquette. When : A baby shower typically takes place about six weeks be- fore the due date. This gives the expectant parents time figure out what items they have been given and what still needs to purchased before the birth. It’s also a good balance between when the mom is visibly showing – and glowing — but not past the point of comfort. Invitations should go out three to six weeks before the shower. Who: Who decides who should come to the party? A baby shower typically focuses on friends of fam- ily, and an average list is about 30 guests — understanding not all will be able to attend. As the host typi- cally funds the event, they typically get to choose the total number of guests, and although the host often makes the guest list it’s a good idea to get feedback from the guest of honor before sending invitations. Exceptions can be made, of course, especially in the case of a surprise party. Is it a coed or all-girls party? Traditionally, baby showers were “all girls” events, but that’s not always the case anymore. If you are hosting a coed baby shower, make sure to have party favors the men will appreciate competing for and have activities that appeal to both genders. If you have a game you think only women will be interest- ed in, try to plan something else at the same time so everyone feels involved. Also, make it clear on the invitations if it is a coed or single-gender event. Your guests will thank you and it can also impact the gifts they choose to bring. Where: A baby shower can take place at the host’s home, a restaurant, or even a park. Try to be conscious of the weather, the size of the group, and the comfort of the mom-to-be. For a camping or outdoor theme, con- sider having it at the park (which also allows for activities like stroller races and obstacle courses). Is it a small, intimate group? Consider hosting it in a home that will add to the warm atmosphere. For simplic- ity, consider hosting it at a restau- rant or event venue where cater- ing, decoration and cleanup can all be arranged. What: For the baby shower itself, pick a theme and run with it. Does the mom-to-be love garden- ing? Have guests write phrases or paint round rocks for her to place around her garden. What about a “bun in the oven” theme for a guest of honor who loves baking? A literary-loving mom? Try a theme on “Great Expectations” with library due dates, or a children’s book theme. Board games and video games can provide ample inspiration for a gaming mom. Does she dream of or love to travel? Try a British tea, or a “welcome to the world” party with a little bit of everything. When you’re planning a baby shower, you want to make sure to build in some time for opening gifts, for snacking and chatting, and for planned ac- tivities. Activities can relate to a specific theme or to a general baby theme. If you’re feel- ing particularly crafty, the guests can all decorate a quilt block you can sew into a gift and useful memento for the mom-to-be or have everyone paint onesies the mom will soon put to use. There are also the classic baby- theme competitions like a version of “pin the tail on the donkey” to your shower’s theme (or pin the diaper on the baby). Or try “guess the flavor of baby food” for a lively, unpredictable challenge. Make sure you have small prizes for the guests to compete for, such as gift cards or a small gift bag. Remember nothing is set in stone and everything should match the personality of the mom-to-be. If games or crafts make her uncom- fortable, leave them out. If she will feel awkward opening gifts in front of the guests, consider letting her open them after the party instead of during. Make sure the guest of honor is comfortable, stress-free, and happy during the event. ________ Jennifer Colton is news director of KOHU and KQFM, and mother of three, based in Pendleton. HEATHER A. BACON, PH.D. & JENNIFER K. COOPER, PSY.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologists Helping parents discover new ways to shape behavior and reconnect with children. Currently accepting new patients. Most insurance and private pay accepted. 860 W. Elm Ave., Suite 204, Hermiston, OR 97838 541-289-7777 • hermistonpsych.com