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