What is a baby shower? A baby shower is a type of party for a mother-to-be. In American culture, when a woman is expecting her first child, it is common for friends and relatives (usually, women) of the mother-to-be to hold a baby shower for her.
Why do people have a baby shower for an expectant mother? The purpose of a baby shower is to provide the expectant mother with items that she would need to take care of a baby. It is to help her get ready for her “blessed event.”
What types of things make good baby shower presents? Clothes, toys, and diapers are, of course, practical gifts that are greatly appreciated, but there are other things that also come in rather handy: strollers, car seats, baby buggies, cribs, and playpens are some examples of “big-ticket items” (things that tend to be somewhat pricier) that generally top an expectant mother’s wish list, along with cute baby clothes, blankets, and receiving sets. Often, a group of friends or relatives might get together and “pitch in” (contribute) towards the cost of one of these big-ticket items, thus blessing the mother-to-be with a stroller or other large gift without it being too much of a financial burden on any single individual. Other ideas for baby shower gifts include handmade blankets, sweaters, hats, booties, or similar items that can be passed down from baby to baby, eventually becoming a family heirloom.
What are some other benefits to having a baby shower? Besides providing financial support for a new baby in the form of presents, a baby shower can also provide a new mother with emotional and moral support from the other women there, particularly if they have already experienced motherhood themselves. Advice, suggestions, and tips for dealing with a fussy newborn or other unfamiliar situation can give the expectant mother wisdom, guidance, and confidence, thus helping her to adjust to her new role as mother. Sometimes there is nothing like talking to someone who’s been in your shoes, and knows what you’re going through!
What else happens at a baby shower? Like most other parties, food is involved. Usually, the food that is served at a baby shower is “finger food.” Finger food is food that can be eaten with the fingers – in other words, no silverware is necessary. This includes foods such as sandwiches, fruits, and the like. But this is not a strict rule, as often there are also foods like salads and cakes, which would be much easier to eat using a spoon or fork rather than one’s fingers alone! Other activities at a baby shower would include games: guessing how big the baby will be, when the baby will be born, or identifying baby food by taste are some examples of games played at a baby shower.
When is a baby shower held? There is no hard-and-fast rule as to when to have a baby shower. A baby shower may be held before the baby is born, usually towards the end of the pregnancy (in the last trimester). Other times, a baby shower may be held after the baby is born. This might be the case, for example, if the mother has a boy after having several girls – although she would already have a stroller, crib, and plenty of “girl things,” she would no doubt appreciate clothes and toys that are specifically for boys, especially if she didn’t know in advance that the baby was going to be a boy!