Golden Rules for Baby Shower Etiquette

Here are a few dos and don'ts to remember whether you're a mommy-to-be or just someone planning to throw a baby shower for your pregnant friend.

Baby Shower Organizers
In light of tradition, it is best for people close but not related to the couple having a baby to throw a baby shower. This will prevent others from thinking that the couples family or relatives only held the party just to ask for gifts.

When to Hold Baby Showers
Again, if things are based on tradition then baby showers are best held prior to the baby's birth. But nowadays, people are more inclined to ask the preferences of the mommy to be. Although this would take away the element of surprise, it can also make your party less complicated to organize as you can find out other likes and dislikes of the guest of honor.

One things for sure: avoid holding the baby shower just days or weeks away from the expected delivery date. You wouldn't want to risk having the stress and excitement of your baby shower to induce your friend into early labor, would you?

Baby Showers for Adoptions
It doesn't matter how old the child the couples adopting. Having a new child in the family is always a special event that's worth celebrating. Of course, there are a few things you should take note of. Firstly, don't make any concrete plans until you're completely sure that the adoption process has been finalized. Secondly, baby showers should focus more on child rearing rather than pregnancy or giving birth. Last but not the least, adopting a child will always require a couple or family to go through an adjustment period. Be sure that you do give them time to adjust before holding your baby shower.

Inviting Guests
Who should you invite to baby showers? Definitely women who are closest to the guest of honor must receive invitations. Be sure to invite women from both sides of the family, like the maternal and paternal relatives of both husband and wife. Of course, the best way to avoid stepping on toes is to ask the guest of honor about her wishes.

On the matter of inviting guests who may have recently suffered a miscarriage, child loss, or difficulties with having babies, the best way to resolve this is by issuing the invitation in person. Let the other person know that while you'd love to have her attend the baby shower, you also understand if she chooses to decline.