Planning a Baby Shower? These Tips Make It Stress Free

One of the most pleasant parties to plan has to be the baby shower. The mom-to-be gets so much attention and she can just sit back and enjoy all of the fuss. The key to creating this wonderful event is organization. Here's everything you need to make your upcoming baby shower as festive and memorable as possible!

Consult, Consult, Consult!

Because the parents-to-be may have more than one shower, it's a good idea to consult with the mommy-to-be. Before you send out invitations, sit down with the mom-to-be and ask her what she would like from this event. What is her idea of a fun shower and who she would like to attend? Most people shouldn't be expected to attend several showers for the same parents, so find out what else is being planned. Let her know that you want her to feel comfortable and most of all, to have fun.

What if you are having a surprise shower? Don't let that stop you from consulting! Talk to the dad-to-be to get ideas of a guest list and an appropriate time. You might even want to consult with other friends to be sure that everything works out smoothly. Again, consider the mom-to-be when having a shower. You want her to feel special, have fun, and be comfortable.

After consulting with the mom-to-be, or others, it is time to plan!

The Theme of the Day

This is the fun part ? deciding what you are going to do and how you are going to do it! This can also be the overwhelming part if you have never planned a baby shower before or if you don't feel that you are the creative type. Luckily, you don't' have to have experience or creativity to throw a great baby shower.

Some showers are simply a gathering of family and friends chatting, mom-to-be opening her gifts, and eating yummy food. Other showers are more elaborate with special games. If you are thinking of being more elaborate and having a theme, here are some great ideas to get you started:

Consider inviting couples instead of just the ladies. You can play fun games like who can diaper the baby doll the fastest and make it the men against the women. This shower is great for first-time-dads and helps them feel a part of things as the 'big day' nears.

Does mom-to-be already have everything she needs for baby, but you still want to celebrate this special occasion? Why not throw a Mommy Shower? Instruct guests to bring gifts for mom herself (bath and beauty products, gift certificates, etc). You might also consider a "consumable shower" and have guests bring diapers, wipes, shampoo, and other items that run out!

A recipe shower is a great idea. Instead of a card, ask guests to bring their favorite easy-to-make recipes for mom-to-be to use after the little one arrives. Or go one better and have the guests bring a dish ready to be frozen for the mom-to-be for those days when she is just too worn out to cook!

Here's a fun shower that will help the guests determine what to bring as a gift. In the invitations, assign each guest a random time of day and have them bring an appropriate gift. For example, blankets for naptime. Or assign each guest a different room of the house, like the bathroom, and have them bring an appropriate gift.

Have guests bring something that was a favorite of theirs from their childhood for the new baby. Books, movies, security blanket and etc make great gifts with added special meaning.

Have a birthday party! Get a birthday cake, streamers, party hats, and party games! Can you think of a better way to celebrate a birth?

Once you set a date and make a guest list, and pick your theme, you will need to choose a location. It is perfectly fine to have the shower in your own home, but it can be anywhere with enough space. Depending upon your theme, you may even choose a restaurant or an out of the way tearoom!

As the Date Nears

Now that the big decisions are over, you can take a deep breath. You are almost there! As the shower date approaches, however, you may again feel a bit of stress. Do you have everything? Have all the details been taken care of? Here is a great list to help you know the answers to those questions.

Two To Three Weeks Before The Event:

• Prepare and mail invitations with directions to event. Be sure to keep one for the baby book!

• Place order for the cake if ordering from a bakery.

• Choose and purchase decorations and party favors.

• Purchase prizes for games.

One Week Before The Event:

• Determine an accurate guest count.

• Make follow-up calls, if necessary.

One Day Before The Event:

• Purchase food and prepare platters and/or pick up any special food platters ordered.

• Purchase beverages.

• Make sure camera has film and/or video camera is loaded and has batteries, etc.

• Wrap gifts for game winners and review instructions for games.

• Clean house and party area.

Day Of The Event

• Decorate

• Buy any last minute items

• Prepare area for gifts

• Prepare table for the food

• And most importantly ? HAVE FUN!

That's all there is to it! You are now ready to throw a memory-filled baby shower for a special mom-to-be.

Copyright. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of http://www.baby-gifts-unique.com where you will find further tips on http://www.baby-gifts-unique.com/baby-showers.html, and unique baby gifts http://www.baby-gifts-unique.com/baby-personalized-gifts.html.

---

Should Your Baby Sleep In Your Bed?

Should baby sleep in her own cot or... Read More

Playing With Food Words: Teaching Mindfulness to Preschoolers

The most powerful way to instill a love for language... Read More

Baby Shower Games: The Good, the Bad and the Ugh!

Games can make or break a shower. The best can... Read More

Childrens Backpack Safety and Comfort

One of the easiest and safest ways to carry your... Read More

Backpacking With Children: My Own Adventures

When I had my firstborn I thought I new everything... Read More

Baby Shower Planning and Hosting

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby... Read More

Finding the Right Baby Soap for Your Babys Skin

Baby SoapAren't all soap the same, especially baby soap? Do... Read More

Etiquette for Baby Shower

Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but... Read More

Tantrums - Breaking the Cycle

Tantrums don't suddenly appear. They are learned. Controlling or eliminating... Read More

5 Best Free Child Games for Your Preschooler

There seems to be more and more pressure on parents... Read More

The Reflux / Asthma Connection

Most babies and kids with reflux will have typical symptoms... Read More

Baby Shower Food Items

Baby shower food items are one of the most important... Read More

Four Problems and Solutions on Feeding Your Newborn

Parents always want to give their babies the very best.... Read More

Baby Bedding

When you choose a baby bedding, choose the one which... Read More

What Should You Consider When Choosing Baby Clothes

Are you expecting a baby? You might be tempted to... Read More

Wasp and Bee Stings to Babies

Are you expecting a baby? Are you planning on having... Read More

My RAD Child

When I say RAD you may think of a child... Read More

Baby Showers To Remember

Every mother wants an enchanting baby shower for her new... Read More

Baby Shower Invitation Cards

Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the... Read More

Car Seats and Newborn Babies

I remember very clearly the first day we brought our... Read More

Under Carpet Heating In The Nursery ? To Help Your Baby Sleep Through The Night And More!

As new parents, we all want what's best for our... Read More

Baby Shower Decorations

When decoration for a baby shower, there are a few... Read More

Baby Shower Hosting 101

Are you ready to host the best baby shower ever... Read More

White Noise and 10 other Soothing Sounds for Calming a Colicky Infant

The crying ? oh, the crying. A colicky baby can... Read More

Breastfeeding A Baby

Breastfeeding Your Baby..Everyone tells you that breastfeeding is best -... Read More

Baby Carriers - Choosing the Right Pouch, Ring Sling, or Carrier for You

With so many options out there for baby carriers it... Read More

Fun and Easy Baby Shower Crafts

Baby shower crafts can be fun and easy to make.... Read More

Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby?s Teething Process

The teething process can be a difficult period for both... Read More

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was... Read More

How to Choose a Changing Table

As a prospective parent, you may wonder how hard it... Read More

Baby Shower for Mom and the Ladies

Baby Shower for Moms who just wanna have fun! This... Read More

How to Clean Those Lovable Plush Toys

Are YOUR Stuffed Animals DIRTY?Stuffed animals and dollies can lead... Read More

Make Your Own Baby Food - The Easy Way!

Is your baby about to start solid foods? Are you... Read More