Although the custom of helping expectant parents plan for a new baby has been a tradition for centuries, baby showers as we know them today were not common until after World War II.

Baby showers often serve several purposes
- they allow friends and family to share the joy and excitement of welcoming the baby
- they help expectant parents with the costs of preparing for and caring for a newborn
- they provide emotional support to the new parents.

Traditionally, baby showers were celebrated by a new mother, her relatives and closest friends. Showers were rarely held prior to the baby’s arrival. It used to be considered presumptuous or even bad “luck” to hold a baby shower before the child was born. Some cultures still hold this true, though it is now common to plan baby showers for the last trimester.

Modern showers have relaxed and themed showers, couple showers, family showers (if there are other children) and even Dad showers are becoming more common.

Planning a Shower
It is perfectly acceptable for a friend, co-worker, or relative to throw a baby shower for the mother-to-be. Ask the expectant parents to provide you with a guest list and find out if there are specific baby items that they need or prefer Some expectant parents register with baby stores, shops and boutiques.

Mail the baby shower invitations at least 3-4 weeks before the party date, so guests are more likely to have an open schedule. While there are various styles of invitations specifically for baby showers, remember that most birth announcement cards would be perfectly appropriate as well (with a verse change, of course!). In fact, if Mom and Dad have preordered their birth announcements, we can do a matching or coordinating shower invitation, too!

Showers for Adopted Children
Parents who adopt an infant or young child also deserve a shower! When planning, you will want to take in to consideration the age of the child and consider whether it would be best to host the shower prior to the child’s arrival or after. Remember that too much excitement may be overwhelming for them. Note that nature provides for a recovery period after birth where mom and baby can heal, rest and bond. When a child is adopted, the new mom does not feel that need for physical recovery and healing and may tend to take on more activities and busy time. When planning welcome parties and showers, keep in mind that they will still need some quiet time for bonding and too much excitement and party going may be overwhelming to baby.

As with other types of showers, let guests know ahead of time if any information is available regarding the child’s needs, gender, clothing sizes, ect.

Showers for the Second, Third or Later Child
Baby showers are traditionally thrown for first-time parents but it is not uncommon today to throw a shower for subsequent children – every baby deserves a special welcome!