What should I expect at a baby shower?

April 20, 2009 12:35pm CST
I have never attended a baby shower before. I have been invited to attend one next week but I really dont know what goes on in there. I'm not good with babies so I'm a bit nervous and I dont know what to expect and course I dont know what's expected of me. I know I should bring a gift but i'm am totally clueless as to what to get. Any help and tips and comments would be appreciated. Thanks
3 people like this
9 responses
@meandmy3 (2227)
• United States
20 Apr 09
When you first arrive at the shower there will be small talk as everyone gets there, often there are finger foods, appetizers etc. The host will start the party with a get to know the mom and guest game. After which the mom to be will open presents as the guest munch on the appetizers. After the gifts are open there is more mingling and small talk, a cake is nornaly cut and shared with everyone. That is about it.
2 people like this
@meandmy3 (2227)
• United States
20 Apr 09
As far as gifts I always give what is called The Ultimate Crib sheet, a box of diapers and a box of baby wipes. All are things the new mom and dad can use. Stay away from powders as doctors tell parents not to use them any more.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Apr 09
Don't worry too much of what is going to be there. Basically its just a bunch of games relating to babies and every just saying congratulations and what not. For gifts... my sister just recently had one and she said the thing that she got the most was diapers and baby clothes and what not. What she really wished she got was things like baby medicine. Also - something she said that would be helpful is like bottle cleaners and all those little items.
20 Apr 09
Cheers ladies thank you.. that really helps. Although the medicine part.. shouldnt the doctors administer that? I mean I could get the medicine but what if its not right for the baby? I mean every baby is different so I would prefer to leave it to the docs.. and get the other physical stuff like the bottle cleaners, sterilizers etc.. But thank you heaps.. at least I got an idea now...
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Apr 09
Since I had my baby shower about 2 months ago I think I can help you out with this question. Its usually mostly women at baby showers everyone sits around and just talk girl talk. At my shower we talked and played baby shower games everyone seemed to enjoy themselves we had a very goodtime. After the games we ate and then i open my gifts. A diaper cake would be a nice gift to give
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Apr 09
A mom can never have too much/many: bottles and bottle cleaners, sippy cups (The baby may not be born yet but these things can be put away for a few months until they are needed. If you are going to buy dipers do not be afraid to buy them in sizes that will be to big for the baby, they will grow into them. the same goes for clothes. I like to buy a small basket and fill it with stuff, diper rash cream, stuff like that and then a little somthing for mom and dad (times are tough and so even if it is just a hand lotion or a movie gift card for one rental, it is something just for them.) As far as the party itself, just go and have fun.
1 person likes this
@LevysLuv (238)
• United States
20 Apr 09
I’ve only I attend 2 baby showers myself so I had the same questions not so long ago. Both baby showers I attended were co-ed and one of them welcomed children as well. There was quite a bit of small talk and mingling, everyone congratulating the expectant mother. We played silly baby games like memorizing all the items in a baby basket and a word scramble with baby related words. When it comes to the gift I try to stick to the gift registry, if there is one, then I have one item that isn’t on the registry. I like to get clothing for when the baby gets older. A lot of people tend to get clothing for newborns or up to 6 months. I like to try and get clothing for when the baby is around a year old or older. Also if you are going to buy any clothing be sure to try and factor in the age of the baby for the season of clothing. For example if the baby is due in summer don’t buy warm clothes in newborn sizes.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Apr 09
Well I would bring a gift and if you do get pacifiers or bottles a simple yet very useful gift as for what goes on there usually are no kids there except for the one on the way. some women like to play games you may end up eating baby food(don't worry its just a game)you might get prizes there will be normal food too all in all baby showers are pretty fun.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
20 Apr 09
a baby shower can be lots of fun or it can be boring, depending on how the people plan it and who attends. i last went to a baby shower last year and it wasnt too bad. i sat with some friends and we played games (i won a prize) and they had some good food. i bought a scrapbooking baby book for the baby. it was something like $8- at walmart. clothes are always good too, babies grow really fast, so buy something that is a little bigger, like 12 months
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
20 Apr 09
Any baby shower I've been to has been before the baby or babies have arrived. There chatting with friends and family, some games, lots of snacks (ok my family tends to be big on food so we go all out), cngratulations to the expectant mom, gift opening. It tends to be alot of fun and most moms I know that have attended usually have a babysitter for their kids so its a day out. Bring a cute outfit (unisex unless u know if the baby is a boy or girl) a cute baby toy, I knit baby blankets to give to my friends and family for their new babies...or make quilts.
@bing28 (3795)
• Philippines
21 Apr 09
there's no baby shower during my time that's why I'm excited hearing or watching baby showers. I feel happy for the mother receiving even little things for the baby. I have watched one also but this was for a movie star, complete with crib, strollers and baby toys. It does'nt matter anyway, the mother would surely appreciate whatever gift she would receive as what's important is the excitement of everyone for the coming baby.