Baby showers are a fun way to celebrate an addition to the family while ensuring new parents have everything they need. They can also be delicate events attended by people of many different backgrounds. Knowing baby shower etiquette ensures you arrive with an acceptable gift and don’t accidentally step on anyone’s toes.
Baby Shower Etiquette
As the best friend, others look to you for behavioral cues. While a lot of pressure, it’s a wonderful opportunity to ensure your loved ones have a beautiful, hassle-free baby shower.
The first step is talking to the parents about any boundaries they’d like to set. For example, if there are family tensions, they may want to steer clear of certain topics. You should also set an itinerary:
- When to serve refreshments
- When to open gifts
- When to end the shower
As the best friend, you’ll need to hurry things along to keep everyone on track and potentially step in for the expectant parents if they get tired.
You may also need to act as a buffer if some guests get a little nosy. For example, some parents prefer not to discuss their birth plans, especially if there are health complications. If someone insists on knowing the details, you can firmly yet politely redirect the conversation.
Considering the Mother-To-Be
Baby gift bundles are excellent options for a baby shower, especially if this is the first child. However, if the guest list is extensive or the expecting parents have most of what they need, consider shifting your focus.
Parents sometimes get forgotten in the excitement of a new baby. As the best friend, you can show how much you care by choosing a gift intended for them, not just the bundle of joy.
New-Parent Journals
Becoming a parent is exciting, terrifying, joyful and stressful in equal measures. New-parent journals contain prompts and exercises encouraging parents to take a breather and center themselves. They may also help parents track their babies’ progress and record these early moments that go by so quickly.
If your friends are avid journalers or love writing in general, this may be a perfect present. When their children are older, they can revisit these journals and treasure the contents.
Birth Care Package
Parents usually create a hospital bag a month or two before the due date so they’re not desperately packing when the water breaks. These bags contain everything parents need during and after delivery, so they can be quite expensive to curate.
A birth care package contains several vital items:
- Wet wipes
- Inflatable donut cushion
- Maxi pads
- Non-slip breast pads
- Nipple moisturizer
- Baby formula
It may also contain comfort items such as cozy socks and hot tea. While a single care package probably won’t contain everything expectant parents need, they’re a great start.
From baby boy bundles to parent-care kits, there are many ways to show love to those expecting. Of course, the greatest gift is your presence on this special occasion. By being considerate, you can ensure the baby shower goes off without a hitch, creating beautiful memories the parents will cherish.
0
0
