The Ultimate Baby Shower Guide 2020 – Part 1: The Origins of Baby Showers

What is a Baby Shower?
A baby shower is essentially a party thrown to celebrate the expected birth of a new baby. It’s very helpful for parents as aside from being a joyous occasion, it also gives friends and family an opportunity to give gifts that will come in useful once the baby is born. This is especially important for new parents, as babies require quite a lot of kit that doesn’t come cheap! That being said, for many people, a baby shower is about far more than gifts. There is real excitement for the impending birth and successful baby showers can be a fun way to connect with friends.

A Little History
Baby showers are widely believed to have originated in Victorian British society, where pregnancy and childbirth weren’t really hot topics. The tea party type events included giving gifts for the mother and child, as well as games related to parenthood. The word “shower” as referenced in baby showers is likely to refer to the expectant mother being “showered” with gifts.

What normally happens at a baby shower?
Baby showers are generally informal events, and the atmosphere should be relaxed. Most baby showers take place at home, and to emphasise the significance of the event, there is often a level of decoration. Food can be provided or arranged between friends and often consists of lighter bites rather than a formal meal. A major element that is often included in a baby shower is playing games related to pregnancy and childbirth, there are some quite hilarious ones. (More on those next time!) Gifts are given, and some parents also choose to give small gifts to friends in attendance.

This is part one of a three-part series on baby showers and how to plan them. Keep an eye out for part two about how to plan the perfect baby shower coming very soon!