In UR Vistahermosa International, your assisted reproduction clinic in Spain, we know that when a person achieves their dream of growing their family be it alone or in company, joy overflows and is in abundance. The initial phase of calls, messages and meetings in which this wonderful news is shared gives way to months of calm during which it is necessary to prepare for the baby’s arrival: a complete change at home, a new bedroom, clothes, cot, buggy… An endless list of items which we’ll need when the long nine months comes to close. And, in order to prepare for the arrival of the new family member, the baby shower is fast becoming a non negotiable ritual during the third stage of pregnancy.
A baby shower is, basically, a party to celebrate the baby’s arrival….before its birth. The house is decorated, the nearest and dearest family and friends help out, give presents and, together, celebrate and toast that, soon, there will be a new person at home. However, in the face of an ever more popular baby shower, it’s a good idea to sit and think of how best to organise a really good one, which is both pleasant and comfortable for everyone involved and which allows for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the very reason for the event: the joy on growing the family.
Tips on how to organise a baby shower
This celebration of American origin has in the term ‘shower’ a connotation attached to the actual event: as it is a literal rainfall of gifts for the baby and the expanding family. Therefore , as we are going to receive gifts, we need to ensure that the guests feel that attending is worthwhile.
Check the calendar beforehand
The first thing that we need to worry about when we are going to organise a baby shower is when we should actually do it. It’s complicated, as in any type of celebration, to make sure the event fits in and is suitable with everyone’s schedule. The best thing is to ascertain which people simply must come and after this, we need to fix a date in which the least number of people will not be able to make it, knowing full well that it is complicated fixing a date in which nobody is actually not going to be able to make it, whether they are on holiday or trip or have other unavoidable engagements.
There is also an added factor: if the date is very near the actual date of birth, an unforeseen bringing forward of the birth could mean the party is no longer possible. It’s a good idea to look for a date in which the pregnancy is advanced and obvious, but not so advanced that the celebration and birth could overlap A good idea might be at the start of the third stage of the pregnancy, between the sixth and seventh month.
Recyclable decoration
Baby showers are well known for being predominantly themed. Without going crazy, it’s a good time to buy all type of baby motifs and decorative elements which are not only useful for the actual celebration, but also for when a new member is added to the family. The pregnancy and birth of the baby are times of elevated costs, making it a good idea to think ahead and see what items can be ‘recycled’ and carry on being useful when the birth takes place.
Choose the location carefully
Although it is normal to hold a baby shower in the home where the baby will be born, there are a growing number of families who prefer avoiding all the organising beforehand and cleaning afterwards in their homes. Renting out premises, reserve a bar for an afternoon or holding it in places specifically designed for these types of events (each time more) could also be a good plan. A for and against list can be a good way of deciding.
Attention to the details
A baby shower is almost like a wedding. They can be simple, like at home, but there are others which encompass a whole host of details: actual invitations, photography, catering… Look for the best way of having everything you want without going over-budget, so that everything is just as you imagined it before starting with the preparations. In these events, attention to detail is key.
Skipping traditions which you don’t agree with
Although baby showers are relatively new creations , they already have certain basic rules or guidelines. It’s normal that the future mum’s best friend gets involved and even takes charge of the organisation, though there are also many families who prefer to organise everything themselves. Some baby showers are organised only for the women in the family, however mixed baby showers are becoming more common place and even some which are held specifically for men.
The most important thing is that the main characters feel comfortable and in tune with the proceedings, meaning that traditions shouldn’t be more than a mere anecdotal reference which can be followed, or not, depending on the preferences of each case. And that, when the big day actually arrives, the only thing that matters is to celebrate the baby’s arrival and the ensuing joy that this will bring.
