Traditionally, a close friend or extended family member (like an aunt or cousin) hosts a baby shower to avoid seeming like the immediate family is asking for gifts, but modern etiquette allows more flexibility, with siblings, in-laws, or even the parents themselves (or co-hosting) now commonly involved, though it's still unusual for the mom-to-be to plan it entirely alone.
Traditionally, close friends, cousins, aunts, sisters-in-law, or co-workers of the mother-to-be hosted baby showers.
A mother giving her daughter a baby shower is entirely appropriate and often appreciated, provided the daughter's autonomy and preferences are respected. With clear boundaries, shared responsibilities, and attention to the guest of honor's wishes, the event can be loving, useful, and memorable.
According to etiquette authority Miss Manners, because the party centers on gift-giving, the baby shower is typically arranged and hosted by a close friend rather than a member of the family, since it is considered improper for families to beg for gifts on behalf of their members.
The host pays for the expenses of the baby shower. That being said, co-hosting a shower with one or two others is a good way to split the costs (and the planning).
On average, baby showers tend to cost about $500, though that total cost goes down when using a free venue like the home of a friend or family member and can go up if you're hosting a shower at a restaurant or venue with an hourly fee. Traditionally, the host of the baby shower will pick up the tab.
Some people pay for the shower themselves, while others ask guests to help. When you determine how much money you have to spend, you can begin to map out a plan for the event: from how many people to invite, to how much to spend on party supplies, including food and drink.
But times have changed. Like many traditions, this etiquette rule is now considered outdated. In fact, it's now regarded as acceptable for a sister, mother-in-law, or even the guest of honor's mother to host a baby shower under certain conditions.
Ultimately, baby showers surround parents-to-be with love and support—and a few packs of diapers—ahead of their new arrival. As long as that's the intention behind the celebration, in our view, there's no such thing as an unacceptable host.
There's no right or wrong when it comes to who pays for a baby shower. Typically though, the cost is covered by whoever is planning the event. Sometimes, the expecting parents organize and pay for their baby shower themselves, but this isn't usually the case.
In general, I would say that by the age of 8 or 9 years-10 at the latest-most children have developed enough of a sense of personal boundaries and body space that they no longer want to shower with a parent or bathe with a sibling of the opposite sex.
Daughters want to be held in their mother's warm embrace, hear their mother's soft voice, encouraging them in their own goals and dreams. If a mother is getting her needs met, she will meet her daughter's needs.
Considerations For The Mom-To-Be
Pregnancy can be unpredictable, and energy levels can fluctuate widely. It is important to consider how far along she will be during the baby shower. Generally, the late second or early third trimester (around 28 to 32 weeks) is often ideal.
Can a Mom Throw a Baby Shower for Her Daughter? Immediate family members traditionally didn't host baby showers, but nowadays anyone can host the shower for the parent-to-be.
Newborns demand attention around the clock, leaving little room for elaborate meal preparation. One way to truly show your care is by gifting her a carefully curated basket of healthy snacks, ready-to-heat meals, or even a convenient meal delivery service subscription.
A typical baby shower lasts about 2-3 hours. As guests arrive, they are offered food and drinks and they mingle. Once all of the guests have arrived and had a chance to enjoy food and drink, about 30-45 minutes into the shower, the games begin. There are usually 3-5 different games lasting for another 30-45 minutes.
7 Etiquette Tips for Modern Baby Showers
“We love your kids but thought you might like a night off. Adults only please!” ''We are very sorry, but we are unable to extend the invitation to children. We hope you understand and can still join us on our special day.
Baby Shower Party Alternatives
Perfect Baby Shower Gifts from Grandparents: Essential Nursery Items
Although there's no dress code for a baby shower, celebrating a happy occasion suggests wearing happy colours. Unless the baby shower is themed, white maternity dresses, pastel colours, floral prints, and blue maternity dresses are always good options for a mother-to-be.
Can the Dad-to-Be and Men Attend the Baby Shower? While traditionally baby showers have been female-only events, it's becoming more common to include the dad-to-be and other men. Co-ed baby showers or “sip and see” events are gaining popularity, where both men and women celebrate together.
What are some things you need for a baby shower?
Australia's Baby Bonus started in July 2004 as a $3,000 payment, but it increased to the $5,000 level on July 1, 2008, following earlier increases from $3,000 in 2004 to $4,000 in 2006 and then $5,000 in 2008. The payment, introduced by Treasurer Peter Costello, was a universal lump sum for new parents to help with costs and boost fertility.
It has shifted from women-only baby showers to baby showers, and all are invited, including fathers and other relatives and friends, regardless of gender. In the old days, a male could not ask to attend such an occasion due to societal constructs.