BABY SHOWER IDEAS

How to throw a perfect baby shower

Cups of tea, hand-knitted booties, and definitely ladies only – the baby showers of old were pretty tame affairs and for a while went completely out of fashion. But they seem to be climbing again in popularity. And why not? The birth of a baby is a fantastic thing to celebrate with friends and it’s great for a mum to receive a few little nick-knacks for the nursery.

The right food and drink

Some expectant mums won’t mind sipping grape juice while everyone else has a few wines, others might feel left out. Check with the guest of honor what drinks she’d prefer to have on offer. Make sure any food is safe for pregnant mums – lay off the pate and soft cheeses.

Thoughtful gifts

Quite often first-time parents don’t know about all those useful little items that will make their lives easier: muslin wraps; head smugglers for the car seat or buggy; a tri-pillow for feeding or propping up baby when they get a bit older; snuggle rugs for covering baby, your shoulder, the change mat, or the mattress to catch dribbles; papaya cream or bee balm for bottoms; bibs, bibs and more bibs – buy them big. Second, third (or more) time around parents will have a lot of the basics but will probably appreciate a few new and special bits and pieces, especially if they are having a baby of the opposite sex. If you are set on buying gorgeous clothes, buy them a bit bigger as all parents appreciate having some lovely outfits waiting in the drawer in the next size up. Pop in an exchange card as well – it’s amazing how many bright minds think alike when it comes to presents. Make up a mum’s pamper box: bath bombs, hand cream, toenail polish for when she can again reach her toes, a lip gloss, a good magazine. Make the expectant parents a housecleaning and babysitting coupon book. Include vouchers for doing the groceries; making some meals and taking the baby for a long walk so the new mum can have a sleep. Or go in with friends and buy the services of a housecleaner for a month. Older siblings will feel left out with all the attention that’s given to the new baby, so take a little something for them if you can. New parents can never have too many nappies – bigger sizes come in handy if they already have a good supply of newborn ones. And of course joining your friend to the Little Treasures Baby Club is always a fail-safe gift idea. You can join online now - see link below.

Lighten up with a game

Ask guests to cut a piece of string to the length they think would fit exactly around the expectant mum’s middle. The closest wins. Play blindfolded “put the nappy on the cardboard baby”. Hold “waters breaking” races holding full water balloons between your knees.