Baby shower - what you need to know about the baby's welcome party

You may have heard of baby showers but are not familiar with the concept. However, it is a tradition that is thousands of years old and dates back to the Roman Empire and Ancient Greece, where expectant mothers were celebrated with handmade gifts.

Initially, it was celebrated for mothers who were having their first baby and it was a tradition strictly among women, which was planned with a relative or close friend of the mother by her side, and most interestingly, it was celebrated during the lunch break. The idea behind this party was to congratulate the mother for a healthy pregnancy, to celebrate a new life and the future family.

This event has become very popular in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom over time, but in recent years it has become increasingly common in Europe, including Romania.

But what is a baby shower?

A baby shower is a party dedicated to the expectant mother, but we celebrate the new life, the baby, as a welcome among friends and family. A baby shower is a way to express our excitement and joy at soon having a new arrival among us, celebrating the little one who will join us.

You may be wondering how a baby shower is different from a Baptism, but the answer is simple: it does not involve the Church, the Priest, and the baby does not have to be born yet, it can still be in the mother's belly, so the party is still for the baby.

So, if you are a mother eager to celebrate her newborn or if you are invited to such a party, here's what you need to know:

• A baby shower is usually a smaller event, so don't be upset if you're not invited or if you can't invite everyone you want. Depending on your budget, you can also make your lists with the Baptism in mind, as it's another occasion to gather with your loved ones.

• It is not necessary to send invitations! Being an event that is not as large as a Baptism, for a baby shower it is enough to invite your loved ones by phone or text, in any way you know they will respond.

• If you want all your intended guests to attend, let them know in advance and choose a date and time so that they can be present, so avoid weekdays, mini-vacations or public holidays. If you are invited to such a party but you are not sure if you want to go, think about the fact that you were invited because mom wanted to have you around at such a moment, so it would be a reason for mom to be happy to see you.

• Choosing the location and the menu is much simpler than you think! You don't have to complicate yourself by choosing an expensive restaurant or a pretentious menu, a warm, welcoming and relaxing atmosphere is enough. After all, you will discuss the new member of the family and share experiences. If you have to go to a baby shower in a location that is not exactly accessible to you, think that it only lasts a few hours and the new mother will be happy to have you by her side.

• Gifts! It is important to remember here that the gifts are for the baby, it is a baby's welcome party, so the little one must be able to benefit from gifts. These can be of any kind as long as the little one will be useful: clothes, a walker, baby bedding, toys, a car seat, a bottle, furniture for the child's room, gift vouchers (you must be careful that the voucher is valid until the period in which he will benefit from it), shoes and many others.

The idea is that the guests should not compete in gifts, but only be practical for the little one. You can get inspired with this set of 10 Little Prince magnets handmade by the artists of Le Cose Animate, personalized with a beautiful quote. Find more designs HERE.

• The discussions are about the baby and the mother, so don't try to turn the conversation around to yourself like "I know, right? The same thing happened to me! I remember when..." Give the mother and the baby the support they need, after all, they are both scared and curious about this new chapter.

Here is an example of a unique gift that you can't go wrong with and shows concern and support for the healthy development of your baby: the first aquatic education session for babies, Genesis, and the only book in Romania with aquatic stories for children. The Genesis voucher that you can find it on ABC here is a complete package, designed to make babies friends with water and provide them with the premises for a unique experience in the ABC aquatic universe.

Why is it a great idea to give away the Genesis voucher?

Aquatic education started from 2 months of age contributes to harmonious physical, cognitive and psychological development. In addition to these benefits, the sessions are individual, can be held in the 2 premium ABC locations in Bucharest, bring a lot of fun to the little ones in the water and joy to the parents seeing how they evolve.

You can purchase the Genesis voucher online, from the Acvatic Bebe Club shop or from the club receptions. Find out more HERE.

That said, a baby shower is not an imposing party where you should get emotional, but you should enjoy the actual experience with your guests, in a small setting where everyone feels welcome.

A baby shower is dedicated to the baby and the mother who can afford it, so make sure you give them a special gift and the attention they need on this special day.

What do you think, would you organize or attend a baby shower? And what gift would you bring to the expectant mother and baby?