It’s a Baby! The Secrets of Baby Shower Etiquette

To attend a baby shower is to celebrate a new life, so be sure to make it a festive, gracious affair

New parents need all kinds of gear, but for an expectant mother who already has children or a guest who is uncertain about what to buy, gift certificates are always a good idea. Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

When a family member, friend, or co-worker is expecting, hosting a shower is a great way to ensure the new parents have the gear they need for the new arrival. Here’s how to make it an unforgettable event.

Pick a Date

Traditionally, a shower is scheduled to take place four to eight weeks before the baby is expected to arrive, which means the invitations need to be sent four to six weeks prior to allow everyone sufficient time to arrange their schedules to attend.

While they require a lot of effort, written invitations with pre-addressed, stamped response cards are preferred. Yes, emails and texts are much easier to send to the guests, but they are also too easy to accidentally overlook or outright miss. A written invitation creates a sense of urgency to respond and makes it much more likely that guests will actually show up.

Be a Gracious Host

The mom-to-be doesn’t have to be a daughter, sister, or other family member; anyone with a close connection, such as a friend, neighbor, or co-worker, can host a baby shower.