Types of Baby Showers

After you decide to host a baby shower, one of the first decisions will be the type baby shower you want to give. However, this decision is made somewhat easier based on the purpose of the baby shower. For instance, if it is for new parents adopting an infant, baby or older child, the decision is obvious. Or, if you wanted to invite the guys, then you would want to have a co-ed or couples baby shower. A surprise baby shower might be held when you want to throw the party and surprise the new Mom-to-Be. Other types include sprinkle baby shower, multiple triples and twins baby shower, single mom baby shower and welcome home baby shower. The personalized baby shower invitations you send will depend on the type baby shower you are throwing. Read More About Types of Baby Showers.

Adoption Baby Showers

Adopting a baby is an exciting time in a couple’s life. Whether the new parents are adopting an infant, baby or older child, an adoption baby shower is a great way to introduce the addition to the family. The new parents will still need the basic necessities that any baby or child requires. When planning for an adoption baby shower, ask the new parents what they will need for the baby or child. Since adoptions can bring a certain amount of uncertainty until the baby arrives home with the adoptive parents, it may be best to wait to hold the baby shower until the parents bring their new addition home. Read More About Adoption Baby Showers.

It is best to wait a month or so after the new bundle of joy is with the adoptive parents before planning a baby shower. Although they might need to purchase many immediate necessities you can still help them out a great deal with an adoption baby shower at the appropriate time.

After the new family has had an opportunity to become acquainted with one another, then you can hold the adoption baby shower. After the new parents have identified some needed items, the personalized adoption baby shower invitations can be sent. These adoption baby shower cards should provide clear communication to the invited guests that it is an adoption baby shower.

The baby shower should be the same as if the child was a natural child of the couple. Games can still be played and advice given to the new parents. The only difference is how the couple got their new bundle of joy. Given that it is an adoption, every effort should be made to not differentiate a child through adoption versus natural means. Of course identifying on the adoption baby shower invitations that it is an adoption baby shower will help guests know; however, the types of gifts and advice given will not be any different.

Co-ed Baby Showers for the Guys and Girls

Hosting a co-ed baby shower will definitely be a different celebration than a traditional baby shower. Since this will be a co-ed baby shower, you should remember the different types of guests that will be attending when determining the various aspects of the co-ed baby shower, such as the food and activities. Read More About Co-ed Baby Showers for Guys and Girls.

Co-ed baby showers are more like a small party where there is less emphasis on games or the frilly things that usually occurs at a women-only baby shower party. This is usually time when family and friends get together, catching up with one another with food being the focal point, besides celebrating the reason that everyone is there—the baby! The custom co-ed baby shower invitations should clearly reflect that the baby party is co-ed, for men and women.

Since it will be a co-ed shower, decorating with less frilly colors, such as pink, (yes, even if it is a girl) will be more guy-friendly. Also encourage the couple to register for baby gifts. This will help everyone to pick out what the expectant parents will need for their new baby. Plus, having a registry will help the guys invited to the co-ed baby shower to pick out something without worrying what to get. Be sure to include where the expectant parents are registered in the personalized co-ed baby shower invitations cards. There are lots of unique baby shower invitations wordings, verses and sayings for co-ed baby showers invitations on many websites.

When the time comes for the Mom-to-Be to open the gifts, have them take turns or open them together. This will help the expectant father to feel included in the shower party. Nothing will excite the men attending the party more than the party food. Serving food that is appealing to the men as well as to the women is important. For instance, women enjoy salads and quiche, while men would be excited about ribs or steak.

Depending on the time of day and where the co-ed baby shower is being held, the menu should be determined by the host as well as the expectant parents. Having a menu that will appeal to both men and women will be important. Plus if children are invited to attend then serving enticing kid-type food for them will be important.

Couples Baby Showers for the Dad-to-Be and Mom-to-Be and Their Friends

Baby showers were traditionally for the Mom-to-Be. However, times have definitely changed. With fathers taking a more active role in their family, particularly when it comes to planning for their new baby’s arrival, Dads-to-Be have felt left out of the baby shower party celebrations. Thus having a couples baby shower has become more a normal occurrence rather than the exception. The imprinted couples baby shower invitations should clearly indicate that the baby shower is a couples baby shower. Read More About Couples Baby Showers for the Expecting Parents.

When planning for a couples baby shower, it is important to consider the dynamics of the guests. It is not a women’s get-together; it is a celebration where men and women will be coming together to help celebrate with the expectant parents their new arrival. Therefore, it is important to help to make the men feel comfortable and definitely welcome. The unique couples baby shower invitations should appeal to both the men and women, which will help to bring the men so that the father-to-be will not be the only guy at the baby party.

At traditional baby showers, the Mom-to-Be is given something for her, not just the baby. When hosting a couples baby shower, ensure that there is a little something just for the Dad-to-Be, such as a ‘coach’ t-shirt, etc. Baby shower favors can also be given out the guests, but the items should be something that would be appreciated by the couple, such as candles or food items.

If couples baby shower games should be easy, fun and ones that the men will enjoy also. Here are some ideas for baby shower games couples will enjoy playing:

· Take the couples first names and have the guests make as many baby names as they can from the letters. Prizes given could include both the most names and the funniest names.

· Fill baby bottles with some sort of beverage and have a drinking contest. Whoever finishes first, wins! Of course, this could be messy, but definitely fun.

· Have the couple bring their own baby picture. Then have a contest to see how many people can identify to most. Silly prizes are also fun, such as Nerf-type items.

When sending affordable couples baby shower invitations, be sure and inform the invited guests that it is for couples - the father-to-be does not want to be the only guy there. Also make the event fun for everyone, with good food and plenty of laughter. Since the Mom-to-Be will need to send baby shower thank you cards after the baby shower, it is a good idea order the baby shower thank you cards at the time the couples baby shower invitations are ordered so they will have the same baby shower theme. There are websites that have sample couples baby shower invitations sayings, verses and wording ideas.

Single Mom Baby Showers

Planning single mom baby showers have lots of possibilities, particularly for selecting a theme for the shower. When choosing a baby theme, ensure that it reflects the expectant mom’s personality. With a single mom baby shower, it is important to remember that she may have some needs that a couple would not need, such as extra help financially or added support from a friend. Therefore, the baby shower gifts should reflect what the expectant mother truly needs.

When planning the shower, get the list of guests who the Mom-to-Be would like to see at the baby shower. The single mom baby shower invitations should definitely reflect the theme that has been chosen. The baby invitations do not necessarily have to identify that it is a single mom baby shower, as the guests should already know this. However, the shower gifts could reflect the fact that she will be undertaking this responsibility by herself, such as giving gifts that will give her a break. These could be intangible things like offering to baby sit or help with chores.

By offering time or purchasing a gift that will help her with daily tasks is always a good option. Of course, a gift certificate for a massage is always good. Taking pictures of mom and baby together would be something that a single mom would not necessarily think about and is a nice treat. Whatever the theme of the baby shower, the single mom baby shower invitations will set the stage for what the expectant mother will need for her baby.

Sprinkle Baby Showers for the Second, Third, Fourth & Additional Baby

The sprinkle baby shower is usually a smaller scale shower where the guests "sprinkle" the new mom with the little necessities the new baby will need. It is not the same as the traditional shower, but rather sort of like a sprinkling of gifts for the new baby. This clever term has been gaining popularity over the years and is becoming a new trend. A sprinkle baby shower is a great idea for parents-to-be who have other children. Read More About Sprinkle Baby Showers for the Second, Third, Fourth & Additional Baby.

Traditional baby showers started as a way for family and friends to celebrate and to help a new mom prepare for the baby. The first child always lots of baby supplies, including the of big items like the crib, car seat, high chair, stroller and so on. In the past, baby showers were only held for the first child, but that is changing now. Parents they usually already have many of the traditional gifts found at baby showers, thus a ‘sprinkle’ of items may be all that is needed but it is still important to honor the expectant parents, celebrate the newest member of the family, and give them useful and thoughtful gifts. The sprinkle baby shower invitations should indicate that it is a sprinkle baby shower.

When planning the sprinkle baby shower, the sprinkle baby shower invitations cards can be fun and theme-oriented, such as a theme around what the needs might be. For example if the family has a boy and is expecting a girl the theme could be related to the fact that it’s a girl and we need girly things. Another idea is where guests can bring a book for the family "library" in the baby’s name, or bring a food dish that can be put into the freezer for when the baby arrives.

Sprinkle baby showers are a time when the parents-to-be receive gifts for their baby and enjoy a celebration. The parents may not be new parents but the life entering their family will be new to the world, and new to Mom, Dad, and any brothers and sisters that may already be there.

All babies deserve to be celebrated and welcomed into the world. Regardless of what the sprinkle baby shower is called, ensure that the sprinkle baby shower announcements cards announce the type of celebration that will be held for the parents-to-be for the new life. There are lots of sample sprinkle baby shower invitations wording ideas, wording verses and sayings to help you get your personalized sprinkle baby shower invitations just right.

Surprise Baby Showers for the New Mom-to-Be

Planning a surprise baby shower can be a lot of fun provided that the Mom-to-Be is ‘game’ for surprises. To pull off the surprise baby shower, the hostess will need to enlist the help of others, such as the guest list, ensuring no one who should be invited is omitted, and getting someone to bring the Mom-to-Be to the baby shower party. It is important to remember to include in the personalized surprise baby shower invitations that it is a surprise baby shower. Read More About Surprise Baby Showers.

Before you plan a surprise baby shower, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, find out if the Mom-to-Be is registered for baby gifts, and if so, where she is registered. If she has not registered, then it will make gift buying a bit more difficult since this is a surprise baby shower. Getting help from her mother, another family member or a close friend regarding what the Mom-to-Be would needs for the baby. The invitations for surprise baby shower should indicate that the shower is a surprise.

Next, pulling off the surprise will take more than just one person to ensure the secret is kept. If there is someone close to the Mom-to-Be that will have a hard time keeping the surprise a secret, then it may not be worth the stress of trying to keep that person out of the surprise baby shower planning.

Through the help of close family and friends of the Mom-to-Be, planning the surprise baby shower will include them finding out a good day and time for the surprise shower party to be held. The personalized surprise baby shower invitations should clearly state that it is a "surprise baby shower", so no one will let the ‘cat out of the bag’ before the day of the surprise shower party.

One way to ensure that the surprise goes off without a hitch is to hold the baby shower celebration in a place where the Mom-to-Be will be comfortable and visits on a regular basis, such as a restaurant or the home of a good friend. Another thing to remember is to state on the surprise baby shower cards for guests to park away from the house, if it is held at a house, and to arrive early.

When ordering the custom surprise baby shower announcements, be sure and order the matching baby shower thank you cards for the new Mom-to-Be. After all, she will need to send baby thank you cards to all those who gave gifts or contributed to the party in any way. There are a few websites with excellent sample baby shower invitations wording ideas, verses and saying for baby invitations and baby thank you cards.

Twins, Triplets & Multiple Baby Showers

Twins, triplets and multiple baby showers are even more exciting and sometimes more stressful to plan than a traditional baby shower. And, you are just the friend or family helping to plan the shower, imagine how Mom and Dad must be feeling! There is no doubt having multiple babies at one birth is a cause of stress for the expectant parents, and that is what makes having baby showers for so much more significant. Friends and family have the chance to make a big difference in the new babies lives by having a shower for the new family. Read More About Twins, Triplets and Multiples Baby Showers.

Additionally, whether preparing twins baby shower invitations or triplets baby shower cards, the hostess should include in the shower invitations to all the invited guests of how many expected babies there are. This will help the guests to purchase appropriate gifts. It would also be helpful to the guests to include on the multiples baby shower announcements where the Mom-to-Be is registered. The Mom-to-Be should register for both lower-priced and higher-priced items. When there are multiple babies, some guests will want to purchase a higher-priced item together.

Another thing to include on the twin baby shower invitations is whether the Mom-to-Be would prefer having non-matching outfits. This may be hard to communicate, but it is an important item to find out from her, particularly if the babies are the same gender or identical twins, triplets or multiples. The Mom-to-Be may prefer to have clothing that is separate to help give the babies separate identities.

When purchasing baby shower gifts for multiple babies, it is not necessary to purchase multiples sets of everything. There are plenty of things that can be shared between the babies. Of course, having multiple babies will increase the cost of diapers, wipes, etc. that much more, so those types of gifts are always appreciated. But giving something fun is a nice idea too. Mothers of twins, triplets and multiples will usually forgo the fun, cute items for more practical, everyday items, such as books on rearing twins, triplets or multiple babies. Don’t forget about dad—with so many fathers playing larger roles in their children’s lives, inviting other men might be worthwhile and fun.

Welcome Home Baby Showers for After the Birth of Baby and New Mom and Baby are Home

A welcome home baby shower is a shower that is held after the baby has been born. While this may not be a traditional way of celebrating the impending birth of a child, this is definitely a great way for people to get together who might not have been able to make it to the baby showers given before the baby is born. This is also a fun time for the new parents to introduce the newest member of their family and friends. Read More About Welcome Home Baby Showers.

One thing to consider is that the parents might not want to have a welcome home baby shower until several weeks after the baby has been born. Getting acquainted with their new baby and adjusting to the new routine can be a bit overwhelming, particularly if these are brand new parents.

The welcome home baby shower usually is held about a month or two after the baby has been born, giving the parents time to adjust and attach to their baby. The great thing about welcome home baby showers is that the new mom can tell the host what they still need for the baby, such as diapers, etc. Plus having a welcome home baby shower will bring the family and friends together to spend some time with the new family.

When planning the welcome home baby shower, sending the personalized welcome home baby shower invitations should be done within four weeks before the date of the welcome home baby shower party. It will be their schedule that the host will want to be sensitive to, with a new baby and his/her needs. Also indicate on the custom welcome home baby shower invitations that it is a "welcome home baby shower". Even if people attended their baby shower before the baby was born, they will see this as an opportunity to meet the baby.

Since this is not the traditional baby shower, games are not necessarily something that needs to be planned. However, chances are the baby party will include other couples and their children. Organizing a welcome home baby shower party will most likely mirror setting up a family BBQ or backyard party. Ensure that the menu includes foods that will appeal to all ages, or at least have some kid specific dishes prepared.

Decorations for a welcome home baby party can include some balloons, if appropriate. The host should probably ask the new parents if they have any preferences, or dislikes. Remember, even though the baby is already here, this is a party for them and making the guests of honor feel welcome and important is key to a successful surprise shower party.

Planning a welcome home baby shower will be a lot simpler than a traditional baby shower as the party will be a lot more relaxed. This is an opportune time for the parents to show off their baby and for those who have not met the baby to see him or her for the first time. When planning, don’t forget the welcome home baby shower announcements and matching baby shower thank you cards as this will set the stage for a great party. Also ask the new parents of their preferences for food, date and time of day, as they now have a little one to cater.