All Topics  
Baby shower

 

   Email Print
   Bookmark   Link

 

Baby shower


 
 

A baby shower is a partyParty

A party is a social gathering intended primarily for celebration and recreation....
 in which parents or expectant parents receive giftGift

A gift or present is the transfer of money, goods, etc., without the direct compensation that is involved in trade, al...
s for their newborn or expected child. The term therefore has more in common with the concept of a bridal showerBridal shower

A bridal shower is a party given for a bride before her wedding....
 than it does with other connotations of showering, especially that of washing babiesBaptism

Baptism is generally a water purification ritual practiced in many of various religions including Christianity, Mandaeanism,...
. By convention, a baby shower is intended to help parents get items that they need for their baby, such as baby clothesLayette

A layette is a collection of clothing for a newborn child....
. It is a popular tradition in the United StatesUnited States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., and America, is...
 and in other cultures, often influenced by American culture or media. In some countries this party is not celebrated until the baby is born.

Activities

Some classic activities at baby showers include:

  • Baby shower bingo.
  • Guess the birth date or guess the sex.
  • Guess the expectant mother's girth: guests cut pieces of ribbon, yarn, or toilet paperToilet paper

    Toilet paper is a tissue paper product designed for the cleaning of the anus to remove fecal material after defecation or t...
     to a length they believe matches the mother-to-be's tummy circumference. Another similar game is tying a string around her abdomen, and if it breaks for one person, it's expected she or he's the next new parent.
  • Guess the baby food flavor: guests have to taste-test several flavors of baby food and try to identify them.
  • Other games include a diaper throw game, and the diapers have candies or chocolate stuff.
  • Opening the gifts in front of the guests.
  • Serving cake, though any type of food or beverage might be served.

Terms

  • "Grandma's shower" refers to a shower at which people bring items for the grandparents to keep at their house, such as a collapsible crib and a changing pad.
  • "Diaper shower" or a baby sprinkle refers to a small-scale baby shower, generally for subsequent children, when the parents don't need as many items.
  • "Pampers party" is also a men's-only shower, usually held the same night as the women's baby shower. The men usually give the daddy-to-be diapers only because the mommy-to-be is getting other items at the shower.
  • "BlessingwayBlessingway

    A blessingway is a ceremony to honor and bless a pregnant woman....
    " is a variation on a baby shower that is focused on emotional and spiritual support rather than gift giving.

See also

  • BaptismBaptism

    Baptism is generally a water purification ritual practiced in many of various religions including Christianity, Mandaeanism,...