Tips for Planning Great Baby Showers

Baby showers are parties thrown for friends that are pregnant. Baby showers can make an expectant mother feel more secure in the fact that her friends are all pulling for her and giving moral and financial support. Usually the baby shower is organized by non-relatives. But today, there is isn’t abnormal to find family members, support group members, church friends and pretty much anyone except the expecting mother.

Inviting the Guests

Who should you invite? Usually, the guest list will only include those nearest and dearest to the expectant mother. If you are planning a surprise baby shower, you will have to do a little research on who should be attending instead of running the list through the expectant mother.

Firstborn baby showers tend to have a larger guest list since it is, after all, the mother’s first time.

The thing to remember is that the nature of baby showers is intimacy. So, for any baby shower party, try making the gathering one of intimate friends.

The nature of the party is probably going to tend towards the feminine side; if the organizers of the party have a provision for this, then inviting men would be fine.

Venue

Anywhere! The more usual places on baby shower lists are backyards, formal halls, restaurants, and basically any room that has the amenities to make a baby shower successful.

When to Throw a Baby Shower

The baby shower is the perfect time to get your friend baby needs and stuff she may not have had time to purchase yet. Baby showers are a pleasant surprise to expecting mothers. A properly coordinated baby shower will be greatly appreciated and forever remembered by mothers long after they have delivered their children. 

Choosing Baby Shower Cakes

Preparing for a baby shower party can be a tedious task. During the baby shower party, the table centerpiece is most likely to be a baby shower cake. The baby shower cake cannot be similar to the cake that can just be bought from the local bakeshop.

It is better if you or one of the guests baked the baby shower cake. Of course, preordering the cake will also be fine as long as you give enough time for the cake to be prepared and that you have discussed with the person who will prepare the cake the concept of the baby shower party and how you would like the cake to look.

However, if you have some baking skills, or if you can follow instructions from cookbooks well, it is advantageous to prepare the cake yourself. To prepare the baby shower cake, check online for tried and tested recipes and designs. You can also choose the flavor of the baby shower cake.

Usually, the designs and shapes of baby shower cakes are nursery items. These are flowers, birds, butterflies, baby-shaped, toys and other kid stuff. The most common icing colors are yellow, pink, blue, green and white.

Of course, this cake is not for the guests to enjoy. However, the mom will definitely appreciate it if there is already a stack of diapers prepared for the baby.

To prepare a diaper cake, all you need to do is carefully stack rolled diapers into several levels (having three levels is suggested).You may use laces and ribbons to keep the diapers in place. The diaper cake can also be placed as a table centerpiece. If you still prefer to have a real cake for the baby shower, you can bake or order a simple cake from the bakeshop.

After preparing the table centerpiece, you need to combine it with good baby shower food. 

Baby shower cakes - sweets for the baby shower party

Baby shower cakes are a great way to end a joyous baby shower party. Baby shower cakes are specially decorated for baby shower parties. Baby shower cakes can be designed to match the theme of the baby shower party. When shopping around for baby shower cakes, it's a good idea to ask the mom-to-be what type of cake flavor she wants for the cake. Baby shower cakes can be made from any cake flavor and icing for the enjoyment of the celebrant and the other party guests. Baby shower cakes are also interesting as there is no end to the creativity and design of these lovable cakes. Baby shower cakes make for an ideal centerpiece at the food table of the baby shower party.

Baby shower cakes are sometimes referred to as 'diaper cakes' or 'baby cakes'. Baby shower cakes are the actual cakes that can either be homemade or bought from the store. While 'diaper cakes' are baby shower basket cakes that consist of different baby items.

'Diaper cakes' may be a real cake decorated with baby diapers and assorted baby items. Like the scrumptious baby shower cakes, 'diaper cakes' make for interesting conversation during the baby shower party.

Homemade baby shower cakes

The process of making baby shower cakes is the same as making any other type of cake. However creating homemade baby shower cakes requires a certain degree of creativity and baking ability to arrange one for a baby shower party.

Individuals who are adept in cake decorating and are gifted bakers may do well in creating baby shower cakes for friends' baby shower parties. There are a number of helpful baking items that can be used to create homemade baby shower cakes. Many baking supply stores offer a wide variety of special baking pans with different designs for baby shower cakes. Popular cartoon characters on special baking pans make great baby shower cakes.

Store-bought baby shower cakes

There are numerous specialty bakeshops that create exceptional baby shower cakes. Many specialty bakeshops can also customize baby shower cakes to match the theme of the baby shower party.

It is important to get baby shower cakes from a quality bakeshop that specializes in designer cakes. It is best to shop for baby shower cakes in advance in order to get the just right cake for the baby shower party. Whether homemade or store-bought, baby shower cakes are a sweet ending to a festive baby shower party.

Tips for Choosing Free Baby Shower Invitations

Preparing for a baby can be very costly. The parents will have to save for the hospital expenses, the baby clothes, the infant formula and the regular medical check-ups.

In this case, if the friends of the parents-to-be and relatives prepare a baby shower party, it can help a lot in minimizing the parents burden in the costs when the baby is delivered.

The baby shower is usually done one or two months before the baby is born.  It is discouraged to schedule the baby shower during the month that the baby will be born. At times, the baby shower is held after the baby is born so gifts can be more specific for a boy or a girl.

The parents’ friends and family share with them the joy of welcoming the child into the family.

During baby showers, the guests may bring baby clothes, toys, cribs and other necessities for the baby. In as much as the baby shower party is usually done before the baby is delivered, the party’s theme is still directed towards the baby and the mother. Before sending out the baby shower invitations, make sure that you have already decided what will be the baby shower theme.

If you are preparing a baby shower for a member of your family or friend, make sure that you have prepared the guest list ahead of time. If possible, check with the mom-to-be to see if the guest list and the date are fine, unless you are planning a surprise party. Sometimes, several baby showers will be held for the mm and the baby.  The co-workers, the churchwomen, and family members may prepare separate baby shower parties that the person who will organize the baby shower has to be careful about selecting the date of the baby shower party. Once you have decided on what will be the theme for the party, you may have invitations printed or search free baby shower invitations on the internet.

Of course, most of the people who organize party prefer the free baby shower invitations that they can customize at home.  This lessens the cost of printing invitation cards. This also allows the host to edit the invitation according to preference unlike invitations that can be bought or ordered.

What is even better about online invitations is that some companies can work with you in addressing and mailing the baby shower invitations.

You also have the option of sending a baby shower invitation online, although having a printed and mailed invitation is still recommended.

Baby R Us: One Stop Baby Shop

If Toys ‘R Us is a company that offers various toys for kids, what does Baby R Us offer? It is not babies! Baby R Us offers baby products.

In 1996, Westbury, New York, Baby R Us opened its first store. After tremendous expansion and joining the Baby Superstore chain, Baby R Us store count has reach 218 at the beginning of 2005. What a mammoth feat for a baby store, right?

Babies R Us is considered a pioneer in retailing premier baby products. It is said to be the biggest store chain in the world that provides baby products. They have stores and online stores that assist in giving a unique and fun shopping experience for their consumers. It has a state-of-the-art baby registry service that provides more convenience when shopping for your baby’s needs. The Baby Registry service is a product of Babies R Us teaming up with Amazon.com. Parents that are expecting their baby are permitted to create an online baby registry or update a registry that was set up on one of the Babies R Us stores nationwide. What this registry rids the parent is the inconvenience of surmounting geographic barriers and presumption of which products suit your baby. All the land-based Baby R Us stores allow all purchase returns as an added feature.

Baby R Us also constantly maintains a “Top Seller List” that usually include educational baby equipment, baby books, a pregnant mom’s book, diaper accessories, comfy baby bouncer, play gyms, baby call nursery monitors, a changing pad, monitors with dual receivers, an infant car seat base, baby wraps, toddler rockers, baby swings, nursery care kits, feeding bottle set, etc.

Baby R Us online store also allows browsers to check on different brands of baby products that suit their preferences. Baby R Us also presents gift ideas to those who want to share some goodies to their little kids, nephews, nieces, granddaughter or grandsons. A gift set is always considered a hit in making parents with their babies smile with appreciation. These are often in baby gift basket forms that contain various items that deal with the parents and baby’s needs. There are also these “Parents Favorite” items and Babies R Us’ basic gift ideas that are never surmounted by novel items. Gift certificates are also available as treats to the parents-to-be. Baby R Us even added “new baby” or “pregnancy” e-card. Babies R Us online even has this resource center page that includes various buying guides, checklists, articles, advices and other information that will both benefit the parents and the baby.

Disadvantages of Free Baby Shower Games

Planning a baby shower can be a daunting task. Consequently, baby shower games, as part of the celebration, should be meticulously prepared. However, not all baby showers have games on their plans. But the fact that it is a great “ice-breaker,” many baby shower coordinators are incorporating the idea of having baby shower games in the party.

With the advent of the Internet, there are many baby shower game ideas made available online. The best thing about it is that most of the baby shower games available on the Internet are free. There are people who contend that free baby shower games are not the ideal games to be used in the baby shower.

Here are some of the disadvantages about the free baby shower games.

1. Free baby shower games do not look nice.

Most people contend that the printouts of the free printable baby shower games available online are better than the free baby shower games available in the market. This is because most of the free baby shower games are just plain handouts, with no artistic creations embedded in it.

2. Most parents would appreciate it more if you will not use free baby shower games.

The value or the money is not the issue here but on how baby shower games are used or executed.

3. If there were a budget, it would be better not to use free baby shower games.

If you have a budget for the baby shower as well as the games, it would be better to use the games that were designed professionally.

Besides, baby shower games are not at all expensive when compared to free baby shower games.

If you obtained a baby shower game that is worth your money, chances are, you will have quality baby shower games to enjoy in the party.

The bottom line is that baby shower games should not be taken for granted. It does not necessarily mean that free baby shower games are really bad or is not worth using.

Planning a baby shower

Have a blast with a baby shower party.

Planning a baby shower can be really fun. Unleash your creativity. The main goal is simply to have your baby shower unforgettable and fun for everyone.

To get you started, the tips below can absolutely help you with the steps of creating that perfect baby shower party for you.

Be prepared

If you have an extravagant budget you can scout for convenient party places which can hold your guests.

Think of the perfect theme

There are hundreds of baby shower themes that you can choose from. Popular choices are teddies, cartoon themes, or balloons. The possibilities are endless.

Surprise her

To make the party more momentous, you can make a surprise baby shower for the guest of honor. Consult her close and relatives when preparing your guest list.

Impress with invitations

Match your invitations with the theme of the party itself with the theme of the party itself. Be sure that the invitations contain all vital information like date, time and sketched- up location. Be creative in designing your invitations.

Have fun with games

Your baby shower would definitely be a hit if you have enthusiastic participation from the guests. Remember to buy prices for the winners.

Feast on good food

You can either decide to cook food for your guests, order from a nearby fast food or restaurant or hire professional caterers. Jazz up and decorate

Make your venues appealing by adding items that go with your baby shower theme like balloons or toys. Flowers will make good centerpiece or cute baby accessories that you can purchase on specialty stores.

Coordinate gifts

Don’t you worry; your guests would appreciate it if their gifts would come unique and more usable for you and your baby.

Planning your baby shower should be a lot of fun. The excitement of doing the preparation step by step builds up as the big day comes.

Homemade Baby Shower Party Ideas

Homemade baby shower party favor ideas

When throwing a baby shower you are not obliged to give party favors to your guests. Worried that you might spend a fortune buying ready made baby shower party favors? Below are some creative ideas for baby shower party favors.

1.         Buy baby bottles, baby socks or even cloth diapers (if you can still find one) then fill it up with assorted goodies like candies and chocolates.

2.         If you bake then you can prepare cookies (choco chip, butter, sugar, oatmeal, etc.) in the form of baby bottles, baby rattles. Babies and other baby related shapes.

3.         Buy scented votive candles. Then decorate the candles with ribbons. Of course it would usually be blue if the baby is a boy and pink if the baby is a girl. The candles smell great and they would even look great when they are wrapped. Candles are an ideal party favor for any occasion since they mix very well with any theme.

4.         Graft a stem on some plant and plant them into the pot. Then put a flower in the mug or glass as if they are flower pots. This baby shower party favor would definitely be a big hit. 

5.         Baby bath items like baby soap, baby shampoo, baby oil, baby lotion, etc. can also be a big hit among your guests because they can be either used for their very own babies or for themselves if they are single. You can arrange the items in mini baskets or hampers.

6.         You could baby stuff made of fabrics like cloth diapers and bibs then paint them using craft paint. Make colorful designs such flowers, animals, insects, cartoon characters, cars, clowns, candies, etc.

There you are, six creative homemade baby shower party favor ideas that your guests will surely love. Remember, all you need is some creativity and crazy ideas to make these baby shower party favors.

The Baby Bedding Challenge

Having a baby is the most wonderful experience a woman can have as it is a fulfillment of the biological function of the female species. Feeding bottles, diaper changes, immunization records are just a few of the things the new mom has to learn quickly. According to Dr. Mark Brandenburg (http://www.baby-place.com/crib_safety.html), the number one rule to follow in choosing the right baby bedding for your precious infant is safety. The second rule says safety and the third rule emphasizes safety. We are to conclude that it is not enough to say it, it must be emphasized that baby bedding is critical for the comfort of the baby.

In his article on how to find the perfect baby bedding, it must be neither too hard nor too soft. In the past, sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS was attributed to very soft baby bedding. This happened when the baby's mattress is too soft that his nose and mouth gets covered and the air he exhales is the air he breathes.

There are a lot of styles and makes in choosing the baby's bed. And with that, it follows that the baby bedding must be a perfect fit with the chosen equipment.

The three major selections are: a bassinet, a crib or a cradle. A bassinet is an oblong-shaped basket that serves as a bed for an infant. A crib is a bed that is flanked with high side bars for a baby or young child's safety. Cribs are usually more economical since the baby can use it from infancy to two years. While a cradle is a small low bed that an infant uses that has rockers on its stand.

Bassinets are usually lacey and full of trimmings. The baby bedding must fit the bassinet so that the baby's space is enough for him or her to be able to roll from side to side. The crib is usually square, thus, mattresses can be fitted to the size of the crib. The baby bedding usually is a set of coverlet and small pillows.

Hotdog pillows can also be placed inside some moms prefer cradles so that when the baby is cranky, he or she can be rocked to be calmed down. The baby bedding for a cradle should follow the shape of it. Not much can be placed inside it since it is used mainly to rock the baby to sleep. However, one needs not the three to keep the baby safe, warm and secure. We have already established that the baby bedding should fit the sleeping equipment to avoid accidents and other untoward incidents. The most suitable material to use is cotton as it is absorbent and cool to the baby's skin. Different designs must be used to stimulate the baby's color and pattern recognition. Therefore, the baby bedding is a crucial factor in keeping the baby happy and healthy.

Ideas for a Baby Shower Theme

There are people who prepare not to select a theme when they prepare for a baby shower. However, having a baby shower theme makes the celebration more organized.

Here are some suggestions to give you an idea on how to create a theme for your baby shower.

Teddy Bears

Since the teddy bear is one of the first toys the child will own, it is nice to have a teddy bear theme. You can use medium-sized teddy bears to design the baby shower party area. It is not necessary to buy the teddy bears; you can borrow these from friends and family members. Also, you can purchase small teddy bears as party favors to give to your guests.

Stars

Stars symbolize dreams.  "A star is born," they say. You can decorate the place with stars hanging from thin strings. Diapers

This is the basic need of the newborn baby. The baby shower organizer can decorate the area with diapers, especially those with cute colors and designs. You can even prepare a diaper cake by neatly stacking the diapers together.

The organizer can also ask the guests to bring diapers as gifts. Books

Baby and kid books are good gifts for the baby. With a collection of baby books, the parents can have a small library for the baby.

You can place books on the table, or design the walls with books.  Noah's Ark

This is a good idea if the parents are expecting twins. The guests will be requested to bring a pair of gifts for the babies. Pairs of stuffed animals may be used to decorate the place.

Prince/Princess

You can adorn the place with fairy tale concepts pertaining to royalty. You can create miniature towers and castles, a garden and shining stuff fit for a royalty.

Fairy

You can include vines, arches, bees and butterflies, as well as small fairy-like decorations to create a fairy garden.

Characters

You can choose a storybook or cartoon character as a theme.