Traditionally baby showers for the second born child, are a much smaller gathering where the amount of guests is usually kept down to the closest family and friends to the mother-to-be. Firstborn baby showers however are a little different and they tend to have a larger guest list since it is, after all, the mother-to-be’s first child.

What you need to remember about the baby shower is that the goal is intimacy. So when planning the baby shower try to include those that are close friends and family.

There are many ways today to invite your friends and family to the pending baby shower party such as email or phone. However the more acceptable and traditional way is to send out invitations or letters, this has the effect of setting the atmosphere of the party and in some cases is the only acceptable way to invite your guests.

Traditionally All Female But Guys Are Welcome A baby shower party has in the past been traditionally a female only affair. In saying that it is also not strange to be invited and participate in a mixed shower party for girls and guys. This of course firstly depends on whether the guys wish to attend and also whether the shower host and mother-to-be wish to cater for the attendance of guys at the party. After all their intention might be to just have an intimate “Girlie Party”. At the end of the day it is acceptable to have guys at the party but it will come down to the preference of the host.

Choosing The Baby Shower Venue Many baby shower parties are hosted in such places as formal halls, restaurants and even your own backyard. If the truth be told you can actually host a baby shower party anywhere you choose as long as the expectant mother is comfortable and there are amenities for your guests to use. Be warned however that you really need to arrange the location weeks before the shower is scheduled to start to ensure that you will not have crowds using the the same venue which could possible spoil the day for all attending.

When To Hold The Baby Shower Party It is not advisable to host the baby shower to late in the pregnancy as this is a time where the mother needs to be focused and rested for the pending birth. The best time to hold the baby shower is usually between two or three months before the birth. This allows the mother-to-be to have a very pleasant distraction and to see how much support there is for the new arrival. This also gives the guest the opportunity to purchase gifts for the baby that the mother has not had a time to buy herself.

There is nothing more pleasant for an expectant mother than having a baby shower party. The idea of the baby shower is to take a lot of the stress, such as medical appointments and all the poking and prodding that takes place and of course the pending birth off their minds and helps provide a means for friends and family to show their support and of course, the many appreciated baby gifts from invited family and friends who attend.

A well organized baby shower will be remembered appreciated forever by mothers long after they have delivered their children. Having a plan and being prepared will reduce the amount of complications and distractions so that you can thoroughly enjoy the baby shower party.

Cathy has been arranging baby showers for many years and with her own Baby Shower website has helped hundreds to host enjoyable baby shower parties from all over the world. Have a question about your pending baby shower then ask your questions here Baby Shower Blog it’s free.

Technorati Tags: baby shower, baby shower host, baby shower ideas, baby shower party, birth, pregnancy