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For the episode of the United States version of The Office, see Baby Shower (The Office).

In the United States, Canada, and a growing list of other countries, a baby shower is a way to celebrate the pending or recent birth of a child by presenting gifts to the parents at a formal, invitational party.

The term "shower" is often assumed to mean that the expectant mother is "showered" with gifts, but this is a false etymology.

The tradition started by a German immigrant, Franz Schauer, in the 18th century. Schauer was a German silversmith and merchant who encouraged gift-giving among the upper-classes of New York.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Trends

Traditionally, a baby shower is held only for the mother-to-be, and only women attend. The original intent was for women to share wisdom and lessons on the art of becoming a mother.

Many people choose to have baby showers for both parents, and some people have a men-only shower. In Jewish tradition and Ethiopian tradition, a celebration and gift reception is held only after the birth of a child.

Traditionally, baby showers were given only for the family's first child, but over time, it has become more common to hold them for subsequent or adopted children.^{[citation needed]} Even when a shower is held for only the first child, it is not uncommon for a parent to have more than one baby shower, such as one with friends and another with co-workers.

[edit] Other Countries

Baby showers have been recently introduced to countries such as the UK, France, and other European countries. Businesses are starting to respond.^[1] In some countries, shops provide Newborn Lists (compare wedding registry), where the parents select the gifts that they need for the baby to avoid duplicate or unwanted gifts.

Baby showers are increasingly popular in Africa, Asia, and Latin America but are "women-only" social gatherings. In Hindu tradition, they are called by different names depending on the community the family belongs to. In the North Indian region its known as Godbharaai; and within the western region, especially Maharashtra state, this celebration is known as Dohaaljewan. These two types of celebrations are very similar to each other and are 'only women' events. There is music played, and the expecting mother is decked in traditional attire with lots of flowers and garlands made of Jasmine or Mogra. A swing is decorated with flowers of her choice, which she uses to sit and swing. At times there are symbolic cut-outs of Moons and Stars that are put up. There are blessings showered on her by the elderly ladies from the household and community.There are gifts given to the expecting mother. It is a very affectionate and fun-filled event for most of the expecting mothers since they are on the threshold of motherhood and entering a new life.

[edit] Traditions

Food is often associated with baby showers.

While there are no established guidelines for what constitutes a baby shower, there are some traditional activities that are common at baby showers. Traditionally, the shower is given for the expected parent(s) by someone else as opposed to the parent(s). Usually, the mother's maid of honour or bridesmaids at her wedding hosts this final event into motherhood. There are favours, gifts, and games that are all coordinated by the host(s). Invitations are sent out, by the organizers, on behalf of the Mother/Parents, which is just like at a traditional bridal shower. Because the party centers on gift-giving, the baby shower is generally arranged by a close friend.

There is no set rule for when or where showers are to be held, and the party can thus be held at a variety of places and at various times. It is common for the host to provide baby-themed games during the shower.In some regions, it is common to give party favours, which are small gifts for the guests. Typically, newborn-related gifts are purchased for the new mother-to-be. Anything from diapers, bottles, rags, clothes and toys are acceptable and common gifts.

Baby showers, like bridal showers and bachelorette parties, are more open to new ideas, concepts, themes, games, and changes in etiquette. For instance, once it was unacceptable in America for guests to rub the expectant mother's abdomen. Beginning in the 1970s, however, if permitted by the mother and if asked politely, "tummy-rubbing" is now a baby shower event.^{[citation needed]}

There is great variance in practices and themes of baby showers. Some people prefer to hold showers after the birth of the baby. In this case there may be a tendency for the baby shower to be less focused on the baby and more on the mother and the mother's preparation for the new baby. Some people believe that giving gifts before the baby is born can bring bad luck. Others believe that the concept of celebrating a coming child is a private family event or does not mandate a party at all.

[edit] Activities

Some classic activities at baby showers include:

Baby shower bingo.
Guess the birth date.
Guess the expectant mother's girth: guests cut pieces of ribbon, yarn, or toilet paper 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 is the next new parent.
Guess the baby food flavour: guests have to taste-test several flavours of baby food and try to identify them.
Other games include a diaper, with candies or chocolates, throw game.
Opening the gifts in front of the guests.
Serving cake, though any type of food or beverage might be served.
Pass the package
Sharing 3D ultrasound pictures of their unborn baby: to "include the baby" in the baby shower.

[edit] 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 refers to a small-scale baby shower, generally for subsequent children, when the parents don't need as many items.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

^ Malika Dalamal, [1], The Daily Telegraph

[0] Malika Dalamal, [1], The Daily Telegraph

[1]

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