The first baby shower is thought to have occurred late in the 1800’s and got its name from the ‘showering’ of love, well wishes and most importantly, gifts for the new mum-to-be. It was originally a small tea party for her closest friends & family, the gifts were traditionally practical and in times gone by, hand-made.

When these mum-centric parties originally started, they were only held for the first baby of a new mum, but that has changed now (do we really need an excuse for presents!) into an event held for every new addition to the family. Normally a baby shower is organised and thrown by a female family member, although this practice has also changed over the years, where female friends regularly throw baby showers.

Baby showers can range from elegant formal affairs, with each detail meticulously planned, to much less ceremonial events with just a few friends and family gathered together over a meal to celebrate the coming birth. Some baby showers have a theme based on gender, some funny story regarding the baby’s conception or something close to the new mum’s heart. Others without a theme are just as fun.

Very few things compare to the excitement of a new child, and the baby shower, in many ways, mirrors the trials and tribulations that every expecting mother is experiencing.
Baby shower party

It’s sometimes tough to second guess what the new mum might like best in terms of a baby shower party. Is the new mum a princess or a bit of a diva? Then chances are she’d love a royal gala complete with a regally worded invitation, a banquet fit for a King, a throne for the ‘Queen Mother’, and a mock coronation. If that all sounds too hard or over the top, then go for something simple. Consider a BBQ or teddy bear’s picnic in a picturesque spot, an elegant morning tea at a favourite café, or champagne brunch on someone’s home veranda decorated with garlands of flowers in pink or blue.
Baby shower ideas

If you’re looking for baby shower ideas, then you’re probably either a member of the family or a close friend or workmate of the parents-to-be. That means you’ll have a pretty good idea of their likes and dislikes. This information is a good starting point for coming up with a theme – and having a theme makes it easier to come up with baby shower ideas that will make the event extra special, fun and memorable.

Why not have a look at our baby names section for a source of potential names for your new born child. Baby names can be a great topic of discussion and we have many names from different cultures, nationalities and meanings.
Baby shower invitations

Baby shower invitations set the mood and tone for the upcoming celebration. Invitations should be sent out at least a month before the shower, so get your skates on if the party is going to be soon.

The internet has made designing any kind of baby shower invitation a breeze, you can choose the style, colour scheme, picture etc, so you can really tailor your invitations. There are lots of printing options, you can make them by hand, or even buy them from a newsagency ready to go. We have lots more information on designing and creating baby shower invitations to inspire even the most reluctant shower thrower.
Baby shower games

You have enticed all the closest friends and family of the mum-to-be to the imminent baby shower. Now you have to think about things to keep the guests occupied. As soon as you introduce some games into the equation, you will be amazed to see how the inner-child in your guests comes out to play. Games put a little excitement into a baby shower and get the guests interacting; it also sets a more casual mood that will encourage conversation. The Huggies baby shower games section has a whole heap of baby shower games that you can play at the celebration. Once you have decided on your games, you will then need to collect all the materials for them, including the prizes if you have a planned a special prize for each game.
Baby shower gifts

It is a tradition for each guest to bring a gift and to also receive one from the hostess of the baby shower. The gift you bring could be for the bub or for the mother or father. Choosing a gift to bring shouldn’t be hard, especially if you decide to get one for the new arrival; department stores and baby boutiques offer a massive range of items suitable for baby shower gifts. But if you’re the hostess, finding baby shower gifts for the guests could be tricky! Huggies has some great baby shower gift ideas to help you find that perfect gift for the new mum to be.

Hosting a baby shower can be a significant experience for everyone present without breaking the bank. Think outside the box, offer inexpensive entertainment from the heart, and ask other family members for help. The group welcoming the new bub into the world can all celebrate baby’s entrance together while hosting a shower that everyone will remember. Good luck, have fun, and remember: baby showers are about sharing good times! Keep this in mind, and there is no problem or challenge that you can’t overcome.