Each parent will register for different items that suit their style of parenting, but like the famous Sex and the City nappy cake that was the baby shower gift amongst Upper Eastsiders in 2002, there are always some presents that are trendy, new, must-haves. Luckily, in 2022 the items that reach this high status fit a much tougher brief. They've got to look good, work hard, be more than they appear and above all, make a new parent's life easier. Dismantling a cellophaned structure to get a nappy isn't easy, and yes Charlotte, we know that there was lotion and bottles in there too.
What is a baby shower? Do I need to have a baby shower?
Traditionally, a baby shower is a celebration held for a mum-to-be and her pending arrival where female friends are inviting and give a baby shower gift that will help her adjust to life with a baby. It's stereotypically seen as a cute affair with the gendered decor, cakes and a lot of packaging. But nowadays a baby shower can be whatever you like, with whoever you like (men can come too). The only essentials of a baby shower is a comfortable seat for mum, and an established finish time. Do you need to have one? Absolutely not. You're friends and family would ofcourse love an opportunity to celebrate with you, but they also want you to do you, and if that's a dinner, a BBQ (or baby-Q) or nothing at all, that's totally fine. Friends and family will want to give gifts though, so even if you're not planning an event, make a registry.
When should I have a baby shower?
There are no hard and fast rules on this. Generally, showers are held in the third trimester of a complication-free pregnancy, but the further into that trimester you get, the more tired and uncomfortable you may become, so keep it around the 30 - 35 week mark.
Top 6 Baby Shower Gifts