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How to host a baby shower
For a glowing mum-to-be it's the new hen night, the big date before the due date. A baby shower is the perfect chance to get together with your closest friends and family, show off your bump, indulge yourself and gear up for the biggest change in your life - the arrival of baby.
7 steps to the perfect baby shower
1. The Planner. Pregnancy is a period of intense activity for first-time mums. A mum-to-be is up early, checking to-do lists and can be seen charging around nursery departments debating the merits of breast pumps, Bugaboos and McLarens with her poor partner dragging behind. For this reason, baby showers are best organised by a close friend or sister. It's one less job on a mum-to-be's bursting to-do list.
2. The Date. By 36 weeks a woman is considered full term and it's not unusual for a baby to arrive any time during the two weeks before and after the due date. In the full bloom of pregnancy with a big bump to show off, the eighth month is a great time to see everyone. This is also the time many mums-to-be are splashing out on their layette.
3. The Gifts. Traditionally guests bring a little gift to the shower. The idea is to get gifts before your baby is born so you know what you still need to buy. All these gifts can leave mums-to-be feeling overwhelmed, but remember that having a baby is an expensive time and you will need all the practical help you can get. Rather than being inundated with posh baby-gros and cuddly toys, focus the baby shower on practicalities and ask all guests to bring useful gifts.
It's not very British, but it's a good idea to make a list of all the stuff you need. The party host could email it to the guests who would like to bring a gift. Alternatively your guests could make up your hospital bag so you're ready to go for your big day. Stuck for ideas? All good nursery stores will advise on suitable gifts for a new mother.
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