baby announcement

So a new baby is coming, huh? It is a tradition to hold a baby shower for a new mother. Invitations are sent out to friends and family, typically only other women, and they come bearing gifts for the baby. This is how many generations of American mothers have started out with a new set of clothes and toys for a new baby, especially if it is their first one. It has long been both a celebration and a way of helping expecting mothers out.

Not every baby shower will be the same. In some cultures, for example in Jewish tradition, celebrations for a baby are only held after the birth. One new trend is to hold a baby shower for the father, although this is still rare. It is at least becoming more common to invite males to a baby shower. Sometimes even a “grandma shower” is held, giving the new grandmother things that she can keep at her house for baby visits.

An important part of baby showers is to send out invitations. First, invitations must be purchased. As already mentioned, there is a great deal of variation in how a baby shower may be held. Baby showers may even need invitations for less than traditional guest lists or honorees. That said, being able to purchase baby shower invitations where many options are available is best. Nowhere are more options available than at an online card shop, so it is suggested to try one of these. Choose a set of baby invitations that has an appropriate theme, whether that is a gender specific card type, religious, or funny. It depends in part on the tastes of the mother. Some invitations allow for writing one’s own words while others come with words already on them.

The other step in baby shower planning, once the invitations are bought, is to figure out who will be attending. There is no limit to who may attend, especially nowadays. Think of which people know the mother well enough to purchase things appropriate for the family’s needs and values. It may also be considered rude to send out invitations to people who do not know the mother. On the other hand, not only those very close to the mother may be sent invitations. It is advantageous to be on friendly terms with a neighbor for many reasons, and a baby shower is great way to start a new relationship with them. Inviting coworkers is also good way to foster a team spirit back at the office, at least amongst the girls. But as always, invitations to baby showers should go out to those people the mother feels comfortable sending them to… there is nothing wrong with having a small, more intimate get together.