Baby shower - plan the perfect celebration now

A baby shower is a lovely way to gather friends and family around the expectant baby and mother. It doesn't need to be big or expensive to feel special. The key is a simple plan, a comfortable setting for the expectant mother, and a few thoughtful details that make the day easy to host and enjoyable to attend.

Start by clarifying three things: date, budget, and who is hosting. Many choose to hold the baby shower in a place where the expectant mother can sit comfortably and take breaks, for example, at a friend's or family member's home.

• 4 to 6 weeks before: agree on a theme, create a guest list, and send invitations.
• 1 to 2 weeks before: plan the menu and activities, buy decorations.
• The day before: prepare tables, drinks, and a small “gift and card station.”

The goal is to make it easy for the host and comfortable for the expectant mother to participate without feeling like she has to "perform."

The best baby shower ideas are often the most practical. Choose 2 to 3 elements you want to prioritize and keep the rest simple. This could be, for example, a photo booth, a small dessert buffet, and a guestbook with short greetings.

• Guestbook with advice: Guests write short, specific advice or wishes.
• Guess the date or length: Easy and informal, requires minimal preparation.
• “Help the future parent”: Ask guests to share their best everyday hacks for the first few weeks.

Avoid activities that might feel like putting someone on display. A baby shower works best when the expectant mother can be present on her own terms.

A theme makes it easier to choose colors, decorations, and serving, but it doesn't have to be elaborate. A calm, gender-neutral expression is often easy to achieve, for example, natural colors, small flowers, or a "mini-brunch."

Choose 1 color + 1 neutral (e.g., beige and white) and repeat it in three things: napkins, table decorations, and invitations. This makes the overall look cohesive without requiring much effort.

The invitation should primarily provide clear answers: where, when, duration, and what is expected of guests. A short RSVP deadline makes planning easier, especially when food needs to be ordered or prepared.

• Whether it's a surprise or not
• Practical information about parking or access
• Gift wishes (e.g., “useful items for the early days” or a wish list)

Gifts don't have to be big to be valuable. Many expectant parents appreciate things that support everyday life before and after birth and that can be used immediately.

Consider asking guests to include a small note indicating the intended purpose of the gift (e.g., “for nighttime feeding” or “for the first week at home”). This makes it easier to remember and use the gifts later.

If you would like to give something practical, these can be excellent choices because they support the expectant mother around birth and breastfeeding:

• Postpartum kit: New Mum Care Pack for care and support in the days after birth.
• Nursing bra with gel support as an alternative to underwire: Gel-Support® Maternity & Nursing Bra for comfort and support as the body changes.
• Soft support for stomach and lower back during pregnancy: Maternity Support Belt as a useful everyday tool for many pregnant women.