Timeline for holding a shower – after the baby has been born
Even though holding a baby shower before the baby’s birth has usually been considered to be the most traditional method, there are a number of reasons why you might decide that it would be better to have the celebration after the baby is born.
One factor which varies amongst prospective parents is that these days many have elected to know in advance whether the baby is a boy or a girl. While this was not an option in the distant past, some couples choose to do this and others prefer to wait. If the mom-to-be or couple whom you are gifting are amongst those who will not know their child’s gender before its birth, this is a good reason to wait until after the baby is born to have the shower. Although most baby shower gifts are appropriate for either boys or girls, guests can be even more selective, choosing color schemes and baby toys which are geared to one or the other. Even in this modern day, there are plenty of parents who would prefer to not dress their newborn child in colors which are generally-designated for the opposite sex!
Planning the baby shower for after the infant’s birth is also a good decision if the mom-to-be will be having a number of showers. With this method, both the mom and the guests will know which items she has already received as gifts from her other friends and family members, and will be able to select presents that are different and unique. An after-birth baby shower can also be a good choice if the couple already has other children and already have many of the basic necessities at home when the newborn arrives.
If you are thinking about planning a baby shower for after the newborn comes home, another factor to take into consideration is whether or not the mom-to-be will be returning to work in the near future. If she does plan to go back to work relatively soon after the baby is born, having a festive shower can be an even more exciting way of emphasizing the importance of the birth. It can be just the kind of festive break she needs before going back out to the workplace.
When it comes down to making the final decision about when to give the baby shower, the main point to keep in mind is that the decision should reflect the specific needs and preferences of the expectant parents. While tradition is a good thing, it is not a good enough reason to inconvenience parents-to-be when they are looking forward to an event that is not only exciting, but often stressful as well. In order for the prospective parents to gain the most enjoyment and relaxation from the baby shower, tailoring the timing to suit their own particular circumstances is one of the best ways to ensure that the shower will be a wonderful addition to an already-wonderful occasion!