
Quite unlike modern baby showers, this involved the mother and the child being separated to "contain and eliminate the pollution of birth" – this may have included visiting local temples or shrines. Ancient Egypt In ancient Egypt, rituals relating to the birth of a child took place after the event itself. The term "baby shower" is relatively new, but the celebrations and rituals associated with pregnancy and childbirth are both ancient and enduring. If it happens before the birth, it allows the new family to thank everyone before the stress of a new baby and lack of sleep begins. People around the family, who care for them, want to be involved in the child's life, and a baby shower presents an opportunity for them to give gifts and be of help, showing their love for the family. The new parents may wish to call on people to assist in the upbringing of their child, and help educate the child over time. The baby shower is a family's first opportunity to gather people together to help play a part in their child's life. It is common to open gifts during the party sometimes the host will make a game of opening gifts. Typical gifts related to babies include diapers, blankets, baby bottles, clothes, and toys. Guests bring small gifts for the expectant mother. In the US, if a baby shower does not happen before the arrival of the baby, a sip-and-see party or other similar events can be organized after the birth. When a baby shower is held after a baby's birth, an invitation to attend the shower may be combined with a baby announcement.

However, this custom varies by culture or region and in some it is expected and customary for a close female family member to host the baby shower, often the baby's maternal grandmother. These games help the close friends attend the shower bond with the mother and enable the new family to say thanks ahead of time, figuring out who is willing and able to help them with the challenges of bringing up.Īccording to etiquette authority Miss Manners, because the party centers on gift-giving, the baby shower is typically arranged and hosted by a close friend rather than a member of the family, since it is considered improper for families to beg for gifts on behalf of their members. Activities at baby showers include gift-giving and playing themed games.īaby shower games vary, sometimes including standard games such as bingo, and sometimes being pregnancy-themed, such as "guess the mother's measurements" or "guess the baby". Traditionally, baby showers are given only for the family's first child, and only women are invited, though this has changed in recent years, now allowing showers being split up for different audiences: workplace, mixed-sex, etc.

Cake and finger foods are often served at baby showers.
