Getting ready for baby with a shower

Baby showers are a chance for friends and family to gather around to celebrate the baby's impending arrival with the expectant mother. Photo / Thinkstock

Baby showers are a great way to celebrate the impending arrival of a little bundle of joy. But the task of organising it can be daunting - where to have it, who to invite, what to do and most importantly, when.

Showers have grown in popularity in New Zealand, despite being an American tradition. More and more mums-to-be are being thrown all sorts of pre-baby parties. The themes and activities are limited only by the organiser's imagination.

Annette Wakelin from babyshower.co.nz said it was common for the sister, best friend or mother of the expectant mum to throw the shower.

"If nobody has offered to host a shower for you, then you should feel free to invite people you love to celebrate your baby with you before the big day arrives," she said. "Often a baby shower will be held at someone's home, which makes for a relaxed environment.

Wakelin said the third trimester was the best time to hold a shower.

"Don't leave it too late, though - in case the baby arrives early. It is also a good way to ensure that the mum-to-be receives all those handy tips and baby gifts sooner rather than later." She said it was also advisable to invite guests three weeks in advance to ensure they could attend.

When it comes to gifts, Wakelin reckons it's best to keep the mum-to-be in the loop.

"There are so many choices when it comes to baby gifts. It is a good idea to liaise with the mum-to-be see what sorts of items she needs and likes. If you're organising the baby shower, a gift list is a great idea. It prevents double-ups and also allows for friends and family to buy things that are honestly needed."

Wakelin said there were many activities to make a shower fun: "Some of the traditional baby shower activities include games, such as guessing the measurement of the mum-to-be's tummy, baby bingo, timing guests as they dress a baby doll or peg out baby clothes on a simple washing line and guess the baby food."

She said baby shower party favours were becoming popular.

"These novelty gifts can be used as baby shower game prizes or as a special thank you to each guest."

She said baby showers were easy to plan, and organisers could find many ideas online, or from talking to mums who have had their own.