Uncategorized – Marisa Meidle's Baby Showers

Planning a Baby Shower – WHEN IS THE BEST TIME?

In my previous posts I have shared with you the ultimate guide in planning a baby shower. I assume now you have decided on the location and have already outlined your plan on the theme, guest list, decors, food and activities.

Now, the next thing and one of the significant thing to consider in planning a baby shower is the TIME and DATE. We know for a fact that few months before the childbirth can be pretty hectic for the mom-to-be. On the other hand, early weeks or months of pregnancy is also tough and challenging especially for first time mom-to-be. So when is the best time to have the baby shower?

The date and time must be decided with the mom-to-be or parents-to-be. After all, you don’t want the shower to cause her stress, but for her to feel pure joy and love.

Baby showers are best held on the fifth to sixth month pregnancy of the mom-to-be. It is believed and observed that during these times they have already recovered from the early pregnancy discomforts and have adjusted well and are safe to have a bit of fun with some family and friends.

Regardless of the season, the best and most popular days for a baby shower is on the weekends – Saturday or Sunday and in the afternoons just after lunch time. Because most guests are believed to be free from work. Weekdays are fine too, especially dinner time. It is ideal also when your location for the shower is in the office or for local coffee baby showers.

Ideally, baby showers are held before the child birth. But, you can actually throw one even after the baby is born. In fact, it makes the baby shower extra special and fun to see the baby in person. If you haven’t decided yet whether to do it before or after birth, here are some reasons that might help you with your decision.

BEFORE BIRTH
1.   The mom-to-be can set a gift registry to help her prepare for all the essentials and sort through her presents and purchase some essentials that are still missing;
2.   She will have enough time to prepare and set-up the nursery;
3.   She will be able to relax and enjoy the party instead of take time feeding the baby or changing nappies; and
4.   The baby shower will provide her the much needed love and support, and feel her family and friends’ love and companionship as she journey towards mommyhood.

AFTER BIRTH
1.   It is easier for the guests to get the gifts that would really suit the baby, now that they know the baby’s gender, size and name;
2.   The baby shower can be a meet-the-party as well, making it extra especial;
3.   The mom-to-be is more comfortable now that she’s free from all the pregnancy discomforts; and
4.   Now that the baby is born, healthy and safe, other close family members of the new mom, especially the new dad are all relaxed and can really enjoy the party.

Finally, whatever you choice for the date and time, you must check on the calendar for holidays and events just to make sure that it will not conflict with your date.

And if your date falls on holiday season for instance, it mustn’t change your reason for getting everyone together. And that is to celebrate the mom-to-be and her impending bundle of joy.

Simple Guide in Planning a Baby Shower

Organizing for a fun-filled and memorable baby shower ain’t that tough once you plan it well. And planning is easy once you know the essential details to look into.

If it is your first time to host a baby shower, then you have come to the right place. Here is a simple guide to help you with your planning. Let’s get down to it.

In my previous post, I have shared about looking at possible location for the baby shower. Now, the location or “where” the baby shower will be held is the first thing you have to decide on. And in deciding, you have to consider the mom-to-be’s preferences: is she a home-buddy or someone who loves to eat out with friends or maybe loves outdoor activities and hanging out with friends and family.

Once you have decided on the location, then these following essential details come next:

1. Theme
Every fun and exciting party always has a theme, and baby shower is no exemption. Infact, it is the main thing in a baby shower.

All the other details of the baby shower from decorations to invitations to food and games, works around a theme. Hence, you have to have a theme before you can decide on the decorations or design the invitation and stuff.

Now remember, just like in choosing for the location, the theme must reflect the mom-to-be’s personality and preferences. Why? Because it’s her day and what matters most is what will make her the happiest.

On the one hand, theme may also center around the baby. There are so many themes to choose from. I have shared in my previous posts various baby shower theme ideas. For instance, if you know it’s a girl, then you can have a barbie theme or fairy princess or pinks and glitters. If it’s a boy, then you can go for a cowboy or superhero them. And if you don’t know the baby’s gender, then you can have unisex theme like safari theme or butterflies.

2. Invitation
Next is sending out invites. Consider the theme and the mom-to-be’s preferences in designing for the invitation, especially “who” to invite.

The number of guests depends on your location or venue and the theme: whether it’s an intimate one or a huge party.

If you are not sure of the invitees, then it helps to asks some of your friends, if not the mom-to-be herself.

3. Food and Drinks
A party is not a party without food and drinks. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or luxurious, but it must center around the theme. Something simple, but the group will enjoy eating.

It is also important to learn about your guests’ special dietary needs and or food allergies, just in case.

4. Activities and Games
Just like in every other party, you want your guests to have fun, and above all make it extra special and memorable for the mom-to-be. To get fun going, you need to have ice breakers that will make everyone feel comfortable.

There are so many games and activities that you can play, but make sure you consider your location and your guests in coming up with your games. Go for physical and mental activities that allow your guests to work in groups rather than individually. You can play guessing games or charades or relay among others.

I have shared various baby shower games in my previous posts. You may check them out for more game ideas.

Finally, baby showers usually only run around three to five hours, but the memory its creates lasts for years and years. That is why it’s very special for the mom-to-be. Ofcourse you would want that memory to be worth cherising, right? And the best way to ensure that it’s going to be that, is to have a good plan.

So with that in mind, just follow these simple guide while planning for your first or next baby shower, and everything will be good.

Planning a Baby Shower – Location

If you are the type of person who is organized, flexible, good conversationalist and communicates very well information and all, then organizing baby shower will be easy for you.

Whether it is your first time to host or you’re a pro at putting together baby showers, planning is really essential to ensure you get things done just the way you and the mom-to-be or parents-to-be want.

In planning for baby shower, the very first thing to consider is the location – where will you hold the party? Now, in choosing for the location or venue, it is best to consider what the mom-to-be would love the most, after all it’s really her we’re celebrating. You have to consider whether she is a home-body or does she love to go out with friends for dine-outs, walk on park, picnics. Her preferences will tell you what location or venue she would be most comfortable with, and whether she’d love a huge crowd or just an intimate and small group.

Here are some location ideas to match with the type of mom-to-be.

1. HOME
They say “there is no place like home.” There is indeed no better place to hold a baby shower than in mom-to-be’s home. If not her home, it can be held in one of her bestfriend or family’s home.

If the mom-to-be is a home-buddy, tben at home is the best location for the baby shower. It is also ideal for a more private and intimate shower. Meaning inviting friends and family who are closest to the mom-to-be or parents-to-be.

Home is also a very comfortable and most practical venue for the shower, because you can reign free in the kitchen and you don’t need to worry about the dishes and cutlery and other stuff. It makes it easy to decorate, whether you plan to have it in the garden or backyard or in the dining. And the best part is that everyone knows where the toilet is.

2. RESTAURANT
This is a cozy place to hold a party and that includes baby shower. If the mom-to-be enjoys dining out with friends or family, then she will love to have her baby shower at one of her favorite restaurants. Doing it in a restaurant would also mean she prefer a smaller group and for a more intimate party with just her closest family and friends.

So the first thing to do is to find out what are her favorite restaurants (although as her bestie you must already know). Once you’ve picked the best one, make sure to call and book ahead with the number guests.

Plan whether to have a lunch or dinner. If the mom-to-be prefers a formal party then go for dinner, but if she prefer a cozy and more relaxed one, then lunch will be the best. In choosing the menu, make sure that you choose food that everyone will enjoy, but putting the mom-to-be’s favorite cuisine as the top most priority.

3. OFFICE
Maybe the mom-to-be spends most of her time at the office and almost all of the guest list are her co-workers. If so, then what better place to hold the baby shower than right in the office.

This is going to be practical for you as the host and the guests. The mom-to-be’s co-workers must be super busy, so doing the shower right in the office means that they don’t need to ask for a leave. They only hsve to carve an hour or two for break, her boss included. Plus, you can have extra pair of hands to help you with the decorations, food preparations and all. Her colleagues will be more than glad to help.

It is super comfy too for the guests because they know the whole place.

4. DESTINATION
If the mom-to-be love to go outing with friends and family, then she’ll definitely love to have her baby shower outdoors.

This one can be a bit tough because you need to book a place in advance, arrange for food caterings and decorations. But, first you have to decide for the specific venue: beach, park, garden, by the boat, fancy hotel, poolside, etc.

This may also mean that the guest list for the shower will be bigger than when doing it at home. Because you have the space and it is outdoors, you can do a lot of activities and games, and this is the type of baby shower that is going to be super fun and exciting.

And although outdoor venue can be a bit challenging to decorate, it allows you to be your most creative. So many stuff you can put here and there, and you can set-up photo booths and different corners.

Finally, wherever you have the baby shower, it’s really the moments you share that makes it special. The small and sincere conversations, the smiles, and the love and support are the things that will make the mom-to-be feel special and loved. And that is what matters the most.

Best Baby Shower Gifts for New Parents – Honoring Special Milestones

Let us celebrate your besties’s promotion to new mom or dad. Becoming a mom or dad is no joke, what awaits is a huge milestone and a major life moment – a huge transition. That is why it needs to be celebrated and welcomed with love with the expectation of the best to come. And what better way to celebrate and express your excitement, love and support for the parents than getting her or both parents the best gift/s.

When shopping for a gift for the new parents, you can either select baby-related items or a treat to perk up the stressed-out parents-to-be or buy something sentimental and special that the mom or dad can cherish for years.

If you haven’t decided on a gift yet, here’s a round of best gift ideas that will surely make the mom or dad feel special and loved:

1.   Personalized Baby Book
2.   Baby Blanket
3.   Cotton Sleep Eye Mask
4.   Diaper Bag Backpack
5.   Memory Book for Keepsake
6.   Coffee Mug Warmer
7.   Back and Neck Massager
8.   Handprint and Footprnt Maker Kit
9.   Baby Bouncer
10.   Camera with Color Night Vision
11.   Nursery Mobile
12.   Nursing Bralette
13.   Diaper Caddy Organizer
14.   Wireless Charging Station
15.   Food-Making System
16.   Quencher Tumblers
17.   Nursing Nightgown
18.   Mental Health Care Package
19.   Hand-Free Diaper Pail
20.   Mom and Dad Coffee Mug
21.   Lactation Cookie Bites
22.   Self-Pampering Kit
23.   Nursing Pillow
24.   Baby Carrier
25.   Changing Mat

These gift ideas are varied, from items that are focused on the baby or something that can aid mom or dad in their new tasks like nursing or changing diapers or carrying baby here and there. The list also include gift ideas especially for the mom-to-be, and some gift ideas for keepsake and keeping record of special moments.

If you still can’t find one, check out my previous posts on best baby shower gifts choosen and vetted by parenting experts. Hope this one here help you find what you are looking for.

Best Baby Shower Gifts by Parenting Experts – Part 4

In my previous posts I have shared best picks for baby shower gifts tested and vetted by parenting experts. In each posts I have shared 5 picks for baby shower gifts along with why they were choosen and vetted by experts.

If you haven’t found the right gift yet, perhaps these one here will give you an idea and help you find what you are looking for. These are specific brand gift ideas that you may search on various online shops or hopefully purchase direct from shops nearby.

1. 2-in-1 Musical Mobile Gymini. This play mat is loved my the parenting experts who have tested it because of its size, design and quality. It is not just an ordinaty play mat with toys, because it comes with musical sound like the ocean waves and other melodies, and it also displays lights. The play mat has been designed by therapist that’s why it is so good for the baby.

2. Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether. This item is very good to help you keep the baby’s attention, because it has a lot of features. It has different colors to see, It has tubes to grab, and it makes cute white noises when you shake it. This may be a small item, but it is really useful.

3. Fast Table Chair. This is a portable chair clip that can be carried around especially when the parents are on the go. It easily clips on various types of tables, whether tables in your parent’s house when you visit grandma, it also essily clips on restaurant tables when dining out or picnic tables when you’re out with family and friends for a dry picnic. It is easy to pack, super comfy and durable. It comes in different colors and it has pockets for holding bibs and other small baby items.

4. Baby Stroller Organizer. When you are out for a walk you need more space or pockets to hold essential items for the baby. Often, strollers do not have much pockets. Look for Ethan and Emma Baby Stroller Organizer, because this organizer easily clips on any stroller and provide instant and enough space and pockets to hold pacifiers, wipes, small toys, snacks, and other small necessities for the baby and yourself.

5. Skip Hop Moby Baby Bath Set. This bath set comes with four essential bath items: soft spout cover, comfy kneeling pad, no-slip mat, and padded elbow rest. This helps make baby bath easy and fun for the baby and yourself.

These are just additonal best picks for baby shower gifts. If you haven’t checked out my previous posts and is still looking for more ideas, go check out my previous posts for more best picks.