Baby products are a profitable market which is expected to raise 50% more revenue between 2018 and 2026.

And the forecast? Even more baby showers to attend. No longer simply an American tradition, baby showers are becoming popular across the world.

Women aren’t limiting baby showers to just their first-born, either. Many women now have baby showers for all of their children, which means you’re likely to visit many more baby showers in your lifetime.

But before you panic about the inevitable fact of having to attend a baby shower, here is a guide on baby shower etiquette that will help you traverse the event problem-free.

Baby Shower Etiquette

A friend, family member, or coworker likely announced their pregnancy and you’re already stressing out about a baby shower.

Baby showers are a great way to show support to an expecting mother while gifting her baby, catching up with friends, and sharing stories.

Baby showers only became commonplace after World War II, during the baby boom occurring in the 1940’s and 1950’s. This makes the event a recent development, and the etiquette behind a baby shower is not only new, but also constantly changing.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s what you need to know about baby shower etiquette:

1. Help Plan

Most women love to have a baby shower thrown for them, rather than having to plan the event themselves.

If you’re able and willing, offer to collaborate with the expecting mothers’ friends or family to coordinate an event. Be sure to ask if they’d rather have the event during the pregnancy or after birth. Some cultures do not celebrate a baby until they are born, and premature celebration can be seen as bad luck.

2. Bring Food or Drink

Although you’re certain to bring along a gift, you should also consider bringing finger foods or drinks to the event.

These days, you can even buy red wine online to bring to a baby shower. Also consider non-alcoholic beverages, just so the guest of honor doesn’t feel too left out!

3. Put more Thought Than Money into a Gift

Memory-keeping gifts are always a thoughtful option. These gifts help capture the most precious moments of the baby’s growth.

Regardless of which gift you eventually decide, make sure to put lots of thought into it, whether it be sentimental or of practical value.

If the guest of honor has used a registry, you can also choose to stick to that, especially since you know it’s definitely something they will love.

4. Leave the Men and Children at Home

Unless the guest of honor has specifically mentioned that the event will be co-ed or that children are welcome, leave the men and children at home!

5. Tread Carefully

A baby shower is not the time to ask the guest of honor uncomfortable questions, such as those involving family planning, marriage, or other areas of drama.

Instead, plan to celebrate with the expecting mother and help support her.

Final Thoughts

Baby shower etiquette is certainly evolving, but the above guide is sure to help you successfully navigate your upcoming event.

Remember, the whole event aims to celebrate the mother and her baby.

For more articles on event planning, gift-giving, and everything you need to know about celebrations, visit our blog today.