Timing The Baby Shower: Before or After Birth?

You've just found out a close friend or relative is having a baby!  Such great news, and you are itching to plan the baby shower.  But, hold on, there's a really preliminary question you need to discuss with the mom- or parents-to-be -- when is the ideal time to have the baby shower, before or after the baby is born? Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and the decision ultimately depends on personal preferences and circumstances and sometimes religious traditions.* 

 (photo credit to Heike Mintel on Unsplash.)

In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of both pre-birth and post-birth baby showers to help you make an informed choice.

The Case for a Pre-Birth Baby Shower:

1. Preparation and Support: A pre-birth baby shower will definitely help the parents-to-be to be prepared for baby's arrival with all the essential items and gear. That way, there's time after the shower to take stock and fill in the gaps in advance. 

2. Easier Planning: As the host, you've got more time to organize a baby shower before the birth, and logistics may be simpler since the parents typically will be more available and can actively participate in planning without the demands of a newborn.

3. Celebration of Pregnancy: A pre-birth shower is as much about celebrating the parents-to-be, especially the pregnant lady herself, and provides an opportunity to honor the journey and share in the excitement of welcoming a new life.

The Case for a Post-Birth Baby Shower:

1. Gender Surprise: If parents choose not to reveal the baby's gender before birth, a post-birth shower allows for more customized gifts and a celebratory event that includes the baby.

2. Baby's Debut: A post-birth baby shower offers friends and family who might need to travel the chance to meet the baby in person. 

3. Reduced Stress: New parents who may be anxious about the baby's arrival for religious or medical reasons may appreciate celebrating once the baby has arrived. 

4. Inclusivity: Adoptive parents or those who become parents through surrogacy may prefer a post-birth shower to celebrate the baby's actual arrival.

Ultimately, the decision of when to have a baby shower, before or after the baby is born, hinges on individual circumstances, preferences, and cultural traditions. Both options have their merits, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Help the parents-to-be consider factors such as timeline, personal comfort, and the desires of other close friends and family. Remember that, no matter when it happens, the meaningfulness of a baby shower remains the same: celebrating the joyous arrival of a new little human into the world!  With love and support of the community, the occasion will truly be special.

 (photo credit to Anne Nygard on Unsplash.)

*For example, many Jewish people avoid baby showers (and even avoid purchasing clothes or furniture for the baby before the baby is born) out of fear that such revelry might cause something bad to happen to the baby or the mother.