What Is The History Of Baby Showers?

Baby showers have been a part of human existence for a long time all over the world. Spanning thousands of years and covering countless cultures, the special event for families is no recently discovered trend.

The history of baby showers has been dated back to ancient India, Egypt, Greece, Medieval Europe, Renaissance Europe, Victorian Britain and the US. People celebrate new babies entering the world with a showering of gifts and ceremonial celebrations.

A baby shower checklist was used in the past to increase organizational benefits, leading to a successful baby shower party. Today, some new parents double up, doing a baby shower and a gender reveal all in one.  

History Of Baby Showers

Old India – In the days of India’s past, an event called Seemantham took place. This was where dried fruits, sweets and other gifts had been given to the future mother. Seemantham took place in the 6th or 8th month of pregnancy and was accompanied by a musical event that was supposed to please the baby’s ears.  

Old Egypt – Usually post childbirth was when the celebration took place during the ancient days of Egypt. The new baby was welcomed after completion of purification rituals. New mothers were also supposed to  visit the temple before introducing the baby in public.  

Old Greece – Another culture that celebrated a newborn’s entry into the family, ancient Greeks used to partake in a ceremony called Amphidromia (the “run-around”). This was a ceremonial feast and took place about 5-7 days after a new child’s birth. Some say friends and relatives used to send gifts of octopus or squid.

Medieval Europe – A highly critical time for new mothers in medieval Europe, childbirth carried great physical and spiritual dangers. Life expectancy was not very high. The chance of the mother passing away giving birth was high so priests would visit so mothers could confess their sins as labor was taking place. A baptism closely followed after birth and godparents would give gifts to the baby which included a pair of silver spoons.    

Renaissance Europe – Baby showers during the Renaissance were gifted with items of functionality like bowls, linens, clothing and painted childbirth trays. Other items like food, sculptures and paintings were paired with the celebration too. Surrounding references to the Annunciation (the announcement to Mary she’d conceive a son through virgin birth) coupled the festivity to celebrate the new mother.

Victorian Britain – Where the modern baby shower framework began to take shape. The Victorian era, due to cultural definitions of proper behavior, women during this time would keep pregnancy a secret as long as possible. They also avoided appearing in public. After babies were born mothers would have tea parties. Handmade gifts were given and the grandmas would give silver. This quickly became the common practice we know today.

Modern USA - In the United States baby showers gained credibility during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Gifting useful things to the mother became increasingly popular post WWII era. Marriages blossomed and as a result, more and more babies were being born. These babies being born during the time is what some refer to as the baby boomers. Baby boomers were being born as early as 1946. 

Plan The Right Baby Shower Party

What a beautiful way to celebrate the love, life and happiness of bringing new life into the world. New parents rejoice over a brand new chapter to add experience to the family album. Planning ahead is the way.

Get memorable ideas you need to become the life of the party. Add a check mark for everything from creating a guest list to finding fun games to play to serving from a delicious food menu. And don’t forget to pick the right baby shower theme.

If you’re struggling for ideas, ask family and friends. They’ll probably be happy to help. There is a slew of options online. Google is a mighty tool.  Use it. Don’t be lazy.

Plan an interesting time that people will love. The journey is a start of a wonderful event that signifies new beginnings. We hope you get everything you desire.

As a new mom, add your friends and family that you want to come to the shower. Nowadays, co-ed baby shower guest lists are becoming more and more commonplace.

Next, create a delicious food menu for your guests. Draw in yummy smiles with mouth-watering options for all. Tie the desserts into the overall running theme of the party for added compliments.

A baby shower theme could include a Victorian styled tea party that ties into the history of the activity itself. You could do a Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star theme. Or a funny “Ready-to-Pop” theme. Some choose a woodland baby theme, while others prefer a Little Mermaid/ocean-style theme.

Figure out what works best for you and build off of that. The more thought and time you put into this, the better it will be. Just don’t overthink it. And don’t stress yourself out. This is supposed to be fun.

Baby Shower Games Ideas

A fun baby shower is one with fun shower games. If you can get everyone at the party playing along with the games you picked out, you know you’ve got a hit on your hands.

Choose a party game or two that’s playful and has pizzazz. Know your audience. Think of what would offer the most laughter and enjoyment.

Think of a few suggestions that cater to the kinds of things the other guests are interested in. You can’t please everyone all the time, but you can lean into what you know will work.

One baby shower games ideas is to have some kind of fun raffle or giveaway. The people will love the anticipation and possibility of winning something. You’re already getting gifts. If you give a gift away, it’s a nice touch that shows your appreciation to everyone that came.  

A few games you could play could be making unique baby shower bingo cards. Or make a baby food taste test challenge or a diaper changing challenge while blindfolded.

It’ll be funny to see just how bad some of your friends are at changing diapers when blind-folded. There are a ton of baby shower games ideas to spread the fun and cheer.    

Who Should Host The Baby Shower?

The one they call Miss Manners (Judith Martin) an etiquette expert, thinks baby showers should not be hosted by relatives. A shower should be token presents only. She believes it’s ultimately the responsibility of parents for supplying and furnishing the nursery, not the attendees of the baby shower.  

The whole purpose of the festivity is to provide the love and support for new to-be parents. And getting some diapers and other baby stuff giving you a jump-start on the parenting game is always a plus.

Your new beautiful baby is just happy to have loving parents that will be there every step of the way. So even if you do decide to host the party yourself, remember at the heart of it all is to promote love and support for a new momma and poppa.    

Get Started On Your Baby Shower Ideas

Whether you have a friend host your baby shower, or if you and your partner host one yourself, a baby shower checklist is needed to get ready. Baby shower decorations and gift ideas wait around the corner. Save your list in Google Docs for quick access later. Find a good menu, pick a few fun games to play, create your guest list, and get a baby shower cake.

For a nudge in the right direction, research on a laptop and write down ideas in Google Docs.  Jot down the pros and cons of each. Then, narrow them down by crossing out the ideas with the most cons and star the ideas with the most pros.

The world is your oyster when it comes to options that will make a successful baby shower. Find your pearl in a sea of potential. May you have your baby shower wishes come true!

Never be disappointed by your baby shower gifts. All are stemming from positive thoughts and feelings from a place of love and support. Gratitude is the best attitude.

Don’t forget to send out thank you cards!