Family Baby Showers

The addition of baby number 2, 3, or 10 is an occasion to celebrate for any family.

Just think how exciting it must be for your littlest one who is used to always being the younger brother to find out he's going to be a big brother!

Though baby showers have traditionally been held for mommies-to-be only, times are changing and many people are having baby showers to celebrate the new baby's whole family-to-be.

What better way to celebrate than to throw a baby shower party in their honor?! Grandparents or aunts or uncles can organize a baby party for the extended family and some close friends to mark the importance of the family unit.

Make a family tree to hang at the baby shower party. Have guests sign on their "branch" as a keepsake for the baby. "Trees" could be a baby shower theme for the party.

Other baby shower decorations for a family baby shower could include past portraits, baby pictures of Mom, Dad, and siblings, and a history of the family name.

Spend some time thinking about some funny stories from parties past. Like the time the expectant mom tripped during Aunt Edna's wedding. Or when the new baby's older brother fell asleep in the linen closet at the Christmas party last year.

Ask your baby shower guests to do the same and come prepared to share. These could be a whoot to retell. Beware: Mommy-to-be may laugh way too hard and cause herself to go into premature labor!

When sending out baby shower invitations, inform your guests that this will be a party for the whole family and that gifts for Mom, Dad and siblings are appreciated in addition to baby shower gifts for the new baby.

A few suggestions for one gift for the whole family. Buy a gift certificate for a portrait. Open a savings account for a future vacation. Or you can buy individual baby shower gifts for each, like matching t-shirts!

No gathering would be complete without a family photo. Make sure someone there has a camera with a timer on it and a tripod, or something that can substitute for one.

Then, once everyone is there, and Mom is ready (she may not feel like she looks so hot, so remind her how beautiful and glowing she is). Get the whole gang together and snap a photo for the baby shower remembrance.

Take lots of other pictures as well to let baby know just how much he or she was loved even before they arrived.

One idea for preserving the memory of baby's creation is to do a belly casting. You can buy kits. They mainly consist of a plaster of Paris material to use for creating a cast of Mom's belly. This will show the new little one where they started out.

If the new baby has a lot of young cousins and siblings, keep them occupied with their own special task. Provide them with a large piece of paper and coloring supplies. Either markers, paints, or crayons. Ask them to create a welcome home banner for the baby. Then place it over the crib in the nursery.

You may want to start by providing the lettering. Then let the children color the words and add their own artwork. Don't forget to include the 'big' kids, too. Have all of your baby shower guests sign the banner as well.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has dozens more baby shower related articles such as Diaper Cakes and Games for a Baby Shower.

---

The Baby Food Debate: The Benefits of Homemade Baby Food Over The Jars

Americans have long depended on jarred baby foods for convenient feeding. In the past few years more and more processed food options have entered the children's food... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers

When you have already made the decision not to use cloth diapers, your next decision will be how to choose a diaper pail for disposable diapers.To some... Read More

Baby Shower Gifts Are Not All The Same

When one talk about shower baby gifts, it is clear they can vary from the very practical to the extremely bizarre. If you have ever been invited... Read More

What Happens When During the Baby Shower?

To be precise, anything can happen anytime as long as everyone enjoys it. There is no right way or wrong way-anything goes well. But the idea should... Read More

Baby Shower Centerpieces That Double as a Gift!

Here you will learn how to make and where to purchase your baby shower centerpieces. As the centerpiece is the focal point of the baby shower, it... Read More

Potty Training Dolls - Why Use a Potty Training Doll to Assist in Potty Training Your Child?

The idea of using potty dolls to potty train toddlers has been around for some 30 years. Many parents (including myself) have successfully potty trained their children... Read More

How Much TV Is Too Much For Your Toddler

At least one third of households have their TV turned on all the time. This I can understand. But would you believe one in four children under... Read More

Colic Baby Bootcamp - Parent Survival Tips

Surviving a baby with colic truly deserves an award of some sort. The relentless screaming can really drive you to the edge.Unfortunately for the parents of a... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist-Hostess

Using baby shower checklist-hostess are the best way to stay organized if you are planning a baby shower. The more organized you are the better the shower... Read More

Baby Shower Party Game Ideas to Keep Your Guests Entertained

Baby shower party game ideas?? This is the question which comes to every baby shower hostess' mind when she has to plan a baby shower and also... Read More

A New Baby can be Expensive!

A new baby brings a lot of joy and hope to a family. It also brings some uncertainty. You may be concerned that your home is too... Read More

Introducing Your New Baby to Your Pet

Having a child is a life altering event for you and your family. If you own a pet and are concerned about how your pet will respond... Read More

First Birthday Party: Game and Activities for Little Guests

Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his or her first Birthday Party? Then you need to come up with interesting ideas for party games... Read More

Hints And Tips On Scrapbooking Baby?s ?Firsts?

It is true to say that a lot of people begin to get the scrappin' bug after their child/children are born and usually their first attempt at... Read More

The 7 Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes That Parents Make

When parents face difficulties with infant and child sleep issues, they can often feel helpless and alone. Although it seems like everyone has advice to give, it... Read More

Freezing Homemade Baby Food

With our twin boys getting ready to start solid food, I have been reading about making and freezing my own baby food. It is very easy!You can... Read More

Tips for Discreet Breastfeeding in Public

If you're a new Mom who is nursing your baby you may be nervous about doing so in public.Or perhaps you are disturbed by media reports of... Read More

Planning a Baby Shower

This article has information for the novice as well as the more experienced. Information is provided pertaining to when to plan the shower, who should give the... Read More

Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear, And Special

When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced with many choices that, in the baby's younger days, can seem quite confusing. Striking a balance between... Read More

A Babys Sleeping Pattern

Sleeping..A newborn baby spends most of her time on two things: sleeping and feeding - although, as she needs an average of 8 diaper changes a day,... Read More

Five Ready Signs to Start Potty Training

Starting new things for your child sometime difficult, but you still have to do it. Potty training is one phase that your child has to go through.... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is more to life than crying, feeding and sleeping? Your wishes are coming true. Your baby's third month... Read More

Unusual Baby Boy Names - Finding Exotic and Unique Baby Names

Unusual baby boy names and finding exotic and unique baby names can be loads of fun! Rather than giving your baby boy a name like Jacob, John... Read More

Preparing for New Baby or Traveling with Baby this Summer

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. In 2003, 1,591 children ages 14 years and younger died as occupants... Read More

Baby Strollers - Frequently Asked Questions

Baby Strollers are one of the major purchases you will make for your baby. There are different types of strollers and in each category there are a... Read More

How To Stop Toddlers From Biting

It is an unfortunate fact of life but, unfortunately, toddlers and biting frequently go together. It is a painful time for both the toddler and their parents... Read More