Baby shower


The term "shower" is often assumed to mean that the expectant mother is "showered" with gifts, but this is a false etymology. The tradition started by a German immigrant, Franz Schauer, in the 18th century.

Traditionally, a baby shower is held only for the mother-to-be, and only women attend. Sometimes men attend baby showers and they give their lessons and wisdom as much as women.

Many people choose to have baby showers for both parents, and some people have a men-only shower. In some countries, shops provide Newborn Lists, where the parents select the gifts that they need for the baby to avoid duplicate gifts. Baby showers are increasingly popular in Africa, Asia, and Latin America but are "women-only" social gatherings. There are gifts given to the expecting mother. In Costa Rica the Baby Shower Party is called té de canastilla. Food is often associated with baby showers.

While there are no established guidelines for what constitutes a baby shower, there are some traditional activities that are common at baby showers. Because the party centers on gift-giving, the baby shower is generally arranged by a close friend.

Typically, newborn-related gifts are purchased for the new mother-to-be. Baby showers, like bridal showers and bachelorette parties, are more open to new ideas, concepts, themes, games, and changes in etiquette. Beginning in the 1970s, however, if permitted by the mother and if asked politely, "tummy-rubbing" is now a baby shower event.

There is great variance in practices and themes of baby showers. Some people prefer to hold showers after the birth of the baby. In this case there may be a tendency for the baby shower to be less focused on the baby and more on the mother and the mother's preparation for the new baby.


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