In our parents’ generations, there were just baby showers with tea, cake and awkward games — but today we’ve found ways to celebrate throughout the pregnancy. What festivities will you join in?
Pregnancy announcement
Pinterest is full of examples of photoshoots that happy parents-to-be do when they find out they are having a baby. In the shot, couples use funny t-shirts or baby-related items to announce the imminent addition to the family. You can dress up your dog in a T-shirt that says “My quiet life will end at ... [due date].” Your partner might hold a sign that says “Coming soon” while you hold a photo of your first ultrasound. The creativity is unlimited.
Gender Reveal
While gender reveal parties have gotten a bad wrap recently due to ill-planned fireworks starting forest fires [1], if you want to have a gender reveal party there are plenty of safe ways to do so. The most traditional way is to have your doctor write down the sex of child on a piece of paper, which you put into an envelope and give to a local baker. The baker can make a cake with blueberry filling if it’s a boy or strawberry filling if it’s a girl. At your party with friends and family, you slice into the cake to learn if you are having a baby girl or baby boy. The main thing is to plan these gender reveal parties in a safe and responsible way.
Baby shower
This is a tradition celebrated around the world. The party is usually held about a month before the baby is due. Friends and relatives get together to give gifts to the baby and honor the mother. There are games that guests are invited to play like guessing how big mama’s stomach is or estimating how many diapers can fit into a diaper bag. The guest with the best guess usually wins a small prize.
Babymoon
On a trip that feels like a honeymoon, the couple enjoys the time together before the baby comes. It is usually best to plan a babymoon during the second trimester when you are feeling the most energetic. If you plan to fly, check in with your doctor to make sure it’s okay.
Dadchelor party
Like a bachelor party before the wedding, a dadchelor party celebrates future dad’s new status. Perhaps your partner gathers some buddies for watching a football game at a bar or playing a round of golf.
Push presents
Usually given just before or just after the birth of the baby, your partner celebrates your hard work during childbirth by giving you a special present. For some, these presents are usually quite expensive — such as a piece of jewelry or a year’s subscription of home-delivered flower bouquets. The idea is to make sure mama knows she is valued and loved by her family.
