Baby showers are a universal way to welcome a new baby. These parties are normally given by a family member or close friend of the pregnant woman. During these modern times, it is acceptable for coworkers to host the shower, as well. It is not uncommon for a woman to have more than one shower. What a lucky mom!

The shower is usually held toward the latter period of the pregnancy, often during the eighth month. Showers normally aren't held too early in case problems arise. Having it too late might result in the baby making an early appearance and mom being at the hospital during party time. Some cultures encourage the baby shower after the child is born.

Nowadays it is acceptable to have a baby shower for the second, third, or subsequent pregnancy. It is the general consensus that every child be celebrated with his or her own shower. Parents today find that there is an ever increasing amount of new baby items on the market so a shower thrown for each child helps to keep the family up-to-date with the latest gadgets and must have items.

It is acceptable nowadays to invite men to the baby shower. After all, the father of the baby wants to celebrate too! Men have been allowed in the delivery room for many years now, why not let them into the baby shower as well? Close friends, relatives, co-workers and other people that the parents-to-be would enjoy having at the baby shower should all be invited.

As for the baby shower location, it is usually held at the home of the host. Sometimes the home of a friend or relative willing to host it is common also. It is not unheard of to have the baby shower at a banquet hall, church gym, restaurant, picnic area, club meeting hall, or par area. If the baby shower is held at a restaurant, typically the host is responsible for all expenses incurred. Some restaurants will honor requests for less expensive meals since it will be a larger party. Or you can include in the invitation that free drinks and dessert will be provided. This lets the guests know that meals are not going to be free.

If you want to have a child-free baby shower, especially if you know of an invited guest who has a particularly unruly child, it is best to state this in the invitation. A tactful way is something like, "hire a sitter and meet us there at noon". Or if you know that children are coming, hire childcare in a separate area during the shower.

The rest of the shower activities are usually designated to games, food and socializing. Games are not mandatory but many people enjoy them. There is a plethora of data online where you can find the rules of baby shower games. They range from the mild, such as pinning a baby pin on your lapel but giving it up when you cross your legs and seeing how many you can collect. Games classified as not for the faint at heart would be to actually taste food and liquids that babies must eat and to guess what they are. These are all done in fun and make up for a memorable day for the parents-to-be.

Michael Russell Your Independent Baby and Toddler guide.