Welcoming little ones: baby shower inspiration

Baby shower themes are different across the globe. Parents in the US can expect cakes and baby shower games, whereas baby crying competitions are traditional in Japan. Or in France, they wait until the baby turns one to begin celebrating. Of course, how you celebrate your little one’s imminent arrival is up to you, so if you’re having or planning a baby shower, take inspiration from these parents.

Baby Dove Research and Development expert and mom of three, Diane, was full of excitement: “We had a big shower for my first baby that my mom helped organize with my closest friends – it was really nice. I am Portuguese, so they had it at a Portuguese restaurant and we had all the women in the family there. It was a time for us all to get together and share advice and stories.”

Sanchia, mom of a newborn, had a special baby shower too: “We had high tea at a beautiful café near my house. We played a few baby games, including using a piece of string to guess the size of my bump. The highlight for me was spending time with loved ones and seeing how excited everyone was about our baby arriving.”

Craig, dad of a newborn, says: “My wife didn’t originally want a baby shower or to be the center of attention. However, I think it’s really important to rally together and show the mother-to-be that she is not alone and that there are plenty of people there to support her.”

Children’s nurse and mom of two Tracey agrees. “The gifts are fantastic, but really baby showers are about confirming to the ones having the baby that you care about them. That is an amazing thing to know, because it can be quite isolating having a baby.”

Some parents-to-be prefer to wait until their little one has arrived to celebrate, as Junaid, Baby Dove employee and dad of three, explains: “We did not have a celebration prior to the birth – instead, we had a party for all family and friends three weeks after.” This offers a chance for everyone to share in the joy of welcoming the newest member of the family but also for the parents to relax and reconnect with those closest to them.”

Traditionally, a baby shower gift is an essential item a parent will really benefit from. “My advice would be to gift them things they’ll use on a daily basis with a newborn at home,” says Yasmine, mom of two, “You can’t go wrong with nappies, shampoo, soap and special detergent for baby clothes.”

Our recommendation? Gift a mom-to-be a bathtime essential from our hypoallergenic Baby Dove range, suitable for newborn skin. First you’ve got Baby Dove Caring By Nature Ultra Gentle Foaming Wash for cleansing baby’s face, body and hair in the bath with its light, airy lather. Next, pick Caring By Nature Baby Hypoallergenic Lotion for post-bathtime pampering – it soothes dryness from first use and helps build a healthy foundation for baby’s skin. And what could be more special than a baby massage oil for those precious bonding moments? Our Caring By Nature Oil, which contains vitamin E and 100% natural moringa oil, works to nourish and protect baby’s delicate skin before they doze off at bedtime.