While baby showers are more common before birth, there is a new trend nowadays of baby showers held after birth, which is quite suitable.
Holding baby showers after the baby is born is normal and not weird at all. It is socially acceptable and appropriate to hold baby showers after the baby is born when the mom has a challenging pregnancy, the baby is born prematurely, or the baby is coming through surrogacy & adoption.
Post birth baby showers are more common in the Southern United States in states like Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia. Also Australia, New Zealand, Caribbean & Latin American Countries, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern cultures hold baby shower parties after birth of the kid.
What is a Sip and See Party
A sip and see party is a casual gathering held after the birth of a baby, where friends and family come to meet the newborn. Guests typically sip on beverages while getting a chance to see the baby, offering support and celebrating the family’s new addition.
What Happens in “Sip and See” Parties
- The guests meet both the mom and the baby
- The baby is the center of attention and not the mom.
- Guests may however not really hold the baby, (especially if they are still too small)
- Guests offer post-partum support to the mum and any other help when needed
- The atmosphere is more relaxed, in comparison with pre-birth showers
- Attended mostly by peer friends around same age of the mom
- May exclude family members
- Easy to customize and personalize the party
- More personal and intimate than it would be if the guest were just meeting the pregnant mom
Read: How to Know if you Need an Early Maternity Leave
Reasons to Host Baby Shower after Birth
1. A Chance for Friends and Family to Meet the Baby
The logic and reason behind a post birth baby shower is that the baby is actually present in the shower and the center of attention. When you host a baby shower before birth of the baby, the attention is retained only by the mom. Holding baby showers before denies the guests this chance.
Holding baby showers once the baby is already born offers family and friends the opportunity to actually meet the baby. This is important if you have family and friends travelling from far.
When my sister was pregnant, the option of a post-baby shower after the baby was born worked well for us because we were traveling from far. We would have missed seeing the baby if the party was done before the birth.
2. Easier for Moms to Host
Moms are usually so tired and not up to entertaining guests during baby showers done before birth. Most are also vulnerable emotionally and some moms worry about being around people during a vulnerable time.
After giving birth, this changes and they find it easier to coordinate and host a party. Sip and see parties are easier for the mom because;
- You have recovered from birth hence ready for a party
- You enjoy the party more as you are no longer pregnant
- There is less stress and preparation needed
3. Suitable for Challenging Pregnancies
Many moms have lost pregnancies after baby showers parties. When this happens, it becomes awkward to have to explain to friends and family about the loss.
I know of a neighbor friend who lost her baby soon after the baby shower. She had to deal with explaining the ordeal to friends and family who had attended the baby shower.
As such moms who have dealt with infertility and stillbirth find it hard to celebrate anything until the baby is in their arms. In such a case holding a baby shower after the baby has already been born is more appropriate and reasonable.
4. Suitable for Premature Births
Sip and see parties are appropriate for babies born prematurely. You may have planned for the baby shower to be done before the baby is born, but the baby may be born before then.
If this happens, you have no choice but to hold a sip and see party. You just need to wait for a few months to heal and be ready for the party.
5. Appropriate for Surrogacy & Adoption
If you are having a baby through surrogacy, it makes no sense to host a baby shower before the birth of the baby. It is more appropriate for you to wait till the baby have been born and the official process is complete.
The same applies to when you are adopting a newborn. You must wait until the adoption process is complete before you can hold the sip-and-see party for the baby.
6. Chance to Receive Practical Gifts
Baby showers before birth usually entail gifting the mom and includes items they may need when the newborn arrives. But the gifts may be impractical, wrong gender or size for the new born baby.
But when you host a baby shower after the baby’s birth, you get a chance to receive better and more useful gifts. When the baby is already here, the gender, size and other preferences are clearer.
Some of the gifts you can expect include;
- Baby clothes
- Bath set
- Gift Card
- Baby Monitor
- Baby cot/bassinet
- Baby trolley/car seat
- Pump, bottles and related supplies
- Diapers and other sanitaries
Read: Graduation Gifts Ideas for Kids
7. Offer Support to the Mom
Post-birth baby showers, offer new mothers invaluable emotional and practical support as they recover and adjust. The support is in the form of;
- Community Connection– Friends and family give an essential sense of community and social interaction to alleviate feelings of isolation some new moms may experience
- Shared Experiences– A sip and see party allows other parents to share their experiences and advice, from which the new mother feels understood and validated
- Builds on Mother’s Confidence – Celebrating the new baby boosts the new mother’s confidence and mental well-being
- Exposure to Supportive Resources– Friends and family offer valuable knowledge, tools and resources such as recommendations for pediatricians, lactation consultants, or local support groups
When to Host Sip and See Party
To be able to enjoy the meet-the-baby party, you and the baby need to be ready. You need time to heal from the birth, especially if you had a CS. Your baby equally needs time to develop immunity before they are ready to meet people.
As such, do not rush the party and physically recover first. Wait for at least three months after birth to host the baby shower.
Who to Invite at Sip and See Party
Basically, you can invite both family and friends at your sip and see party. Often these parties are attended by people around the same age/peers.
However you can accommodate different types of guests by making the party open house. Instead of everyone coming at the same time at your house, have your guests arrive at different times during the day.
Let your guests know they can drop by say from 10 am to 6 pm. That way, you and the new baby are not overwhelmed by the guests. You will be more relaxed and can calm your baby quietly should the need arise.
I have attended an open house sip-and-see party before. There were never more than 4 or 5 people over at one time. I found it interesting and easy on the mom and the baby.
Tips on Planning a Simple Sip and See Party
- Choose a Reasonable Date- Choose a date that allows you time to recover (2-3 months after birth) and also convenient for your guests
- Decide on a venue- could be your home, friend’s house, hotel or any other space
- Create a guest list- include close friends and family
- Send out invitations- could be via text, card, call or email
- Plan light refreshments and activities- should suit the mom’s comfort level, such as games or sharing parenting tips
Baby Handling Boundaries during Baby Shower
Setting handling boundaries is important since the newborn immunity is still weak. Infants have more delicate immune systems, so it is understandable that you avoid lots of people touching/holding the baby to avoid spreading germs to them.
Let guests know in advance if you prefer they simply admire the baby from a distance or if they can hold the baby for short periods. If you are not comfortable passing the newborn around, you can wrap them up so the guests can the baby but not touch them.
Handling Baby Crying during Baby Shower
Most moms have concerns that their baby will cry throughout the party. However, you don’t have to worry that. If your baby cries, that is what babies do; they cry.
Let them be and not stress over it. Just ensure that they are not wet, they are well fed and sleep when they need to.
You may have a hard time calming the baby, but you are allowed to excuse yourself and attend to the baby.
Appropriate Activities/Games for Meet the Baby Party
You can include some games and activities in the party. While meet the baby parties are generally more relaxed, you can incorporate light games or activities. Some of these include :
- Baby naming
- Storytelling
- Parenting tips and advice
- Gift opening
- Baby photo sessions
Refreshments for Sip and See Party
Keep the menu simple and light. Choose items that are easy to prepare and eat. The refreshments can include
- Beverages like tea, coffee, and juices
- Snacks such as finger foods, cupcakes, or a small cake
Some guests can offer to bring food or help coordinate meal deliveries. This practical support can greatly alleviate the stress of cooking and allow the new mother to focus on her baby and enjoy the party.
Cultural Considerations for Baby Showers
In some cultures, holding any form of party for the baby before its birth is considered a taboo. Many cultures consider this a taboo believe it attracts a bad omen.
As such, ‘sip and see’ parties after the baby is born are culturally accepted event. In addition ensure that the celebration aligns with the family’s values and traditions.
