Baby Shower Alternatives

There are many reasons to host an alternative to the traditional baby shower. Perhaps the family already has all the items they need or have a small living space that requires them to limit their baby items. Or maybe they may feel an alternative better celebrates the expansion of their family. Whatever the reason, here are some alternatives to consider for welcoming new little ones:

Birth Blessing

Also known as a Blessingway, a birth blessing is a time to honour the pregnant person and their journey into parenthood. Those who attend may be asked to share stories, poems, or songs about pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. The group may also create or bless an item that can be used as a source of comfort and strength during the birth. And if you don’t want to take on the task of planning, Full Circle facilitates Birth Blessings!

Learn more here: https://www.fullcirclebirthcollective.com/ceremonies-and-celebrations

Nesting Party
The focus of a nesting party is practicality. It brings friends and family together to help share the task of preparing the family’s home. Attendees may help build nursery furniture, wash and organize baby clothes and items, clean, or prepare meals to stock the family’s freezer.

Baby Sprinkle

Essentially a lighter version of a baby shower for folks who already have many of the items they need for their baby/babies. Families who already have at least one child may opt for a baby sprinkle to celebrate with a smaller party than a full-scale baby shower.

Diaper Party

Originated as a more male-oriented celebration for welcoming a new baby, diaper parties skip the multi-item baby registry and ask guests to simply bring diapers and/or wipes.

Freezer Meal Party

Just like it sounds, this is time for friends and family to come together and stock the expectant family’s freezer with meals they can rely on postpartum. These parties are also popular among friends where no one is expecting a baby but is an opportunity to find time to get together amongst busy lives while also stocking up on easy meals for each of their families.

Charity Shower

Just like a traditional baby shower but instead of purchasing gifts for the expectant family, folks bring baby items that will be donated to families in need. This option is great for families that already have many of the baby items they will need or who prefer to purchase their baby items themselves.

Parent/Pregnancy Retreat

Almost an anti-baby shower, a parent or pregnancy retreat is an opportunity to relax, have fun, and not talk about pregnancy or babies. Folks often plan spa days, meals, and pregnancy friendly fun with the rule that no one can talk about pregnancy or babies. Though you can still plan relaxation and fun while talking about those things too!

Some families prefer to celebrate their new bundle(s) of joy after their arrival. Here are a few options for this:

Sip and See/Baby Welcoming

A low-key gathering, a sip and see or baby welcoming is a chance for friends and family to meet the new baby/babies and congratulate the family. Some families use this as an opportunity for introducing their baby in one big event rather than with many smaller visits over the postpartum period.

Drive by Day

Drive by Day is where friends and family each schedule short time slots to visit the family on a particular day. This allows for short but more intimate time together where each person can see the baby/babies and parents rather than getting lost in a larger party. It also means the family isn’t hosting guests over many days or weeks.

Virtual Baby Welcoming

A popular option among families who live far from their loved ones and/or are conscious of protecting their newborn(s) from illness, the virtual baby welcoming can be done in large or small groups. This is also a popular option for families who prefer a quieter postpartum period and do not want house guests.

There is no right or wrong way to welcome new little ones into the world. Each of these baby shower alternatives came from a family’s desire to celebrate in a way that fits for them. We hope they’ve given you inspiration for creating your own.