How to Attend a Baby Shower (Guest Guide)

Published by

Kressie Kornis

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You’ve got invited to a baby shower! If you’re like me and have several child-free friends, you might not be sure of what to wear or bring to one. Baby showers can feel daunting if you’ve never been to one, but I can assure you that it’s probably more casual than you’d think.

What to wear to a baby shower

Dress a little nicer than you usually would, and any color or pattern is fine. Baby showers aren’t like weddings where you should avoid wearing certain colors.

You should wear something that would fit in well on an Easter Sunday. This could look like a dress, jumpsuit, midi skirt, maxi skirt, or blouse for you. Pastels, neutrals, and floral prints are all safe choices.

What to bring to a baby shower

Look. At. The Registry. I cannot tell you how many friends of mine have been stuck with junk from TJ Maxx or Amazon that they simply did not want. You can pick one thing from the registry, or several smaller items like pacifiers and cloths.

“But there’s no registry!” Text them and ask right now: “FRIEND, thank you for inviting me to your baby shower! I’m so excited! Do you have a registry? Or, is there anything you particularly need?”

“No, really, there’s no registry.” Okay, fine. Get them diapers and baby wipes.

Want to go big? Go in with friends for a big ticket item like a high chair, carseat, or crib. Between a group of people, you can get the cost down greatly and the gift will have an ever special meaning. If you are considering going this route, make sure to text around and ask your friends at least two weeks before the baby shower, to give ample time to folks to pay you and for the item to arrive if purchased online.

Other baby shower etiquette you should know

  • You are not expected to bring food or beverages to baby showers, but it’s nice to ask and offer to get ice.
  • Don’t talk about your personal family planning, unless asked by the mom-to-be.
  • Bring a gift receipt just in case. Duplicates happen, and clothes can be tricky.
  • Don’t offer advice unless you are a parent yourself.
  • Don’t touch the mom-to-be’s belly without asking. It’s weird.
  • Keep horror birth stories to yourself, unless asked by the mom-to-be.
  • You should stay at least 30 minutes.
  • Avoid overly gendered items as gifts.
  • Don’t comment on the mom-to-be’s size.
  • Mail a congratulations card if you can’t go, within two weeks of the shower.
  • RSVP to the shower within the timeframe requested.

DEFINE

What’s Uncouth?

Uncouth is an adjective that can be defined as awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior; lacking in polish and grace; strange or clumsy in shape or appearance.

To put it simply, it’s having bad manners.

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HELLO,

I’m Kressie

I am a writer and stand-up comedian living in Atlanta. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that y’all don’t know how to act. Since it’s been over 60 years since the queen of etiquette Emily Post has passed, I fear it is time for my snarky Zoomer self to step in and tell you how to act at drinks with coworkers, what to bring to a housewarming, and when to write a thank you note, like, in the mail. Remember mail?