Baby Shower Games: The Good, the Bad and the Ugh!

Games can make or break a shower. The best can break the ice and liven up the party. The worst can bore and embarrass. So, how can you avoid this?

A little research...

First, list the showers you've been to and the games you remember. Which did you like and dislike? Ask a few other gals to do the same. Don't ask the mom-to-be because you'll want to keep the games a surprise. Now, check out which ones were played most often. Chances are everyone has played these games many times. They're probably pretty sick of them. Avoid these overly popular games, unless you think no one minds playing them again and again. Baby Bingo again? No thanks!

The Mom-to-be

Take into account her personality. If the mom-to-be is outgoing and loves the spotlight, find games that will make her the center of attention. A shy mom-to-be? Choose ones that will put the focus on the guests instead of the mom-to-be. Ask the mom-to-be for her opinion without giving away the surprise. Avoid measuring the mom's girth unless you're totally sure that she'll be fine with it. Some moms-to-be are uncomfortable with this embarrassing tradition.

The Guest List

Lots of new moms? They'll be pros at any games that have to do with motherhood- diapering the baby or guessing the function of a baby item. If most of the guests don't have kids, avoid games where guests give parenting advice...they'll be at a loss for words. If the guests are already acquainted you don't need to play icebreakers. No one wants to play a name game when they know everyone in the room.

The Number of Guests

If it's a large shower, avoid games where every guest shares their thoughts/feelings/best wishes. That could take hours if you have 30 guests! Many guests won't know each other at a larger party, so plan an icebreaker like where guests are split into small groups. With smaller parties, you have more time for each guest to be in the spotlight and share their best wishes for the mom-to-be.

The Theme

A way to spice up shower games is to play up the theme. Match baby animals to their moms at a Noah's Ark theme party. Name the constellations at a celestial-themed party.

Timing is Everything!

Guests want time to visit, so don't have games take up the entire shower. Plan for about 3 games, but be prepared to ditch one if you run out of time. One 20-minute game and two 5-10 minute games will fit into most schedules. Decide the best time to play the games. Play one game at the beginning of the shower to break the ice. That way, guests can enjoy meeting each other.

Ummm?Poop Happens

Sure, we all know what babies do. But, does anyone want to be passing around "dirty" diapers full of peanut butter after enjoying a lovely lunch? Probably not.

Memories!

Sometimes what's missing from shower games is the reason the guests came in the first place?to celebrate the mom-to-be! Creating keepsakes personalize the party. Consider a "game" where the end result is a memento especially for the mom-to-be. What about having each guest create a scrapbook page? A memory book, scrapbook, or hand-painted onesies are just a few ideas.

There are thousands of resources online for baby game ideas. Now, you can choose games that will have your guests wanting more instead of wanting to leave.

Amy Dilling is the founder and owner of Perfect Parties to Go! selling complete baby and bridal showers in a box.

In The News:


Babies 'boost' mothers' intelligence
Hindu, India - 18 hours ago
Now, a team at Richmond University has found that having a toddler makes a woman brighter. According to researchers, moms-to-be rewire their brains to cope ...

Bring On The Books For A Brainy Baby
Scoop.co.nz (press release), New Zealand - Oct 9, 2008
According to Dr. Robert Titzer, babies and toddlers are among the best equipped when it comes to learning to read, with reading success possible from as ...

Adding up childcare costs
Irish Times, Ireland - Oct 12, 2008
The average cost of sending a toddler to a creche is €715 a month, up from €626 in 2005. Babies, meanwhile cost €802 a month. Prices vary from county to ...

Hear them out
New Straits Times, Malaysia - 1 hour ago
When he becomes a toddler, he would then have intensive auditory verbal therapy to help him acquire language skills and speech development by the age of six ...

Woolworths launches baby & toddler world
Supermarket Online, South Africa - Oct 8, 2008
... through our regular email newsletters, will provide useful information on areas from feeding plans and recipe ideas for babies and toddlers to advice on ...

A toddler's taste of free will
Irish Times, Ireland - Oct 6, 2008
When babies are small infants, up to the age of at least 12 months and often longer, they believe themselves to be indivisible from their primary carer. ...

Examiner.com

Safety tips for parents of babies and toddlers to prevent child ...
Examiner.com - Oct 6, 2008
The Power of Parents guide covers safety tips from for four key child development stages: infant to toddler, ages 4-6, ages 7-11 and ages 12-17. ...

Indya would have loved to be a big sister.. she died without ...
Sunday People, UK - Oct 11, 2008
By Amy Nelmes A grieving couple told last night how their toddler daughter died in a hospital blunder - without knowing her dream of having a baby brother ...

Leading Child Development Experts Will Gather in Los Angeles to ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Sep 29, 2008
4-7 will feature over 70 sessions that include state-of-the art research as well as best practices and innovative programs serving babies, toddlers and ...

Mom's in the City: Keeping perspective can be challenging
Portsmouth Herald News, NH - 12 hours ago
She was me three years ago, in the thick of it with no perspective of time before and no light at the end of newborn and toddler tunnel. ...
babies toddler - Google News

Your Baby Nursery - Decorating a Fabulous and Functional Room

Decorating a baby nursery can be one of the most... Read More

Teething Symptoms and How to Treat Them

Teething is what your baby experiences when her first set... Read More

Human Milk Bank Donor Helps Premature and Sick Infants and Children

Lisa Fozo (37), a Fair Oaks resident, wanted to breastfeed... Read More

Baby Slings - Comfort for Both the Child and the Parent

Baby slings are one of those things that have been... Read More

10 Items of the Well-Stocked Diaper Bag

Does your diaper bag have everything you need in it?... Read More

Baby Safety Checklist - Protecting Your Baby

When bringing home your new baby, there are so many... Read More

Make Your Own Baby Food

Those little containers of baby food sure are expensive once... Read More

Potty Training Boys - How To Potty Train Boys - Do You Teach Them to Sit or Stand?

I am asked this question by many parents - they... Read More

Showered with Mom-to-Be Merriment

Your friend's having a baby. What an exciting time for... Read More

The Truth About Baby Bedding

Imagine your little baby in her nursery. So happy in... Read More

Baby Eating Habits ? Which Approach Do You Take

One of the first decisions we make is if we... Read More

Babies Born With A Cleft Palate Or Lip

As many as one in 700 babies are born with... Read More

What to Look For When Choosing Baby Furniture

If you're a new parent, be aware that you baby... Read More

The First Week with Your Baby

The first week of your baby's life brings big adjustments... Read More

Theory of Child Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget has allowed us many insights into child cognitive... Read More

What Foods Should I Avoid While Breastfeeding?

Women in our culture are sometimes advised to avoid spicy... Read More

Benefits of Making Your Own Homemade Baby Food

Making your own homemade baby food will ensure that what... Read More

Home Remedies for Colic

You are at the end of your rope. You have... Read More

IQ, Intelligence, and Brain Development- Another Breastfeeding Benefit

Modern parents want to do everything they can to help... Read More

Childrens Bedroom Furniture - Three Mothers Share Their Buying Habits

Just two months ago, a group of mothers from three... Read More

Planning a Baby Shower? These Tips Make It Stress Free

One of the most pleasant parties to plan has to... Read More

A Daddy Baby Shower - New Twist on the old Baby Shower

Try something new, a Daddy Baby Shower. Even though no... Read More

Baby Girl Clip Art

The online baby girl clip art images help you to... Read More

Baby Carriers - Choosing the Right Pouch, Ring Sling, or Carrier for You

With so many options out there for baby carriers it... Read More

Does The Size Of Your Baby Matter?

Does size matter? No, not that! Is your baby too... Read More