Get The Bump digital magazine >

tools: My Baby Calendar | Baby Namer | Gender Chart | How Big is Baby?

community

all boards


birth clubs


nest boards


my blog

my photos

my boards


200+ Easy Weeknight Meals!

Green living: Eco-friendly tips & tricks!

< Previous topic | Next topic >

All Boards > Baby Showers

Sort:
01-16-2013 at 10:18 AM
Mr&MrsMTA
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-18-2012
279 Posts
8,356 Points
Mr&MrsMTA is not online. Last active: 05-23-2013, 7:20 PMNewbie

Having a "Meet the Baby" party....maybe

I am only 10 wks now but I am an early planner always have been its just me, lol. Anyway this is my 3rd LO and DH 1st my youngest is 12, I do not think his family will host a shower for me and I really dont want my mom to host I think that might look rude since this is my 3rd any way DH and I are more then able to purchase all of the items we need a lot of folks have been offering their babies items that are no longer being used anymore which is great. I was thinking of hosting a Meet the BAB lunch after LO is born.....I am not a germaphobe (CP?) but I hate the thought of everyone touching and handling LO so young. I would have DH call people I think and remind them that is they are kids have been sick within the last week we can get to gether another time as LO has not had all their shots yet. (we have family members who OFTEN bring their sick kids to parties and I HATE THAT). I saw on another post about a mom wearing the baby during the party to avoid holding issues and spread anti bacterial bottles all over the house for people to use......sorry I see this is getting long my question is at what age is safe and a good time to host this kind of party???
Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-16-2013 at 10:55 AM
Estwd2
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-28-2010
4,107 Posts
40,741 Points
Estwd2 is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 9:29 PMSilver

There's no one age when it's safe. Do it when you feel well enough to have guests. I don't think there's anything wrong with wearing baby to keep him/her away from lots of hands, but I kind of think "What's the point of me going to this party if I don't actually get to hold the baby?" Just politely ask people to wash their hands and/or leave out hand sanitizer. You can't keep the baby in a bubble forever. When you feel well enough and comfortable with others holding the baby, have the party.

Also, with the way this board is going today, I wouldn't bring up showers for 3rd kids. :)  
Image and video hosting by TinyPicImage and video hosting by TinyPic 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-16-2013 at 11:01 AM
1026pumpki...
Not Ranked
Joined on 10-21-2010
3,259 Posts
50,379 Points
1026pumpkin is not online. Last active: 05-15-2013, 11:55 PMSilver

With DS, our pedi said not to bring him around visiting people until he was over 6 weeks.  I believe if they have a fever in the first 6 weeks, it's automatic NICU time.  He said limit visits to very close family members (grandparents, siblings, etc.) and make sure those people have had flu and pertussis vaccines and wash their hands.....it sounds a little extreme, but he's very middle of the road on most things, and we felt comfortable following that advice. 
BabyFetus Ticker; Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-16-2013 at 12:24 PM
rhubarb123
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-03-2010
3,343 Posts
12,812 Points
rhubarb123 is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 7:39 AMSilver

I think it might depend on the time of year.  We had one for #2 and #3 and although I did not wear them (for the most part) people were really considerate and actually didn't ask to "hold the baby".  Our LO's were between 3-4 weeks.  I've gone to a couple other Meet the Baby Parties and the moms did wear the babies and NO one even hinted at holding the baby. 

I guess I would not follow the directions of a pedi that said not to see other people for 6 weeks.  Yikes!  No way would my family want to wait that long nor would I make them (or friends for that matter).  Course I already had a kid in the house...and they are the biggest petri dishes around!  Oh...and it was late Spring.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-16-2013 at 2:04 PM
Helenahhan...
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-20-2012
3,373 Posts
60,187 Points
Helenahhandbasket is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 11:52 AMSilver

I would say maybe wait until your LO is 6-8 weeks old.

If you want to have the party earlier, I would say to "wear" your baby in either a Moby wrap or some other baby carrier.  People will get the idea that you don't feel too comfortable passing your baby around.

Also, good call on not having a shower for your 3rd.

Married 11/23/07 BFP 1- EDD 2/09/11 Missed MC DX @11 weeks D&C- 7/25/10 BFP 2- EDD 12/22/11 Natural MC @ 5w 2d BFP 3- EDD 1/25/12 DD Josephine born 1/16/12 Lilypie Second Birthday tickers 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-16-2013 at 3:52 PM
msmerymac
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-17-2009
West Hollywood, CA
9,550 Posts
8,111 Points
msmerymac is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 3:33 PMGold
I think baby can be vaxxed for whooping cough at 8 weeks, so if you're worried, I'd wait until after the first round of vaccines.
my read shelf:
Meredith's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)
40/112

Photobucket 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-16-2013 at 10:00 PM
HelgaFunk
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-20-2012
440 Posts
8,006 Points
HelgaFunk is not online. Last active: 05-21-2013, 2:07 AMNewbie

I didn't even know there were such things as "meet the baby" parties.

I guess I'm just the type that when I have the baby and my friends/family want to come over and I feel like having company then they can meet the baby.

Why does it have to be an event? I'm just curious because it's the first I've heard of this type of party.
Lilypie Pregnancy tickers 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-17-2013 at 8:03 AM
avbliss
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-24-2008
Michigan
2,573 Posts
1,089 Points
avbliss is not online. Last active: 04-16-2013, 2:16 PMSilver
We just did a huge party for their baptism we're Catholic at 2 months for both our kids. I personally don't have any issue with showers or a sprinkle for moms who have children so spaced out or when its a first child in a second marriage. That being said a MTB party is an excellent idea so you can have all the guests there at one time and not have to deal with cleaning and showering every day for a new guest. Even at two months old because our parties were in February both my girls are Dec babies I called some of the people whom were known for coming to events sick and just gently reminded them if they were sick we can plan another day. Both times it worked out great! So I guess my advice is to have it when you're comfortable, and if someone wants to hold baby ask them to wash their hands first. Oh and for the most part the grandparents held the baby the whole party.
Visit The Nest! Lilypie Third Birthday tickers

Lilypie First Birthday tickers

Angel Baby #1- Ectopic, Lost 8/24/08 Angel Baby #2- Miscarriage, Lost 1/10/09
Daisypath Anniversary tickers 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-25-2013 at 6:56 AM
jrcheller
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-25-2013
1 Posts
15 Points
jrcheller is not online. Last active: 01-25-2013, 6:56 AMNewbie
Hmmm...if my wife wanted to do it I would dissuade her from the idea.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
02-03-2013 at 11:18 AM
beautifulb...
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-08-2012
4 Posts
84 Points
beautifulb828 is not online. Last active: 03-27-2013, 4:28 PMNewbie
You just need to do it when you feel comfortable. I did it with mine when she was about a month old. Of course if you have inconsiderate parents who would bring their sick kids just politely ask them to visit another day but these parties are always fun
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
02-03-2013 at 11:21 AM
BallSox
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-03-2008
In your computer, watching you type
12,125 Posts
11,654 Points
BallSox is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 1:05 PMGold

I'm not even sure I even got far enough to get to a logical question.  

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Little Man (2 years old---holy cow)
Yes, he's mine. Yes, he's aware I'm a horrible mother. Yes, I plan on teaching him to act just like me.
No, CPS hasn't come to rescue him yet.
Yes, I'll make sure to let him know how sorry you feel for him.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
02-13-2013 at 6:29 AM
JoniAlt
Not Ranked
Joined on 10-31-2011
1 Posts
21 Points
JoniAlt is not online. Last active: 02-13-2013, 6:32 AMNewbie
I live in the south and "Sip and Sees" are very common events after you welcome a new baby into your family. I plan them for my clients quite frequently. Typically 2 to 8 weeks after the baby is born you have a small party in you home welcoming guests on a drop in basis during set hours. It's great because people can come and go and aren't in for a 3 hour event like a shower. Light snacks and drinks are served. I tell my clients to have antibacterial sanitizer near the door at a little "station" and to ask guests to take their shoes off with a little note near the door. This subtly reminds people to be cautious with germs around your newborn. Gifts are not required but people often bring them. You can also combine your birth announcement with your Sip and See invitation.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
02-19-2013 at 8:28 AM
WinterWind...
Not Ranked
Joined on 02-13-2013
27 Posts
717 Points
WinterWinds13 is not online. Last active: 05-22-2013, 10:27 AMNewbie
In my culture we do a big dinner for the "naming" of the baby obv we name them right away but the part comes later. we do it about 3 weeks after birth. They go really well and most people are curteous enough to just admire baby. As for catching something, if youre fearful don't do it but some people take the chance.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
02-21-2013 at 9:47 AM
StephanieM...
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-18-2010
Salina, KS
1 Posts
15 Points
StephanieM09 is not online. Last active: 04-16-2013, 4:32 PMNewbie
We actually just had a 'sip and see' party for our daughter who was 15 weeks old at the time. I know it seems rather late to have it, but it actually worked out really well. We had a bottle of hand sanitizer at the door and asked everyone to use it anyone with a cough or fever was asked to stay home. It was set up as a comeandgo type event so there really wasn't any passing around of the baby. It was also nice that people didn't have to sit through any silly games, the only activity we had was a wishing cloud where people wrote wishes for mom and baby on raindropshaped paper and hung from the cloud. People were able to take their time thinking what to write since there was no time limit. This all worked out really well for us!
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
02-21-2013 at 10:07 AM
SarahM1023
Not Ranked
Joined on 03-23-2012
2 Posts
66 Points
SarahM1023 is not online. Last active: 02-21-2013, 10:17 AMNewbie
Our DS was in NICU for nine days so we actually waited until he was three months to do a meet and greet. The benefit is he was awake and smiling, way more entertaining then when he was first born.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
02-21-2013 at 6:36 PM
cutechica1...
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-20-2009
2 Posts
30 Points
cutechica1983 is not online. Last active: 02-21-2013, 6:38 PMNewbie
No. My husband did with our last but I wouldn't. I'm too exhausted pp and don't receive help so I wouldn't feel up to throwing a party or gathering. I bf so I wake every two hours at night and I have three kids so no naps during the day.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
02-22-2013 at 8:41 AM
Miisssyyyy
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-12-2012
1 Posts
15 Points
Miisssyyyy is not online. Last active: 02-22-2013, 8:58 AMNewbie
My mom hosted a meet and greet for my son my first baby when he was 1 month old first weekend of June. It was nice outside so it was really nice. We had people come and go. I let whoever came over hold my son if they wanted unless I needed to nurse him and eventually made sure whoever wanted to hold him got to. I had some family that didn't want to travel too far for the shower or had something else going on so this was better for them. This way they got to meet the baby too.It was a come and go style party. I didn't even worry about the hand sanitizers, I was going to but it is hard to make sure sometimes and I just decided not to worry about it. My son has never been sick besides small coughs or congestion occasionally or had a fever yet. He is nice and healthy. I brought him out and about pretty much right away though. I decided we needed to live our lives and not worry incesently about germs. However I work in a hospital and I wash my hands a lot there and change when I get home before trying to touch my son. Especially the days when I work in the ER.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
03-03-2013 at 5:58 AM
Zoaea
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-01-2012
7 Posts
147 Points
Zoaea is not online. Last active: 04-22-2013, 11:02 PMNewbie
Rhubarb, they said only close family for first six weeks, in other words not a 50 person party... which is standard advice. Any heath care professional will say this as an illness in the first month or so can have extreme repercussions like disability or death and they don't want to be sued for malpractice. You shouldn't keep you toddlers sheltered from all germs but newborns are different as they do not have a functioning immune system.

To the OP, I'd throw a meet the baby at 6 to 8 weeks for family members and really close friends small, have just adults come or ask that if there was an illness in their home in the last week to visit you one on one later. I think this gives you time to recover from the birth, time for your family to settle in, and also time for your baby to establish their immune system a bit. Remember if you have a preme or any NICU time you would have a longer delay as they will be much more delicate in that time frame.

Personally I'd lean on my husband to have his mother throw a shower. I already told my sister strait up that I expect her to start planning mine. They can let guests know that big gifts are not required, it is to celebrate the new life. I mean half the family will probably see the baby before a MtB party.

PS Breast feeding also helps boost your babies immunity if you or they do get sick. And you should have people from outside your household wash their hands/sanitize like the other posters said.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
03-08-2013 at 2:27 AM
prisy88
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-25-2012
4 Posts
60 Points
prisy88 is not online. Last active: 04-21-2013, 7:59 PMNewbie
I think that every baby deserves a shower before the arrival. If no one plans one for you do it yourself and I'm sure your family will offer help. I planned both my showers and all my family and hubby's family helped with different things like food, prizes, buying my mum etc. when the baby is born all you want to do is rest your body and yes people don't leave sick kids at home and all the germs that can get to your baby isn't good. Shower your baby before arrival.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
03-22-2013 at 2:01 PM
andeeact1
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-18-2011
1 Posts
15 Points
andeeact1 is not online. Last active: 03-22-2013, 4:25 PMNewbie
I am about to have my second son. He will be nine years younger than my first. My Coworkers gave me a beautiful office party and my Family had a delightful party for me as well. My dad was so impressed that so many people were willing to bless my husband and I that he gave me the idea to have a nice backyard BBQ for all our guest that came to the showers. Allow them to meet baby and enjoy an evening of food, family and friends. Baby is due at the end of March I'm planning on giving our "Baby BBQ" in May and am looking forward to it!
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
03-22-2013 at 3:05 PM
reenielynn
Not Ranked
Joined on 02-26-2011
789 Posts
15,142 Points
reenielynn is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 2:57 PMBronze

Zoaea:
OP, I'd throw a meet the baby at 6 to 8 weeks for family members and really close friends small, have just adults come or ask that if there was an illness in their home in the last week to visit you one on one later. I think this gives you time to recover from the birth, time for your family to settle in, and also time for your baby to establish their immune system a bit. Remember if you have a preme or any NICU time you would have a longer delay as they will be much more delicate in that time frame. Personally I'd lean on my husband to have his mother throw a shower. I already told my sister strait up that I expect her to start planning mine. They can let guests know that big gifts are not required, it is to celebrate the new life. I mean half the family will probably see the baby before a MtB party. PS Breast feeding also helps boost your babies immunity if you or they do get sick. And you should have people from outside your household wash their hands/sanitize like the other posters said.

what awful horrible advice in the bolded. Wow. No.

Me=26,DH=34,TTC #1 since October 2012, BFP 4/16/13 BabyFruit Ticker
Blogness
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
Hot Topics

New dad or dad-to-be? Chat with other dads here!
Visit the Dads & Dads-to-be board

Need baby shower inspiration? Get ideas here!
Visit the Baby Showers board

Chat with other crafty moms here!
Visit the Crafty Moms board

search boards

choose another board