A baby shower is a party in which expectant parents receive gifts or money for their expected child. By convention, a baby shower is intended to help parents get things that they need for their baby (such as basic layette items), especially items they may not be able to afford. It is a recent tradition in the US and in other cultures influenced by US culture or media.
Traditionally, a baby shower is held only for the mother-to-be, and only women attend. However, many people choose to have baby showers for both parents, and some people have a men-only shower. It is not uncommon for a parent to have more than one baby shower, such as one with friends and another with co-workers. A baby shower is generally arranged by a close friend or relative of the parents-to-be. Traditionally, it was considered improper for a family member to host because the event centers on gift-giving.
Baby showers have become more common in the past few decades, as families have become smaller and each child gets more individual attention. Though they are traditionally only held for the first child, they can also be arranged for subsequent children and for children who have been adopted. It is common for the host to provide baby-themed games during the shower. In some regions, shower favors (small gifts for the guests) are common.
Not all Americans hold baby showers. For example, in Jewish tradition, nothing may be bought for the baby before it is born. But many American Jews today do not subscribe to that tradition.
Other terms
"Daddy's shower" refers to a men-only shower for the dad-to-be.
"Grandma's shower" refers a shower at which people bring items for the grandparents to keep at their house, such as a colapsable crib and a changing pad.
A "diaper shower" or a "baby sprinkle" refers to a small-scale baby shower, generally for subsequent children, when the parents don't need as many items.
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