I am no expert, but I happen to be in a season of life where baby shower invitations are plentiful. Add in the record number of babies recently born at our church, and I’ve attended more baby showers than I can count over the last few years.
To be clear, every single one has been beautiful and meaningful. No shower has been more special than another — each honored a mom-to-be and marked the joyful transition her family was about to make. Along the way, though, I’ve noticed a few standout baby shower trends worth sharing.
Sip and See
Sip and sees were more common before early gender reveals became the norm, but they are making a comeback — especially for parents who love a good surprise and wait until birth to find out the baby’s gender.
Just as the name suggests, guests gather after the baby arrives to sip a drink and see the newborn. Tea or cocktails, lemonade or hot chocolate — this shower style works beautifully in any season and can easily reflect the mom’s personality. It also adapts well to either women-only or co-ed guest lists. It works best as an open-house event hosted either at the family’s home or another location during a set time frame.
This is one of my favorite shower styles because the baby — the true guest of honor — has officially arrived. It also gives the parents a chance to welcome everyone at once, rather than juggle multiple visits during those precious early weeks.
Baby Sprinkles
When it’s not a mom’s first baby, a baby sprinkle is a thoughtful alternative to a full-scale shower. Sprinkles are designed to celebrate second, third or even fourth babies, recognizing that the family’s needs are often different this time around.
Rather than coming from a full registry, gifts are usually essentials like diapers, wipes or a few outfits — especially if the baby’s gender differs from older siblings’. Sprinkles tend to be smaller and more intimate, with simplified décor, food and gifting, making them low-pressure and heartfelt gatherings.
Meal Prep Showers
One thing every new mom appreciates? Easy meals after the baby arrives. A meal prep shower combines celebration with practical support and works for any expecting mom.
For one I attended, the host created a list of freezer-friendly recipes and assigned ingredients to guests. At the shower, we set up stations and assembled the meals together. The mom-to-be left with several ready-to-freeze dinners, breakfasts and snacks — an incredible gift that lasted well beyond the party.
Sometimes the best trends aren’t about décor or themes, but about truly caring for a growing family.
Allie Cole is the editor of KC Parent Magazine and lover of all things celebratory, especially when it comes to friends having babies.