Baby shower

A baby shower is a rite of passage in which the parents of a baby arrange and organise to receive gifts and money from their families and friends.

Baby showers are usually celebrated as parties during the pregnancy, or at a suitable time before the birth. By convention, they are usually for the first child, and help the parents get things that they may not be able to afford, or really want, for themselves.

Baby showers have become more common in the past 15 years, as families have become smaller and each child gets more individual attention. They can also be arranged for older children and for children who have been adopted. Baby showers serve the function of welcoming a new member to the family and supporting them.