Do UK women have baby showers?

[Siuan]

I doubt I'll have one, but my cousin did, hers was a surprise thrown by her friends

 

[mitchnorm]

Yeah its pretty common now i think.....but more common for someone to throw it for you and typically as a surprise

 

[Eala]

My best mates threw me one with my last pregnancy It wasn't a HUGE party, but all my good friends were there. It was lots of fun

 

[beccad]

My friend had one, but she grew up in America! I don't know anyone else who has had one.

 

[chobette]

I have heard that it's more common here in the United States, but I don't see why you couldn't have one. If anything have a get together with a few close friends, you don't have to expect gifts or anything, normally if someone was going to buy you anything, they would have anyway with or without a shower. I want one, because it's the last time for me and some others to get together before the baby comes, as we don't know when that will be, I just know it'll be before 40 weeks with a planned section. I don't like the idea of expecting gifts, so just label it as a get together. xx Also, most showers here in the US are planned by the mother, mother-in-law, friend, sister, etc. xx

 

[sparkle83]

my sister wants to throw me one, so it'll be her, me, my other sister, my mum and dh's sis, mum and niece. I wasn't planning on having one, but everyone else really wants to. Only problem is I've already been given so much second hand I dont really need anything!

 

[littlebird28]

Wow, you guys need to start a trend! Its not people buying presents for "you", its people buying things for the new little human! And people are REALLY willing to do it- even overly so. People (family) are throwing us two different baby showers, I don't think we'd afford it otherwise!

 

[toddlerandpip]

I hAd one. Friends and female family. We had food and games and chatting. It was fun. People brought things for the baby, like toiletries and babygros. Some also bought another present after baby arrived. My american friend was very generous buying outfits and a lovely book and a picture frame! Its an opportunity to have a social get-together pre baby.

 

[jenniferttc1]

I love baby showers! I think it would be awesome if the UK did the tradition also, its a fun time with the girls, you get lots of presents for the baby and play games. We do not get gifts after baby is born though, or little meet the baby parties really, and she shower is thrown by a close friend or family memeber and usually just for the first baby.

 

[Autumntx]

Ladies....maybe you guys should start something in the UK then. Why not celebrate a new baby coming by having a shower? Not to mention....it helps so much I never had one with my previous two but I'm having 2 with this baby. I am super greatful we do it in the US. Theres enough ppl from the UK here that if you start it.....it wont be that uncommon before you know it.

 

[Wantingbbbump]

I really think that every pregnant woman should get a baby shower!! It's a fun time to get together before or after the baby comes. If you're waiting to find out if it's a boy or a girl then most do it after the baby is here so that way they get to hold baby and the baby gets girl/boy clothes. This is my 5th baby and I am going to have one even though I pretty much have what I need but some of my fave outfits with my other kids were from my baby showers. It's a great bonding time between women. Yes women in the UK needs to start having them. The games are so much fun!!

 

[BabyHope1978]

My sister had one, and I'm having one thrown by my sister, by I've given strict instructions on no gifts, as just want it as a nice girly get together. I don't want people thinking I'm only having it to get present from them

 

[CertainTurton]

Im from the UK and have been to about 3 baby showers, and have organised 2 of them I love them and think its a great idea to borrow from the US.

We all bought stuff for the baby but made a big fuss of the mum on the day - lots of cake, games and giggles.

My sister is very excited about throwing me one, but I will be involved in deciding dates etc as its going to be tricky getting everyone together I cant wait. Im thinking of having it around 7mths.

 

[beccad]

The games are so much fun!!

What games do you play? My friend had us tasting baby food, guessing who was who from baby photos of everyone at the party, trying to put terry nappies on teddies etc. Everyone was a bit underwhelmed by the games and didn't really want to play them so it was all a bit awkward. We were quite happy chatting and eating cake instead.

I think if I did something pre-baby I'd probably just go out for lunch somewhere with my friends.

 

[_jellybean_]

i think the tradition is for someone to throw it for you, not sure though, maybe any US ladies can let me know? why not speak to your friends and family and see their general reaction to the idea? my mum and friends are throwing me one. xx

Yeah. In the US here. Someone throws it for you. My mom and SIL are giving me one in November. Before coming to B and B, I had no idea that some ladies didn't have a shower. It's the only reason I haven't bought anything yet. I hope that the tradition gets stronger over in the UK, b/c it makes things much less stressful. You just register for what you want, and don't have to shop or anything.

 

[Sarah27]

I wouldn't personally have one tbh feel abit like it could tempt fate and I dunno its not really very english! LOL and I like buying my own stuff!!! xxx

 

[Natilly20]

I had a baby shower with my first, my friend organised it. It wasnt as big as what they have in the us where you register what you want them to buy or anything (although that would be brilliant and save loads of cash!) but everyone just came along and bought little outfits and stuff. Didnt do any games or anything either although that would have been fun! Not sure if I will be having one this time round or not, I will leave it up to my friends xx

p.s Rachel from Friends has one doesnt she and I cant believe how much stuff she gets! I really think this american tradition should become more popular in the uk! (along with halloween) haha xx

 

[tiggerz]

I don't think it's common here, I've never been to one and never had one myself It would be nice though!!!

 

[ashlee23]

Think we are generally comin more americanised here. Ive been to loadsa baby showers, n i noticed someone mentioned registering for gifts, we can actually do that now too, mothercare n mamas n papas have online registaries. i wasnt sure wether to register as felt a bit cheeky but soooo many ppl have been askin me and my family what they should buy so im gonna make one n just have gifts rangin from cheap ones (bout £5) onwards so i dnt feel like im bein cheeky an will only tell ppl who ask about it. I love american traditions, they seem to make special occassions so much more special.
Would also like to know what games US ladies know of? xxx

 

[bubbles19]

i went to my friends baby shower and honestly it was a bit boring and awkward as most of the girls didn't know each other :/ we just sat and ate food lol. i personally dont want one, i wouldnt mind having mine and OH's family getting together after the baby is born though but i want no gifts i prefer buying things myself lol.