PREGNANCY
Written by
Happiest Baby Staff
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During a time that is marked with morning sickness and swollen feet, baby showers are one of the more fun parts of pregnancy. Unfortunately, coronavirus has put a stop to baby showers as we knew them…but that does not mean you cannot partake in baby shower fun.
For some expecting parents, a virtual baby shower is an elegant solution that allows friends from all over to come together to celebrate the mum- and baby-to-be via video call. But others may crave an analog interaction, and, in places where COVID cases are going down, it might be an option to throw a socially distanced baby shower. Socially distanced baby showers let guests gather and catch up…from at least two metres away.
However, if you are determined to have an in-person socially distanced baby shower, important to note that just because we have been under lockdown for months, we are not back to business (or partying) as usual. Coronavirus is a serious illness…especially for pregnant people. Recent medical reports have shown that pregnant mums may have more serious issues dealing with COVID-19. So. if you are going to throw an in-person baby shower, please do so with caution! Here are a few tips to follow to ensure that your socially distanced baby shower is not just fun…it is safe, too!
Drive-by parties have become part of our new COVID normal…whether you are celebrating a graduation or a birthday. In this super-socially-distanced twist on baby showers, your best friends swing by in their cars to celebrate the baby, drop off a gift, and maybe pick up a yummy baby shower dessert or fun baby shower favour. The plus-side of drive-by baby showers is that you get a little bit of one-on-one catch-up time…without putting your health at risk.
We have seen that coronavirus is less likely to be transmitted outdoors than it is in confined spaces. Gather at a public park or in a large backyard. While you are choosing a venue, opt for a space where there is room to spread out, so that your guests can maintain at least two metres of distance from one another.
Limit your guest list to no more than 10 people (including the mum-of-the-hour). If you have a lot of friends, consider having multiple small showers. Or consider staggering your guests in shifts: Have two to three well-wishers stop by at a time to keep things small and manageable. If you have lots of friends, you could also throw multiple mini showers.
Masks are an important tool when it comes to slowing the spread of coronavirus! Everyone should wear masks when they are not eating. But, masking up does not have to put a damper on the festive atmosphere. Try turning mask-wearing into a fun game: If you are doing a gender reveal at your shower, you could have guests wear a pink or blue mask to showcase their guess about whether the baby is a boy or a girl.
Now is not the time for a buffet or a platter of communal macaroni salad or a bowl of party mix that everyone has to dig into with their hands. Opt for single-serve snacks instead (cupcakes, for example). Set up hand sanitiser near any food you are serving, so guests can disinfect before they go for seconds.
Even if you are having a small shower and mandating masks, you should still maintain other safety measures. Have everybody sanitise or wash hands as soon as they arrive and before serving themselves food. Greet each other with warm waves rather than hugs and kisses. And, make it clear that if anyone feels sick, they should decline your baby shower invite. You may even want to do a quick temperature check when guests show up to make sure nobody has a fever. Yes, that that may feel out-of-sync with typical baby shower revelry…but these are not typical times. Remember, most people with the virus do not have ANY symptoms. So, do not assume everyone is well, just because they feel fine.
Countless parents say that SNOO Smart Sleeper is a newborn must-have…and it has become even more essential with the onset of coronavirus. Not only does it help everyone get sleep (research shows that sleep is an immune-booster), but also gives parents an 'extra set of hands' that reduces the need to bring in outside help…as well as the germs that may hitch a ride with those outside helpers. Learn more about SNOO here.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
