Baby Showers for Twins/Multiples: Who | What | Where | When | Why
For first-time parents, a traditional shower featuring gifts for the babies and advice for the parents is a welcome start to their parenthood adventure. For more experienced parents, or for parents who are lucky enough to enjoy multiple shower events, there are many new creative and fun alternatives.
- Do Dinner: One of the most thoughtful gifts for a expectant mother is a freezer full of ready-to-reheat meals. Consider hosting an event at a meal preparation center or dinner assembly store. National chains like Super Suppers and Dream Dinners are opening franchises in many locations, and independent local outfits (such as in my own hometown are also becoming abundant. Most are equipped to host a group of 10-20 guests, who work together to prepare dishes to gift to the guest of honor.
Tips: Make sure that the expectant family has the ability to store the prepared meals in the freezer. If not, consider arranging a schedule for meal delivery after the babies arrive. It’s also not a bad idea to consult the family about their dining preferences so that they’ll receive meals that please their palate and meet their dietary needs. - Diaper Drive: If there’s one thing moms of multiples can’t get enough of, it’s diapers. If the mother-to-be already has an ample supply of clothes, toys and equipment for her babies, she’ll likely still need to stock up on diapers and would appreciate a diaper drive shower.
Let the guests know that you’re doing a diaper drive, and suggest a variety of sizes, including a few preemie/newborn packages and up to twelve month sizes. Designate a few guests to provide diaper supplies such as wipes.
Tips: You don’t want to shower a mom with crates of Pampers and Huggies if she’s made the choice to use cloth diapers or a diaper service. Best to check with the guest of honor about her intentions. - Spa/Pampering: In some cases, it’s best to make the shower about mom, rather than the babies. A spa shower or a pampering party are just the ticket. Schedule the shower at a local salon or day spa that offers prenatal massage, manicures or pedicures, or hire a professional to offer services in a home or other party location. Have guests chip in for pampering gifts for the mom to be, including comfy maternity pajamas and body care items.
Tip: Don’t forget about mom’s comfort after the babies arrive; a gift certificate for some pampering down the road will be much appreciated. - Make it Memorable: Regardless of the style of the shower, you’ll want to commemorate the occasion with plenty of pictures and mementoes. A thoughtful gesture is to arrange a scrapbook of pictures as a special gift for the parents. Or, consider compiling a guest book, giving all of the attendees the opportunity to record their thoughts and advice about parenthood.
The Five W's of Baby Showers for Twins/Multiples: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
