The birth of a baby is one of the most joyful and exciting times in the life of any woman, and preparing for the arrival of that new life is great fun for family members, friends and coworkers.

The tradition of planning a baby shower for the mom to be has a long and storied history, and it is a great way to show love and friendship to the new mother.

Planning a baby shower should be fun and exciting, but it can be overwhelming as well. It is important to carefully plan each aspect of the shower to make sure that everything is ready for the big day.

== The Guest List ==

The first thing to consider is who will be coming to the baby shower. In most cases, a baby shower is a surprise for the guest of honor, so the planners will have to be careful to plan the guest list in secret.

Family members, friends and coworkers should of course be included in the planning.

== The Food ==

Baby shower food can range from the simplest homemade items to the most elaborate catered affairs. The choice of food should be a reflection of the taste and style of the mother to be.

Of course, choosing foods and drinks that are free of alcohol, caffeine and other substances that could harm the baby is an important consideration.

== The Location ==

The location of the baby shower is important as well. In many cases, a surprise baby shower will be held at the mother's place of work, while in others it will be held at the home of one of her relatives.

When planning a baby shower, it is important for the planners to have exclusive access to the location for as long as it takes to decorate the room and put out the food and gifts.

== The Gifts ==

Of course giving gifts is one of the most exciting part of any baby shower, and the mother to be will certainly appreciate the thoughtfulness of her guests.

Many new mothers will create a gift registry, and if such a registry exists, baby shower guests should be careful to choose items from that list. The invitations to the baby shower should include information on the gift registry as well as the time and location of the shower.