How to Throw a Baby Shower for Adoptive Parents

With more and more people adopting, it is no surprise that people are starting to wonder whether a baby shower for adoptive parents is in good taste. Happily, a baby shower for the adoptive parents is encouraged. It can be a great way to welcome a child into the home, as well as provide needed items for the child. After all, when children are coming home for the first time - whether they are coming home to birth parents or adoptive parents - they share many of the same needs.

Throwing a Baby Shower for Adoptive Parents

While a surprise baby shower for an expectant mother may be fun, it is inappropriate in most adoptive parent situations. Do not throw a shower on the day that the parents bring the child home. Instead, it can be a good idea to throw the shower after the child has had time to acclimate a little bit to the new home. Indeed, this is one of the main differences between a traditional baby shower and one for adoptive parents: an adopted baby shower is often held after the child has been brought home. It is really more of a "welcome" shower. This is because delays are often a part of the adoption process, and many adoptive parents get their hopes up, only to have them crushed.

There are some similarities, however. You should have shower games and a theme. Consider carefully what games and theme would work well. If the child is an infant, then the games that are played are similar to those at traditional baby showers. The same is true of the theme. You should, however, probably talk to the adoptive parents in order to find out what their needs are, what would work well for them and when is an acceptable date. Also, realize that in many cases the adoptive father is often included in the shower festivities. While co-ed showers are gaining some traction these days for birth parents, this is especially important with adoptive parents. Games and themes should not be overly focused on the maternal side of things.

Invitations should be sent out at least three weeks in advance. They should include such items as: