Shower My Baby
THEIR SHOWER OF NEED
Increasing numbers of mums-to-be are holding American-style 'baby showers', it emerged yesterday (Mon).
Researchers found two thirds of expectant mothers are planning a shower - a pre-birth gift giving party - in the hope of stocking up on clothes, equipment and other essentials.
It also emerged the average mum-to-be can expect to receive presents worth a staggering #150 from each shower.
The phenomenon has grown steadily since it first came to the attention of the British public when Jennifer Aniston's character Rachel held one in smash hit TV sitcom Friends.
A spokeswoman for Me to You, which conducted the poll of 3,000 women, said: ''Often mums-to-be feel guilty throwing parties where friends and family are expected to turn up with arm fulls of presents.
''But the simple fact is that everyone loves buying for babies, and the gifts don't have to cost an arm and a leg.
''And despite baby showers having a reputation for being a bit cheesy, most friends and family members will be happy to share the good news and talk about the life changing experience of having a baby.
''People go a bit mad while buying presents for a new baby, but few gifts that mums receive have real longevity and that have the potential for the child to form a really close bond.''
The study also found four out of ten women expect friends to bring presents for their unborn child.
Just under half of women will also use their baby shower to share 'about to give birth' stories.
Toys, teddies, nursery equipment and clothing are just some of the things new mums hope to receive at their baby showers.
Unsurprisingly, 54 per cent said they didn't have to buy a single thing for the first few months of their baby's life, thanks to the yield from the shower.
The average mum said only two of her guests turned up without any gifts.
Nine out of 10 mums who have enjoyed the benefits of a baby shower say they were completely overwhelmed at their friends' generosity.
And despite having the celebration party, 71 per cent of mums were lucky enough to receive a second round of presents after the birth.
Fifty two per cent said they were looking forward to picking the brains of friends who already have children.
The study also showed 87 per cent of British mums who have HAD a baby shower think they are a 'brilliant idea'.
Top presents received by new mums include clothes (31 per cent), soft cuddly toys (24 per cent) and nursery accessories (22 per cent).
A Me to You spokeswoman added: ''It would seem that the majority of mums love the idea of baby showers, as well as finding them emotionally rewarding, they also benefit from all the gifts.
''Raising children is a costly adventure, so having a little kick-start for the first few months can really help.''
