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:

* Location of the shower. (Include a small map or directions if the location is difficult to find.)
* Date and time of the shower.
* RSVP information with your name, phone number and/or email address.
* Theme of the shower. (Also, if the adoptive parents registered with a store, the location of the registry should be included.)

Decorations should be fairly standard. Balloons and streamers, along with party favors should reflect the theme and blend with the party games. Consider what theme you would like: nursery, toys, clothing, etc. Colors should match and be attractive. Popular colors for baby showers include pastels, especially yellow, blue and pink. With a baby shower for adoptive parents, it can also be nice to include information on the country of origin if the adoption is international. Food from the baby's birth country can be served, and decorations that reflect the baby's birth country can also be put up. If there are traditional games those are also appropriate.

Food should be simple and easy to eat. For most baby showers, finger foods like small sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, mini cheesecakes and chocolates can be served. And, as mentioned above, for international adoptions sharing food from the baby's birth country can be a nice touch. Try to make the food as mess-free as possible and easy to eat while guests speak with each other or play games. Have a variety of beverages available: water, soda, lemonade.

If the Adopted Child is Older

If the adopted child is older than infancy, it is still possible to throw a shower for adoptive parents. But the shower should be inclusive of the adopted child. Find out what colors, games and other items the child enjoys. Such showers can be family affairs, where friends and relatives can all come and welcome the new addition to the family. The child can play with his or her new cousins, as well as the children of the adoptive parents' friends.

An adoption is a joyous event that often brings a child into a new, loving home. A shower for the adoptive parents can be a great way to welcome the new child into the home - no matter the age of the child.