I was invited to a dear friend’s baby shower, it’s her first baby. I was so excited to go and was planning to bring my young baby (still in arms and non-mobile) to the shower and the hostess said it was fine. Then the hostess sent me an email saying that she had spoken too soon, the mom wanted her baby-to-be to be the center of attention.
I’m annoyed and hurt. I’ve been to plenty of baby showers with babies and they never detract from the celebration. I’m trying not to make a rash decision about whether or not to go. What should I do?
Signed,
MD
In deciding whether you still want to go to the baby shower, consider your baby’s needs, the relationship with the new mom, how likely are you to enjoy the shower (do you know or like the other guests), other factors (how long would you be gone, would you have to pump, find child care, etc.). If you feel like you’re making a rash decision because you’re annoyed and hurt – sleep on it. But in the end you have to be true to yourself and your baby and do what you think is right. If you go, will you sit there the whole time angry that you were asked to leave your baby at home?
If you decide not to go, simply send a baby shower gift to the party and politely excuse yourself.
General Tips for Taking a Baby to a Baby Shower
- Wear your baby in a sling to keep baby calm and close. This also minimizes contact with others who may want to touch your baby without asking.
- If your baby cries, immediately excuse yourself to where the baby can’t be heard, even if this means you have to go outside.
- If someone is trying to focus on your baby, distract them by diverting the conversation.
