Baby showers -- a party at which the mom-to-be is "showered" with gifts for the baby -- are usually given four to six weeks before the baby is due. The traditional baby shower has given way to new themes, and today's showers are much more interesting and fun than they used to be.With the many themes, cultural accents and long-standingfamily customs, no two baby showers are exactly alike.

The baby shower should be a wonderful celebration of the pregnant woman's impending motherhood. It is a time for friends and family to gather around her and offer love, support, and congratulations. The expectant mother should be the main focus of the event, and her wishes should respected during preparation. It is common for a good friend, sister, or mother to host the shower - anyone the woman feels close to.

There are a few types of showers that may make a pregnant woman uncomfortable. Baby showers are not like birthday parties or other common celebrations to the pregnant woman; to her, a shower (especially her first) is a special event that she doesn't have very often. Because of the emotions involved with the coming of the new baby, a surprise shower may overwhelm her. There are obvious exceptions to this - such as intimate showers with close friends and family, or when the host is positive that the mother-to-be will respond joyfully. Although seemingly common practice, inviting guests that the woman does not know very well or holding a shower in the workplace, should also be done with careful consideration to the guest of honor's comfort levels.

The host is responsible for inviting guests, finding a place to hold the shower (traditionally, it is held in the host's home, but it can be held in larger areas such as churches or parks depending on the size of the guest list and the time of year), giving gift suggestions to guests, choosing appropriate games and activities, and coordinating food (food can be catered, prepared by the host, or guests can bring special dishes).

A shower theme, if one is desired, is also chosen by the host after consulting with the honored guest. Themes may make it easier for the guests to bring gifts that are sure to be needed, and are also great for second or third time showers when the mother may have items she can use from her first baby. Invitations should be given about four weeks before the shower to give guests time to pick gifts. Here are some theme ideas:

Nursery Heaven: Every gift is for the most special room in the house: the nursery. Crib sheets, diaper holders, baby monitors, wall hangings, mobiles, and night lights are popular gift items. Variations can be made from more traditional shower games such as using nursery items for the tray game, and new games can be added to fit the theme, such as blindfolding each guest and having them diaper a balloon with cloth diapers and safety pins (the mom-to be keeps the diapers and pins, of course).

The Special Mommy: Gifts are tailored to the pregnant woman's parenting desires and plans. If she plans to breastfeed, for example, guests can give nursing pads, books about nursing, pillows, or other items to help the breastfeeding relationship. The point is to show the new mother that her wishes are respected and that her loved ones are supportive. If the mom-to-be feels nervous about certain aspects of parenting, knowing she has support is the greatest gift of all. Activities could include everyone sharing reasons why they think the mom-to-be will be a great mommy, or writing a few words of wisdom on index cards for her to look through after baby is born. (This theme is more suitable for smaller, more intimate showers.)

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