Hosting a virtual baby shower:

How to give yourself or your loved one an event to remember!

Are you expecting a baby and live far away from family? Maybe your family is spread out across the country or perhaps you're a military family living overseas. In these uncertain times of COVID-19, with social distancing and shelter-in-place orders in effect, meeting in person for a baby shower may not be possible. Whatever your circumstances, hosting an online/virtual baby shower is a unique way to celebrate your special little one! Here are some ideas to make your party come together smoothly.

First, choose your hosting app. There are a few different options.

One option is having the party on Facebook Live. You'll open the presents and thank the guests as you open the gifts. Guests won't be present on the video chat, but will be able to leave comments. One advantage to Facebook Live, there is no limit to the number of viewers during a broadcast. Another perk is that people can watch it at their own convenience if they were unable to make the appointed party time.

Another option is an online meeting app such as Zoom, which allows many people to video chat and interact. Each person can decide if and when to share their audio and video as well. There is a maximum of 100 people allowed for a Zoom party. If there are a lot of attendees, it may be a good idea to ask a friend or family member to act as moderator. This way, everyone gets to contribute and people aren’t talking over each other.

If you have more than one device, it may be possible to have a Facebook Live party and a simultaneous Zoom meeting, but that will need careful planning. Recruit a friend or family member who is technologically savvy.

Next, start planning your virtual party:

1. Pick the day for the shower. You’ll want to give guests plenty of notice, ideally 6-8 weeks before the party and longer if either you or your attendees are living overseas.

2. Have a baby registry. Be sure to register at several places and have a variety of items at different price ranges. Make sure you have the option on the registry to have the gifts shipped to your house.

3. Make the invitations very clear. Be sure to specify that the party is happening online, not at your house. Also, make sure attendees know exactly where you are registered and that gifts are to be delivered to your house.

4. Plan games! There are few options to help liven up your Zoom call or Facebook live party.

   • Plan a “Baby Hunch,” which is an online game for guessing things like the date and time baby will be born, baby’s length and weight at birth, baby’s hair color, etc. Fun prizes can be awarded to those with the best guesses.

   • "Don't Say Baby" game. Start this game at the beginning of the party. Whoever says the word “baby” is out. The last person who hasn’t said the word is the winner! Feel free to pick another word of your choosing.

   • "Baby picture background." Everyone puts a picture of themselves as a baby as their Zoom background during an appointed time. If guests aren’t sure how to modify their background, they can hold their baby picture up to the camera during this time.

   • "Virtual advice." Create a Google form for people to leave you advice or well-wishes. Send it to your guests a few days before the shower. Read them during the shower!

5. Get ready! Make a fun backdrop for you to sit in front of (Pinterest is a good source), stack the gifts nicely, and practice your camera placement!

6. Enjoy your party!

Be prepared for last minute technical difficulties.

If you're knowledgeable about the video service and experienced with your equipment, you have a better chance of everything going smoothly. Again, having a friend or family member who can deal with the technical issues will help you to enjoy yourself and stay focused on your guests. 

Having a baby when you live far from family or during uncertain times can be daunting. That doesn't mean you can't celebrate your baby with loved ones, even from a distance. Have fun at your virtual shower and enjoy your new baby!

Published July 1, 2020