It’s important that expectant mothers are not overly burden with the preparation of putting together a baby shower especially if this happens to be their first child. A hostess who is a close friend or relative should take on the task of seeing the baby shower through from start to finish. If you are a hostess for a baby shower, follow these seven simple tips below to pull off a hassle-free baby shower.

One of the most important things to remember is that an expectant mother shouldn’t have to throw her own shower. While asking for ideas is good to help you along, recruit another baby shower guest to help you put the shower together.

Second, have the mom-to-be sign up with baby registries, either online or in stores. While past etiquette of telling people want you want is rather rude, times have changed and registering your event at a store is common. It’s much easies for guests to look at the registry and know what the parents want. They can choose any item listed and mark it as bought. Guests don’t have to use these registries but it certainly makes it easier to shop for the little arrival.

Third, the baby shower planner and expectant mom should sit down together and make a list of whom she would like to invite to the party. If you want to invite men to the baby shower, you can. It’s not unheard of. Most people are easy to reach through phone or email. However, sending a personal invitation to the person’s home is still the way to go. They also serve as mementos for the guests too.

Fourth, most baby showers occur within a month or two before the baby is due. This allows parents to get the items they need that wasn’t received at the baby shower. Since babies don’t typically arrive on their due date, showers should be held a month or more before the baby is due. Not doing so can catch some parents and planners off guard.

Fifth, a baby shower should be a time to have fun for everyone. That means you should put together games you like and think your guests will enjoy “competing” in. Winners of games can get rewarded too. If you want, create homemade thank you baskets for the time that guests took out of their schedules to attend the shower.

Sixth, remember to send out thank you notes. At the shower, it is best if everyone writes down their names, addresses and phone numbers so these can go out with little difficulties.

Seventh, if this is a second child, you can still have a baby shower. However, you should only invite your family and close friends to this gathering.

These seven tips can ensure that everyone at your baby shower will have a grand time. By following them, you leave the mother to worry about her health and the baby’s health while you, the planner, worry with the party favors and such. Baby showers can be times to remember for years down the road.