October 2011 Moms

Meet the Baby Party etiquette

Is a Meet the Baby Party always hosted by the new parents at their house?  I ask, because my favorite aunt mentioned to my mom that she wants to throw me another shower.  She gifted us with a family shower for our DD 2 years ago.  My mom politely let her know that a 2nd shower is not really appropriate.  My aunt is not from here and was not aware of the 2nd shower taboo.  My mom explained that I had everything from DD#1 since it has only been 2 years and that we are expecting another girl, so nothing is needed. 

My aunt kept saying that she wants to host "something" for me.  My mom suggested a small dinner party.  My aunt got excited and said yes, and that I should register.  My mom said no to that as well.  My mom told me about this yesterday.  She said that my aunt was disappointed, but doesn't want to do something tacky. My mom said to expect a call from her in a couple of days.

I didn't mention anything to my mom, but I wonder if a Meet the Baby Dinner at my aunt's house for family would be acceptable?  What do you ladies think?  I would of course tell my aunt that the point of the party is to introduce our daughter to our extended family (not to get gifts).  And, of course, I won't bring it up to her.  If she calls to offer to throw a shower, I would suggest the get together after LO is born.

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Re: Meet the Baby Party etiquette

  • I think that's a great compromise.  I think that, traditionally (not that there's much tradition since they're relatively new), a Meet the Baby party is hosted by parents because it's something they can host for themselves without looking gift-grabby and hosting their own shower.  However I don't think that means it HAS to be.

    I would be firm about not registering and asking to see the invites before they're sent to be sure she didn't mention anything about gifts, but otherwise I'd say it's fine to let her throw a dinner party to meet your LO. 

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  • I dont see anything wrong with your aunt hosting it.
  • My mom's friends are hosting a "sip and see" for me when we come in town for the first time this fall so everyone can see the baby. No gifts, just food and good company.
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  • My sisters and best friend are hosting a meet the baby brunch for me - it's my first baby and I'm not having a shower, so this was a good compromise. They wanted to throw a party, I want everyone to meet the baby, we all win and people won't be stopping by as much when we are first home because they know they'll meet the baby then!
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  • I say go for it.  It's really cool that your aunt wants to do that and I think all your friends/family will be glad she's doing it so they have an excuse to come meet the baby without having to worry about bothering you or sleeping/nursing/pooping baby.
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  • The dinner sounds great & it's up to you if you want to do a registry or not.  My sil just had her second daughter & did a little registery for things that had either worn out or broken since the last one was born.  That way, if anyone insists on bringing a gift, it's more likely to be something you want or need

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