Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
WHILE most people have always looked forward to baby showers when they hear their loved one is expecting, things seem to be evolving with people now preferring to host baby welcome parties.
The concept remains the same — a celebration of the life of the baby, but now the difference is that the celebration is done after the baby has been born. As the name suggests, the party is to welcome the little one to the family and the world in general. Of course, some may argue that it’s just an excuse for the parents to slowly get back to their party modes after being away for months.
These parties are typically held a few months after the birth of the baby, with most of them being hosted any time after three months. Of great importance is how, in most of them, parents receive lavish gifts rather than the usual nappies and rompers we typically see at baby showers.
With gifts ranging from baby strollers and cot beds to other baby accessories, parents of the new-born definitely get to save a lot of money and do not have to worry about their baby’s essentials.
Parents get to reminisce about their pregnancy journeys, sharing a few highlights and downfalls with their loved ones over a glass of good wine or any preferred drinks and good food. While some may prefer to go all out with the decorations, others may just do it in the park or the backyard of their homes.
The setup also determines whether it’s a formal event where guests are expected to dress up in their Sunday best outfits or a more relaxed gathering.
Of great importance is the involvement of children in these parties. Not only does it create a lively vibe, but it also ensures the little one gets new friends.
However, these kinds of parties require friends who are willing to participate and are not afraid to open their pockets; otherwise, the little one might end up with a lot of new clothes and same-size nappies that parents would have already bought during their preparation.
Saturday Chronicle spoke to a few people who shared their thoughts about these parties. Rachel Zulu said this was a great way to ensure a new mother slowly reintegrates into society and spends time with her friends without excluding the baby. She said the first few months after childbirth are often very difficult for the parents as they are slowly adjusting to their new role.
“It’s really a great initiative. I wouldn’t mind doing one for myself. This kind of party is not just for the baby but is also good for the parents because it helps them to slowly be integrated into society once again,” she said.
Another person who seemed to like the initiative was Sithandweyinkosi Dube, who said this is better than baby showers as it complements older people’s beliefs.
“The good thing is that these are done three months after the baby is born, so it means the life of the baby is being celebrated in the proper timeline. You know how elders have often ridiculed gender reveal parties and baby showers because they believe it’s not good to host them before the birth of the baby. So I think this is really a great way of celebrating the birth of your baby without angering the oldies,” said Dube. —@flora_sibanda
Online Reporter