The Covid-19 pandemic comes with significant stressors and these can be heightened even more if you are expecting a baby. In addition to increased concerns over health, safety, delivery and care, there may also be feelings of disappointment due to the inability to hold a traditional baby shower. 

But, trust us, this exciting celebration can still take place! Although baby showers during this time will likely be different from how others have been done prior to Covid, there are innovative, alternative ideas that can allow you to follow social distancing guidelines and health protocols without sacrificing such a wonderful milestone in your pregnancy. 

How do virtual baby showers work?

As you start to plan, there are a few key details to keep in mind to make the shower fun for your guests and easy for you! Personalize, customize, and make your baby shower your own. Here are the basics to make a successful virtual baby shower.

Create a virtual timeline.

It is not necessary to stick to a strict timeline, but you might find it helpful to have a general schedule because it can make the event run smoothly. Here is an example of a virtual shower timeline to consider that will depend on how much time you have.

10:00 - 10:10 AM Welcome everyone and introduce people who do not know each other. Let everyone know briefly how things will flow (if you have games planned, when you will open presents, when it will end, etc.)

10:10 - 10:25 AM Kick off the party with a virtual baby shower game.

10:25 - 10:45 AM If you choose to open the gifts, the allocated time is enough to do so. But if you would prefer not to, you can skip this step and add the allocated time to games or catching up instead.

10:45 - 11:00 AM Close the shower by asking guests to share advice they have for the new baby and parents. Then say your virtual goodbyes!

Pick a virtual baby shower theme and decoration ideas.

Even if it is virtual, it doesn't mean your shower cannot have decorations. Your guests will still see it on their screens, and choosing a theme and decorations for your virtual baby shower will really set the mood of the entire celebration. It is optional, but it might help you and the people feel festive by putting decorations around the area where you will be hosting the live video chat. And best of all, you only need to decorate the area that is seen on camera!

Set up your registry early.

Many soon-to-be parents choose to create baby registries, and for a virtual shower, we highly suggest doing so! We advise setting it up early so that you can include a link to it on your invitation, giving your guests enough time to purchase gifts you really want and need. Reach out to friends and family members with children to find out about their must-have items.

Put thought into your virtual baby shower invitations.

To keep with the virtual theme, consider sending out digital invitations through services such as Minted, Evite, Greenvelope, and Paperless Post. These companies include options like gifs, music, and active links to your registry, and they are totally paperless, which is easier for you and a bonus if you are going green.

In your invitation letter, introduce your guests to the theme of your shower, share a link to your registry, and, of course, share the important details of the special day.

Choose a virtual platform.

A virtual baby shower, of course, requires a virtual place to meet up. Decide on a platform where everyone can connect for the live video chat. There are many options for websites and applications to gather together on-screen, including Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Facetime, and Facebook Messenger Rooms.

When deciding which video service to use, stick with something that is easy and convenient to use because not everyone has the same level of tech-savviness.

Pick virtual games and activities for guests.

You can still have your games and activities, even if you are not in the same room. Here are some of the virtual games and activities you can choose from that will work well for your virtual baby shower:

• Name That Baby Song. The guests will try to guess the different nursery rhymes or baby songs that the host plays as quickly as they can.
  
  
• The Price Is Right. Let the guests guess the price of the item that you are holding in front of the camera. Have all the guests write their answers on a piece of paper and show it to the camera. The closest guess to the actual costs will be the winner!
  
  
• How Well Do You Know Mom? There are a lot of templates you can download from the internet. You can use it to test the guest how well they know the mom-to-be.
  
  
• Who’s That Baby? Before the virtual shower starts, let the guests email photos of themselves when they are still babies. The hosts will share the collected baby photos with everyone once the virtual party starts, and they will guess who is who.
  
  
• Don’t Say “Baby”. The one and only rule of this game is that you are not allowed to say the word “baby”. The guest who first calls them out gets a point. The guest with the most points throughout the virtual event will get a prize.

For their prizes, you can send them e-gift cards, a streaming service membership, e-cards, online grocery shopping subscription, or a delivery subscription.

Above all else, make sure to enjoy the experience.

The need for finding an alternate way to celebrate your baby shower during this pandemic should not keep you from having an amazing virtual celebration experience. It may be different from the traditional one, but we assure you, it will be memorable and special. Keep the celebrations going!