How to host an eco friendly baby shower

If you’re armed with cloth nappies and preparing to have an eco friendly baby then consider planning an equally sustainable baby shower.

Baby showers are a wonderful chance to get together with your nearest and dearest before you are completely swamped with being a parent. I’m not into games or gift openings but I really enjoyed a simple afternoon tea with my close friends and family while I could still hold a conversation without being distracted by a small person.

It can be easy to get caught up in all the Pinterest images and buy matching decorations, plates, cups, napkins (all disposable of course) as well as plastic bits and bobs for games but they really aren’t necessary. You can still have a beautiful looking and fun baby shower without all the waste.

Baby shower gifts

Everyone wants to give you a gift. Even if you’re super prepared with everything you need, everyone wants to give you something to celebrate your joyous occasion. And guests want to give something that will be appreciated, not just another swaddle or cute outfit that might get worn once. So the best way to avoid receiving gifts that will go unused is to give some direction. Baby registers are excellent for this. 

But what to put on the baby register? Don’t be afraid to ask for things that might seem boring like cot sheets or baby wipes but will actually be really useful. Or you can request consumable gifts or items from socially responsible companies that give back.

Another option is to ask for books instead of gifts. It is a great way to build up a library and guests can write beautiful messages in them. You can include a cute note with the invitation requesting books or simply add them to the baby register. If this is your first child, you probably only know children’s books from your own childhood but consider newer books that promote diversity or continue the eco friendly theme and ask for picture books about sustainability.

If you’re reading this article as a wonderful friend planning the baby shower for your eco-conscious pregnant pal, you could get even more kudos by wrapping your gift in upcycled wrapping paper.

Decorations

Choose eco friendly party decorations instead of balloons and baby specific decorations that will just be used once and thrown away. Instead opt for decorations that can be reused.

Fabric or cardboard bunting make lovely decorations that can be packed away and reused for another occasion. Paper decorations can also be folded up and used for all the children’s birthday parties you will have coming up in future.

Flowers are an elegant way to decorate your baby shower and you can enjoy them in your house for days after the party. Ask family and friends if they can contribute flowers from their gardens.

Food

To avoid food waste, be realistic about how much people will eat. For example allowing one cupcake per guest is plenty. Only a couple of people will go back for seconds and many will not eat them at all. Limiting the number of different foods will also help to reduce food waste.

Try to avoid using paper or plastic plates and plastic cups. Instead borrow plates and glasses from close family and friends. Alternatively you could invest in reusable plastic plates that will no doubt get much use at children’s birthday parties over the years. 

Games

Games do not need to involve small plastic toy baby bottles or food smeared nappies. Instead make use of items that you’ve bought for future baby as game props. Some examples from this list of baby shower games (that don’t suck) are:

• Nappy notes – guests write notes on nappies for the expecting parents to lift their spirits when they’re dealing with a poo explosion. (Even if you’re planning to use cloth nappies, some disposable nappies are likely to be needed in the first few weeks).
• Beer bottle – have a race to drink your favourite beverage from a baby bottle. It’s harder than you think!
• There are lots of pen and paper games in this list – use double sided printing and it can all be recycled afterwards.

Alternatively you can have all the guests write a piece of advice or self care tip in a book to gift to the new mum.

A low waste baby shower – simple.

Do you have any other great suggestions for an eco friendly baby shower? Share your ideas in the comments.

Related articles to continue your green parenting journey

• Ultimate guide on how to have an eco friendly baby
• Haakaa Breast Pump Review – a Breastfeeding Mama’s Best Friend
• 10 Picture books on sustainability perfect for toddlers
• How to get children excited about gardening
• Best reusable swim nappies
• 7 Meaningful Earth Day activities to do with kids

Photos by Paola Vasquez from Pexels