Things All Expectant Mothers Should Have After Her Baby Shower

Attending a baby shower anytime soon? In the past few months I've attended more than my fair share. What I've walked away with is an extensive knowledge of things that the expectant mothers received–and a long list of things they wish they'd received.

You're probably not going to the baby shower for kicks. You're most likely going because you're good friends with the mommy-to-be and want to make sure that the little tike is taken care of for a while. Props to you for being a concerned friend/relative/father/mother!

Pick up these items for the baby shower if you want to make sure that your best gal pal and her little one have the "wants" and "needs" that make life easier.

1. DIAPERS – Yeah, it's a cliche but you'd be surprised how many people think that someone else will bring the diapers. Believe me. This is the perfect baby shower gift.
2. Diaper Rash Ointment – What's a baby without diaper rash? A content baby but that's not the point. Babies get this pitiful condition often. Make sure mommy can handle it quickly with rash ointment.
3. Tear-free Baby Shampoo – Most babies cry enough as it is. Keep their little eyes free of stinging shampoo chemicals with a trusted tear-free baby shampoo. Tired mommy and daddy will thank you.
4. Moisturizing Lotion — Baby skin is naturally soft and supple but can dry out quickly. Don't forget to supply mommy with plenty of moisturizing lotion! This also helps prevent diaper rash and itchiness after bathing.
   
5. Diaper Bag — Every mom wants a cool diaper bag! If you want to bring a baby gift that you know she'll love, bring a tricked out but easy to manage diaper bag.
   
6. Baby Bathtub — Baby has to be bathed! Save mom this expense and bring this baby gift.
   
7. Baby Wipes — Anyone who has ever changed a diaper understands how important these tiny pieces of heaven are.
8. Baby Bibs — Babies eat but babies are messy. Bring along a few cute baby bibs!
9. Baby Blankets — Want to hold him or her when they get here? Baby blankets from you will keep the sweetheart warm and snuggled up in your arms.
10. Baby Outfits — Baby clothes are starting to be the most adorable fashion items ever. If you want a trendy baby gift that mom will "aww" over, bring baby outfits.
11. Manicure Set — Most people forget how important it is to keep baby's fingers and toes clean and cut. Otherwise, mom will wake up in the middle of the night because baby has scratched himself/herself accidentally.
12. Thermometers — Unfortunately, babies get sick quickly and easily. Mommies can make sure it's not worth a trip to the doctor by having a thermometer around.
    
13. Rubber Syringe (Nose Sucker) — Most people forget these. Most mommies find out quickly how useful these little booger suckers can be!
14. Trash Bags for Diaper Can — It's nasty and stinky in that can. Help keep mom NOT asphyxiated by giving her trash bags that reduce the smell or keep it limited to the can.
15. Baby Wash — Wash a bye baby. No, that's not right but you still need baby wash to go with the baby bathtub and bath supplies!
16. Hair Accessories — Whether boy or girl, baby hair accessories come in quite handy as the infants begin to grow a bit. These can include bows and ribbons for little girls, baby combs, and other things that mom may need.
17. Baby Bottles & Inserts — Mom will love not having to wash the bottles as often and having a handy supply around!
18. Baby Monitor — Most new moms are rightfully obsessive about keeping their little ones safe. Baby monitors make that easier for everyone.
19. Baby Bouncer, Activity Pad, Walkers — When baby grows, so will his mind and his muscle!
20. Stroller — Tired moms don't want to cart around sleepy babies on their hips, especially if a lot of walking, lifting or stretching is involved. This baby shower gift makes it fun for mom and baby to walk the mall, grocery store, or around the block.
21. Pacifier — A handy dandy little invention that no parent should be without!
22. Rattles, Stuffed Animals, Small Toys — Noise is great for small children. They love. Their parents may not but it's helpful for child development. Plus, playing with these toys develops their motor skills.
23. Burp Clothes — Mom's got the bib, the bottles and the food. Now she just needs burp clothes to keep her own clothes from getting dirty!
24. Mobile for the Baby Bed — It's a unique baby gift that moms will love. If you're close to the family and know the layout of the nursery, get a mobile for the baby bed!
25. Baby Books — This can be the baby memory books that parents keep as their child grows or books designed for babies that like to look at pictures. Either way, these are always big hits at the baby showers.

You’ve decided to throw a party, but not sure how to make it a success. All you need for a fabulous party is a strategic plan of attack. My eight step party guide is the foundation for a can't miss strategic party plan. Below you will find a quick check list with hints that will help you in quest for the perfect party.

______1. Decide what type or style of party you’re going to have. Are you going to have an elaborate or simple party, adult or kids party, birthday party, anniversary party or a just for fun party. Although all party types follow the same party planning principles, some parties will require a little more involved planning. Depending on how elaborate or special your party is going to be you may need to hire people or arrange for special services as well as rent space or equipment. When deciding the type of party keep in mind how much you want to spend. The more elaborate or larger the guest list is the more your party will cost. The answer to these questions will help you to determine your budget in the next step.

______2. Decide on a Budget. Budget is the key to all parties. You do not want buyers regret the night of the party. Fun should be the only thing on your mind, not what you spent on the party. Set a realistic budget and add about 20% more. Inevitably, you will decided something is must have. Make a list of all the things you will need for the party and assign a budget amount to each one. Be sure to include these items in your budget: party facility, food, drinks (caterers, bar staff), entertainment, rentals (chairs, tables, linens), invitations, decorations, party favors, flowers, photographer and any other items you may have to buy or make for your party.

______3. Set a date and pick a place. When considering a date keep in mind any other events that might coincide with your date. Remember nothing is worse than planning a party and setting a date, only to later find out it is the same date as some other important function. Choose a location that is easy for guests to find or provide a map. If guests can find the party it can't be a success.

_____4. Food- Drink-Rentals-Entertainment. Decided how much time you want to invest in food, drink, and entertainment. You don't want to spend all of your party time preparing the food and serving it to your guests. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to mingle. This means you may need to hire a caterer to prepare the food and you serve it. However, you might want to hire a caterer and their bar & wait staff so you don't have to do anything but mingle. If your going to hire a cater and bar service, you will need advanced planning to interview the caterer and discuss the food and drinks you’ll want. It is crucial that you make sure to allow enough time for you to get all this done well before the party date. You will also want to book entertainment and arrange for all your rental needs.

_____5. Send out invitations. You can phone friends or email invites for informal parties and get-togethers that will be held within a two weeks or less. For more formal or in the case of children’s parties it is recommend to send printed invitations. Allow plenty of time between mailing the invitation and the date of the party.

_____6. Gather your party supplies. Go shopping for you decorations and party favors, as well as any other items that you may have missed several days before the party. Depending on your party date and the type of food and drinks you will serve, you may want shop for these items as well.

_____7. Check your list. It is easy to forget an item. Do you have food, drinks, tableware, music, or other entertainment, party favors, ect.? Make follow up calls to those you’ve hired, check on rentals, and follow up on the location make sure everything is set.

_____8. Party Day. Put up your decorations and set up table and chairs. Pick up last minute items that you may need. Prepare or pick up the food, cake, and beverages. pick and secure any items that need to be fresh and are ready prepared on the day your party (flowers). Make sure any one you’ve hired is aware of where they are to set up and how you want things done.

_____9.  Enjoy your party! Mingle, laugh and have a good time. Your strategic plan has taken care of everything.