Baby Shower for an Adopted Child

A baby shower for an adopted child doesn't have to be any different than a baby shower that's arranged for a non-adopted child. 

A shower for an adopted baby or child may be a welcome surprise for a new mom and dad.  Adopting a baby child is an exciting time, but it is also a time filled with much anxiety and anticipation. That's because the adoption process is usually lengthy and often troublesome. Only after the adoption finally becomes legal can parents take a deep breath and begin a normal family life. One of the ways to help start a normal family life might be for someone to arrange a baby shower so that family and friends can get together to welcome the newest member of the family.

Consider the Timing

As we said, a baby shower for an adopted child need not be any different than one that's arranged for a non-adopted child. The only thing that may be difficult to plan is the timing. Any number of factors can cause unforeseen delays in the adoption process or worse, there's always the chance that the adoption process itself might fall apart. With that in mind, it is a good idea to hold off scheduling a date for the baby shower until after the baby or child is in the home or the adoption finalized. When you hold the baby shower will depend on the timing and certainty of the adoption.

However, this might not be what the parents need. If the adopted child is a  baby or very young child, they'll likely need baby gear. Even if they're not adopting an infant or toddler, they'll probably still need age-appropriate items for their child. The best approach to take when it comes to selecting a baby shower date is to discuss the issue with the parents, and then plan the shower around their desires. Each adoption case is different, and the date really isn't as important as the celebration, so it's good to be flexible.  Timing will probably be the most difficult issue to resolve in giving a baby shower for an adopted child.

Consider the Adopted Child's Age

Besides the issue of the date, the other big issue that needs to be taken into consideration is the age of the adopted child.  It may not be accurate to call  it a baby shower! Children of all ages get adopted and if the shower is to welcome an older adopted child, it's a good idea to invite children to come along. In such a situation, the shower could be planned as one would plan a birthday celebration, by selecting a theme appropriate for the child's age and gender, hiring child-friendly talent such as a clown or magician, and playing games that involve the children.

Aside from the issues of choosing a date and planning an age-appropriate shower, nothing else about the shower needs to be different. If guests are bringing gifts, they may wish to discuss what types of gifts the new parents need either with the baby shower host or the parents themselves.

The Rest of the Baby Shower is Status Quo

Send shower invitations as far in advance as possible. Nowadays, it's possible to find pre-printed shower invitations designed specifically for the baby shower that's being given for an adopted child. Baby shower invitation wording will take a bit more thought with an adopted child.  As with any type of party, food and drinks should be served. And of course, no celebration is complete without eating cake! Decorate the shower location so that it has a festive feel, purchase party favors for the guests, designate someone to photograph the occasion, and make sure the guests of honor have transportation to and from the party! And don't forget to have the guest of honor present, if possible.  A baby shower is made complete by a baby or child!  If the adopted child is a bit older, a shower will certainly make them feel welcome and loved, you just won't have to call it a baby shower.

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