How to Throw a Virtual Baby Shower

Many expectant mums have had to get inventive when preparing that eagerly awaited baby shower as social separation has taken on a more crucial part in our daily lives as during coronavirus outbreak.

Moms whose support networks are geographically dispersed have historically found solace in technological advancements. Virtual baby showers have proved helpful for many families, but especially for military families.

Obviously, it can't replace really being in the same room as a loved one. A virtual baby celebration has several advantages, such as reduced costs for such host and greater convenience for the attendees.

The main aspects of baby celebrations can be recreated in an electronic setting.

What Is a Virtual Baby Shower?

Like a drink and see party, an online or a virtual baby shower can take place before or after the baby is born, but the premise is the same as a regular shower. However, a few adjustments will have to be made. First and foremost, we feel it's important to state that a digital washroom can't take the place of a real one.

We understand if you invite people to your digital shower and they show up in yoga pants, but you can't have the same activities, snacks, or atmosphere as you would at a real-life party.

You could be worried that it will be weird to try to create the same atmosphere as a real party in a virtual one. Is it my job to keep the dialogue from lulling to silence? When asked, "Should I have tunes playing?" "It's really strange to be on camera when opening presents!"

Welp, it may be embarrassing. In real life, social gatherings can be uncomfortable at times, too. In any case, we do have a few suggestions for how to make that digital bath a little more bearable.

This is not an ideal or expected circumstance. It's okay if your reaction to this circumstance is disappointment, relief, or something else else.

Here's what you need to know to have a successful online baby shower, if that's something you're considering doing.

The Tech You Need for Virtual Baby Showers

Having a physical location to gather is not necessary for a digital baby shower. Fortunately, in today's technologically advanced world, there are a plethora of websites and apps to choose from in order to get your group together on screen.

Since most of your attendees are probably already on social media, this is a convenient way to organise your baby shower online.

Facebook's streamlined request system and built-in video chat capability via Facebook Messenger make it ideal for parties. Make sure the invite list is secret.

Video Chat Services

Having a baby shower online is doable even without video, but we think everyone would have a lot more fun watching the actual event being streamed live. We recommend using a free television service like Zoom, Line, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, or Google Hangouts, but there are many other choices.

Having a webcam-equipped phone or computer, as well as an internet connection, makes live video possible for you and your guests. When you connect your computer onto your television, there's plenty of viewing for all. Think about your audience in terms of their technological expertise before settling on a video provider.

Zoom

When it comes to video conferencing options, Zoom is the simplest and most convenient. There is no cost to utilise Zoom, and users can have as many as 100 devices connected at once.

The only requirements are access to the internet and a web browser.

The host creates a secure online space and informs participants of the room's ID and password. No registration is required for guests to attend.

Remember that the free version of Zoom only allows 40 minutes of planned date per session, and that you can either close out the room , start a new one, or pay for more time.

Skype 

Skype, like Zoom, doesn't require an app download on a computer web browser, and it works on any computer, tablet, or mobile device.

The most notable variations are the cap of 50 devices and the lack of a password need.

Facetime

Whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can take use of Apple's free FaceTime video calling service to stay in touch with up to 32 other people at once.

You can use your data plan's mobile data if you have one, or you can connect wirelessly for free.

Participants in a group call must have their own Apple ID and be invited to join the session by the host.

The main drawback of using Facetime is that it is only compatible with Apple products, and if you're using a Mac, you'll need OS X Mac 10.7 or later.

Facebook Messenger Rooms

The new Facebook group chat feature is ideal for communicating with huge groups of people.

You don't have to make granny a Facebook account so she can join in the fun because anyone can utilise Messenger Rooms.

And there is no statue of limitations, so the celebration may continue as long as you like! A virtual baby shower can be made even more memorable with the service's additional features:

• The room's name can be changed to something unique to each guest. Have fun with it, get really particular, and make it your own.
• Visitors can add a touch of glitz with the help of masks and augmented reality filters. Looking for a fun activity to do with your friends? The guest who submits the best filter should win a gift.
• In order to give guests more control over their backdrops, they are given props with which to work. Are you planning on using a specific motif for your shower? Make an effort to get it to go together!

Google Hangouts

It is necessary to sign up for a Google/Gmail account in order to use this service.

Keep in mind that 10 devices is the max for Google Hangout video calls, but 250 if the market is audible only. Each one of these videoconference services also includes a chat feature, so you can exchange images, links, and emojis. Aside from FaceTime, which will open iMessage, most conversation functions may be used straight within the video screen.

Steps for Hosting the Perfect Virtual Baby Shower

Listen to the Expectations of the Expectant Mother

Starting with the honoree's input is ideal when making plans. The hosts can begin by soliciting comments from the special guest on the following suggestions. The success of the party depends on the host's ability to meet guests' expectations.

Choose the time and day with the expectant mother's input. Remember that sending out invites is best done around three weeks before the shower date, so plan the date at least a month in advance. You'll require an email and name list of your guests.

As an alternative to hosting a few large showers, you may host a number of smaller showers for guests who already know each other.  Having a guest count of 25 or fewer will make it easier to keep the conversation flowing and activities organised.

Ask for details that will be included on the invitation as well, such as the baby's gender, the nursery's colour scheme, and links to online gift registries.

Select a Date and Time for Your Virtual Baby Shower.

The first step in organising a digital baby shower is, of course, selecting a time and date for the event, just like you would for a traditional get-together. Some topics to think about Select a time that is convenient for the most of your guests, if not all of them, if they live in different time zones.

Party time should be restricted. You should be considerate of other people's time even if you feel like we have everything time in the world.

There shouldn't be a need for more than two hours, and even that could be pushed back depending on the number of people. Make sure gifts have enough to arrive by choosing a date in advance.

Select and Test an Online Meeting Platform

Location is crucial, just as it would be for a personal shower. Options like Zoom, Google Hangout, and Skype are widely used and don't require a lot of technical know-how on the part of your guests, even the less sophisticated ones.

To throw a virtual baby shower, you may want to explore out WebBabyShower, a relatively new website.

Since its inception in 2006, WebBabyShower has served over 10,000 satisfied clients and made countless new parents' lives easier.

WebBabyShower makes it easy to throw a baby shower online in a matter of minutes, complete with a guestbook, a gift registry section, videos and photo albums, a gaming page with a scoreboard, and the option to send and monitor personalised invitations right on the site.

If you want to be sure you're familiar with the bells and whistles you'll be utilising in the shower, regardless of the platform you choose, it's a good idea to learn with a few close friends and family members beforehand.

Make sure both the hosts and the guest of honour have access to fast internet. Before starting the celebration, make sure all your open windows and programmes have been closed.

Looking for the best tables and chairs for a baby playroom? Look no further. My Baby Nursery has you covered.

Send Out Digital Invitations

It is then time to extend an invitation. Online invitation services like Evite and Paperless Post allow you to add your own unique touch to digital invitations.You might also invite everyone you know to a Facebook event where they can readily see details and communicate with one another.

Whether you choose to send paper invites or electronic ones, you should always specify the platform  that will be used for the virtual gatherings. Most people have no problem accepting invitations sent via digital invitation apps because they have been available for a while.

Sending out invitations digitally makes it simple for guests to obtain information about the celebration and RSVP by providing links on baby registries and other relevant websites. The host can better prepare for the event if they know the approximate number of attendees.

Request that presents be sent to the Mom and Dad in advance so that they can be opened via video chat during the party.

Create a Virtual Baby Shower Registry.

All of us are accustomed to doing our shopping from the comfort of home, and this is no exception. Get yourself to a website or your prefered online retailer where you can quickly and easily create a baby registry. If you throw a baby shower online, your visitors can shop for a present and have it delivered to you. Hopefully, you'll be able to set up the necessary accommodations in time for the party.

To account for potential shipping delays caused by the coronavirus, the host may wish to request that presents be sent in by a certain date.

So that the expecting mother has something exciting to open, you might also wish to suggest that visitors who are sending baby supplies cover the cost of gift wrapping for their packages.

Include Links to Online Baby Registry

Baby registries have been around for a while now, and most people are familiar with the procedure. The parents-to-be do some online shopping at their local shops or on Amazon, and then they add the goods they want to a public list that they may afterwards share with their guests.

You may have guests leave recommendations for the chief guest in the form of remarks on the invitation website.

Pick a Virtual Baby Shower Theme.

Although a baby shower theme and decorations can't be used to their full extent in a virtual get-together, you may still have a good time with a few small touches. When hosting, it's a good idea to decorate the room with balloons and streamers. Alternately, you may employ a holiday-themed Zoom background. What about this as an alternative? Get everyone to dress up, wear a theme colour, or put on a silly hat for the party.

Plan a Gift, Reveal.

Seeing the adorable presents that guests have brought is half the excitement of a baby shower. You may incorporate the unwrapping of presents into your online shower in a handful of different ways:

• If your guests have already sent gifts ahead of time, you may proceed with the unwrapping in much the same way as if they were there. Mama takes the wrapping paper off the package while the rest of us ooh and aah over the adorable clothes inside.
• A lot of parents have to go from a normal baby shower to an online one, and if their guests have already purchased gifts, they may be wondering what to do. For added party fun, consider including a gift reveal in the festivities. When it's her turn, each guest can share a few words on the significance of the present she brought.

How to Open Gifts at a Virtual Baby Shower

Gifts can be sent to you in advance of the shower, or guests can keep onto them until the big day and reveal them for you live on video. If some guests wish to give their presents early but some also won't b able to send the benefits to you in time, you can do a combination of both.

One of the benefits of a virtual baby celebration is that it may extend longer than a single day, which is especially useful if visitors will be bringing you gifts beyond the party date but you desire to show them off. As long as you maintain the Facebook event page live, anybody can attend. Then, when the baby finally arrives, you may share pictures of them wearing that onesie your aunt sent out to show off to your friends and family.

Figure Out Food.

Some people may find it difficult to focus on a group screen share if they are multitasking with food and drink. It may not be a significant concern to other people. You can either advise attendees to hold off on eating until the event is over or specifically state that food is welcome at any time.

Food and drink may bring people together at the shower, provided that everyone is comfortable eating and drinking in front of the camera. Include a recipe for a non-alcoholic cocktail that attendees may make ahead of time and enjoy as a group at the baby shower.

You might even coordinate the baby shower with a meal; for instance, you could have a virtual baby celebration brunch or tea time in the middle of the day.

Play Virtual Baby Shower Games.

What's a baby shower without some fun games? Although it's more enjoyable to play games face-to-face, many of the traditional baby shower games may be played remotely as well.

Here are a handful that really work:

• Just identify the tune: Play the opening chords of popular songs about babies and have your guests try to identify them.
• Baby-friendly alphabet games:
• Try not to break the chain as you go around the room naming anything to do with babies that begins with each of the alphabet's letters.
• A "Price Is Right" for Baby Gear
• Roll dice to see who can guess the lowest price for each piece of baby gear.

Ship Baby Shower Favors.

Is there a way you can be a better host than usual? Send out some party supplies to your online visitors as a thank you for joining in on the fun.

There are several options for baby shower favours that can be mailed to attendees.

Or, you could send identical coffee mugs to your guests as a favour instead of traditional favours after the shower.

Give Mama a Virtual Pep-Talk.

Being pregnancy during the coronavirus outbreak is really stressful, but having a virtual baby shower is easy.

A great way to help the expecting mother feel loved and appreciated during this trying time is to have each guest write her a letter or send her an email with words of support and encouragement. Browse our selection of baby bedding, toys, and furnishings for the nursery for all your infant's requirements.

It's a kind act that will remind her of the love and support of those around her, no matter how far away they may be.

Conclusion

Expectant mothers have had to get creative while planning the much-anticipated baby shower. Many families have found the convenience of online baby showers to be useful, but military families have especially benefited from this trend. A baby shower can be held digitally without the need for a physical place, thanks to the availability of several online platforms and mobile applications. Communication with up to 32 people at once is now possible with no cost using services like Zoom, Line, and FaceTime. Unfortunately, FaceTime can only be used with other Apple products.

Google Hangouts may add a special touch to a baby shower that is held online. Each visitor can give their room a personalised name, and they can dress it up with masks and augmented reality filters. The party can last as long as you wish because there is no time limit on happiness. Pick an online meeting service and put it through its paces. Like a private bathroom, the setting of a public shower is essential.

Zoom, Google Hangout, and Skype are among the most popular choices. WebBabyShower facilitates instantaneous online baby showers. Whether sending physical or digital invitations, it is important to always include information about which platform will be utilised for the virtual event. Now that digital invitation apps have been around for a while, most people have no qualms about accepting invitations issued via them. Knowing roughly how many people will be attending will help the host prepare appropriately.

Send yourself gifts ahead of time, or have friends hold onto them until the big day so you can see them unwrapped live on video. Include a recipe for a non-alcoholic cocktail as some individuals may have trouble concentrating during a group screen sharing if they are also trying to eat and drink. In addition to the in-person festivities, a baby shower might also include some of the more conventional games. The middle of the day would be perfect for a digital brunch or tea party to honour the new arrival. Having each guest write a letter or email to the expecting mother is a terrific way to show her how much she is appreciated.

Content Summary

• If you're thinking about throwing an online baby shower, here's everything you need to know to pull it off.
• Facebook is great for get-togethers because of its streamlined request mechanism and built-in video chat feature through Facebook Messenger.
• You and your guests can watch each other in real time over the internet and a phone or computer equipped with a webcam.
• Apple's free FaceTime video calling service allows you to keep in touch with up to 32 other people simultaneously via iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
• Features unique to our service might help make your baby shower celebration feel even more real and special.
• Each guest has the option of giving their own name to the room.
• The host's ability to fulfil their guests' expectations will determine how successful the party is.
• Get the expectant mother's input while deciding the time and day.
• The first thing to do when planning a virtual baby shower is to pick a time and date, just like you would for a typical party.
• Make a baby registry online.
• There are several ways in which you can incorporate the unwrapping of gifts into your virtual shower:
• Gifts received in advance by guests can be opened in much the same way as if they were physically present.
• Throwing a present reveal into the gathering will add an extra element of excitement.
• Tips for Opening Online Baby Shower Presents
• Sending gifts in advance is one option, but visitors can also hold onto them until the shower and surprise you with a live video unveiling of what they've sent.
• When participating in a group screen share, some people may have trouble maintaining concentration if they are also eating or drinking.
• You should provide the guests with a non-alcoholic cocktail recipe so they can prepare something to drink in advance of the baby shower.
• Participate in Virtual Baby Shower Games.
• Having entertaining activities during a baby shower is a must.
• Take a look at our baby nursery section for all of your baby's needs, including crib bedding, toys, and furniture.