Getting ready for the big day when your new little bundle of joy will arrive but not sure how you can have a safe baby shower during a pandemic? You aren’t alone. Moms-to-be (and their besties) are finding creative ways to not just have a baby shower, but to make it as fun and engaging as possible. A drive-by baby shower doesn’t need to be impersonal and quick.
Even with a drive-by baby shower, you’ll still have people coming and visiting. Jamie Bacharach, head of Acupuncture Jerusalem, reminds expectant moms to put safety first. “The best ways to be safe during a pandemic-time baby shower is to ensure social distancing, require mask wearing, and keep the crowd small,” Bacharach told Mom.com. “As difficult as it may be to accept that you can’t have your dream baby shower with dozen of friends and typical games, safety is paramount for the mom-to-be as well as any guests.”
Drive-by baby shower invitations and preparation
Add a Zoom party to your celebration, or throw a hybrid shower
Want to be able to open your presents with all your guests? The drive-by won’t really allow that, but adding a Zoom party with your guests afterward will let everyone share in the joy as you open the wonderful gifts.
Creatively engage those on the call. You want it to be more than just well wishes and “I love you” filled with empty silence. Plan a few ice-breaker baby shower games to get everyone in the mood, and then get to opening the presents. This is a nice way to end a great drive-by baby shower. Guests will feel like they really got to share in the experience with you, and you’ll be able to give heartfelt thanks for the celebration.
The trick is the timing. It may be best to plan the virtual part of the shower for the next day when the mom-to-be has had some time to rest and recuperate from the actual drive-by.
Hybrid drive-by baby shower
If you really want to have an in-person event, think about using a local church or school parking lot to host a tailgate party with a few friends. This is much like a drive-by because you really aren’t gathered in the same room just a few feet away. This way everyone can attend but safely remain apart. Make sure your gathering is small, per CDC guidelines, and everyone has masks and follows strict social distancing rules and disinfect gifts as they are brought to your car. You’ll be able to play a few fun socially distant games that might include gift bingo, guess mom’s waist size, or Pictionary.
Note: If you do decide to gather with others outside your household, keep in mind that the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that pregnant women may have an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and advises they limit their interactions with other people as much as possible.
