If you’re an immigrant couple having a baby in the US, you might be very happy about this, but also a bit unclear as to what birth festivities, such as baby showers and gender reveal parties, will look like. The U.S. has traditions too and that may not sound like the kind you’re used to. So we have a guide here to show you the main US baby celebration traditions so you feel comfortable with what you are throwing for your little one.
Baby Showers: Traditions and Etiquette
Baby Showers: Baby showers are the most popular and loved traditions in the United States. These parties are usually held by relatives or close friends and the pregnant couple is treated with love, care, and baby items. When someone invites you to their baby shower, don’t freak out. But if you are not a baby shower type of person, or simply don’t want to attend, just explain to the host in no uncertain terms what you want.
Baby showers are also often girls only, but that varies from family to family and community. Sometimes the parents (and guests) are even tipped off to a “couples shower” or a coed party. This can be discussed with friends or family if needed to help decide if it is an event for you.
Baby Registries and Gift-Giving
There’s the typical Baby Registry in the U.S., where you build your baby registry ahead of a baby shower. A baby registry is a registry of things that you would like to have given to someone as a gift so guests can look for you when shopping for you. You have a registry so guests know what to purchase and you will always receive useful items. You can add all kinds of things from diapers and clothes to old family photos.
A registry isn’t just helpful but it helps take some of the pressure out of planning for your baby’s arrival. You get everything you need for the baby from clothes to cribs, strollers, and bottles ready for the big day.
Gender Reveal Parties
The gender reveal party is another one that is more and more fashionable in the U.S. This is a fun way for parents to find out whether they are expecting a boy or a girl. It can be a surprise like a cake with colored frosting, popping colored balloons or confetti. Gender reveals don’t occur in all cultures and they don’t mean the same thing for all people, but you can decide to do one or not. If you do have a gender reveal, be sure to include something from your own culture to give it extra meaning to you and your family.
Celebrating with Co-workers and Friends
You also have the typical friends and co-workers who throw baby showers or small celebrations for you, along with family. These parties are less formal and allow members of your social and professional network to share in your happiness. It’s an excuse to meet people beyond your family circle and thank them. The celebrations are largely about the baby but it’s also a fun time to connect with your wider group.
Incorporating Your Cultural Traditions
If you are not living in the United States, you can’t exclude your culture from the festivities. Either by cooking up foods you know and love, going through certain rituals, or providing your baby with cultural artifacts or ornaments, the more you show your heritage, the better. The American family likes to study other cultures, and it is also a great way to show your friends and family what you do.
Also, you may want to wear your country’s costumes, sing a song, or carry some other traditions from your native land. For both big and small occasions, these small touches will help your celebrations to feel more home-grown, authentic to your culture, but at the same time also a part of the larger American tradition.
Seeking Support and Guidance
It’s always overwhelming and exciting to start a new life in a new country so make sure you get support if you need it. If you aren’t sure about a baby shower or similar event, talk to friends, family, or cultural allies who have attended. They can also advise you on how to work with American traditions and feel more comfortable. You will also be supported to keep your own culture intact while integrating with the new culture.
When you are an immigrant couple in the US and have a baby, you are bringing American customs to your culture. You might be hosting a baby shower, thinking of a gender reveal, or having your cultural traditions thrown in, but the important thing is that it is as fun and memorable as you and your loved ones can have. Feel free to say no and modify customs according to your standards and ease.
You can take the time to relax in bringing your child into the world, with the support of friends, family, and your community — not only for your own culture but for the new traditions you will find there.
