Other Countries

Baby showers have been recently introduced to countries such as the UK, Australia, France, Slovenia, and other European countries. Businesses are starting to respond. [1] In some countries, shops and websites provide Newborn lists (compare wedding registry), where the parents select the gifts that they need for the baby to avoid duplicate or unwanted gifts.

Baby showers are increasingly popular in Africa, Asia, and Latin America but are "women-only" social gatherings. In Hindu tradition, they are called by different names depending on the community the family belongs to. In northern India it is known as godbharaai, in western India, especially Maharashtra, this celebration is known as dohaaljewan, and in West Bengal it is called saadh. In Southern India, in Tamilnadu/Andhra Pradesh it is called seemantam and is held when the woman is 4th or 6th or 8th months of pregnancy. These three types of celebrations are very similar to each other and are "women-only" events. There is music played, and the expecting mother is decked in traditional attire with lots of flowers and garlands made of Jasmine or Mogra. A swing is decorated with flowers of her choice, which she uses to sit and swing. At times there are symbolic cut-outs of Moons and Stars that are put up. There are blessings showered on her by the elderly ladies from the household and community. There are gifts given to the expecting mother. It is a very affectionate and fun-filled event for most of the expecting mothers since they are on the threshold of motherhood and entering a new life.

In Costa Rica, a baby shower party is called té de canastilla.

In Chinese tradition, a baby shower, called 彌月 is held one month after the baby is born. Due to the lack of advanced medical technology in ancient times, high infant mortality rate prompts families and friends to celebrate when a baby survives one month after the birth.