Babies come to a family in a variety of ways and often at unpredictable times. Your philosophy should be simply to welcome every baby by celebrating the arrival at whatever time will work for the new parents.

The same rules for planning the perfect shower apply, regardless of when and how the baby gets there. It is a wise shower-thrower who has a “Wrap everything up for later; she’s in labor!” attitude. There are no special rules if the shower is for an adopted child or surrogate birth, except to come and celebrate a new life!

It’s a very special circumstance indeed if a new mother is expecting more than one baby, but it doesn’t change the shower planning one bit. You simply plan for more babies! It is also a good idea to choose an earlier shower date, as multiple babies often arrive early.

Location can be another consideration when more than one bundle is on the way. Moms may not be able to travel or sit for long periods, or may even be confined to a bed or hospital. Be flexible, keep it simple, and make it portable—your shower will be just perfect wherever and whenever it takes place.