Rainbow Baby Shower Ideas: Everything You Need to Know

While we often think of rainbows as fun ways to add colorful whimsy to a party, they can take on a much deeper significance when you’re talking to a pregnant mother or planning a baby shower. A rainbow baby is a child born after miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or other fertility-related trauma. And while preparing for a rainbow baby may seem exciting, it’s really a mixed bag of emotions.

Pregnancy after miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death can leave you feeling incredibly vulnerable. You are excited…and yet…terrified. So what do you do when your loved ones want to throw you a baby shower?

Whether or not they want a rainbow baby shower is a question is one that every parent will probably answer differently.

Some parents want to celebrate the upcoming birth of their rainbow baby with a huge shower. Others are afraid to celebrate at all.

The anxiety and fear that surrounds pregnancy after miscarriage or loss can make it feel difficult to want to celebrate a rainbow baby, so some parents prefer to prepare for the arrival of a rainbow baby quietly–perhaps with a small shower or gathering of friends.

Other parents even choose to celebrate the arrival of a rainbow baby after the birth to help alleviate the stress of attention and well-wishes before the baby is born.

However you choose to celebrate your rainbow baby is valid! And if decide not to mark the occasion, that’s okay, too.

Our ideas for a rainbow baby shower can be applied to any way of celebrating: a big shindig, a small party, or a celebration after the birth of your precious and longed-for baby. Let’s start planning!

Why Are Baby Showers Rainbow Themed?

Baby shower themes are common, but a rainbow color theme is extra special. The theme of the rainbow baby shower pays homage to the concept of the rainbow baby, the rainbow after the “storm” of a traumatic experience like pregnancy or infant loss.

Celebrating a rainbow baby shower is not only a way to memorialize the little ones you’ve lost, but it also allows you to recognize the joy and excitement for everything the future holds.

Rainbows, in Biblical tradition, signify the hope that God gave humanity after the great flood. In non-biblical tradition, rainbows offer viewers a beautiful sight after a storm.

However you choose to interpret them, rainbows are an important symbol in the pregnancy loss community. They offer hope to those who are grieving and hope that brighter days are ahead.

While many families keep their losses private, others are very open about their experiences. If those families are feeling joy about having a rainbow baby, they may have done a rainbow baby announcement, or they may want to have a special rainbow-themed shower to celebrate.

Don’t just assume someone wants a rainbow shower, though.

While the idea of recognizing a past lost while you honor new life is a beautiful thing, it might not be for every expectant mother. Always confirm that a mom wants a rainbow-themed baby shower before throwing one.

How to Host a Rainbow Baby Shower

If you’re hosting a rainbow baby shower for friends or loved ones, it’s important that you make sure their wishes are honored.

Have an open discussion with the parents and make sure you are both on the same page about what they want.

If they don’t want a big party, please don’t throw one. Instead, host an intimate dinner party with people who are familiar with their loss and with whom they are comfortable.

If they don’t want any kind of attention surrounding the birth of a rainbow baby, find a way to fly under the radar, such as raising money from their friends and family for an Amazon or Etsy gift card. Target and Uber Eats gift cards are also a great way to show that you care without hosting a big event.

Remember: this event is not about you–the planner–it’s about the expecting parents and their wishes.

Honoring Past Losses

If the rainbow baby parents are comfortable with an actual baby shower, make sure to ask if they want a table or area dedicated to honoring their past loss(es).

Some ways to honor losses include:

• Frame ultrasounds or photos of their child. We especially love this sweet memorial frame. 
• Have a card writing station so guests can write letters to the new parents acknowledging their lost child(ren).
• Light a personalized candle to represent the lost child.

Having a table or area dedicated to acknowledging the child that came before is a great way to remind the parents that their child is still present even as a new baby is on the way.

If you need other ideas for remembering a loss, miscarriage memorials are great way to show that you care about the parents’ past loss(es).

Preparing for a Rainbow Baby Shower: Everything You Need to Make it Special

Now that you’ve decided what kind of shower you want to host and whether or not you will memorialize the losses that came before the rainbow baby, it’s important to pay close attention to the details!

If you’re hosting a baby shower during 2021, ask questions about the soon-to-be parents’ pandemic comfort levels. If they’re nervous about getting together with groups of people, there are lots of sweet ways to make a drive by baby shower super special!

Rainbow Baby Shower Invitations

One of the first things you’ll need to do when organizing a shower is to choose the perfect invitations.

The invitations set the tone for the shower and let guests know crucial details about when and where it will be held. One great thing about a rainbow baby shower theme is that it’s a very gender neutral baby shower, so you can pick what you like and run with it.

These invitations are specific to the theme of rainbows, and we adore them!

1. Simple, sweet rainbow invitation

This would be great for a boy rainbow baby (if acknowledging gender is your thing). The simplicity and colors are super sweet, and of course you can customize it with all the details for the shower.

2. Oh Baby rainbow invitation kit

This is actually a customizable, downloadable bundle that includes an invitation, book request, and diaper raffle.

3. After every storm invitation

If the parents are really comfortable with the rainbow theme, this invitation is perfect! The bright rainbow set against the black backdrop emphasizes the beauty of the rainbow after the storm. 

4. Days will soon be brighter

This sweet, colorful invitation would be a great one for any rainbow baby shower, and it reminds the parents of the upcoming joy after loss. 

Rainbow Baby Shower Decorations

Whichever invitations you choose for your rainbow baby shower, they will set the tone for the overall look of the event. You might event want to use a similar color scheme to the invitations you’ve chosen for party decorations.

For instance, if you’ve chosen an invitation with muted pastel colors, then you’ll want to make sure that the balloons, candles, tablecloths, and any other decor matches.

Here are some great suggestions for you to choose from as you plan the shower:

1. Boho Rainbow Baby Shower Decorations

Complete with banners, cake toppers, balloons, and more! Fitting the rainbow theme but with a pink and gold color palette, we love the soft simplicity of these decorations.

This beautiful set of rainbow baby shower decorations is perfect for any mom who doesn’t want the bright aesthetic, but is still looking for the rainbow theme.

2. Rainbow Balloon Arch

Create a grand entryway, an impressive photo backdrop, or a gorgeous cake table display with this impressive (and beautiful) rainbow balloon arch.

Balloon arches are huge at baby showers right now, and this one incorporates the rainbow theme without overdoing it on being bright and colorful.

3. Rainbow Baby Photo Backdrop

Photo backdrops are all the rage, and this precious one is the perfect place for mom to pose with her village surrounding her.

We especially love that this cloth is ever-so-versatile. You can even use it as a table cloth!

4. Rainbow party favor bags

Want to give your guests something fun to take home? These party favor bags are ADORABLE and will hold anything you choose to send them home with after the rainbow baby shower has ended.

5. An adorable balloon garland kit

Balloon garlands take a little bit more work than paper tassel or rainbow felt ball garlands, but boy, do they make a statement! Balloon garlands are gorgeous, and they make a great place for the new parents to take photos with people who have come to celebrate with them.

6. Rainbow Baby Soaps (for shower favors)

If you’re looking for a non-traditional favor for the rainbow party favor bags above, look no further! These cute, customizable soaps will be adored by all your shower guests. 

7. Rainbow party water bottle labels

These labels are a great way to personalize your drink offerings. Peel and stick them onto a regular water bottle, and suddenly even the water at your rainbow baby shower is festive!

8. Rainbow paper napkins

Having your dinnerware match your party theme is super cute and also a fun way to mix the theme with functionality. Pair these napkins with matching Rainbow paper plates and Rainbow paper cups, and you’re good to go! There are even matching treat boxes, perfect for your drive-by baby shower!

9. Rainbow confetti stars

Make little baby sprinkles everywhere so your shower is extra special. Scatter these sweet little rainbow stars on the gift table or on the food table. They will add whimsy to any tablescape.

Rainbow Baby Shower Cake Ideas

One of the most festive parts of any baby shower (and the one I look forward to the most) is the CAKE! 

Whether you choose to go with a traditional cake (layered or tier) or cupcakes, this is the one part of the shower that’s sure to please everyone (unless they don’t eat cake, and in that case, are you sure you can trust them??).

Here are some great ideas for making your rainbow baby shower cake or cupcakes extra special:

1. Personalized Rainbow Baby Cake Topper

This personalized cake topper is the perfect choice for any rainbow baby shower. It features a gorgeous pastel rainbow that’s sure to fit most shower themes and styles. Are you looking for a non-custom option? This gold glitter “Rainbow Baby” cake topper is a great alternative.

2. Sunshine and Rainbows Cupcake Toppers

This 12 piece cupcake topper set includes sunshines, rainbows, and butterflies. It’s the perfect set for a sweet little rainbow baby.

3. Pastel Fondant Cake Topper

This fondant cake topper comes personalized for your sweet little one. It can also be made in various sizes and shades, so it’s perfect whether you choose pastels or primary colors.

4. Sweet Rainbow Cake Topper (light colors)

This light colored rainbow cake topper is so cuuuute. It’s made from modeling clay and is the perfect topper to accompany a tiered baby shower cake. 

5. Rainbow Cake Topper Pennant

This pennant is a great way to jazz up a rainbow baby cake! We love that it’s a little unusual but also perfectly on theme.

6. Macrame Rainbow Cake Topper

Interested in a unique cake topper for a more boho shower? This macrame cake topper is gorgeous, and we can guarantee that it’s not your average rainbow decor.

7. Rainbow Balloon Garland Cake Topper

If you choose this option, you’ll be sure to have a show-stopping cake topper. Its unusual whimsy is sure to please.

Rainbow Centerpieces

We’ve covered invitations, decor, and the cake…now, what’s left?

Well, many people choose to have tables for guests to sit, chat, and eat throughout the shower. If you’d like to decorate those tables, you can’t go wrong with a rainbow centerpiece.

1. Rainbow tissue paper pom

Tissue paper poms have become a party favorite over the past several years. If you’re hosting a rainbow baby shower, your guests are sure to love this rainbow version.

2. Rainbow balloon holder centerpieces

These rainbow centerpieces hold balloons, which will add height and visual interest to your tables.

3. Rainbow cloud mason jars

Again, you could make these, but if you are short on time and looking for some adorable centerpieces, these mason jars are sure to draw some smiles and add a visual focus to each table.

Rainbow Outfits for Mom

Every mom wants to feel beautiful at her baby shower, and if your mama has selected a rainbow theme, she might really want to celebrate what a miracle this baby is.

There are some amazing dresses out there to help mamas celebrate just this type of occasion. Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Rainbow tiered maxi dress

A beautiful, relaxed option that will help mama celebrate her special day without feeling over-the-top or having to dress up too much.

2. Pastel Rainbow Maternity Dress

Not only is this boho maternity dress the perfect option for any maternity photo session, but it also makes the ideal outfit for a rainbow baby shower. Reviewers rave about the comfort and quality of this gorgeous piece.

3. Rainbow maternity evening dress

For the mama who wants her shower to be a celebratory, fancy occasion, this dress is perfect for showing off mama’s joy over her rainbow baby.

4. Rainbow mama t-shirt

For the mama who wants to keep it super comfy and casual, pair this t-shirt with your favorite skirt or pants! Do you have an older child who will be attending your rainbow baby shower, as well? This Etsy shop even makes a “Mini” shirt so they can match mom!

Rainbow Baby Gifts

What about baby shower gifts for a rainbow baby? While mama will certainly want and need many of the gifts from her registry, some guests might choose to send specific rainbow baby gifts.

Here are a few of our favorite:

2. Rainbow Baby Blankets

Blankets are common baby gifts, but really, it’s hard to have too many. There are so many beautiful rainbow baby blankets available.

We love these rainbow swaddle blankets, which are soft and will get plenty of use while baby is a newborn.

If you want to go for a bigger, softer blanket that baby will use when they’re a bit older, we love this sweet, soft, fuzzy one as a rainbow baby shower gift.

2. Rainbow Baby Outfit

There are tons of cute rainbow baby outfits out there, so you can easily customize to the liking of your favorite rainbow mama.

We love this precious rainbow baby gown set because it’s soft, versatile, and doesn’t have any appliqué to rub against baby’s skin. You also can’t go wrong with a basic onesie, like this organic cotton one.

3. Rainbow Baby Necklace

A sweet, simple rainbow necklace with the new baby’s name is a great way to give mama something that she can wear everyday to celebrate her little one

Celebrating Rainbow Babies Can Be Difficult

Even if you choose to have a big, blowout celebration for your rainbow baby, many moms feel a sense of guilt over celebrating after they’ve experienced a devastating loss.

Please know that celebrating a rainbow baby isn’t an either/or situation. You can celebrate the birth of your child and also honor your loss in doing so.

You are not forgetting one child by having another. Allow yourself to feel however you need to feel, but please, do not feel guilty.

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate a rainbow baby, and you are not taking away from that grief by having a shower.

Any way you look at it, a rainbow baby shower is a beautiful thing. And if you’re looking for rainbow baby gifts, we have you covered there, too!

Did you choose to have a rainbow baby shower? If so, what was it like?