Having a baby can be an exciting and stressful time.

Gift Ideas: What To Give

While those moms- and dads-to-be out there are preparing by going to doctor's appointments, setting up nurseries and embracing the enormous responsibilities that lie ahead, friends or family traditional help them with gifts before the blessed event.

Baby showers are named as such because because gifts are "showered" on the mother to help ease the financial burden of adding a new baby to the family, according to Essortment.com.

If you're thinking about throwing a shower for the expectant parents, there are general rules of etiquette to consider.

According to the BabyShower101, showers have never been arranged by the expecting parents themselves. Historically, even family members weren't involved in the planning. But now, the site said, it's not uncommon for a sister to organize a shower, as well as co-workers, cousins or groups of friends.

The site suggests that a baby shower should be thrown about two months prior to the baby's due date. This way the parents have items in the case of an unexpected early delivery. It's also helpful because it gives parents ample time to return duplicate items.

What To Give For Baby

When it comes to gifts for the baby shower, the items are traditionally baby-oriented. Of course, this can be a guessing game if the parents don't know whether they are expecting a boy or a girl.

Unless you want to gamble on what little Christopher or Christine will wear -- unless you stick with the neutral colors white, yellow or green -- Essortment.com notes that invitations usually provide clues to help choose an appropriate gift. The site said that some moms may want their hosts to be more specific about what they want in terms of products if they've done research on what they believe will be safest for the baby.

The site suggested that practical gifts, including functional items such as undershirts, washcloths, crib sheets and disposable diapers are within good form. And while they may seem like boring items to give at a shower, packaging them creatively will add to the fun.

If you want to get a little more elaborate, Essortment.com said that handmade and personal gifts such as a hat you knitted or homemade dress are welcome because they often have lasting meaning as the child grows up.

While baby showers prior to the birth are more traditional, the etiquette overview at Essortment.com said that "welcome" showers provide a great opportunity for people who couldn't make it to the first baby shower to join in the fun.

The site suggested however, that "welcome" baby showers should not be thrown immediately after the child is born, because the parents will likely be overwhelmed. Instead, the site suggested, wait a couple of months for the new or growing family to settle in. Plus, it gives the parents an opportunity to tell the shower hosts and gifts they still need.