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Kate Middleton's baby shower: Why modern mums-to-be love the American tradition (and you'll want one too)

As the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge prepares for her baby shower, we reveal why they're now a booming trend in the UK

Kate Middleton is set to be thrown a baby shower by her sister Pippa, ahead of the birth of the royal baby in July.

But while the Duchess of Cambridge will become the first British royal to have a baby shower, she's by no means the first mum in the UK to jump on the previously American tradition.

Sarah Barrett, managing editor at BabyCentre, said Kate's decision to have a baby shower mirrors the trend seen by many other modern mums-to-be.

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She told us: "It's obviously an American tradition, but in the last 12 months we have seen a lot of mums chatting about baby showers within the community.

"They've discussed having one, throwing them for other mums-to-be, as well as attending them."

The booming trend for baby showers in the UK could be a result of the poor economic climate, but Sarah believes it's also just another way for us to celebrate a big event in our lives.

"It's a fun occasion and a chance for mums to have a bit of attention before the baby is born," she told us.

"In the UK, we're always looking for more ways to celebrate things [and a baby shower is the perfect way to do that].

A recent BabyCentre poll revealed that nearly 50 per cent of pregnant women were talking about having a baby shower or going to one, proving how popular they now are on this side of the pond.

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Sarah explained: "That's obviously a really high percentage, so we wanted to make sure there was a lot of content on the site for them. We now have information on how to throw a baby shower, what gifts to take and what you do at one."

While baby showers originated in the US to give new mothers a chance to talk about giving birth and get some tips, over here they're much more of a social occasion.

"Now mums can get all the information they want about giving birth online, so a baby shower is more about friends and family getting together one last time before the baby is born," Sarah said.

"Traditionally they're held by a family member or a friend, and there's usually food and lots of games you can play."

While details of Kate Middleton's baby shower are being kept tightly under wraps, it could well be held in the next few weeks according to Sarah.

"Most women have baby showers when they're about seven to eight months pregnant, as that's when most mums have finished work," she confirmed.

For any guests attending who are wondering what on earth to buy, expensive lists and outlandish toys aren't what most mums expect to receive.

Sarah added: "We've found that most mums would just prefer to take their own gift and would be too embarrassed to have a list.

"Most guests will take clothing, bibs or babygros, as we know a new mum can never have too many of those!"

But while the American tradition has now become commonplace here, one trend that is yet to take off is the idea of a 'dad's baby shower.'

"In the US some dads have a shower, although it's mostly BBQs and beers," Sarah laughed.

"So far that's yet to come to the UK, but who knows?"

Have you had a baby shower or been to one? Tell us over on Twitter now.