Planning a baby shower can be tricky because babies are always on their own schedule! Ultimately, there's no hard and fast rule regarding when to hold a baby shower. Be thoughtful, flexible, and proactive, and you'll have a stunning celebration worthy of your incoming bundle.
More than a million moms-to-be welcome their first baby into their household annually, which means a lot of excited parents are planning stunning baby showers.
Throwing a baby shower is a festive way to include friends and family in the excitement of bringing a new life into the world. New moms have welcomed babies this way since the 1940s, so there is a lot of tradition and etiquette to follow if you want to do it right.
One of the trickiest parts of making baby shower plans is determining when to hold a baby shower. If you do it too early, you might miss out on excitement and belly photos. If you do it too late, the baby you're showering might end up as an attendee!
We've created this guide to help answer your biggest questions about preparing for a baby shower. Read on to learn the who, what, where, when, why, and hows of showering a mom-to-be.
When Are Baby Showers Traditionally Held?
It's common to hold a baby shower during the third trimester of pregnancy, usually between one month and six weeks before the mom-to-be's due date. Mom will likely have a big baby bump by then, perfect for pictures and party games. Unless a baby arrives very early, this often ensures that the shower happens before labor.
There's no reason to stick to tradition, however. Members of some cultures may have specific norms and superstitions surrounding the correct time to throw a baby shower. In some instances, new moms may feel it's bad luck to accept gifts for a new baby before they're born.
In other cases, moms might want the baby to attend the shower, which can be a fun and festive opportunity for friends and family to meet the baby all at once. While a surprise is enjoyable, most new moms know to expect a shower, so it's wise to ask about their preferences before you start addressing invitations.
When Should You Start Planning?
The wonderful thing about baby showers is that each party is a little different. Some moms-to-be prefer a simple, no-frills affair with a few friends and family members. Others love an Instagrammable blowout with all the fixings.
Ultimately, when you begin planning is up to you. Elaborate baby shower ideas require a little more time. If you're planning on renting a venue or bringing in outside vendors or entertainment, you should book at least six weeks in advance to ensure you can secure your preferred date and time.
A DIY celebration also requires some lead time. If you'll be sourcing and making the decorations, you should give yourself plenty of time to get the details right.
Who Hosts Your Baby Shower?
In the past, there was a hard and fast rule that the person throwing the shower should be a friend or relative with some distance from the mom-to-be (such as an aunt, cousin, or godparent). This was a polite choice so that the shower wouldn't seem like an opportunity to collect gifts.
Today, it's more common for a close friend or family member to plan the baby shower. It's inappropriate for the expecting mother to plan a shower for herself.
Considerations When Planning a Baby Shower
Many baby showers include a theme, simplifying the selection of decor, favors, and food. Many people take theme inspiration from the season. You can throw a "spooky" baby shower around Halloween or a floral baby shower for a spring baby.
Furthermore, games are a mainstay at contemporary baby showers. It keeps attendees engaged and can create hilarious photos and memories.
Hosts commonly include a game involving shower gifts. These games keep guests busy as the mom-to-be opens her presents.
It's common to include a crafty activity at baby showers so that guests can create something special for the baby. For example, many parties include a station where guests can decorate an onesie, create a page for a custom alphabet book, or write encouraging notes for the expecting mom.
Baby Shower Etiquette
As a rule, a baby shower is to help a first-time mom gather the supplies she needs to welcome a new baby. It's uncommon to throw a baby shower for a second child or a child further down the birth order.
Sometimes, however, friends will choose to throw a mom-to-be a "sprinkle" for a second or third child, assuming the new baby is of a different gender than their other children.
Baby Shower Guest List Options
It was traditional to invite only female guests to a baby shower. Some women prefer to continue this tradition, while others wish to include a wider variety of friends and loved ones. It can be helpful to take the mom-to-be's preferences into account.
Some parents enjoy hosting two baby showers - a traditional feminine baby shower and a "Dadchelor party" or "Man Shower." Keep the parties separate or mix the guests after the main festivities.
Whoever you invite, ensure that you choose games and activities that keep your chosen demographic busy and happy. A simple social gathering with food and photo opportunities is always a hit.
Virtual Baby Shower
Ultimately, all new parents should be so lucky to have a baby shower. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with family and friends in person, celebrate the birth of a new person in your life, and give the new parents plenty of useful gifts that they can use.
You are the best judge of whether a baby shower is right for your family. A virtual baby shower is also a lovely option for anyone who is unable to attend a party in person—or for families that have limited funds or travel restrictions. If convenient transportation and large group gatherings aren't in the cards for you right now, a virtual baby shower may be an ideal way to celebrate your upcoming bundle.
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