How To Plan A Baby Shower

Now that you’re pregnant and you’ve shared the good news with all of your friends and family, you might be wondering how to plan a baby shower. After all, isn’t that one of the best parts about expecting a baby? Admittedly, it can also be a bit stressful. Time sneaks up on you and all of a sudden you realize that you only have a few weeks left to get everything reserved, ordered, and organized for the big event. When I was pregnant, so many questions flooded my mind, and I thankfully had a few wise mamas to turn to for advice. If you’re planning a baby shower, and wondering how to go about doing it, I’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to know from baby shower decorations to baby shower invitations. Planning a baby shower can be a lot of work. Trust me.

Here’s what you need to know about how to plan a baby shower:

When should I have a baby shower?

Baby showers are often held toward the end of your pregnancy, within the third trimester. Ideally, this leaves you enough time to organize everything and purchase any additional baby items you did not receive. Those waiting to find out the baby’s sex might choose to host a post-birth baby shower, in order to simplify shopping and color schemes. You also need to factor in the schedules and locations of your guests. Your schedule is most important (obvs), but if your favorite grandma can’t make the trip until you’re 39-weeks pregnant, well, that’s something to take into consideration.

Who should host my baby shower?

Basically, anything goes. Have your bestie throw you a shower, or your sister or favorite aunt. Also, decide if you’ll be having one shower or breaking it up into a “family and friends” shower and then a “co-workers” shower. I know, I know, it sounds like a lot, but your pals at the office may be heartbroken if they don’t get to throw you a shower, too.

Who should I invite?

As mentioned, decide if you’ll be having one or multiple showers, and whether it’ll be women-only or a co-ed shower. Generally, whoever’s hosting should have a pretty good idea of who should be on the guest list — old friends, distant relatives, work friends — but be sure to check the guest list with the mama-to-be, as you wouldn’t want to disappoint her by leaving anyone important off the list! Also, be sure to send invitations out at least a month in advance to give everyone proper time to respond, make travel arrangements if necessary, and pick the perfect gift.

What about decorations?

Picking a theme for your baby shower can be a blast. Is it a co-ed baby shower? Something eco-friendly? Or maybe everyone knows you have a thing for balloons! Even if you don’t have a specific theme, you’ll want to make the space bright and festive, and maybe embellish the table with a fun centerpiece or some amazing flowers.

What should we do at the shower?

Incorporate games to keep the buzz alive at your baby shower. Activities like having your friends decorate a personalized ABC book or making a time capsule are great ways to have fun and get everyone involved.

What should we serve?

It’s always fun to have a signature mocktail at a baby shower, like a pomegranate fizz or maybe a “babelini.” As for food, think finger foods and other party snacks that are easy to nibble. By now the mama to be may not have much room in her belly for a full-on meal, and it’s easier to mingle with a small plate in hand.

Should we give out favors?

This one’s up to you. Offering a baby shower gift or a token of your appreciation to your guests is a nice gesture. No need to go overboard, though. You can even DIY gifts if you have the time and energy.

What should I put on my registry?

This can get personal, as only you know the set up of your home and what you have space for. Are you thinking cloth diapers or disposable? Co-sleeping or shelling out for a deluxe crib? There are tons of baby essentials that every mom needs, like clothes, burp cloths, blankets, breast pumps, and nursing gear. Or, give guests a chance to go off the registry with their baby shower gift.

When should I open gifts?

You may need to make an off-the-cuff decision, based on the amount of gifts and vibe of the party. Do you have one rich aunt who probably splurged on a very expensive gift, that may make less well-off friends feel self-conscious that they could only afford a Beanie Boo? If you have a lengthy guest list (aka a ton of presents), the crowd might have more fun focusing on games and mingling, and you can open the presents later, in peace. Either way, don’t forget to send a thank you card to show your appreciation (and try to do it quickly, before the baby is born!).

Can I have a second or third baby shower?

Totally up to you. This is often called a “baby sprinkle” and you may not necessarily be asking for any big ticket items, but it’s more of a celebration and a chance to give a great second time mom gift.

There’s so much to consider when planning a baby shower, but believe me, it is sure to be a day each mama-to-be will never forget.

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