Baby showers
A baby shower that celebrates the parents to be.
Baby showers come in many forms, from a traditional afternoon tea to a mixed group gathering or a video call with family abroad. These guides help hosts plan one that suits the parents and is easy to enjoy.
Agree on the basics with the parents
Check with the parents to be about timing, guest list and whether they want games or a quieter gathering. Many prefer a shower in the later months of pregnancy, when travel is still comfortable.
Ask whether they have a registry or prefer no gifts, so you can share that clearly on the invitation.
Making it easy for guests
Guests want the date, the place, gift details and how to reply. A digital invitation keeps all of this in one link, and family who cannot travel can still join a short video moment.
Keep activities short and optional. Two or three well chosen games are usually enough, with plenty of time to talk and eat.
Start here
How to Plan a Baby Shower From Start to Finish
The Complete Baby Shower Planning Checklist
Who Hosts a Baby Shower and Other Etiquette Questions
Baby Shower Invitations: Wording, Timing and RSVPs
Baby Shower Games and Activities Guests Actually Enjoy
How to Choose a Baby Shower Theme and Carry It Through
All baby showers guides (12)
01How to Plan a Baby Shower on Any Budget
- 02
The Complete Baby Shower Planning Checklist
03Baby Shower Food, Drinks and Menu Planning
- 04
Baby Shower Games and Activities Guests Actually Enjoy
- 05
Baby Shower Invitations: Wording, Timing and RSVPs
06How to Build a Baby Registry and Share It With Guests
- 07
How to Choose a Baby Shower Theme and Carry It Through
08How to Plan a Gender Reveal Party Safely
- 09
How to Plan a Baby Shower From Start to Finish
10Sip and See, Sprinkles and Other Baby Celebrations
11How to Host a Virtual or Hybrid Baby Shower
- 12
Who Hosts a Baby Shower and Other Etiquette Questions
Common questions
- Who usually hosts a baby shower?
- Traditionally a close friend or relative hosts, but today parents, partners or groups of friends often host together. The best host is whoever can organise calmly.
- When should a baby shower be held?
- Many showers happen in the later months of pregnancy, but some families prefer a sip and see after the baby arrives. Ask the parents what feels right.
- Can a baby shower be virtual?
- Yes. A short video call with a game or two and gift opening works well for family and friends in different places.