When should you have a baby shower?

Usually in the 7th or 8th month (around 30-34 weeks): the bump is there but the mum-to-be isn’t too tired yet, and baby hasn’t arrived.

Who organises the baby shower?

Usually a close friend, a sister or the godmother — rarely the mum-to-be herself. Quietly check her wishes (theme, guest list, surprise or not).

Do you bring a gift to a baby shower?

Yes, it’s customary. The easiest is to pick from the parents’ registry: everyone chooses to their budget and duplicates are avoided.

Baby shower: how to plan one (checklist and ideas)

Updated 8 July 2026 · 7 min read

A baby shower celebrates the coming baby before the birth. You don't need a huge budget or wedding-level planning — here's the whole thing, from the right timing to the gifts, for an afternoon that runs smoothly and stress-free.

When to have it

The sweet spot is the 7th or 8th month (around 30–34 weeks): the bump is there, the mum-to-be isn't too tired yet, and there's no chance of baby arriving mid-party. A weekend afternoon is easiest for getting everyone together.

Who hosts it

Traditionally it's not the mum-to-be who hosts, but a close friend, a sister or the godmother. Surprise or not depends on her personality — many prefer to be in on it so they can pick the date and guest list without stress.

The guest list

Keep it to a close circle: family and the friends who really matter.
Traditionally women-only, but mixed showers are increasingly common — your call.
Aim for 8 to 15 people: enough for atmosphere, small enough to stay intimate.

Budget and décor

A good baby shower is mostly about atmosphere. Pick a simple theme (a colour, a motif: clouds, stars, animals) and focus the décor on one highlight — a nice photo wall or a pretty table. Balloons, a bunting garland, a few flowers — that's plenty, without overspending.

The food

Afternoon-tea or brunch format is the simplest: no alcohol (or a mocktail for the mum-to-be), finger food, and a cake. A cupcake tower or a layer cake in the theme colours always lands, no caterer required.

Games

Guess the bump: everyone cuts a string to their estimate of the belly's size.
Baby-food blind test: identify purées blindfolded.
Predictions for baby: date, weight, name — to reread in twenty years.
The wish book: each guest leaves a note or a piece of advice for the parents.

Gifts: the part that simplifies everything

A baby shower is the perfect moment for the baby gifts. To avoid duplicates and let everyone choose for their budget, the easiest is for the parents to create a baby registry: guests pick from it, and what's reserved greys out on its own. Need inspiration to fill it? Our gift ideas by budget do the job in ten minutes.

The no-fuss trick: drop the registry link into the invitation. Loved ones who can't make it join in with one click, and nobody turns up with a duplicate under their arm.

The quick checklist

1 month before: date, venue, guest list, theme.
2–3 weeks before: invitations (with the registry link), décor, menu.
A few days before: shopping, cake, prep two or three games.
On the day: set up, breathe, enjoy — it's a party, not an exam.

Frequently asked questions

When should you have a baby shower?: Usually in the 7th or 8th month (around 30-34 weeks): the bump is there but the mum-to-be isn’t too tired yet, and baby hasn’t arrived.
Who organises the baby shower?: Usually a close friend, a sister or the godmother — rarely the mum-to-be herself. Quietly check her wishes (theme, guest list, surprise or not).
Do you bring a gift to a baby shower?: Yes, it’s customary. The easiest is to pick from the parents’ registry: everyone chooses to their budget and duplicates are avoided.