Baby Shower Checklist Printable (Free Download)
Planning a baby shower? Whether you’re organizing one for yourself, a friend, or a family member, staying on top of every little detail can feel overwhelming fast.
That’s why I created this free baby shower checklist printable — it covers everything from choosing a date and sending invites to setting up the food table and packing thank-you favors. It’s simple, mom-tested, and designed to take the stress out of planning.
👇 Scroll down to grab your free printable and follow the step-by-step planning tips below to make your shower stylish, organized, and totally unforgettable.
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What to Include in a Baby Shower Checklist
A baby shower comes with a lot of moving pieces — venue, food, games, gifts, and don’t forget the playlist! Use this checklist to plan every detail in order, from start to celebration.
✅ 6–8 Weeks Before the Shower
- Pick a date and time
- Finalize the guest list
- Choose a theme
- Book your venue (or prep your home)
- Send out invites (print or digital)
💡 Planning tip: Hosting a winter shower? Cozy indoor venue ideas and seasonal food inspiration can make a big impact without blowing the budget.
✅ 4–6 Weeks Before
- Plan the menu and dessert table
- Choose 2–3 baby shower games
- Order balloons, signage, and tableware
- Create a baby registry (or decide how to share it without a shower)
- Shop for party favors
🎈 Pro tip: A baby shower balloon arch makes a great backdrop for cake and gift photos.
✅ 2 Weeks Before
- Confirm RSVPs
- Finalize music and create a party playlist
- Prep décor and favor bags
- Bake or pre-order cake and cupcakes
- Plan the gift display area
You might also like:
50 Adorable Baby Shower Cake Ideas
21 Thoughtful Baby Shower Gift Ideas
✅ 1 Week Before
- Deep clean the party space
- Shop for groceries and drinks
- Assemble decorations and printables
- Pack an emergency host kit (scissors, tape, wipes, stain remover)
✅ The Day Before
- Decorate the party space
- Chill drinks and prep cold dishes
- Set out signage and utensils
- Double check your checklist!
🎉 And yes, that includes planning for when (and how) to open gifts — or choosing an alternative that fits your crowd.
ree Baby Shower Checklist Printable (No Sign-Up Required!)
To make your planning even easier, I’ve created a simple, mom-approved baby shower checklist you can download and print today.
This freebie includes:
✅ A 6-week timeline to help you stay organized
✅ Checklist boxes for key milestones (venue, food, games, gifts)
✅ Space for notes and reminders
✅ Clean, gender-neutral design — perfect for any baby shower theme!
💡 Bonus tip: Print a second copy to hand off to a co-host or partner — it’s the easiest way to divide and conquer without the last-minute chaos.
📌 Don’t forget to Pin this! It’ll be a lifesaver when planning your next shower.
Tips for Stress-Free Baby Shower Planning
Even with a checklist in hand, baby shower planning can come with unexpected curveballs. Here are my go-to mom-tested strategies to keep your sanity and still throw a party to remember:
1. Don’t Overcomplicate the Menu
Stick with crowd-pleasers and easy-prep dishes. Check out these 65 baby shower food ideas for inspiration that works for all seasons, diets, and budgets.
2. Choose One “Wow” Decor Element
Instead of trying to do it all, focus on one big visual moment — like a balloon arch backdrop or themed dessert table. Everything else can stay simple and low-effort.
3. Keep Games Easy and Fun
Not all guests love baby shower games, but having one or two lighthearted options (like “Guess the Baby Food” or Diaper Notes) can break the ice and get people smiling.
4. Consider the Guest of Honor’s Comfort
Is the mom-to-be tired by 3 PM? Maybe it’s better to host a brunch instead of a dinner party. These venue tips will help you plan around her style and schedule.
5. Plan for Gift Time
Not sure how to handle unwrapping gifts? This post on baby shower gift etiquette breaks down your options — including alternatives that guests actually enjoy.
6. Keep It Budget-Friendly
You really don’t need to spend a fortune. This budget baby shower guide walks through smart ways to save without sacrificing style or sentiment.
❓Baby Shower Planning Checklist FAQs
What is the timeline for planning a baby shower?
Most baby showers are planned 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This gives you time to book a venue, send invites, and prepare food, games, and decorations without last-minute stress. Our baby shower planner checklist breaks it all down step-by-step.
Who is responsible for planning the baby shower?
Traditionally, a close friend or family member hosts — but it’s totally okay for moms-to-be to take the lead too, especially with long-distance family. Check out this post on who should host and when for a deeper look at the etiquette.
How many games should you plan for a baby shower?
Two to three games is the sweet spot — enough to keep guests entertained but not overwhelmed. Try easy crowd-pleasers like baby bingo or “Guess the Baby Food.” Here are 25 fun baby shower games to inspire your lineup.
Do you have to open gifts at the shower?
Not necessarily! While many people expect it, plenty of modern showers skip the unwrapping altogether. Learn about the options (and tactful alternatives) in this guide to gift opening.
What kind of food should you serve?
Aim for a mix of sweet and savory, finger foods, and allergy-friendly options. Get ideas from this roundup of 65 baby shower food ideas that work for all seasons and styles.
Final Thoughts: Make It Memorable, Not Stressful
With the right tools and a little planning, organizing a baby shower can actually be fun — and totally rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned host or planning your first shower ever, this baby shower checklist printable is here to keep things stress-free and joyful from start to finish.
🍼 Don’t forget to download your copy, browse through the helpful links above, and enjoy this special celebration with the people who matter most.
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments — I’m happy to help!
📌 Love this checklist? Pin it for later and share it with a friend who’s planning a shower too!