when to host a baby shower
Wondering when to host a baby shower? You’re not alone. Between due dates, guest travel plans, and everything else on your plate, figuring out the perfect time can feel overwhelming.
This quick guide breaks it all down — from the best trimester to celebrate to who should actually throw the shower (spoiler: it’s not just your mom’s best friend anymore). Whether you’re planning early, running behind, or considering a post-baby event, you’ll find helpful answers right here.
Let’s take the guesswork out of baby shower timing so you can focus on the fun parts — like cake, decorations, and sweet baby gifts. 🎉
Heads up: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. Full privacy policy and disclosure here.
When Should You Host a Baby Shower?
Most baby showers are held between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy — usually during the early-to-mid third trimester. At this point, the pregnancy is visibly showing, the excitement is building, and the parents still have time to organize gifts and prep for baby’s arrival.
Why the Third Trimester Works Best:
- Mom-to-be has that “pregnancy glow” and a cute baby bump for photos.
- Most pregnancy risks are behind her, so guests feel comfortable celebrating.
- It allows enough time to return/exchange gifts and organize the nursery.
💡 Pro Tip: If the guest of honor is expecting multiples or has a high-risk pregnancy, consider hosting the shower a bit earlier, around 24–28 weeks, to ensure comfort and flexibility.
Can You Host a Baby Shower After the Baby Is Born?
Yes, absolutely! These are called “Sip and See” parties — and they’re becoming more popular for families who prefer to celebrate once the baby arrives.
Hosting the shower after birth can be a great choice if:
- The pregnancy was high-risk and plans were delayed.
- The parents wanted to keep things low-key until after delivery.
- Loved ones live far away and need time to plan travel.
- The baby arrived early and the original shower was missed.
Pros of Postpartum Baby Showers:
- Guests get to meet the baby in person!
- No guessing baby’s gender or name for decor and gifts.
- Mom may feel more relaxed (and can enjoy a mocktail or glass of wine 🍷).
Just keep in mind: Newborns require lots of care, so shorter gatherings with fewer guests are ideal. You’ll also want to give the family a few weeks to adjust before planning anything formal.
Who Should Host the Baby Shower?
Traditionally, baby showers were hosted by close friends or extended family members — not immediate family — to avoid the appearance of “asking for gifts.” But these days? That rule is totally outdated.
In modern etiquette, anyone close to the expecting parent(s) can host, including:
- Best friends or coworkers
- Sisters, cousins, aunts
- The mother-to-be herself (yes, really — solo-hosted showers are a thing!)
- Even multiple hosts (e.g., coworkers and family teaming up)
Can You Host Your Own Baby Shower?
Yes, you can — especially if you’re keeping it small or virtual. Just be clear about the vibe (celebration vs. gift-focused), and don’t be shy about asking someone to help with setup or RSVP tracking.
💡 Pro tip: If someone offers to help, say yes! Baby shower planning is more fun when shared.
Ultimately, the “who” matters less than the “why”: creating a joyful space to support the growing family.
Best Days and Times for a Baby Shower
When it comes to timing, there’s no universal rule — but there are some tried-and-true guidelines to make sure your baby shower runs smoothly and gets the best turnout.
✅ Most Popular Days:
- Saturday afternoons are the #1 choice — easy for guests with work or school
- Sunday brunch showers are trending (especially for co-ed or modern gatherings)
- Weekday evenings can work well for small showers with local guests
Think about your guest list: Are they mostly parents with young kids? Working professionals? Traveling from out of town? Pick a time that reduces stress and increases the odds of a “yes” RSVP.
⏰ Ideal Time of Day:
- Midday (11am–2pm) is perfect for brunch or light lunch showers
- Afternoon (2–4pm) is great for games and cake with no full meal required
- Evenings (5–7pm) work best for more casual or cocktail-style gatherings
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid meal times unless you’re serving a full meal. If your shower is around lunch or dinner, make sure the menu reflects that — nobody wants to party while hangry.
Virtual vs. In-Person Showers (and Hybrid Options)
In a post-2020 world, baby showers have evolved — and that’s a good thing! Whether you’re gathering in person, celebrating virtually, or doing a bit of both, there’s a perfect setup for every situation.
🎉 In-Person Baby Showers
These are the classic choice — hugs, gifts, games, and cake IRL. Perfect if most of your loved ones live nearby and everyone is comfortable gathering.
Pros:
- Great photo ops and keepsakes
- More interactive games and socializing
- Easier to manage gift opening and food
Cons:
- Can be more expensive
- May exclude long-distance guests
💻 Virtual Baby Showers
Zoom, Google Meet, or even a private Facebook Live — virtual showers became a lifesaver during the pandemic and are still a thoughtful option today.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly and easy to plan
- Allows friends and family from anywhere to join
- No venue or cleanup required!
Cons:
- Less personal interaction
- Games need to be screen-friendly
🛒 Must-Have: A sturdy phone tripod or webcam setup (👉 View on Amazon)
🌐 Hybrid Showers
Can’t decide? Do both. Invite close friends to an in-person event and set up a livestream so distant loved ones can tune in.
Tips for success:
- Test your tech in advance
- Assign a “tech host” to manage the stream and chat
- Mail out digital or physical favors for virtual guests
💡 Hybrid Tip: Choose activities that work both in-person and online (like trivia or baby name games) so everyone feels included.
How Far in Advance Should You Send Baby Shower Invitations?
Timing your invites right is crucial — too early and people forget, too late and calendars are booked.
✅ Ideal Invite Timeline:
- Send invitations 4 to 6 weeks before the shower
- If guests are traveling or it’s during a busy season (spring break, holidays), give them 6–8 weeks of notice
This gives guests enough time to RSVP, shop for a gift, and make arrangements — especially if kids or travel are involved.
📬 Digital vs. Physical Invitations:
- Digital invitations (like Evite, Greenvelope, or Paperless Post) are fast, budget-friendly, and easy to track
- Printed invitations are traditional, keepsake-worthy, and feel more personal — especially for formal showers
💡 Pro Tip: Always include clear RSVP instructions and a deadline (ideally 2 weeks before the event).
🔗 Link your Amazon baby registry directly in the invite for easy gift-giving!
👉 Set up your free Amazon baby registry here
Can You Have More Than One Baby Shower?
Yes — and it’s more common than you might think. Multiple baby showers can be a thoughtful solution when the guest list spans different locations, families, or friend groups.
When Multiple Showers Make Sense:
- Different sides of the family want to celebrate separately
- Work friends want to host a casual office party
- You’re planning one in-person and one virtual shower for long-distance loved ones
- You’re having twins or triplets, and people really want to spoil you 😍
Just be sure to avoid inviting the same people to both events — unless they insist! And if you’ve already had one celebration, you may want to skip the registry reminders in follow-up invites. (Or use these tips for how to share your baby registry without a shower).
💡 Pro Tip: Keep each shower simple and focused. You don’t need a new theme or guest favors every time — reuse decorations and your party playlist to save time and money.
❓ FAQs About When to Host a Baby Shower
When is the best time to throw a baby shower?
Most baby showers are held during the 28–32 week mark (early to mid-third trimester). This sweet spot ensures the parent-to-be is still comfortable and there’s plenty of time to prep for baby after the celebration.
Can you have a baby shower after the baby is born?
Absolutely! These are often called “sip and see” parties and are a great option for parents who prefer waiting until baby arrives. Just make sure guests are healthy, and keep it short and sweet.
Who should be invited to a baby shower?
Close friends, family, coworkers, and even neighbors can be invited — there are no hard rules. For large showers, consider splitting into groups (family one day, work the next). Here’s a list of baby shower game ideas that work well for mixed-age guest lists.
Is it okay to plan your own baby shower?
Yes! It’s increasingly common for expecting parents to plan or co-host their own showers — especially if no one else volunteers. Keep it low-key, and don’t be afraid to ask for help with food, decorations, or setting up a budget-friendly venue.
What time of day is best for a baby shower?
Late morning to early afternoon is ideal. These time slots work well for brunches, light lunches, or cake-and-punch setups. Want to simplify the food planning? Don’t miss these 65 baby shower food ideas.
How far in advance should I start planning?
Start planning at least two months in advance, especially if you need to book a venue or coordinate long-distance guests. If you’re planning during a busy season (like spring or December), give yourself even more buffer time.
What if I’m on a tight budget?
You’re not alone — baby showers don’t need to be expensive to be memorable. Use a free park, go potluck-style, and DIY your decor. Here’s exactly how to host a baby shower on a budget without sacrificing style.
🎁 Don’t Forget Your Free Baby Shower Planner!
Planning your shower just got easier. Grab our free printable baby shower planner — it’s packed with pages to help you stay organized and stress-free:
✅ Guest list + RSVP tracker
✅ Budget and shopping checklist
✅ Decor planning sheet
✅ Menu ideas + favor list
✅ Game tracking pages
Whether you’re hosting, co-hosting, or helping a friend plan, this printable will make the whole process smoother.
💬 Share Your Thoughts
Have your own baby shower hosting tips or timing advice?
Drop them in the comments — I love hearing what worked (and what didn’t!) for real moms like you. 💕
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out these too:
- 21 Thoughtful Baby Shower Gift Ideas from a Mom of Three
- Perfect Baby Shower Playlist: Top Songs to Celebrate
- 50 Adorable Baby Shower Cake Ideas for 2025
📌 Save This Post for Later!
Planning your baby shower soon? Don’t lose track of this info.
📍 Pin this guide to your baby shower board on Pinterest so you can revisit it when you’re ready to finalize the date, time, and guest list.
✨ With the right timing and a little prep, your baby shower can be beautiful, affordable, and totally unforgettable.