Most women report that the best time to throw a baby shower is between the 28th and 32nd week of the pregnancy. For them, that's a sweet spot because the baby bump is already big enough for cute 'belly pics,' while being early enough that they are active and full of energy.
As a fast rule, baby showers are often held at the end of the second trimester or early to midway through the third trimester — usually four to six weeks before the due date.
The short answer is that there's no "right" time — some parents opt for a shower early on in their pregnancies, while others wait until a week or two before their due dates.
Don't Schedule It Too Early or Too Late
A baby shower should not be held before the 20-week mark in pregnancy. Showers held too late, after 38 weeks, run the risk of the baby joining you for the baby shower.
Traditionally, baby showers are held in the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy. The beginning of the third trimester, from 28 to 32 weeks, is a great time for a baby shower!
Traditionally, baby showers are held in the third trimester of pregnancy from 28 to 32 weeks. This is because this is a great time to start planning and hosting your event. Mom-to-be is comfortable and mobile enough to enjoy herself but is still weeks away from labor.
Who pays for a baby shower? Most often, the host pays for the baby shower. This is not always one person. For example, several aunts and cousins might cover the full tab of a shower at a restaurant, or a group of coworkers may help coordinate all the decorations, food and fun.
While traditional baby showers consist of women only, co-ed baby showers are becoming more and more common. However, if you're looking to throw a traditional baby shower and still have the dad-to-be attend, this is completely acceptable and appropriate as most dad-to-be's will want to thank guests before they leave.
The name says it all: Instead of a bigger party where first-time parents are showered with gifts, a baby sprinkle is a more casual, relaxed gathering where the guests of honor are "sprinkled" with support and potentially smaller gifts.
When is the best time to have a baby shower? Typically, people throw showers early-ish in the third trimester. That's somewhere between the six- and eight-month mark (between 24 and 32 weeks.) You might do yours somewhere in that range, but you can also do it at another time if that works better for you.
In some families the ceremony is held when the mother-to-be completes her seventh month of pregnancy. It is believed that after the seventh month, the baby and mother are in a safe phase. In some families it is celebrated at the end of the eighth month.
Baby showers are typically held four to six weeks before the baby's due date—late enough that the pregnancy is well along, but likely early enough to avoid the baby arriving beforehand and disrupting the party plans. However, some people prefer to have a shower after the delivery. That way the baby can attend, as well.
Essentially, you don't want to have the shower any less than two weeks before the due date. Therefore, we would suggest that the best time to throw a baby shower is between 26 and 33 weeks.
While baby showers are a lovely tradition, they aren't necessarily for everyone. Remember your baby – your rules! You're under no obligation to have a traditional shower or have a shower at all if it doesn't sit right with you for whatever reason. Whatever you choose will be perfect for you and your wee family.
From parents to college roommates, and anyone else who plays an important role in the parents-to-be's lives. It's safe to say that those who weren't included in the initial guest list are the people you shouldn't invite.
How Many People Should Attend a Baby Shower. Every baby shower is different, but most ladies agree that 15 to 30 is the perfect number of ladies at a typical baby shower or about 30-40 for a coed. These numbers change depending on the size of the family, number of friends, and even work colleagues involved.
Traditionally, baby showers are given only for the family's first child, and only women are invited, though this has changed in recent years, now allowing showers being split up for different audiences: workplace, mixed-sex, etc. Activities at baby showers include gift-giving and playing themed games.
A Baby Sprinkle is celebrating the second and third children and so the gifts are going to be different.
What Do Guys Do During a Baby Shower? Guys do the same things when they go to baby showers that women do! That is, they celebrate the mom or couple, bring gifts, and enjoy the food and entertainment.
Baby showers last on average 2-3 hours, depending on what's planned for the celebration. Plan for enough time to enjoy all of the baby shower games and activities you have planned for the day. Factor in things like the opening of gifts, snacking on hors d'oeuvres and cake, and catching up with friends and family.
Jack and Jill Baby Shower Name Meaning
Jack and Jill baby showers are co-ed. Even before the nursery rhyme was around, the phrase “Jack and Jill” meant a general boy and girl pair. For a baby shower, this means that both of the baby's parents will be part of the day, and they can each invite friends and family.
Traditionally the host will pay but this will depend on many factors. This includes the venue, budget, size of the guest list, and how extravagant it may be. For instance, you can't expect your best friend to throw a huge baby shower and pay for it all herself.
Most often, it's a close friend of the mother-to-be who organises a baby shower, however it could also be the expected baby's grandmother, god parent or mother-in-law.
Baby showers are a time to celebrate the little one on the way and give special (and needed!) gifts to the mom-to-be.