According to etiquette, the best time to have a baby shower is in the middle of the third trimester — about four to six weeks before the due date. That way, mom already knows baby's gender (if she's finding out before the birth) and she has time to create a baby registry — but you aren't cutting it so close to her due date that she's likely to go into labor before the party. There may be more to consider as well. Here's what an event planner and moms say about their experiences with baby shower timing.
30 to 36 Weeks Is Usually Ideal
"I think the best time to have your shower is between 30 and 36 weeks [of the mother's pregnancy]. If you schedule the shower later, she may deliver before the shower. I've had that happen! And most moms-to-be want to have the shower after all the important medical tests are completed. Of course, you will also want to consider what works best for the calendar of your VIP guests and your hosts. Finally, if you think you are in danger of being put on bed rest, you may want your shower to be a bit earlier to avoid that timeframe."
— Janice Carnevale, Bellwether Events, Washington, DC
32 Weeks Was Perfect
"We did ours eight weeks before the due date. I was limber enough to enjoy the party but big enough to justify eating all the dessert! And it gave us time to buy baby essentials if we didn't receive enough diapers, wipes, PJs, and other items at the shower. It worked out perfectly."
There May Be Reasons to Have It Early
"I went into early labor with my daughter at 31 weeks. But I kept her in until 37 weeks with medication and many trips to the hospital to stop the contractions. So my family and friends held my baby shower early just in case. And they told me about it so I didn't go into labor because of the surprise!"
Consider Planning Around Holidays
"I'm due on March 5. Mine is scheduled on January 27. I'm having it then because I don't want to have it too close to Christmas. My birthday is January 3, so I know how much people hate going to parties close to Christmas."
Don't Cut It Too Close
"Mine was three weeks before my due date but my baby was born two days before the shower. They still had the shower, and my friends opened the presents for me. I arrived at the end of the party after I got out of the hospital."
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
