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Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

When should I have my baby shower?

Re:

When should I have my baby shower?

The Bump Expert

We put this one to our users, and it sounds like earlier is better... Here's what you had to say!

“My shower is planned when I will be 35 weeks along, and I would have preferred it much earlier for planning and shopping purposes. We had to pick the date we chose due to everyone going on vacation for Easter and Spring Break. Convenient for everyone but me!” -Hilarycee
“I had my shower at 32 wks. I personally didn't want to wait any longer because I was getting so uncomfortable. You want to be able to enjoy it as well as have the energy to deal with everything afterwards. You will need to wash the clothes, put everything away, and then go shopping for what you still need. Those things take time and energy which we are quickly running out of!” –sannice1979
“I am having my shower at 35 weeks. I think it is a good time, because I still have plenty of time afterwards to buy anything we still need. However this is the latest I would want it. Any later you are almost considered full term and could deliver any minute. I might not have enough time to buy anything I still need.” -alyadams
“I'm having a work shower at 35 weeks and a family shower at 37 weeks. It is later than most, but it's nice to have something to look forward to at this point. Of course we have to have the essentials (car seat, bassinet) on hand in case of early delivery.” -Sarah&JoeinSC
“I'm having my shower the next two weekends!! I'll be 31 and 32 wks. I think it's a good time for me bc I am still able to get around, so I can shop for what I still need and take back what I don't want.” -asned
“A work shower is planned for me tomorrow at nearly 38 weeks and I think this is WAY too late to be having it (I really did try to decline). I am uncomfortable in my own skin right now and I have NO energy come day's end to spend organizing. At this late point in the game, I feel like I could go into labor at any minute and that my thank-you notes will go out really late. I know people will understand, but it's not the way I like to do things!” -MrsFeisty
“My shower is planned for this weekend, when I am 36 (almost 37) weeks. Although it allowed me a good amount of time to add extra items to my registry, I do wish it was just a couple of weeks earlier. At this point I am too big and I tire too easily to prepare and set up all of these items. Although my husband will help, it is overwhelming at this stage. I wish everything was already here and ready for baby. Once all is set up, I still have to purchase, write, and mail thank you cards...all while being able to ‘go’ at anytime.” -tgifhim
“I had my first when i was 28 weeks b/c that was what worked best for my sisters. Honestly, I LOVED having my first -- bigger -- shower early because I've had a lot of time to go through what I got and set it up and get organized. Plus, that was at the beginning of my 3rd trimester when I still had lots of energy. I'm glad I got tons of big stuff at that shower b/c I can't imagine having to set up all the toys and such at 37 weeks. Plus, earlier showers give you more time to search out the good deals and order stuff online that you need but don't get off your registry.” -mamaerin

| May 13 , 2009 4:35 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Have it EARLY!! Mine was planned for 35 weeks, and my perfectly healthy daughter was born at 34 weeks! I had to borrow a carseat to get her out of the hospital (I got my own pegperego carseat at the shower one week later). She was the guest of honor at her own shower!

alefranc | August 02 , 2009 8:39 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

With my first daughter, I was due November 21st, and my shower was suppose to be October 22. But I went into early labor at the end of September. I'd say around 30-35 weeks, so you can see what you still need to buy for baby. If your high-risk, or already dilating, maybe its best to have a meet and greet after baby is born.

WhitBaby | August 08 , 2009 10:50 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I am having one at 22 weeks and one at 25 weeks, which in my mind is perfect because my husband and I can budget our baby spending thereafter. Besides that, I am super high energy right now which is awesome for being the guest of honor!!

lsatzger@gmail.com | August 08 , 2009 11:23 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm having mine at 29 1/2 weeks. I want to make sure I have enough time to figure out what else I need before she comes.

saundraann1982 | August 12 , 2009 10:56 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I had mine in my second trimester after we found out we were having a girl, with this baby however we opted not to find out the sex, so if we have a shower it will be after baby is born!

kaicee_a_05 | August 13 , 2009 5:35 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Isn't it whenever someone offers to throw you one?? I would love to have my shower at 28 weeks to have enough time to set up and prepare the nursery. I think if I don't have things ready before about 35 weeks I will be EXTREMELY stressed which is not good for baby!

Sandy281 | August 13 , 2009 9:21 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm having my shower this coming up weekend - i'll be almost 23 weeks. It's really this early bc thats what works best for my sister coming all the way from Germany to throw it! But it's also nice, b/c i know this is my one definite shower, so it'll give me plenty of time to see what i get and what i still need and all that good stuff!

kavilla19 | August 18 , 2009 7:21 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm having mine before the holiday craziness begins, the 1st weekend of November.

tesla dawn | August 20 , 2009 4:08 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm having my shower at 30 weeks, and thats in 8 weeks, I dont want to go any later then that because my doc dont think I'm going to make it to 40 weeks, then I'll still have time to get what ever else I need. Congrats and good luck to everyone with yours. :)

tamtam84 | August 30 , 2009 1:52 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm having my 1st shower which is the big one at 28 weeks and the 2nd one at 31 weeks which will be slightly smaller!

alanna1221 | August 31 , 2009 11:23 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Across the board I see lots of people having 2 showers. Whats the reasoning behind doing so??? Just curious... :)

PregnantDiva | September 01 , 2009 4:18 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Well I'm due March 1st and I told me SIL I think it would be good to do it around the end of January, just because I want to give people a break from Christmas, so I was thinking a month away from the holidays would be good, but reading this board, I'm kind of nervous having it a month from my due date. Should I leave it or bump it up a little??

RebeccaMichael | September 02 , 2009 10:35 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

What's the point in having a shower before hand????? Personally, I think that it is the parents-to-be responsibility to purchase all of the big items so that friends and family don't have to shell out hundreds of dollars for that, plus then the parents can get what they want out of a carseat, stroller, crib, etc..... Plus, if you do not find out what the sex of the baby is how do you buy anything? I am due in February and I won't have a shower until probably March. That way too friends and family get to meet the little bundle of joy!!!!

dhviel | September 03 , 2009 10:46 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Friends are throwing me a shower in November and I am due early January. We wanted to avoid the hectic holiday season. A family shower is planned for about a month or so after I have the baby so that everyone can see the baby (otherwise, they'll have to wait until Easter). Personally, I'd prefer to have showers before the baby because I'm sure I'll be darn tired afterwards and look like crap but I'm leaving it up to my family. The only pro of an after-shower in my opinion is so people can see the baby all at once and your doorbell isn't ringing constantly with unexpected visitors after the baby is born.

plans4bean | September 04 , 2009 10:31 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm having a family shower at 29 weeks. This allows the family to get together for an afternoon as well as celebrate the baby. I'm having another one for friends at 34 weeks. It would be just too big to combine both of these groups. I'm sure there will be another smaller one in there some where for just work friends as there are two of us who are due a week and a half apart. Having a shower before hand lets you get the stuff you know you'll need like diapers, bibs, bottles, etc, before the baby is born. You need those things anyway no matter what the sex is! Besides this gives you time to shop for all the other needed items without spending too much. Babies are already expensive enough!!!

RDavis72 | September 08 , 2009 9:39 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

We don't have showers planned yet (I am at 21 weeks now), but are finding that the most difficulty thing for us is working around holidays. I am due Jan. 21st, and know that it makes it a lot harder for people to shop around the holidays, especially with the down economy. To make it even more difficulty, my sister-in-law is due mid-October, and my husband's family always has the showers thrown by the mother- and sisters-in-law. I also have three other friends pregnant, all due before me, and trying to plan around their showers and not have our other friends get hit with three showers in one month is getting really tough. I actually think the meet-n-greet after the baby is born is going to be better for us, that way if people want to bring gifts they can.

michellebrue | September 10 , 2009 8:30 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm getting ready to start my 32nd week, but we're waiting until after the baby comes to have the shower. It's 80% likely to be a girl, but you all know there's no way to be sure until the crying begins! And I definitely don't want everything to be green and yellow or have to return a bunch of pink stuff if it ends up being a boy. Our immediate families are purchasing the immediate necessities anyways, so our friends will just be able to buy the extras after the baby comes.

papita27 | September 15 , 2009 9:52 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I would say you should have a baby shower about two months before your due date. This way you have time to go over everything you got and buy all the things you didnt get and may still need . You also have time to take back things you may have gotten a lot of.

kclark39 | September 16 , 2009 3:04 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Im 26 weeks and due on christmas eve. I want to have it somewhat earlier to ensure that I myself am up for it. I also would like to be able to prepare and organize everything I receive at the shower. Problem is is that Im not sure if Sending invitations out now is enough notie to have it before the holidays start. I live outta state from all my family and having to travel with the baby and all that stuff would be very hectic, so Im not sure about doin it afterwards. I just havent got a clue, but its starting to weigh on me.

king5lomo | September 18 , 2009 5:38 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm doing two... a "traditional" one for my family and close family friends to satisfy them and then doing a "co-ed" for all of our friends boy and girl. I think that times are a lot different now and I know my hubbie and some of his friends are super excited about having a new addition to the group so I think they should be able to celebrate too! And hey two showers, two-times the presents. And to some people on here who say that you shouldn't expect gifts and should buy everything themselves, it's not really about recieving them most of the time, it's also about letting the people who are care about you and the baby give you something you need that's useful and from the heart :)

Kdavis1071 | September 19 , 2009 1:46 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I like to have mine at 34 weeks. That way, there is only 6 more weeks until the due date and the baby can come as early as 3 weeks after. The earlier you have the shower, the longer people will be waiting for you to have the baby..and bugging you in the process.

CasondraMJ | September 26 , 2009 12:11 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Im having my baby shower at 29 weeks. I love it becaue it gives me time to shop for the things I want but didn't get. And it gives my fiancee and I time to organize the nursery and become comfortable with the new surrounding.

Momin2010 | September 29 , 2009 12:01 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm due at the end of February and it's difficult for me to decide when to have mine. I live in the northeast where the weather can be unpredictable so I worry for out-of towners. I was thinking mid-December but I think that would be too hectic with the holidays so I guess early January? Any thoughts?

KristyS17 | October 01 , 2009 2:33 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm due February 10th, and I think mine are going to be at the end of this month or first weekend of November. My husband and I got married the first week of November last year, and we learned that November through January are bad for people because of the pending holidays. I don't want anyone to have to skip a Christmas present for someone else because they are getting a baby shower gift, ya know? Plus less people will be traveling that way. I didn't want to wait until mid or late January because with me being adopted and a first-time mom, I don't know if premature birth is a possibility for me and didn't want to be hurting for "baby stuff" if the baby is born early!

MommyMaddux | October 04 , 2009 6:12 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

can the expected planed her own baby shower

yolanda32 | October 06 , 2009 8:53 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm going to have my baby shower at 25 weeks. Just for the simple fact in my last pregnancy I had a baby shower planned when I was about 31 weeks and did not get a chance to attend the baby showe, due to high blood pressure and sugar in my urine. I dont know how I drove myself to the hospital. That's just how high my blood pressure was. So this time around I'm away from my family, but my bff in Sc where I stay now is giving me a shower. The timing is right due to the fact that Thanksgiving and Xmas is coming up and people will be out of money after the holidays.

tsmitty905 | October 07 , 2009 10:48 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I believe my first shower will be at 31 weeks. I'm happy it's earlier for the same reasons other moms-to-be have listed. I want time to get organized while I can still comfortably move around. My friends are looking to throw me one around week 35/36, this is a great idea for the smaller and missed items from your first shower. Either way we feel blessed!

sue92linc | October 09 , 2009 2:26 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

My husbands mother plan my first childs baby shower which turn out so wonderful. But she had it after my baby was born in Feburary. I wouldn't suggest you have your shower after the baby's born because of all the germs and viruses going around and people are going to want to hold your baby. This is the time for the parents to relax and let the person planning the shower do their job.

miraclebabe101 | October 11 , 2009 11:00 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm having mine when I'm 6 months along. 3 of my friends had planned their showers 1 month before their delivery date and non of them made it to their shower. They all went into labor 1-2 1/2 months early. So I am having mine early so hopefully I can avoid not having enough time to set up and buy what we still need.

jmorton83 | October 15 , 2009 2:30 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I am 21 weeks pregnant. My due date is February 28. A friend of mine offered to throw me a shower in December but although she will be graduating. I am wondering if we should have it then because of the holidays and stress of graduation. Another friend of mine suggested a diaper shower and that I could possible have another shower after the holidays. Is that too much?

Lawryn8 | October 20 , 2009 12:27 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

We're not finding out the sex, so we're having one after the baby is born. I agree with the after delivery posts, a baby is our responsibility and I hate the idea of making people feel like they have to buy us expensive gifts for our child, plus it feels like having one after will make more sense, that way everyone can see it at one time, and I don't need a bunch of people coming on different days to visit. Plus it doesn't seem really ethical to throw one yourself, so it's just a waiting game to see if family/friends have one.

ajmarshall | November 06 , 2009 4:37 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

ours is planned for 28 weeks...we have to do it before the snow starts here plus like some of you have mentioned we want to know what is left for us to buy and i know my parents what to get stuff so better to do it all now :-) any suggestions on simple games? its a co-ed shower we're not really the traditional type of couple and i'm such a tom boy i really dont' to many of those games..we plan to have food and decorations..but what activitys are simple and won't make me nauseous ??:-)

den246 | November 11 , 2009 12:04 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Yolanda32: Originally, I thought not...but, my mom usually plans the showers for my sisters and for my first child almost 8years ago. Unfortunatly, this time...she was diagnosed with Cancer, so I've taken over for her, to keep the stress off of her. This way she can focus on fighting, and being there. So normally, the expectant doesn't plan, but as per everything else, there are circumstanced when I think it's ok. I've also got my sisters and the MIL to help out, so I'm not completely alone in the planning. We're also planning for around the 30 week mark, because I'm high-risk, and who knows what will happen.

taffie | November 15 , 2009 11:58 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I just want to comfort those of you stressed out about getting all the stuff and setting it up before the baby is born. All a newborn really needs is diapers, a car seat, your boob, a few packs of sleepers, and a safe place to sleep. A sling carrier makes things easier too. All the toys, swings, and other contraptions aren't necessary immediately. Your baby can't even see further than the distance from our breast to your face so don't stress how the nursery looks.

titania9 | November 21 , 2009 10:49 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

We are due at Easter but won't be having a shower. We're having a 'meet & greet' at the end of April instead so everyone can meet our little one. We have already purchased everything we need so we've decided to have a book theme where everyone buys a book that was either their childhood favourite or their child's favourite. Our thank yous will be given on the day in the form of a book mark and then we plan to send out updated photos a month or so after thanking everyone once again.

Rach210 | November 22 , 2009 4:08 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I will be having my "big" shower at 33 weeks so that I (hopefully) will have time to get everything set up and organized before baby gets here. My friends at work will be having one a few weeks after that and then my sister-in-law, who can't make it home until after the baby is born, is having a "diaper shower" for me once baby gets here. :)

MamaWyatt | December 19 , 2009 9:51 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

i think any where between 29wks and 32wks

COURTNEY0126 | December 27 , 2009 5:41 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Our shower will be thrown for us when i am 30 1/2 weeks and i think it is perfect. We will hopefully no the sex and can still shop afterwards.

MayD2009 | December 28 , 2009 8:05 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I'm actually going to be having 4 showers. My work is throwing me one. I'm expecting that one to be pretty small. My husband's work is throwing us one, and its usually pretty large. I used to work for his company so I know most of the women that will be there. My mother is throwing me a huge one with friends and family. And my best friend is giving me my wish of having a small private shower with just close friends, gifts NOT required. It's a lot to schedule!

slrosenbaum | January 06 , 2010 6:01 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I only have a couple of female friends and don't live near my family or my DH's family. I don't know what to do. Do I host my own? Does my husband set it up for me? Do I venture so far as to ask someone to do it? I really don't know what's appropriate here and don't want to do the wrong thing, but really want to enjoy all aspects of the pregnancy. Input is appreciated!

paislee30 | January 13 , 2010 10:49 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Many people have multiple showers, we are expecting our 1st in late July and currently have 4 showers booked and a fifth in discussion. All will be held in May or early June and the number of showers is due to both my hubby and I having large, spreadout families. One shower for my relatives in Cincinnati, one shower for his relatives in Cincinnati (two separate weekends mind you, or we would never get all of the stuff home in one trip), one shower in Columbus given by my mom's friends, one shower in Columbus given by my MIL's friends and possibly one given by our couple friends...wow, it is exhausting to even think about but there is no way I want to attend a shower with over 200 guests.

rmattis | January 14 , 2010 10:15 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

paislee30-personally, I would host my own baby shower...especially if this is your first child! Just make sure you register and when you send your baby shower invites, whether everyone makes it or not, they can still send a gift. In my experience, family and friends will always send something! I'm having mine at 30 weeks and my work is hosting one a little later...cant wait!!

dobbslv | January 18 , 2010 3:33 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I am going to be 33 weeks, when i was pregnant with my first son i had it at 38 weeks and only 10 days later i had my son and it was too much rush to get things organized...so i say 6 weeks ahead is better

ashleyann8387 | January 19 , 2010 10:15 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

With my first pregnancy I planned and hosted my own shower. It was supposed to be two weeks before my due date, but my water ended up breaking that same evening after the shower and she was here the next day! Apparantly all the fun and excitement made her decide to join us a little early! I dont know if I will be planning my own this time around or if somebody is doing it for me, but I GUARANTEE it will be at LEAST 6 weeks ahead of time!!!

Barenda | January 21 , 2010 3:26 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I have more of a question than a comment.... i am pregnant with my second child, i had a boy and am now prgnant with a girl. is it normal to have more than one baby shower? my parents say that its unheard of, but the lady at babies r us who does the registries said that many woman have multiple showers one for each child.

megancratty | January 22 , 2010 3:31 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

Question: I was going to have my shower at 34 weeks. Unfortunately I had to cancel it. (I was financing and planning it myself and using my good friend as the hostess only in print- as no one offered to throw me one). Hubby and I moved out of state 1 yr ago and I was planning on flying back and staying at a hotel etc...but I only got 4 yes RSVP's out of 44. (MIL declined to come as she didn't want to travel form back east) I am devastated my sisters, mom, cousins, and aunts arn't more excited that they couldn't even commit to 3-4 hours of an afternoon. I attended and traveld for most of theirs. Now at 41 yrs old with my first child...chances of a second baby are slim to none, do I have the right to read these people the riot act?

dresden | January 23 , 2010 4:54 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I think you should have your baby shower at around 30 weeks so you can set up and take it easy the last couple of weeks of pregnancy.

jacque3babies | January 26 , 2010 10:32 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I too have never heard of having a shower for your second/third/etc babies??? I know times have changed of course, and perhaps it's the new thing to do, but traditionally a shower is for your first baby...Kind of like a wedding shower for every time you get married if you've been divorced and remarried even once??? Again, maybe I'm way off the mark and things have changed, I just thought with so many thinking "I don't want others to feel they have to buy everything" this really goes way past that! I'm all for a first shower, and I don't feel that "people are responsible for buying all my baby's things", they are happy to do it, because they know that a) it helps me, my DH and our baby, and b) if they don't want to or can't contribute a gift/money etc, they don't have to! It's not a condition of coming to the shower and a card with well wishes and support is enough!

des183 | February 01 , 2010 6:11 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I would say have it between 28-30 weeks. Children are born from 5 weeks early to 2 weeks late. You don’t want to be one of the women who get caught off guard and not have everything ready. You still want to allow yourself enough time after the baby shower to get anything else that may be needed.

krm0129 | February 09 , 2010 3:06 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

My mother and sister are planning on giving me a baby shower at 26 weeks. I would prefer to have it later, but I live 9 hours away and wouldn't want to make the trip too much futher in the pregnacy. My husband's friends are also giving him a diaper shower, which I think is a great idea to make him feel as special about becoming a first time parent as I do. My question is: Does anyone think 26 weeks is too early for a baby shower? Should we try to push it back a few more weeks?

shannon181 | February 17 , 2010 12:19 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I would like to have my shower at 32/33 weeks. I'm 25 weeks now but in 4 weeks I'm getting married. I think it will be too much for everyone if I have my shower earlier since most people will be giving us wedding presents. But we are kind of running into Easter and spring break time. I am also liking the idea of having a shower after the baby is born. There are no holidays around June :)

tmpsoutherngrl@yahoo.com | February 17 , 2010 9:08 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

I think I'll have mine around 30-31 weeks, at which time my tummy will be big enough for fun (right now at 21 weeks it's not!!) and when I'll still comfortable and will have time to do more shopping afterwards.

FancyFrenchie | Yesterday 12:55 PM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

well this is my 6th child but my first shower. im thinking about having it a couple days before my 32 week. we are having a coed one at the park to do a cook out and just like a get togather so the guys can wonder off fishing or eentertaining the other kids if they dont want to do the games just making it a fun day for everyone cuz i think thats the point anyway is everyone together enjoying the fact that we are adding another life to the party its not the gifts for me

consuelo6 | Today 8:11 AM

Q&A: When should I have my baby shower?

My husband and I live out of state from all of our family and his parents live in Thailand. We're going home at week 27 for the shower. We have to have it early. Any later and I would probably be too uncomfortable to drive for 12 hours each way and shipping that much stuff is just not an option. We weren't even planning on a baby shower... our family wants to have one for us. To those who think it's ridiculous to have a shower - usually someone is throwing it for you; you're not having it for yourself. At 27 weeks, we'll be able to set up what we have and get what we don't have in time for baby and while I can still handle it.

rebeccadunn24 | Today 9:56 AM