Not sure when you should have your baby shower? 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.
Ultimately, the timing of your baby shower depends on what works for you, your family and the person hosting the event.
When should you have a baby shower?
Still, many moms-to-be report a sweet spot of the early- to mid-third trimester, when they are far enough along to be showing and have finished setting up their registry, but not so close to their due date that they're feeling overly tired or rundown. (Although some pregnant women have energy up until the end, others may not feel enthusiastic about socializing late in the third trimester.)
How much time you have after the shower is another consideration; cut it too close, and you might not be able to finish writing thank-you notes before your little one arrives. Many parents also appreciate a few weeks to unpack their gifts, wash new clothes and set everything up in baby's nursery.
Because there's always a chance your little one will arrive early, having a buffer of a few weeks between your shower and due date may also give you some peace of mind.
Of course, everyone's situation is different. For some parents-to-be, their ideal baby shower timing could conflict with holidays or other big events where guests will be out of town. And if your shower is being held at an outside venue, you might be limited by the dates they have available. You'll likely also want to make sure that potential dates work for key people involved, such as close family and friends. (On the other hand, if you're opting for a virtual baby shower, scheduling tends to be a lot easier.)
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Below, What to Expect community members share how far along they were when they had their baby showers — more proof that there's no right time (or way) to celebrate a new arrival.
The best time to have a baby shower, according to parents
"With my son I was around 32 weeks. Having a sprinkle for this bub and we are doing it around the 20-week mark because we are having a gender reveal at the same time." — MrsWeird-Chalke
"With my last, I wanted an early one, but the people throwing it wouldn't do it earlier than [28 to 32 weeks] because 'they wanted me to have a belly.' It was lovely, but I would have definitely preferred it being at least a month earlier than that. For instance, if I was having one this time around, I'd be having it [at 23 to 27 weeks]. I was PLENTY big enough for 'cute belly' pics by then." — BoyMom
"I’m having twins and not allowed to fly past 30 weeks, so I’m having my shower at 26 weeks, right before the holidays and before I’m too big to enjoy everyone’s company." — CourtneyJeanne1
"I’ll be 27 weeks. There’s no right or wrong time!" — yasminpetersen
"I have potential complications that could lead to hospitalized bedrest at 30/32 weeks and a C-section around 35 weeks. Hoping that's not the case, but definitely want to be prepared if it is. I have friends who had their shower around 28 weeks, and they said it was great because they had a lot of energy still and were able to really get everything settled. I'll be 29 weeks." — jenniv624
"I’m having mine at 30 weeks so I have time to organize even if baby comes early." — beaniebaby444
"I'm doing mine slightly early due to when my mum and sister can travel to where I live... I'll be 30 weeks, nearly 31 weeks pregnant." — jenj505
"I vote [28-32 weeks]. You’re big but cute, and you have time to organize everything and decorate with the gifts." — BabyGMomToBe
"I think anywhere between 30-33 weeks is good. It gives you time to get the items you still need." — tonimoe
"We are planning one for 32 weeks. Mostly because I had my daughter at 36 weeks and I want time to get any items we still need afterwards." — zsmom_1
"I had mine at 32 weeks with my daughter and planning to have this one around the same time. I liked having enough time to buy whatever was needed after the shower without feeling rushed. Also, [it] gave me enough time to put everything away at my own pace." — mommmmmmmmmabear
"I'll be 33 weeks. That date just worked best between all the birthdays, vacations, weddings, Easter and Mother's Day. I probably would have wanted it [a little later] if I could have, but my parents weren't available! I say do whatever momma, it's your shower." — MrsA830
"I'm a STM and just fair warning... you may think about having the shower a little earlier. Maybe around 32 to 34 weeks if possible. I had a perfectly healthy pregnancy but my water broke at 36 weeks and my little guy was born 4 weeks early. I think my baby showers were around 30 to 32 weeks but there is really not [a] perfect time for it, so go with your gut." — anickerson1016
"I'll be 36 [weeks] at mine, I'm assuming I'll be uncomfortable but it's in my house so I don't have to go anywhere and I know my mom and MIL will be really good about doing everything and cleaning up." — SassaaFrass
"My job did my baby shower when I was 37 weeks. I went to a 'quick' routine doctor's appointment right before it started and my blood pressure was super high. They ended up sending me to the hospital and inducing me that day. I was never able to go back to work to enjoy the baby shower. They sent me nice pics of them eating the cake though!" — kdj0223
"Do whenever is best for you. My surprise shower was at 37 weeks with my first and that was fine but I had an extremely easy pregnancy the first time around. I wasn't expecting one and I didn't have to do anything for it or during it so it was a nice few hours rather than a pain." — AngieHW
"I'm having my shower AFTER baby is born so that everyone can meet him at once while celebrating. The shower is for him after all, not me." — Kaleyystewart
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