Baby Shower Planning Checklist for the Host and Mom-to-be

Baby Shower Planning Checklist

Joy of Celebrating

Create a special day that the mom-to-be will always remember. Follow the checklist below to make sure you don't forget a thing!

Share or save this page!

Note: This page may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links provide a means for us to earn a small commission. This does not impact what you pay but it helps support our work in providing you helpful information and recommendations.

The Planning List for the Host
One to Two Months Before

Decide who will host

Anyone close to the mom-to-be such as family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor can host the shower. Multiple individuals can also host the shower together.

Decide the type of party

Decide on the type of party: girls only, adults-only, kids welcome.

Decide on a theme

Ideas include animal/nature, classic children’s books, tea party, nursery rhymes, or floral. Pinterest has a lot of adorable ideas!

Set a budget

Decide how much you want to spend. If there are multiple hosts, decide who and how much each host will contribute.

Select the date and time

Typically, baby showers are when the mom-to-be is around 28-35 weeks pregnant. This allows the mom-to-be to have to time to decide what she needs for the baby but before she is too uncomfortable as she nears the end of the pregnancy. It will also give her time to set-up the nursery and get ready for the baby after the baby shower.
Most baby showers run two to three hours.

Determine a location

Some options are at a home, church, restaurant, or outside venue.
If needed, make the reservation.

Create/order your invitations

You can either mail paper invitations (fill in the blank style or printed invitations) or email online invitations.
Remember to include the name of the mom-to-be, name of the host(s), date, time, place, directions, RSVP info and deadline, and the gift registry information.
Generally, the RSVP date is around one week prior to the baby shower.

Plan your menu

Most showers are in the morning or afternoon and a light meal or appetizers and finger foods are served. Food ideas include quiches, salads, pasta dishes, dips, veggie trays, etc. Click here to see more ideas.
Decide what you plan to make and what you need to buy. You may also decide to reserve a cater instead.
Decide on the type of beverages that will be served.
Decide if you are going to buy a cake or make your own cake or desserts.
Also, decide how it will be served and if you’ll use dishware or paper products.

Plan activities and games

Visit our Baby Shower Game page for game ideas.
Purchase or create prizes for the games as well.

Plan party favors

Click here for 20 adorable baby shower favor ideas.

Determine the flow/timing of the events.

A general flow would be: Mingle time, ice-breaker question or game (optional), welcome (introductions, stories), eating, game time, open gifts, and goodbyes.
Determine who will Emcee.

Plan other décor items

Decide what you need to buy and create for your selected baby shower theme.

The To Do List for the Mom-To-Be
Two Months Prior to the Baby Shower

Create a baby registry

Amazon, Target, and Babylist are just a few of the popular options.
Click here to read more tips on creating a baby registry.

Create a guest list with addresses and email addresses

Even if you are mailing the invitations, it is helpful to have email addresses too in case you need to follow-up on late RSVPs or other info after the invite is sent.
If you only have space for a certain amount of guest, try to stay within that number.