Baby shower how long before due date

Most mothers will have at least one baby shower celebrating their first pregnancy and many mothers will have them for their subsequent pregnancies. One of the most common questions is about the best time to have a baby shower.

In years past it was common to have a baby shower at the very end of the third trimester. This worked well because most people lived near their families and travel, timing, and other considerations didn't need to be taken into account. As families more and more lived farther apart, it became more common to have a baby shower earlier in the third trimester. This is when the vast majority of baby showers occur now. Having more than one baby shower for pregnancy also is a factor in some of the parties being held earlier.

A baby shower should not be held before the week mark in pregnancy. Those things take time and energy which we are quickly running out of! 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. Of course we have to have the essentials car seat, bassinet on hand in case of early delivery. 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.

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. 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. 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.

Having a sprinkle for this bub and we are doing it around the week mark because we are having a gender reveal at the same time. For instance, if I was having one this time around, I'd be having it [at 23 to 27 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. Destination: Consider what mum-to-be loves to do. Would she love unwinding with her loved ones at a day spa? Or prefer getting creative at a crafts workshop? Here are some theme ideas:. Check out even more baby shower theme and decoration ideas to find the perfect one. The number of guests depends on your budget, the space available at the venue, and who the mum-to-be would like to have there.

At the same time, be honest about budget and venue limitations. Traditional showers were strictly ladies only, but, times have changed, and sometimes the male partner or male friends go along too. Ask the mum-to-be what she would like. You could go for pre-printed invites from your local stationary store, make hand-made invites, send an email, or create a social media event. Consider what the mum-to-be likes in terms of design and wording — would she like something more traditional, or something humorous?

Include the time, date, location, information about the gift registry if the mum-to-be is having one , and RSVP details. Ask guests to let you know about any special dietary needs. Send the invitations about four to six weeks before the shower. Create a list of RSVPs as they come in, and consider calling each guest as a reminder a day or two before the shower. There are lots of inspiring decoration ideas for you to consider when planning the baby shower.

Typically, the food table is the centre of attention in terms of decorations. Decorate the food itself, choose matching table cloth, cutlery, serving platters, and hang signage, streamers, balloons, or pennant banners near the buffet. Nappy cakes make a great centrepiece, too. Take a look at these top decoration ideas for even more specific suggestions. The food and drinks you serve can also be decorative. If the baby shower is held at a party venue or cafe, staff can help you select refreshments, or they might create a special meal for you.