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The Daily Insight

How long before a baby is due Should you have a baby shower?

Author

Ava Mcdaniel

Updated on March 17, 2026

There's no hard and fast rule, but many baby showers happen one or two months before the baby's due date. Throwing the shower sooner is fine, too; maybe there are scheduling constraints or concerns about the baby arriving early, for example.

How soon before your due date should you have your baby shower?

When should you plan a baby shower? Baby showers are typically held four to six weeks before the baby's due date—late enough that the pregnancy is well along, but likely early enough to avoid an untimely arrival.

Who pays for a baby shower?

The hostess traditionally pays for the baby shower and its associated costs. However, the hostess can divide up the responsibility and costs by asking a few close family members or friends to co-host. This helps to reduce the overall expense and alleviates some of the financial obligation of hosting a baby shower.

Is 2 weeks before due date too late for baby shower?

A baby shower takes a lot of planning, and sometimes, we just don't have the energy either in the first, second, or third trimester. The truth is, there is no set date or time as to when you should have your baby shower. Birth is so unpredictable.

Is baby shower at 36 weeks too late?

Don't Schedule It Too Early or Too Late

A baby shower should not be held before the 20-week mark in pregnancy. Showers held too late, after 38 weeks, run the risk of the baby joining you for the baby shower.

Baby Shower Etiquette

Is 37 weeks too late for a baby shower?

When it comes to the timing of baby showers, some people say you should have it earlier than 37 weeks. Yet, others will tell you there is no problem with having a shower so close to the due date. Typically, the preference for a baby shower is between weeks 32 to 35, but this isn't a strict rule.

How much does the average baby shower cost?

How Much Does the Average Baby Shower Cost? An in-person baby shower's average cost can range anywhere between $100-1000, and a virtual shower averages about $20 to $200. Still, it largely depends on the venue, the number of guests in attendance, and what choices you make with things like party favors or prizes.

Are baby showers tacky?

A baby shower hosted or 'thrown' by the parents themselves is considered tacky, but if thrown by someone else, it's more 'socially acceptable'. There is no set rule stating that a baby shower is tacky (regardless of whom it is thrown by) – it is simply a matter of opinion.

Is it OK to throw your own baby shower?

Can you throw your own baby shower. Typical baby shower etiquette dictates that the parents-to-be shouldn't throw their own party since doing so could be perceived as asking for gifts.

Is 2 months before due date too early for baby shower?

There's no hard and fast rule, but many baby showers happen one or two months before the baby's due date. Throwing the shower sooner is fine, too; maybe there are scheduling constraints or concerns about the baby arriving early, for example.

Is 32 weeks too early for a baby shower?

Traditionally, baby showers are held in the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy. The beginning of the third trimester, from 28 to 32 weeks, is a great time for a baby shower!

Is 31 weeks too early for a 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.

What kind of food do you serve at a baby shower?

Whether you plan on having only finger foods or an entire menu at the baby shower, here are some ideas for the savory food:

  • Crudité platter. ...
  • Cheese plate. ...
  • Olives and pickles. ...
  • Swedish meatballs. ...
  • Chicken satay. ...
  • Egg or spring rolls. ...
  • Veggie sushi. ...
  • Deviled eggs.

Should guests pay for baby shower?

Traditional etiquette rules

Traditionally for an in-person shower, a friend or relative hosts the baby shower and pays for the costs.

What is a sprinkle shower?

What is a baby sprinkle or a baby sprinkle shower? A baby sprinkle is a type of baby shower to celebrate a family's second child. Instead of a traditional shower, the gifts are often diapers, wipes and a few outfits since many families who are expecting their second child already have a lot of the gear they'll need.

What should you not do at a baby shower?

These first tips are for the lovely hostesses. Remember, this event is about what the mom-to-be wants.

  • Do not forget to go over the menu with the mom-to-be. ...
  • Do not let the mom-to-be do any work! ...
  • Do not play the measure the belly game. ...
  • Do not forget to pre-approve games with the mom-to-be. ...
  • Do not forget to take pictures.

Why is a second baby shower called a sprinkle?

The name says it all: Instead of a bigger party where first-time parents are showered with gifts, a baby sprinkle is a more casual, relaxed gathering where the guests of honor are "sprinkled" with support and potentially smaller gifts.

WHO plans a baby shower in 2021?

WHO PLANS A BABY SHOWER? A baby shower is most commonly hosted by a close family member or friend. It could be your sister, mom, in-laws, cousin or one of your best friends. Perhaps, two people can co-host the event together.

How much should I spend on a 2020 baby shower gift?

We recommend a budget of $50 to $150 depending on how close you are to the expecting parents. When choosing the gift, it will always go a long way if you opt for buying something unique and/or highly useful.

How much does a baby shower cost for 30 people?

How much should a baby shower cost per person? Depending on the venue and food you choose, you're looking at between $15-$30 a head for a traditional shower, again though, we can help you cut down costs and make this number more like $3-$5 per person.

Is 30 weeks a good time for baby shower?

Traditionally, baby showers are held in the third trimester of pregnancy from 28 to 32 weeks. This is because this is a great time to start planning and hosting your event. Mom-to-be is comfortable and mobile enough to enjoy herself but is still weeks away from labor.

Is 6 months too early for a baby shower?

Typically, people throw showers early-ish in the third trimester. That's somewhere between the six- and eight-month mark (between 24 and 32 weeks.) You might do yours somewhere in that range, but you can also do it at another time if that works better for you.

Is it rude to not open gifts at a baby shower?

As much as guests would love for the mom-to-be to open their gifts, proper etiquette is respecting her wishes and not asking her to open the presents during the shower. Once one gift is opened, a chain reaction will start and everyone will want theirs opened too.

Do you have alcohol at a baby shower?

It's not uncommon for light alcoholic beverages to be served at a baby shower. After all, often guests at a baby shower may be meeting one another for the first time, and a little alcohol can help people open up. But a baby shower drink is not a reason to over-indulge.

What order do you do things at a baby shower?

A baby shower usually lasts 2-3 hours. Budget about 30-45 minutes at the beginning for guests to arrive, nibble on some food, and mingle with one another before the games / entertainment begin. Spend the next 30-45 minutes playing games. And the rest of the time having cake and opening gifts.