Baby Shower Planning (Part 1)

I'm getting ready to help with some baby showers this year. I've found so many fun ideas, I thought I'd organize some them here. If you are planning a shower, this is a good step-by-step guide to planning a shower.

Here are the first steps to planning a baby shower:

1. Talk to the Mom-to-Be



Ask if she is having a shower. If she is not, offer to host one. If she is already having a shower, you could offer to help the person that is hosting. Many moms-to-be have multiple showers - one for co-workers, one for family, etc. You may want to specify what type of shower you are offering to host/help with.

Also, ask the Mom-to-Be to start compiling an invitation list.

2. Pick a Date



Find a date that works for both you and the mom-to-be. You may also need to check availability of the grandmothers-to-be, anyone that will be helping you host the shower, and if necessary, the location where you will be holding the shower.

I recommend picking a date that is at least 1 month out to give you enough time to get everything ready.

I also recommend holding the shower when the mom is between 28 and 36 weeks pregnant. By 28 weeks everyone knows about the pregnancy, the mom-to-be has probably thought about registering, nursery colors, etc. After 36 weeks, most moms-to-be are tired and you run the risk of having the baby come early. I have a friend who was in labor during her planned shower - it is a pain to have to call everyone the morning of the shower to cancel it. Having a shower by 36 weeks also gives the mom-to-be time to organize, wash, set up the things she gets from the shower before the baby comes.

3. Find out the Mom-to-Be's Preferences for the Shower



Doing this upfront can really help the shower be a positive experience for everyone. Here are some questions to ask:

a. Where are you registered? Target, Walmart, Babies R Us, and Amazon.com are just a few places that offer baby registries.

b. What do you need or want for the baby? You might find out the mom really wants books or clothes and be able to work that into the theme.

c. What foods have you craved with this pregnancy? Have you had any food aversions?
I once hosted a shower for someone that had a food aversion to meat. I made a delicious Chicken Bowtie Caesar Salad, but she had to pick around the chicken. I should have checked on food aversions so I could accommodate the guest of honor!

d. Are there any games you've enjoyed playing at baby showers? Are there any games you did NOT like at bridal showers? I had a mom-to-be tell me about a safety pin game she'd played at a shower. I'd never even heard about it, but we did it and it was a lot of fun. I'm glad I asked. (If you want to know how to play the safety pin game, check back for Part 6, Baby Shower Games.)

e. How are you planning to decorate the nursery? Do you have any colors in mind for this baby? I' like to plan the baby shower around the nursery colors/decorations. Also, it's nice to know if the mom-to-be hates pink, for instance, before you plan a shower where everything is pink.

4. Set a Budget
Baby showers can be expensive; decide upfront how much money you are willing to spend.

Next time we'll explore some baby shower themes. Check back for each installment of this series.

Part 2: Baby Shower Themes

Part 3: Baby Shower Invitations

Part 4: Baby Shower Decorations

Part 5: Baby Shower Food

Part 6: Baby Shower Games

Part 7: Baby Shower Favors

Part 8: Baby Shower Gifts