When Do You Throw a Baby Shower? Here’s the Perfect Timing

Planning a baby shower is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new arrival. It’s a chance to celebrate the parents-to-be, shower them with love (and gifts), and gather friends and family together before the baby arrives.

But if you’re the host or helping plan the event, you’ve probably wondered: When is the best time to throw a baby shower? Let’s break it down.

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1. The Traditional Time Frame: 28–32 Weeks

Most baby showers are held in the late second trimester or early third trimester — typically around the 7th month of pregnancy. This timing is ideal because:

• The pregnancy is far enough along to celebrate safely.

• The parents-to-be are still comfortable enough to enjoy the party.

• There’s plenty of time left for them to organize the gifts and prepare for the baby’s arrival.

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2. Reasons to Host an Early Baby Shower

Sometimes, hosting the shower earlier (20–24 weeks) makes sense. For example:

• Family or friends are visiting from out of town and won’t be available later.

• High-risk pregnancies may require more rest during the third trimester.

• Parents want extra time to prepare the nursery after the shower.

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3. Why Some People Have a Late Baby Shower

While less common, some baby showers happen in the 34–36 week range. This might work well if:

• The pregnancy announcement was made later.

• The parents want the celebration closer to the due date.

Just remember, scheduling this late can be tricky since babies sometimes arrive earlier than expected.

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4. Modern Twists: Virtual and Post-Birth Showers

With technology making it easier to connect, virtual baby showers have become popular — perfect for long-distance loved ones. You can host these anytime during the pregnancy.

Some families also choose to wait until after the baby is born for a “Sip and See” — a relaxed event where guests meet the newborn and celebrate together.

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5. Cultural and Personal Considerations

Traditions vary across cultures. In some places, it’s considered bad luck to have a shower before the baby is born, so celebrations happen afterward. Others may prefer multiple small gatherings instead of one big party.

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Final Thoughts

The sweet spot for a baby shower is usually 28–32 weeks, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best timing is when the parents-to-be feel happy, comfortable, and ready to celebrate.

Whether you go for an early gathering, a modern virtual event, or a post-birth party, the most important thing is to make it a joyful, love-filled day for the growing family.

 

Written By MariLuz Rojas