Baby Shower Planning Tasks: What Really Needs to be Done!

I have compiled the following list to act as guideline to follow throughout the entire planning process. Please keep in mind that this is a rather detailed list. For a summarized week by week printable version please see the baby shower checklist.

1. Communicate to the new mother or pregnant mom-to-be that you would like to throw her a baby shower. Find out the best possible date and time for her. Please keep in mind that, above all else, you want the baby shower to be enjoyable for her. If the baby is brand new it is a good idea to wait a while. I recommend waiting until the baby is at least six weeks old. The first six weeks of a baby’s life are extremely stressful and sleepless, for both the baby and the mother.

If you would like to throw a baby shower for a pregnant mom I suggest you wait until after her first ultrasound, to make sure everything is okay, and about twelve weeks before the baby is born, in order to shower her with gifts before she has a chance to purchase a lot of the necessities herself.

If you are planning on throwing a surprise baby shower than you should communicate to either the mother’s husband or close friend or relative your interest. This person can help you with the planning process, and the surprise aspect.

2. Collect a list of friends, relatives, and co-workers you wish to invite to the shower. Determine if any other showers are being planned, or have already taken place to make sure that you don’t invite all of the same guests who have already attended a shower for the mother.

3. Now that you know approximately how many guests you will have you should determine your budget. We all have our limitations, and throwing an event such as a baby shower can be more costly than you think. You should allocate your funds to decorations, the menu, prizes, and gifts and try to stick to that budget.

4. Brainstorm ideas regarding the baby shower theme. To help you with this task I suggest you not only consider the baby’s gender, but try and think about the mother:

What suits her personality?
What does she like?
How is the baby’s nursery decorated?
What are the mother’s favourite colors?
What type of activities or games does the mother like?

5. Set a date. As stated above, consider how far along the mother is in her pregnancy, or the age of the new baby. Get an estimate of the number of guests that can attend the shower. If not enough can make it you may want to change your date to a more convenient date.

6. Shop for and purchase your baby shower decorations. I suggest you do most of your shopping online, and try to make most of your purchases from the same store, or chain of stores.

7. Make or buy your baby shower invitations and make sure you send them out at least four to six weeks before the date of the party.

8. Plan the menu. Search for baby shower recipes or recipes that would be suitable for a pregnant or nursing mother. For example, I do not recommend that you serve alcohol. Try and find a helper to assist with meal preparation, or to bring some of the food.

9. Plan a list of baby shower games to play and other activities that will stimulate conversation amongst your guests.