What is a Baby Shower? How to Plan, Who to Invite, and More

A baby shower is one of the most exciting pre-baby milestones there is. But if you're not sure exactly what one is — or how to pull one off — we've got you covered.

Whether someone's throwing one for you, you've been asked to plan one, or you're just trying to figure out what all the fuss is about, here's everything you need to know.

In this article: 📝

What is a baby shower?

A baby shower is a celebration held in honor of a mom-to-be (and her incoming little one 🍼). Friends, family, and loved ones come together to shower her with gifts, good food, and — most importantly — all the love and support she deserves before her world changes forever.

Think of it as a party and a practical head start. Babies need a lot of stuff, and a baby shower is the community's way of helping out with that. Diapers, onesies, a bassinet, maybe a fancy diaper bag — it all adds up fast. A shower helps take the edge off.

But beyond the gifts? It's really about making mom feel seen, celebrated, and surrounded by her people at one of the biggest moments of her life. ❤️

Why is it called a baby shower?

Good question. No, there's no actual water involved. 😄

The name comes from the idea of showering the mom-to-be with gifts and good wishes. The tradition of gathering around expectant mothers to offer support, gifts, and blessings actually dates back centuries — from ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures to elaborate Renaissance-era celebrations where mothers were gifted fine food and clothing.

The modern baby shower as we know it really took off in the United States after World War II. With the post-war baby boom in full swing, families started throwing bigger, more festive gatherings to celebrate new arrivals. Baby registries eventually followed, so everyone could coordinate (and nobody ended up gifting twelve identical onesies 😅).

Today, baby showers are celebrated all over the world — though they go by different names in different cultures. In Brazil, it's a chá de bebê (baby tea). In India, a similar ceremony called godbharaai has been practiced since ancient times. The details vary, but the heart of it is always the same: community coming together for mom and baby.

What happens at a baby shower?

Every baby shower is different, but most involve a winning combination of:

🍰 Food and drinks: Good food is non-negotiable. Think elegant finger foods, a gorgeous cake, fresh mocktails (for the mama-to-be), and maybe a mimosa or two for the guests.

🎁 Gift opening: This is the main event. Mom unwraps her registry picks and (hopefully) the things she actually needs — diapers, baby gear, nursery essentials, and the occasional wildly cute outfit.

🃏 Games: Optional but often hilarious. Baby shower games are a great icebreaker and give everyone something to bond over. (More on those below 👇)

🥂 Speeches and cards: A chance for the people who love her most to say so. These moments tend to hit differently when you're heavily pregnant and running on emotions. 🥹

What are baby showers for?

At their core, baby showers serve two purposes: emotional and practical.

On the emotional side, pregnancy can be overwhelming, isolating, and a lot. A baby shower is a reminder that mom isn't doing this alone — she has a whole village behind her.

On the practical side? Babies are expensive. A baby registry helps guests gift things that will actually get used, and a well-stocked shower can save new parents hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in those first few months.

Who throws a baby shower?

Traditionally, baby showers were organized by a close female friend or family member — a sister, an aunt, a best friend, or a group of friends chipping in together.

But honestly? The rules here are pretty flexible these days.

It could be co-workers. It could be the partner's family. It could even be the mom-to-be herself, if she wants to take the reins. There's no wrong answer — whoever loves her and wants to celebrate her is the right person for the job.

Who pays for a baby shower?

Traditionally, the host pays for the baby shower — so whoever's throwing it covers the cost. Simple enough.

But in reality? It's rarely just one person footing the bill these days. It's increasingly common for a group of friends or family members to split the costs between them, which makes the whole thing a lot more manageable (and honestly, a lot more fun to plan together).

If you're the host and the budget is feeling tight, don't stress. There's no rule that says a baby shower has to be expensive to be special. A potluck-style spread, digital invites, and a handful of close friends can be just as meaningful as a catered affair — sometimes more so.

And if you're the mom-to-be wondering whether it's okay to contribute to your own shower costs? That's totally fine too. Do whatever works for your situation. There are no shower police.

👉 Want more on this? Baby Shower Etiquette

Who comes to a baby shower?

Whoever mom wants there — full stop.

Traditionally, baby showers were female-only affairs. But that's shifted a lot. Co-ed showers are increasingly common, and honestly, why shouldn't dad, a non-binary bestie, or grandpa be there to celebrate?

The guest list is totally up to the guest of honor. Just keep in mind: the bigger the list, the more complex the logistics. Keeping it to the nearest and dearest tends to make for a more intimate, meaningful day.

👉 More on invites: When to Send Out Baby Shower Invites

When should you have a baby shower?

Most baby showers happen somewhere between 24 and 32 weeks pregnant — the sweet spot where the bump is visible and exciting, but mom is (fingers crossed 🤞) past the worst of the first trimester nausea and fatigue.

Too early, and she might not feel up to it. Too late, and the third trimester aches and bathroom runs may crash the party. Plus — babies have their own schedules. You don't want to be mid-"pin the sperm on the egg" when contractions start. 😅

That said, there's another popular option: the post-birth baby shower, often called a sip and see. Guests come to meet the baby and celebrate in person. It's especially popular for second or subsequent babies.

👉 More timing info: When to Have a Baby Shower

Is a baby shower just for the first baby?

Nope — though traditionally it was.

For a second (or third, or fourth) baby, many families opt for what's called a baby sprinkle — a smaller, more low-key version of a baby shower. Think fewer guests, lighter gifting, and a vibe that's less "full registry haul" and more "let's just celebrate together."

A sprinkle makes sense when parents already have most of the big-ticket items from before. Guests might bring smaller gifts like diapers, wipes, or a personalized keepsake — and everyone still gets to celebrate the new arrival. Win-win. 🎉

How do you plan a baby shower?

Planning a baby shower doesn't have to feel like a second job. Whether you're working with a big budget or a small one, a huge guest list or just a tight-knit crew, the key is breaking it down into steps — and keeping the focus on what actually matters: celebrating mama. Here's where to start.

Pick a theme

A theme makes everything easier — it filters your decisions on decorations, food, dress code, and invites. Classic pink or blue still works, but there are so many more fun directions to go.

Safari? Mushroom forest? Retro Hollywood glam? Dinosaurs? (We're fully on board with the dinosaur option 🦖.)

👉 Inspo: Best Baby Shower Themes

Sort the venue

From a backyard to a private dining room, the venue sets the tone. Think about how many guests you're expecting and what kind of vibe mom would love.

👉 More here: Baby Shower Venues

Send invites in advance

Give guests at least 4 to 6 weeks' notice — more if people are traveling. Include the registry link so guests can start planning their gifts.

Set up the registry first

Ideally, the baby registry should be ready before invites go out, so guests have somewhere to shop right away.

How to plan a baby shower on a budget

Fun doesn't have to be expensive. Some of the most beautiful showers are also the most budget-friendly.

Simple, elegant themes — monochrome white, blush and gold, botanicals — look stunning without costing a fortune. DIY decorations can be genuinely impressive with a little creativity (seriously, look up what people do with paper flowers and you'll be amazed 🌸).

Potluck-style food, digital invitations, and a short but sweet guest list all help keep costs down without sacrificing the vibe.

👉 Decoration ideas: Baby Shower Decorations

How long does a baby shower last?

The sweet spot for a baby shower is 2 to 3 hours. That's usually enough time to eat, mingle, play a game or two, and get through the gift opening without anyone (including mama) hitting a wall.

Much shorter and it can feel rushed. Much longer and even the most enthusiastic guests start to flag — and let's be honest, a heavily pregnant woman does not need a four-hour event on her calendar.

If you've got a big guest list and the thought of a sit-down shower for 40 people sounds chaotic, a drop-in format is a great alternative. Set a wider window (say, 2–4pm), let guests come and go at their own pace, and mama gets to have more relaxed one-on-one time with the people she loves most.

One practical tip: always include a start and end time on the invite. It helps guests plan their day — and it gives you a graceful exit strategy if things start running long. ⏰

What do you do at a baby shower?

What happens at a baby shower is that you eat good food and have fun.

There’s seeing all the family and friends you haven’t seen in a while, enjoying a great lunch, and watching mom open much-needed gifts.

If this mom is a fun one, then add in some baby shower games.

Even the lame ones give everyone a great laugh.

These games are baby shower traditions!

A few of our favorite baby shower games are:

• Oh Baby True or False
• Celebrity Baby Name Game
• Baby Shower Emoji Pictionary
• Mommy or Daddy Guess Who Said it?
• Baby Trivia

Baby shower planning checklist

Planning a baby shower doesn't have to be overwhelming. Break it down into manageable chunks and it's actually pretty fun.

8 weeks before

✅ Decide on a date and check it works for the mom-to-be

✅ Set a rough budget (and figure out if costs are being split)

✅ Start thinking about theme and vibe

✅ Agree on a venue and book it if needed

6 weeks before

✅ Finalize the guest list with the mom-to-be

✅ Send invites (digital or physical) — include date, time, location, dress code if relevant, and registry link

✅ Confirm the baby registry is set up and live

4 weeks before

✅ Plan the menu — catered, homemade, or potluck?

✅ Order or plan the cake

✅ Source decorations and any DIY materials

✅ Plan games and activities

✅ Think about party favors

2 weeks before

✅ Chase any outstanding RSVPs

✅ Confirm headcount with any caterers or vendors

✅ Prep any DIY decorations

✅ Buy prizes for games

1 week before

✅ Confirm all logistics — venue, food, drinks, decor

✅ Prep a rough run of the day (arrival, food, games, gifts, speeches)

✅ Order or pick up any remaining supplies

The day before

✅ Decorate the venue if possible

✅ Prep food that can be made in advance

Day of 🎉

✅ Set up early so you're not rushing when guests arrive

✅ Have a designated gift-stacker to keep things organized during opening

✅ Have fun!

Baby showers are about so much more than gifts and games — they're about showing up for the people we love at a time when they need their community most. However you celebrate, the most important thing is that mama feels seen, supported, and ready to take on what's coming.

And if you're looking for a village that's always in your corner? The Peanut community has got you. 🥜