Baby and child

How to plan a baby shower: when, who and how

3 October 2026 · 3 min read

A baby shower is held four to eight weeks before the due date, usually hosted by a friend or a sister of the mother-to-be. You invite the people closest to the parents, you plan a relaxed afternoon with food, a few games if you like and the gifts, and you send the invitation three to four weeks ahead so everyone can be there. The secret of a calm shower is a short guest list and one invitation that holds everything. Below is the order of things.

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When?

Four to eight weeks before the due date: late enough that the pregnancy is well along, early enough that the baby is not there yet. Pick a weekend afternoon, two to three hours, and an end time; the mother-to-be will be glad of it.

In Belgium and the Netherlands the more common party is the babyborrel or kraamfeest, held after the birth so family and friends can meet the baby. That invitation is prepared ahead and sent once the date is known.

Who comes?

The people closest to the parents: family on both sides, close friends, perhaps a few colleagues. Fifteen to thirty guests is plenty. Whoever hosts makes the list together with the parents, so nobody is forgotten and nobody is invited twice.

One afternoon, one host

One host keeps it simple: one person who sends the invitation, collects the replies, buys the food and keeps the time. Co-hosts help on the day. Put the host's name on the invitation, so guests know who to reply to and who to ask about gifts.

What do you prepare?

Keep it simple; nobody comes for the buffet:

Coffee, tea, something cold, and something sparkling for whoever wants it.
Cake or pastries, and something savoury for the afternoon.
A comfortable seat for the mother-to-be, away from the door.
One or two games, if the group likes that; none, if it does not.
A moment for the gifts, with someone writing down who gave what.

The invitation: set up ahead, sent as one link

Make the invitation as soon as the date and the venue are set: pick the style, write the text, prepare the guest list. Share one link three to four weeks ahead. At YourInvited guests reply in the invitation and the host sees who is coming; the reminder goes automatically to whoever has not answered. With the Gift list module (€9,99 per event) you add a registry, so nobody buys the same thing twice.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to throw a baby shower?

No. Many parents prefer a party after the birth, when family and friends can meet the baby. Do what suits you; the invitation works the same at any moment.

Do you invite children?

Usually yes: nieces, nephews and the children of friends belong. Say so in the invitation, and plan something for them: a corner with toys, or the garden.

What goes on the invitation?

Who the shower is for and who is hosting, whether it is a surprise, the date with start and end time, the address, a theme if there is one, a gift tip or registry, and by when you expect a reply.

Make your own invitation?

Pick a style, add your own text and photos and share one link. Starting is free; a paid style costs €4,99 or €7,99 once, per event.