Baby showers are a fun way to celebrate your friend and the birth of her new baby. Planning a baby shower can be an overwhelming task if you have never done it before, but not to worry!
We’ve got an easy to follow baby shower checklist that will help organize all your ideas from choosing the baby shower venue, baby shower theme, guests list, decor, food, and games.
Grab the free printable baby shower planning checklist at the bottom of this page to download and make your baby shower planning easy!
Before you get started with the baby shower checklist, we’ve covered a few of our most popular baby shower planning questions below!
1. Use a baby shower planner to help organize your baby shower party.
2. Discuss with the new mom that you would like to host a baby shower in her honor. Find out if there are any other friends or family who would like to host the baby shower party.
3. Set a date for the baby shower with mom-to-be.
4. Ask mom-to-be for a guest list and addresses. Prepare invitations for the baby shower.
5. Establish a baby shower theme that is inspired by the baby’s room decorations or new mom’s interests.
6. Have mom-to-be to create a baby shower registry.
7. Write down everything you need for the party including invitations, baby shower decorations, baby shower games, food, cake, diapers, thank you cards, party favors, tables and chairs,
8. Delegate tasks to the co-hosts who want to help plan the shower.
9. Download the free baby shower checklist printable here!
Grandmothers-to-be, aunts, sisters, cousins, or close friends will typically throw a baby shower for mom-to-be. Sometimes co-workers will throw a small baby shower during or after work hours. It is becoming more common for mom-to-be to decide to host her own baby shower. If you have not been offered by anyone to throw you a shower, you could reach out to a close friend or family to ask if they will host a baby shower for you.
The hostess traditionally pays for the baby shower party which includes the baby shower food, decorations, games, prizes, party favors, and other party expenses. One option for reducing the cost of a baby shower is to invite close family and friends to co-host with you to share the financial responsibility of hosting the shower. Create a budget for the baby shower and then divide the budget evenly between each co-host.
baby shower invitations: invitations, envelopes, thank you cards for mom-to-be, RSVP tracker.
tableware: cultlery, utensils (silverware or plastic), glasses, plates, dessert plates, straws, coffee cups
food: cups, ice, water, punch, coffee, baby shower cake, cookies and other desserts, snack foods, menu (brunch, lunch, or dinner)
baby shower decorations: balloons, gift station, table centerpieces, mason jars, candles, flowers, streamers
baby shower games: instructions for each game, directions for the diaper raffle, baby shower game printables, prizes for winners, crayons and activity sheets for kids (if a kid friendly party), basket for drawings, diapers for this diaper activity, props for a photo booth, party favors
The short answer is yes, you can throw your own baby shower. Traditionally someone will host a baby shower for you, but there are reasons that many women feel the need to host their own baby shower. For more ideas, check out our ideas on how to throw my own baby shower!
8 Week Baby Shower Planning Checklist (Free Printable!)
This checklist was created with 8 weeks to plan for the baby shower party. If you follow this checklist, then you will have plenty of time to work out all the details. However, you can definitely plan a baby shower last minute and still create an event that means so much to new mom!
8 weeks from the Baby Shower
- Coordinate with mom-to-be to set up a date and time for the baby shower. Ask for a guest list.
- Decide if the baby shower will be co-ed or girls only.
- Create a budget.
- Choose a venue or location (someone’s house, restaurants, event center).
- Consider mom-to-be’s favorite things, style, and baby room decor. Then choose a baby shower theme that celebrates mommy and baby!
- Design/order/print invitations.
- Have mom-to-be set up baby registries.
- Decide on a menu: will you prepare food yourself or use a caterer?
- Will you need a professional photographer? Now is the time to schedule.
TIP: Ask for phone numbers and addresses when creating the guest list. Most party planners have a low return of RSVP responses, which can make planning for food difficult. It may be easier to get a response via text message. This will be super helpful when trying to stay on budget.
6 weeks from the Baby Shower
- Start planning the decor you will use for the baby shower. Search Pinterest, Etsy, & Amazon.
- Make a list of DIY items you plan to create for the party and the materials you will need to buy.
- Address and stamp baby shower invitations. Put in mail 4-6 weeks before shower.
- Decide on baby shower games, baby shower activities, and baby shower prizes. (We love this diaper raffle idea
- Place orders for any specialty items on Etsy or other sites that may take extra time to arrive.
- Make a list of ALL things you need to buy.
This is a great time to brainstorm baby shower ideas. Everything from food to baby shower games and decor. Thinking ahead will give you time to pay attention to details that will create a memorable experience for mom-to-be and your guests.
TIP: When printing printable baby shower decor, games, wall art, invitations, etc from Etsy or free baby shower printables like we offer here. We recommend printing on]heavy card stock paper when printing at home or send your items to a local print shop. You and your guests will appreciate the higher quality paper!
4 weeks from the Baby Shower
- Start preparing DIY decor items, baby shower favors, & games.
- Track RSVPs & guest count.
- Order baby shower cake/cupcakes.
- Place orders for flowers & make reservations for rentals (if needed).
- Check in with family & friends for help with decorating, cooking, & DIYs.
TIP: Co-hosting a baby shower can help you save money and time! Delegating jobs will save you time during the planning process and on the day of the shower. Take charge and let each person know what they are in charge of before the baby shower and their jobs the day of the shower.
2 weeks from the Baby Shower
- Follow up on invitations. Contact anyone who has not yet RSVP’d.
- Continue preparing any DIY items: games, baby shower favors, & decor.
- Create a timeline for the baby shower, when to open presents, play games/activities, eat, etc.
- Write down a cooking timeline. Make sure to note how long each item needs to bake in the oven, so you will have enough time.(if you are cooking the day of)
- Shop for napkins, cups, cutlery, & any serving items you need for the party.
- Plan on shopping for your baby shower gift to mom-to-be.
TIP: Check the guest of honor’s baby registry to see if there are any small things left over. I like to try and help fill a gift basket with small things from the registry that most people skip over. It’s so fun to buy the adorable outfit or lovies, but all new moms really want are the basic baby items that will make their life easier when baby comes. I fill my gift basket with a diaper pack, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, infant tylenol, and teething medicine. You know those random things you need in the middle of the night!
1 week from the Baby Shower
- Clean your house if you are hosting the party at home.
- Send reminders to anyone who is helping with the baby shower.
- Plan the room setup including places to eat, food station, gift table, drink set up, baby shower cake/cupcakes station.
- Print food label tents, seating cards, and any other printable decor you need for the party.
- Wash & prepare any serving items, plates, cloth napkins, etc that you need for the party.
- Review you checklist.
TIP: Set the tone for the party with some fun mood music. We created a fun baby shower playlist that you can follow here on Spotify or create your own!
2 days from the Baby Shower
- Begin making any food items that can be made in advance. (1-2 days before event)
- Pick up any last minute items and any perishable items such as flowers, cake, balloons, etc. (1-2 days before event)
- Do a quick clean to freshen up your home if you are hosting the party.
- Set aside serving dishes & utensils.
- Start decorating area: gift table, table cloths, & decor on the walls.
- If hosting at a venue, pack all the things you will need to take with you to the space. Make a list of all things you need to take with you.
- Charge video camera or DSLR camera
- Write a to-do list of ALL the things you need to do before the party starts.
TIP: Help mom feel special by planning a comfy chair for her to sit in while she opens gifts. Baby showers are typically 2-3 hours long, so help mom relax and get comfortable while you celebrate this new chapter in her life.
On the day of the Baby Shower
- Wake up early, shower, and get dressed.
- Review your to-do list.
- Finish prepping the baby shower decorations.
- Prepare food and place in serving trays with food lables/tents.
- Prepare beverages: punch, tea, lemonade, etc.
- Make sure someone is taking notes of gifts new mom opens.
- Enjoy the party!
TIP: Grab your camera before the guests start arriving and take pictures of the whole setup! You’ve worked hard to plan the perfect baby shower and it’s fun to see how it all comes together. Make sure to get pictures of you, co-hosts, and mommy to be. You can gift her the images later to include in a baby book.
Free Printable Baby Shower Checklist PDF
Download the free baby shower planning checklist printable pdf here! When you sign up for the baby shower checklist printable you will also receive baby shower inspiration and more step by step instructions on how to throw a perfect baby shower that everyone will love!
Grab your FREE Baby Shower Planning Checklist (Printable) to help you effortlessly plan every step of the way!
