Timeline for Planning a Baby Shower After Baby's Delivery

Many baby showers are given before the baby is born, but there are many situations in which having a baby shower afterwards is more appropriate.

Whether it's a matter of timing, the shower is for a child that's being adopted, or perhaps the shower is for a mother's second or third child, the only thing that's really different about a baby shower that's planned after the baby's arrival is the timeline.

Rather than planning this special occasion 6 to 8 weeks before the baby's expected delivery date, showers that are held afterwards are typically planned 4 to 6 weeks after the new child's arrival. This allows time for the family to settle in and develop a routine.

To make planning easier, use this baby shower planning timeline as your guide.

5 to 6 Weeks Before Baby Shower

Host and/or new mother decide a date and time for the shower, whether there will be a theme, where the shower will be held, who will be invited, and whether guests should bring gifts
Reserve the shower location, if necessary
Order/purchase baby shower invitations
Put together food and beverage list

4 to 5 Weeks Before Baby Shower

Finalize guest list, address and mail invitations
Coordinate shower games including prizes and other activities
Shop for shower favors
Shop for decorations and coordinating paper goods (streamers, centerpieces, signage, flags, etc.)
Finalize/coordinate the menu details

3 Weeks Before Baby Shower

Confirm reservation for shower if being held somewhere other than home
If holding shower at home, begin gathering ample tables, chairs, serving utensils, bowls and platters accommodate all guests and food

1 Week Before Baby Shower

Outline baby shower schedule of activities – games, food, and entertainment
Contact guests who did not RSVP so you can finalize guest count
If shower will be held at home, start cleaning
Order cake
Order flowers/floral arrangements
Begin shopping for food ingredients
Prepare foods that can be frozen
Coordinate transportation to and from location for new mother (remember she might be leaving with more than she arrived with!)

2 Days Before Baby Shower

Rearrange furniture to accommodate guests' table and chairs
Decorate
Reconfirm cake order
Reconfirm shower location details (if applicable)
Identify and decorate a gift table (if guests will be bringing gifts)
Begin prep work for food

1 Day Before Baby Shower

Finish preparing food
Finish cleaning house
Select a comfortable chair for guests of honor and position prominently
Get cameras ready
Order balloons to mark the party location
Put out garbage receptacles/bags for wrappings and other trash

Day of Baby Baby Shower

If the shower is being held somewhere other than home, arrive before baby shower begins to decorate and to check on food, drinks, cake, and other details.

Otherwise,

Arrange food and beverages on designated tables
Pick up flowers/floral arrangements
Pick up balloon bouquets
Pick up cake
Greet guests upon arrival
Stick to the schedule of activities
Try to relax and have fun too!