Question: When is the best time to have a baby shower?
Having a baby shower is a lot of fun and most mothers will have at least one in their first pregnancy and many mothers will have them in their subsequent pregnancies. One of the most common questions is about the best time to have a baby shower.
Answer: In years past it was very common to have a baby shower at the very end of the third trimester. This worked well because most people lived near their families. This meant travel wasn’t something that needed to really be taken in to account.
As people have moved further away from family, it became much more common to have a baby shower earlier in the third trimester. This is where the vast majority of baby showers occur in modern times.
Occasionally each family will have a variety of reasons to hold a baby shower earlier. Some of these reasons to have a baby shower at a different time might be:
- Twins or Other Multiple Pregnancy
When a mother is expecting twins or other multiples it may be common to hold a baby shower very late in the second trimester or earlier in the third trimester. Since twins tend to come a bit earlier this can prevent mom from missing her baby shower because the babies have been born. It also is less likely that she will be on bed rest. - Religious or Cultural Beliefs
Some cultures and religions have taboos against having a baby shower before the birth of a baby. In these cases a baby shower may be held after the baby’s birth. The benefit here is that the baby can usually attend the party! - Geographic Location
If the family is scattered, it might be that you decide to have the baby shower at a time and location that can allow the most family members to attend. This will also allow the baby shower to be held at a time when the pregnant mother is most able to travel comfortably. - Seasons or Other Gatherings
Sometimes if the family is far flung, having a baby shower around a holiday or other family gathering where most people will already be together is appropriate.
Even when there are extenuating circumstances as to the timing of a baby shower, it is generally considered that a baby shower should not be held until after the 20 week mark in pregnancy.
