Planning a baby shower checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party. Whether friends or family are planning a baby shower for you, or you’re doing it yourself, here are some baby shower ideas to get you and your baby shower team started.
- Think about where to have a baby shower. A cozy get-together at home? Or renting a hall or restaurant?
- Who’s hosting the shower? Or do you want to host as a team? What’s your budget? You’ll need to save some money for when baby gets here. Read our Baby on a budget checklist for more on that.
- Consider who you’re inviting. A traditional all-female group? Or a general mixture of friends and family? It can be fun to include your partner and their friends in celebration.
- Try to pick a day that’s not too close to the baby’s due date. You’ll need to have your feet up nearer the time.
- Why not create an online gift registry? This helps to guide your friends while they are choosing a gift.
- Think of a theme: whether it’s outrageous or sophisticated—themes are fun. If you know the sex of the baby, you may want to incorporate that into the theme.
- Maybe a party isn’t your style. Consider a spa day if games and cake aren’t your thing.
- Send out your invitations with date, time, and address, a clear date for providing an RSVP, and a link to your online registry. If there’s a theme, let your guests know on the invitation.
- Confirm the guest numbers with your venue.
- Balloons, decorations, paper plates, plastic knives and forks. Buy what you need to suit your theme.
- Buy a cake or cupcakes.
- Buy baby shower favors and game prizes.
- Consider getting a photographer or ask someone to take lots of photos.
- Choose a fun mix of baby-themed party games.
- Set up the baby shower decorations in good time—you’ll definitely need someone else’s help for this.
Related articles
Your hospital bag checklist
Not sure what to pack in your hospital bag? We have put together a simple hospital bag checklist with all the essentials.
3 mins to read
Your checklist of prenatal testing questions
Baby health checks start before they’re even born. Here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider about prenatal testing.
1 min to read
C-section recovery: Things to think about
As with any surgery, C-section recovery takes time and self-care. Here are some things to have in mind to help you heal, from C-section recovery time to cleaning C-section incisions.
3 mins to read
Breastfeeding essentials
Planning to breastfeed but not sure what you’ll need? Here is a list of our first-time breastfeeding tips to help you prepare.
2 mins to read
Questions to ask at your 12-week ultrasound
Finally, your 12-week ultrasound is here! This pregnancy ultrasound is an important one and is the most accurate way to estimate your baby’s due date.
2 mins to read
Getting baby’s nursery ready
New parents may not know that safest place for baby to sleep for the first six months is in their bedroom and in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian safety regulations.
3 mins to read
Your Maternity Leave and Parental Leave checklist
It might seem a while away, but ahead of the arrival of the new addition to your family, it’s a good idea to begin preparations towards your leave and to find out what you are entitled to.
2 mins to read
How to deal with morning sickness at the start of pregnancy
Morning sickness can strike at any time of day or night, especially at the start of pregnancy.
2 mins to read
Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labour checklist
You probably think it’ll be obvious when you go into labour, but every mom’s labour is different and it usually doesn’t happen like you’ve seen in movies.
2 mins to read
Baby names help
Need inspiration for baby names? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favourite name, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet baby face-to-face.
2 mins to read
How to cope with first trimester anxiety
Suffering from first trimester anxiety? You’re not alone, 1 in 10 pregnant women experience this pregnancy symptom in their first trimester. Here’s how to keep the feelings under control.
2 mins to read
Taking baby out for the first time guide
Taking baby out for the first time can be daunting. This checklist should help make it easy for all your baby friendly days out.
2 mins to read
Working out your birth plan
Giving birth is less daunting if you have a birth plan prepared to help the day go as smoothly as possible. See our birth plan guide below.
2 mins to read
Questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment
Your first prenatal appointment is here! With so much going on, it helps to have a list of pregnancy questions on hand to ask your healthcare provider.
2 mins to read
How to cope with pregnancy pains and discomfort
As your body changes, pregnancy pains and discomfort can occur, especially in your back, legs and feet. The good news is, there are ways to ease your pregnancy aches and pains.
2 mins to read
Tips to help with breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding is a learned process—by mom and baby—and you may face some challenges in the first few months of breastfeeding.
4 mins to read
How to strengthen your baby's immune system
By Dr. Ted Jablonski, family physician
3 mins to read
Pregnancy weight gain
There are many things you can do to prepare for the delivery of a healthy baby. One of the most important things is eating right to gain the extra weight you’ll need to support another life.
1 min to read
12-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You’re coming to the end of your first trimester. Congratulations! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Related tools
Your week-by-week pregnancy calendar
Track your pregnancy week by week and learn more about your pregnancy stages, the symptoms, and your baby's development.
Baby Name Generator
Trying to find the perfect baby name? Get inspiration from our baby naming tool
Due Date Calculator
So, when are you due? It depends on the conception date—but since that’s tough to tell, here’s how to calculate your baby’s expected birthday!
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
