When should I hold the shower?

Are you looking for some inside information on baby registry? Here's an up-to-date report from baby registry experts who should know.

When should I hold the shower? Baby shower etiquette generally dictates that the shower should be held 1-2 months before the baby is due. This gives the parents enough time to go out and shop for important items that they did not receive at the shower. You do not want to hold the shower too close to the due date, in case the baby comes early. You may instead decide to hold a “welcoming” baby shower one to three weeks after the birth of the baby (just make sure that you give the guests enough notice! You obviously will not know when this sort of shower can be held until the baby is actually born). This sort of shower is great for parents who did not want to know in advance the sex of their baby… guests will know whether to bring gifts for a boy or a girl. It is also good to hold a “welcoming” baby shower so that family and friends who are coming into town for the birth of the baby can attend, as well.

Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the hostess. It is also a good idea to have more invitations than you need. If you send invitations by mail, you want an envelope that stands out so that it doesn't look like junk mail.

The best time to learn about baby registry is before you're in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable baby registry experience while it's still free.

What should I give the guests? Part of good baby shower etiquette is making sure that the guests have a good time. After all, they deserve to have a little fun as payment for the great gift that they are giving. What you give the guests does not matter so much as the fact that you should give something. Be sure to have plenty of food and good drinks at the shower. You can send each guest home with an additional party favor as well. You can also have some lovely gifts as prizes for baby shower games.

Should fathers and men be invited to the shower? Traditionally, baby showers have been held for women, but there is no baby shower etiquette rule that states that men cannot come, too. Fathers enjoy opening presents, too! Of course, if you do decide to invite males, try to stay away from games that are too cutesy that they may not like. Try to think of foods and activities that both men and women would enjoy.


Those who only know one or two facts about baby registry can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.