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, or whether 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 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 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 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 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 (optional)
* 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 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 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 Shower

* If shower is being held somewhere other than home, arrive before 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!
 

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