Ultimate Baby Shower Checklist (Free Printable)
This is the best free printable baby shower checklist.
Planning a baby shower is a special and exciting time! It’s all about celebrating new life, honoring the parents-to-be, and creating memories that last a lifetime with close family and friends. But let’s be real…planning a baby shower can be a lot of work: between the games, the guest list, and the decorations, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed.
That’s where this baby shower checklist comes in. The first baby shower I threw, I was overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Since then, I’ve created this checklist and have successfully hosted numerous baby showers with ease.
So, whether you’re the host, a best friend helping with the shower, or the mama-to-be herself taking charge (no judgment!), this baby shower checklist guide will walk you through everything you need to pull off a beautiful, stress-free shower.
And yes—I’ve included a free printable baby shower checklist at the bottom of this post to help make your planning even easier!
Why You Need a Baby Shower Checklist
Before I dive into the details about planning a baby shower, let’s talk about why using a checklist is so helpful. Baby showers (like any party) involve a lot of moving parts…food, invites, decorations, and even thank-you notes. A checklist helps you:
- Stay organized and on track
- Avoid last-minute scrambling
- Feel confident you didn’t forget anything
- Enjoy the process more (yes, please!) after all, this is supposed to be fun 🙂
Ultimate Baby Shower Planning Checklist
If you’re looking for the free printable baby shower planning checklist, scroll to the bottom of this post for the template.
6 to 8 Weeks Before the Baby Shower
Choose the Host
Typically, a close friend or family member hosts the baby shower; it really is up to the mother-to-be.
Set the Date
Aim for the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy (around 28-32 weeks). The date of the baby shower really is dependent on the mother-to-be. Be sure to check with her to finalize what date will be best.
Create a Budget
Decide how much you’re willing to spend, then break it down into categories: food, decorations, venue, games, gifts, favors, and prizes.
Book the Venue
Hosting at home? Great! Renting a space? Book it early. Parks, restaurants, and community centers are great options for hosting a baby shower (depending on the time of year).
Choose a Theme
Choosing a theme for the baby shower is always one of my favorite parts. Whether you go with classic pastels or something fun like “A Little Cutie is on the Way,” having a theme makes it easier to plan everything—you can match invites, decorations, food, and more.
Draft the Guest List
Work with the mother-to-be to create a list of everyone they want to invite. Don’t forget any coworkers, neighbors, and out-of-town family!
4 to 5 Weeks Before the Baby Shower
Send Out the Invitations
You can mail physical invites or use digital invitations (think Evite or Paperless Post). Regardless of what you choose…be sure to include the following :
- Date, time, and address
- RSVP deadline
- Registry info
- Theme (totally optional but fun!)
Plan the Menu
Will you serve a full meal or just snacks and desserts? Make sure the food works for your time of day, budget, and any dietary restrictions.
Order a Cake (or Cupcakes)
Remember to order the cake or cupcakes if you’re not baking it yourself! This is also the perfect time to consider a fun dessert table or candy bar.
Organize Games and Activities
Baby shower games like “Guess the Baby Food,” “Diaper Raffle,” or “Baby Bingo” are great ice breakers and always a big hit at baby showers. Decide which activities and games you’ll play and prep any printables or props you might need.
Plan the Decorations
Make a list of everything you’ll need, from balloons and banners to tablecloths and centerpieces.
3 Weeks Before the Baby Shower
Purchase Party Supplies
Order or pick up:
- Plates, cups, utensils
- Napkins and tableware
- Party favors
- Gift table decor
- Games and prizes
Check-In With Co-Hosts
Coordinate with anyone else who is helping to plan the shower and make sure that everything is on track.
Purchase Your Gift
This is a good time to purchase your gift. That way, you aren’t last-minute shopping and can focus on the planning details as the shower date approaches.
2 Weeks Before the Shower
Confirm RSVPs
Reach out to anyone who hasn’t responded. It’ll help you finalize food, seating, and supplies. Having a finalized headcount is super helpful.
Confirm with the Venue or Caterer
If you’re using a venue or caterer, be sure to check in with them to see that everything is in order.
Shop for Decor Items
Consider signs, garlands, florals, photo backdrops…whether you choose to go big or keep it simple, it’s time to get creative!
Make or Order the Favors
Thank your guests with something sweet. Popular baby shower favor ideas include mini candles, bath bombs, personalized cookies, or seed packets.
1 Week Before the Shower
Confirm All Orders
Touch base with vendors or stores about any cakes, catering, balloons, or rentals you’ve ordered.
Prepare the Venue (If Hosting at Home)
Do a clean sweep of the space, especially the bathrooms and entry area. Be sure to enlist help if needed!
Prep Games & Printables
Print out any bingo cards, name tags, or signage. Set aside game prizes so they’re ready to go.
Create a playlist
Put together a fun baby shower playlist to add to the vibe of the shower.
Finalize the Schedule
Plan the flow of the baby shower, including when to eat, open gifts, and play games.
1 Day Before the Shower
Decorate the Space
Set up tables, hang decorations, and get the space party-ready. Blow up balloons, hang your banner, and prep any photo areas.
Pick Up Food, Cake, Decor
If you ordered a cake or are catering food, grab it now and store it properly until the big day. This is also a good time to pick up any balloons or flower arrangements.
Set Up Favor Table and Gift Station
Make sure guests know where to place gifts and grab their party favors.
Day of the Shower
Final Touches
Light candles, start the playlist, and put out any name cards or signage. Prepare any fresh foods. Make sure everything’s just right before guests arrive.
Set Out the Games and Activities
Get all the games and activities set up and ready to go for when guests arrive.
Greet Guests
Welcome everyone and introduce them to each other if needed. Using a fun icebreaker game or activity is a great way to get guests chatting.
Keep a List of Gifted Items
Write down who gifted what to help the mother-to-be with her thank-you notes after the shower.
Enjoy the Shower!
Play games, eat, chat, and celebrate the mother-to-be. Remember to snap lots of photos (or delegate someone to do so), enjoy, and make unforgettable memories!
After the Shower
Clean Up
Enlist help or delegate tasks to make clean-up faster. Have trash bags and boxes ready for leftover decor, food, and gifts.
Send Thank-You Notes
Give the mother-to-be the list of “who gifted what” so they can send personalized thank-you notes. It’s always a thoughtful gesture and appreciated!
Free Printable Baby Shower Checklist
Grab your free printable baby shower checklist below—it’s a beautifully designed, easy-to-follow guide with everything you need in one place!
FAQs About Baby Shower Planning
Here are a few FAQs to answer common questions I often receive about throwing a baby shower:
How long should a baby shower last?
Typically 2–3 hours. That’s enough time for mingling, food, games, and gifts—without it feeling like it’s dragging on too long.
Does the mother-to-be have to open gifts during the shower?
It’s traditional for the mother-to-be to open gifts at the shower, but it’s not required. Some people prefer to skip gift-opening to leave more time for mingling and games. This is truly personal preference.
Should kids be invited?
Totally up to you and the mother-to-be! If you’re planning activities or have a small space, it might be better to keep it adults-only.
Can you have a baby shower for a second baby?
Absolutely! I have hosted many “Sprinkles”! These are very popular for second-time parents…these are typically smaller, more casual showers to celebrate baby #2 (or #3!).
Final Thoughts On The Best Baby Shower Planning Checklist
Planning a baby shower is such a fun and exciting event! It can also be overwhelming…but it doesn’t have to be. With a little preparation (and the right checklist), you’ll be able to create an unforgettable celebration that the mother-to-be will never forget.
I hope that this free printable baby shower planning checklist is as helpful to you as it has been to me.
