A baby shower is a celebration of new life. The best showers are well organized from the start. The adorable themes, fun activities, delicious bites, gifts and photos moments all come together to create a beautiful memory that can last a lifetime. Knowing what to do and when is priceless, especially if it's your first rodeo. To help you out a bit, we've created a baby shower checklist that you can use to get things rolling:

Three Month Before the Shower:

• Determine who will host the shower. Nowadays, it's perfectly acceptable for a close relative or friend to host or co-host a baby shower. Though unusual, it is not unheard of for a mother-to-be to host her own shower
• Select a date and time. As a rule of thumb, a baby shower should not be held before 20 weeks or after 38 weeks in pregnancy. Most showers are held 4 to 6 weeks before the baby's due date (between week 32 and 34) - this is late enough to ensure that the pregnancy is coming along well but early enough to avoid an unannounced baby shower guest
• Determine a budget
• Select a venue
• Finalize the guest list. Remember, a shower should be a drama-free occasion, so be sure to only invite guests who would happily celebrate the mother-to-be and buy her a gift. It's probably a good idea to consult with the guest of honor and let her invite whomever she wants as well
• Confirm the baby’s gender and decide on the color palette. If the parents have decided not to know the gender, choose a mixed (like light blue and pink) or neutral (like yellow or green) palette
• Choose a theme for the baby shower. Elephant, Oh-baby, and Nautical themes are most common, which means that it will be fairly easy to find matching decorations and supplies. Still, don't be afraid to try something new
• Decide if you will invite your guests by telephone, digitally (Facebook, Messenger, Whatsapp, etc.) or if you want to order or create physical baby shower invitations. If you do decide to order or create physical baby shower invitations don't forget to include the matching thank you cards

Two Months Before the Shower:

• Check for a Gift Registry. Consult with the parents to find out there to find out if they have created a gift registry. If there is an existing registry, get the name of the store and the name it is registered under so that you can share this information with guests later
• Send out invitation. Send your invitations to everyone you want to attend the shower so that they have ample time to RSVP. Be sure to include detail directions for the location of the shower
• Officially Notify Guests of Gift Registry. Notify all baby shower guests of the gift registry so that they can start their gift shopping early
• Start planning for decorations and ordering items that will take a while to arrive
• Begin menu planning or select a caterer. Low-stress finger food is best

One Month Before the Shower:

• Order the cake or cupcakes
• Plan Games and Entertainment. Plan out baby shower games, order baby shower favors and baby shower game prizes
• Reserve party rental supplies.
• Find a volunteer to be the designated photographer for the day

Two Weeks Before the Shower:

• Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d
• Put together the baby shower favors and game prizes
• Confirm your reservation for the party rental supplies just to be sure
• Confirm that the cake is ordered and the details (like filling, spelling of name, and color) given to the baker are correct
• Designate someone to pick up the mother-to-be on the day of the shower
• Organize a day-of agenda and ensure you have a few extra hands to help out
• Visit the venue for the shower to plan the decor and determine how furniture will be arranged

One Week Before the Shower:

• Shop for beverage items, serving supplies (utensils, napkins, cups, & plates) and any food items that can be bought in advance
• Designate who will record the gifts at the baby shower for the mother-to-be

Two to Three Days Before the Shower:

• Finish shopping for perishable menu items and additional beverage items as needed
• Communicate with your co-hosts and other designated persons to make sure that all the details are taken care of

One Day Before:

• Prep food
• Pick up the cake
• Set up the party space

Day Of The Baby Shower:

• Prepare last minute menu items
• Assemble food and drink
• Designate a place for the gifts
• Enjoy the party

We wish you infinite moments of joy with your new baby! Feel free to contact a BN baby products specialist today with any questions you may have.

Happy Shopping!