This updated guide helps you plan a comfortable, affordable baby shower: invite 10-20 guests, host away from the mother-to-be if possible, prioritize practical gifts (diapers, wipes, bottles), follow pregnancy-safe food rules (avoid unpasteurized cheeses, pate, raw fish), offer mocktails and nonalcoholic drinks, choose light games, and save money with DIY or potluck options.
Plan the guest list and host
Aim for 10-20 guests - enough people to celebrate without overwhelming the mother-to-be. Choose a venue that reduces her workload: a friend's home, community room, or a small event space keeps her from feeling obligated to clean, cook, or organize on the day.If guests include people who can't attend in person, set up a brief video link so distant friends and family can join for part of the celebration.
What the mother-to-be may need
Practical gifts remain the most useful. Typical items to request or include on a registry:- Diapers and wipes (multiple sizes)
- Bottles and sterilizing equipment
- Clothing and sleepwear
- Pacifiers/dummies
- Toiletries and a small hospital bag kit for mom
- Baby-care basics: lotions, thermometer, nail clippers
- Photo frames or a keepsake book for memories
Food: tasty and pregnancy-safe
Plan a mix of healthy and comforting foods. Leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains provide folate and other nutrients; include a few finger-food options for easy grazing. Expectant mothers often appreciate both a healthy selection and a few treats.Take food-safety precautions. Avoid unpasteurized dairy and soft cheeses (for example, Brie, Camembert, and some blue cheeses), refrigerated pâtés, and deli meats unless heated thoroughly. Also avoid raw or undercooked eggs, sushi with raw fish, and unpasteurized juices. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
Label dishes with common allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten) so guests can choose safely.
Drinks: celebrate safely
Limit alcohol for the mother-to-be and offer plenty of nonalcoholic choices. Create a few mocktails using sparkling water, fruit juices, and herbs. Provide bottled water and a selection of caffeine-free teas.If serving champagne or wine for others, keep separate clearly labeled glasses and offer easy nonalcoholic alternatives for the expectant guest.
Games, favors, and budget tips
Pick a few light games - guessing baby stats, baby-photo matches, or a diaper raffle - and skip anything that might embarrass the mother-to-be. Provide small party favors like scented soap, tea sachets, or baked goods.DIY saves money: homemade desserts, a potluck approach, or asking each guest to bring one item can produce a memorable day without high costs.