The Benefits of Having a Third-Trimester Baby Shower

Traditionally, the third trimester is considered the “sweet spot” for a baby shower, and events are typically thrown 4 to 6 weeks before a baby’s official due date, often around 32 weeks. At this stage, excitement is high, and parents have a clear idea of what they still need before the baby arrives, making this a perfect time for planning baby shower ideas.

Some of the biggest advantages of having a baby shower in the third trimester include:

• Maximum anticipation – By trimester #3, expecting parents are typically in full “baby mode,” putting the final touches on the nursery and finalizing that list of potential names.
• Clearer sense of gift registry – By the seventh or eighth month, expecting parents tend to have a firmer grasp of what essentials they still need before baby arrives. Whether your healthcare provider recommended a specific name-brand breast pump or you forgot to buy winter-appropriate baby clothes, throwing a shower in the third trimester can help you specify what you still need from your guests.
• Opportunity for more maternity photos – Many parents want to spotlight their bump in baby shower photos, and it’s certainly at its most prominent in the final stretch when the guest of honor is glowing and photo-ready.
• Longer window for returns or exchanges – If your baby arrives and you find a gifted item isn’t quite right for them, you’ll still have time to make returns or exchanges after their birth.

Finally, third-trimester baby showers are simply what’s traditional for many families. If you like doing things classically, this timing might be ideal for sending invitations.

Drawbacks of Third-Trimester Baby Showers

Third-trimester baby showers are popular, but they’re not always the most practical or comfortable option. If you’re on the fence about when to throw yours, consider the following potential cons:

• Risk of premature labor – Even though early labor isn’t the norm, it can still be a possibility for some expecting parents. For instance, if you’re anticipating multiples, your risk of premature birth is much higher (according to Johns Hopkins, around 60% of twins are born before week 37). To avoid this, many expecting parents opt to plan an event that’s further away from their due date.
• Increased fatigue and discomfort – The third trimester often (though not always) comes with back pain, heartburn, fatigue, and other uncomfortable symptoms. If you’re not feeling your best, this can put a strain on the mingling, gaming, and posing for photos.
• Less time to organize gifts – The less time between your baby shower and due date, the less time you have to organize the gifts and gear you receive.

Benefits of Having a Second-Trimester Baby Shower

Third-trimester baby showers aren’t written in stone. Many people choose to have theirs in the second trimester instead, when energy levels are often higher and expecting parents might feel more present.

Some other benefits of this timing include:

• Greater physical comfort – Many expecting parents report feeling at their best in the second trimester. It’s when morning sickness usually subsides, energy levels replenish, and swelling and fatigue haven’t reached their third-trimester peak. As a result, it could mean you feel most like yourself and up for celebrating with loved ones.
• More flexibility for guests – Depending on when your due date is, planning a shower for the second trimester might be easier on guests. If your new arrival is expected to make a landing during the holidays or peak tourism months, it might be optimal to organize a shower earlier in the year for guests who’ll have to travel.
• Ideal for high-risk or complex pregnancies – If your doctor recommends more rest or activity restrictions in late pregnancy, your second trimester may be better suited for a celebration. Having a second-trimester shower can help ensure you’ll be able to participate without adding stress to your body or pregnancy.
• Less pressure before your due date – If your registry includes items you’ll need in place before your baby arrives, having a second-trimester shower can give you ample time to set them up.

Drawbacks of Second-Trimester Baby Showers

Despite the many advantages, throwing a shower in the second trimester may not be right for everyone. Some downsides to consider include:

• Reduced sense of imminence – Some parents feel more emotionally invested in their celebration when the birth is closer.
• Less clarity on what your baby needs – By the second trimester, you may not have decided which baby items you need most, or had the time to research gear and learn your preferences. If that’s the case, your registry might be less specific or customized than it would be in your last trimester.
• Less of a baby bump – If you’d like to show off your baby bump at your shower, you may not be showing to your heart’s content in the second trimester.

Post-Birth Alternatives: Baby Showers vs. the “Sip-and-See”

Not everyone wants or has the capacity to throw a shower before the baby arrives. In these cases, the Sip-and-See provides an ideal solution. It’s a celebration held after your baby is born.

At this event, guests are invited to “sip” on something light while stopping by to “see” your new baby. Expectant parents may choose to throw a sip-and-see over a baby shower for several reasons:

• They allow you to prioritize other aspects of your pregnancy – Some parents might not see a baby shower as a priority before their baby’s due date.
• They may make more sense for your circumstances – Whether due to persistent nausea or pregnancy complications, baby showers don’t always match up with your pregnancy timeline. Sip-and-sees give you the ability to celebrate at your own pace.
• Guests can meet your baby on your terms – If you want to simplify your little one’s meet-and-greets, the sip-and-see is an excellent opportunity to knock out several introductions with one event.
• Personal preference – Some families are simply more comfortable celebrating once a baby has safely arrived. Sip-and-sees also tend to have a more relaxed, low-key feel for parents who aren’t crazy about the activities, games, and fanfare involved in a typical baby shower.

If the relaxed approach of the sip-and-see sounds like more your style, you may be curious to learn more about how the event typically works:

• Timing – Most features of a sip-and-see are flexible, including their timing. Depending on what you’re comfortable with, you may want to invite guests to meet your little bundle anywhere from a few weeks to several months after their birth. This can hinge on factors including their feeding and napping routines, how your body is feeling post-delivery, and your pediatrician’s guidance.
• Setup – Sip-and-sees are usually open-house style, where guests are free to pop in and out during a given time window. Food can be potluck or buffet style, allowing for free snacking and sipping. The focus of sip-and-sees is a relaxed, peaceful meet-and-greet with your baby (as opposed to games or more structured activities).
• Logistics and precautions – Depending on seasonality and your pediatrician’s advice, it can be helpful to set clear expectations with guests before they meet your baby. This might include limiting physical contact, hand-washing, or staying home if they’re sick.

What about a baby “sprinkle”?

A baby sprinkle is the smaller, more easygoing version of the baby shower. While baby showers are typical for first-time parents, baby sprinkles are preferred by families who already have children—and, as a result, often need less baby gear. Instead, baby sprinkles are more focused on making memories and gifting essentials or sentimental mementos.

A baby sprinkle might be right for your family if:

• You already have most major baby items, like a stroller, crib, or carrier
• You need some baby gear replaced (especially if you’ve given yours away, or your older child was born a few years ago)
• You’re expecting a baby of a different sex and would appreciate some new clothing
• You prefer a smaller celebration over a typical shower

As for timing, the same factors come into play when deciding on when to throw a baby sprinkle. Ultimately, the decision is yours: You can celebrate your newest addition early, right before they arrive, or after you’ve finally met them yourself.

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