Baby shower .... When?

[nervoussam]

How many weeks were you when you had your baby showers? Is there a "proper" time to have them? I think it's a bit strange to have them too early but looking at how dates lie, that might be the case for me, hence asking for the consensus.

Thanks all!

[BennyTheBall]

Never.

[expatinscotland]

Never.

And you never throw them yourself

[Buzzardbird]

Never also

[Sparklingbrook]

Never.

Totally unnecessary.

[crayfish]

Another never! And yes, don't throw one for yourself.

[CinderellaFant]

Never!

[nervoussam]

Not throwing myself! My sister is but she's asked when I'm free for it....

[Sparklingbrook]

Tell her you are not free, ever for a baby shower..

[Nicnak2223]

I'm in the never group too, but the ones I've attended have been 34 weeks ish I think

[DillyDingDillyDong]

I had three

1st was a surprise at five months as my friend was moving to another country and wouldn't be here for closer to the due date. 2nd was with work when I left to go on maternity leave, but I didn't arrange that one either. I was expecting a meal in a local pub and when I turned up the place was decorated and there were presents everywhere! 3rd was another surprise thrown by DH's work. He works with a lot of women and they decided to invite us both for a meal and sprung the baby shower on us!

I threw one for my sister when she was eight months pregnant. I have been to ones from about seven months onward. Last one I went to, the baby was born two days later.

I understand that some can be grabby but I think they can be lovely opportunities to see friends and family before your whole world turns upside down! It's not usually the done thing to throw your own one, but if that makes you happy and the people you care about want to come then go ahead and do it whenever you want! And enjoy yourself!

[BennyTheBall]

Yes, tell your sister you will never be free for one.

[nervoussam]

Thanks for an actually helpful response dillydong! Although like I said, I'm not throwing myself one, I have enough on my plate! My sister wants to (as I did one for her) but it can't be a surprise otherwise there's a good chance I wouldn't be able to make it myself! So she's asked when I'm free so I was wondering what the done thing was regards how many weeks people were.

Lot of negativity out there, jeez, it's only a party!

[Tiggeryoubastard]

I've never known them be the 'done thing'. So I'd also be saying never.

[clam]

There is no "done" thing over here, because they're widely considered to be a grabby American import.

[curlywillow]

There is no "done" thing over here, because they're widely considered to be a grabby American import.

^ This

[Buzzardbird]

I take it you are American then?

[GinAndOnIt]

The thing that confuses me about baby showers is, if you take a present to the shower, do you not take a present when you first visit the new arrival? It would seem weird to turn up empty handed on first visit - or do you have to buy two gifts?!

[Sparklingbrook]

I believe there's often a list.....

[Tiggeryoubastard]

A list? Fucking he'll now that IS grabby! Utterly hideous.

[Buzzardbird]

Are you doing a baby reveal cake?

[Acunningruse]

What rude and unhelpful replies. Yes I'm sure on Mumsnet no one ever has a baby shower and hand knits all their own baby clothes from organic cotton but back in the real world...a baby shower is a widely accepted and enjoyable event.

OP I had a baby shower when pregnant with DC1 and I was 7 months pregnant. Most I've been to the woman has been at least 7 months I would say.

[Buzzardbird]

You must have this cake...

[curlywillow]

A baby shower isn't a widely accepted event though. Not in the UK. Its a phenomenon that has sprung up over the past few years as a result of the internet. A bit like school proms requiring limos, a day of pampering and preening, a wrist corsage and a prom present.

[Rozdeek]

Everyone I know except me has had a baby shower. None of them are American.

[Jackie0]

It really isn't the 'done thing ' at all.
Not yet anyway and not in the UK.
I know it causes a lot of judgy pants on MN, but for good reason.
I also don't know if guests have to buy 2 gifts, how does that work?
Many years ago I was invited to a hen party and we had to bring gifts, I was so confused , I ended up just giving her her wedding present