Baby showers have long been a cherished tradition for expecting parents—a day filled with games, gifts, and plenty of advice from friends and family. But in recent years, more and more moms-to-be are opting to skip the traditional baby shower in favor of something different, or nothing at all. This “No Baby Shower” trend is growing, and it’s easy to see why: the pressure to plan an elaborate event, the expectation of gifts, and the sometimes overwhelming amount of attention can be a lot to handle.
So, if you’re an expecting mom feeling unsure about whether or not to have a baby shower, you’re not alone. There’s no one “right” way to celebrate your upcoming baby, and it’s perfectly fine to do things your way. But is the ‘No Baby Shower’ trend the right choice for you? Let’s take a closer look at why some moms are embracing this trend and explore alternative ways to celebrate your pregnancy without the traditional baby shower.
Why Some Moms Are Saying “No” to Baby Showers
When I was pregnant with my first child, I’ll admit, the idea of a baby shower sounded fun at first. But as I thought more about it, I started to feel a little overwhelmed. Planning an event, figuring out a guest list, registering for gifts—all while navigating pregnancy—felt like a lot to take on. And I wasn’t alone in feeling this way.
Here are some common reasons why expecting moms are choosing to skip the baby shower:
1. Pressure and Expectations
The truth is, baby showers can come with a lot of pressure—both for the mom-to-be and for guests. Planning the event, coordinating with family members, and making sure everything goes smoothly can turn what’s supposed to be a joyful occasion into a stressful one. And let’s not forget the unspoken expectation of gifts, which can sometimes make things feel a bit transactional.
For some moms, this pressure is enough to say “no thanks” to the whole event. They’d rather focus on enjoying their pregnancy without the added stress of organizing a big celebration.
2. The Spotlight Isn’t for Everyone
Not all moms-to-be enjoy being the center of attention. For introverted or shy moms, the idea of sitting in a room full of people, opening gifts in front of an audience, and being the focus of games and activities can be more uncomfortable than fun. The ‘No Baby Shower’ trend allows these moms to avoid that spotlight and celebrate their pregnancy in a more low-key way.
3. Changing Traditions
As society shifts, many traditional celebrations—like weddings and baby showers—are evolving. Some modern moms are choosing to forgo the baby shower because they don’t feel connected to the tradition or they simply prefer to celebrate in a different way. They may want to focus more on meaningful connections and intimate moments, rather than a large, organized event.
4. COVID-19 and Safety Concerns
It’s impossible to ignore the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on social gatherings. During lockdowns, many baby showers were canceled or shifted to virtual formats. Even now, as life returns to a new normal, some moms prefer to avoid large gatherings for health and safety reasons, particularly when pregnancy and a newborn’s health are involved.
What to Do Instead of a Baby Shower
If you’re leaning toward the ‘No Baby Shower’ route but still want to mark the occasion in a special way, don’t worry—there are plenty of meaningful alternatives that can help you celebrate your pregnancy without the traditional fanfare.
1. Host a Sip-and-See After the Baby Arrives
Instead of a pre-baby celebration, some moms opt for a “Sip-and-See” after their little one is born. This event is more casual and often less formal than a baby shower. Friends and family are invited to drop by, meet the baby, and enjoy some light refreshments—think of it as an open house rather than a structured event.
One of the best things about a Sip-and-See is that the focus is on the baby, not the mom, which takes the pressure off of having all eyes on you. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your newborn to loved ones on your terms, when you’re ready.
2. Plan an Intimate Gathering
If you’re not keen on a large baby shower but still want to celebrate, consider a small, intimate gathering with just your closest friends or family. This could be a simple brunch, a cozy dinner, or even a relaxed afternoon tea. The goal is to keep things laid-back and personal, without the traditional baby shower games or a big gift registry.
In fact, some moms opt to skip gifts altogether and focus on spending quality time with loved ones before the baby arrives. This approach can feel more like a celebration of friendship and support, rather than a gift-centric event.
3. Virtual Celebration or Drive-By Shower
For those who want to keep things low-key but still want to involve friends and family, a virtual baby shower or a drive-by shower could be the perfect solution. During the pandemic, many expecting moms embraced these options, and they’ve continued to be popular even as things have opened up. Virtual showers are great for involving long-distance family members or keeping things intimate without needing to host a big event at home.
A drive-by shower is another creative option. Friends and family drive by your home to drop off gifts, wave, and celebrate from a distance, making it both a safe and fun way to share your excitement without hosting a traditional party.
4. Focus on Self-Care and Reflection
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate your pregnancy is by simply focusing on yourself and your own well-being. Instead of hosting or attending a baby shower, treat yourself to a spa day, take a weekend getaway with your partner, or spend time journaling and reflecting on the journey ahead. Pregnancy is a special time, and taking the opportunity to slow down and focus inward can be a meaningful way to honor it.
Is Skipping the Baby Shower Right for You?
At the end of the day, whether or not to have a baby shower is a personal decision, and there’s no wrong answer. Some moms love the idea of gathering friends and family to celebrate, while others feel that the traditional baby shower just isn’t for them. The ‘No Baby Shower’ trend is about giving moms the freedom to decide what feels right for them—whether that’s hosting an alternative celebration, waiting until after the baby is born, or simply focusing on self-care.
If you feel stressed about planning or overwhelmed by the idea of being the center of attention, skipping the shower could be a great option. Or, if you love the idea of celebrating your pregnancy but in a different way, consider one of the alternatives. Remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and supported during this special time.
So, what do you think? Are you leaning toward a no baby shower, or are you planning something else? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments!