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How to Host a Virtual Baby Shower

How to plan an online baby shower, from the time and platform to games, gifts and a keepsake video, especially when family live in different countries.

Before you use this guide: This is general educational information, not an individual medical assessment. We do not identify a clinician reviewer on this page, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor, midwife or paediatrician.

A virtual baby shower lets friends and relatives join from anywhere, which suits families spread across different cities and countries. It can also be easier for the mum-to-be in late pregnancy, because there is no travelling. With a bit of planning, an online party can feel warm and personal.

Choose the time carefully

Time zones are the biggest challenge. Look at where your guests live and pick a time that works for most of them, even if it is not perfect for everyone. For example, a mid-morning start in the UK is mid-afternoon in much of India and evening in parts of Australia. Offer to record the event for anyone who cannot attend live.

Pick a video platform

Choose a video call service that most guests already know how to use, and test it beforehand. Send the link with the invitation and again on the day. Make sure the host can mute guests and use breakout rooms if you want to play team games.

Keep it short

Online parties tire people out more than in-person ones. Aim for 60 to 90 minutes, with a clear plan:

• 10 minutes: welcome, introductions and a toast.
• 20 to 30 minutes: games and activities.
• 10 to 15 minutes: wishes, advice and messages for the parents.
• 10 to 20 minutes: gift opening, if the mum-to-be wants it, and an informal catch-up.

Games that work online

• Baby Shower Bingo, using a printed or digital card.
• Baby Trivia, with a quiz in the chat or on screen.
• Emoji Nursery Rhymes, shown on a shared screen.
• Baby Photo Match: guests send in baby photos beforehand.
• A scavenger hunt for items around the house.
• Who Knows Mummy (Mommy) Best?, using answers prepared in advance.
• A prediction jar, collected by message or an online form.

Gifts and registries

• Share the registry link and ask guests to ship gifts to the address on it.
• Ask guests to send gifts a few days before the event, so they are there on the day if the parents want to open them.
• Suggest digital gifts, such as a voucher, a book subscription or a contribution to a group gift.
• Remind overseas guests that customs and delivery times can take longer.

Make it personal

• Ask each guest to record a 30-second video wish, and edit them into one keepsake video.
• Create a shared photo album or online guest book.
• Send a small party box with a card, a treat and a printed game sheet to the mum-to-be and a few close guests.
• Ask everyone to wear something in the theme colours.

A hybrid party

If most guests are in one place and a few are abroad, set up a laptop or tablet at the party so remote guests can join. Place it where they can see the guest of honour, and appoint one person to look after the screen so nobody feels forgotten.

Tech tips

• Do a test run with the host and the mum-to-be.
• Use a good light and a quiet room.
• Have a back-up way to contact guests, such as a group chat, in case the link fails.
• Be gentle with guests who are not comfortable with video calls.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.