The tradition was started by a German American, Franz Schauer, in the 18th century. Schauer was a silversmith and merchant who encouraged gift-giving among the upper classes of New York City.[citation needed]

Traditionally, a baby shower is held only for the mother-to-be, and only women attend. The original intent was for women to share wisdom and lessons on the art of becoming a mother. Sometimes men attend baby showers and they give their lessons and wisdom as much as women.

Many people choose to have baby showers for both parents, and some people have a men-only shower. In Russian, Jewish and Ethiopian tradition, a celebration and gift reception is held only after the birth of a child.

Traditionally, baby showers were given only for the family's first child, but over time, it has become more common to hold them for subsequent or adopted children.[citation needed] Even when a shower is held for only the first child, it is not uncommon for a parent to have more than one baby shower, such as one with friends and another with co-workers.

Baby showers have been recently introduced to countries such as the UK, Australia, France, Slovenia, and other European countries. Businesses are starting to respond. In some countries, shops and websites provide Newborn lists (compare wedding registry), where the parents select the gifts that they need for the baby to avoid duplicate or unwanted gifts.

Baby showers are increasingly popular in Africa, Asia, and Latin America but are "women-only" social gatherings. In Hindu tradition, they are called by different names depending on the community the family belongs to. In northern India it is known as godbharaai, in western India, especially Maharashtra, this celebration is known as dohaaljewan, and in West Bengal it is called saadh. In Southern India, in Tamilnadu/Andhra Pradesh it is called seemantam and is held when the woman is 4th or 6th or 8th months of pregnancy. These three types of celebrations are very similar to each other and are "women-only" events. There is music played, and the expecting mother is decked in traditional attire with lots of flowers and garlands made of Jasmine or Mogra. A swing is decorated with flowers of her choice, which she uses to sit and swing. At times there are symbolic cut-outs of Moons and Stars that are put up. There are blessings showered on her by the elderly ladies from the household and community. There are gifts given to the expecting mother. It is a very affectionate and fun-filled event for most of the expecting mothers since they are on the threshold of motherhood and entering a new life.

In Costa Rica, a baby shower party is called té de canastilla.

While there are no established guidelines for what constitutes a baby shower, there are some traditional activities that are common at baby showers. Traditionally, the shower is given for the expected parent(s) by someone else as opposed to the parent(s). Usually, the mother's maid of honour or bridesmaids at her wedding hosts this final event into motherhood. There are favours, gifts, and games that are all coordinated by the host(s). Invitations are sent out, by the organizers, on behalf of the Mother/Parents, which is just like at a traditional bridal shower. Because the party centers on gift-giving, the baby shower is generally arranged by a close friend.

There is no set rule for when or where showers are to be held, and the party can thus be held at a variety of places and at various times. It is common for the host to provide baby-themed games during the shower.In some regions, it is common to give party favours, which are small gifts for the guests. Typically, newborn-related gifts are purchased for the new mother-to-be. Anything from diapers, bottles, rags, clothes and toys are acceptable and common gifts.

Baby showers, like bridal showers and bachelorette parties, are more open to new ideas, concepts, themes, games, and changes in etiquette. For instance, once it was unacceptable in America for guests to rub the expectant mother's abdomen. Beginning in the 1970s, however, if permitted by the mother and if asked politely, "tummy-rubbing" is now a baby shower event.[citation needed]