Quick answer: When it comes to guess the belly size game, Guess the Belly Size takes about 5–10 minutes and works with all guests. You need a ball of yarn or ribbon, scissors, a tape measure. Guests each cut a length of yarn they think will exactly circle the bump. It is a classic, and takes under ten minutes from start to finish.
Guess the Belly Size is one of the most reliable baby shower games — it is a classic, and takes under ten minutes from start to finish.
Here are the full rules, what you need, how long it takes and four variations to suit your group. 🎉
At a Glance: Guess The Belly Size Game
| Players | All guests |
| Play time | 5–10 minutes |
| Prep time | 2 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best for | Any baby shower |
What You Need
- a ball of yarn or ribbon
- scissors
- a tape measure
Everything here can be bought at a supermarket or printed at home — there is no need for anything specialist.
How to Play
- Guests each cut a length of yarn they think will exactly circle the bump.
- Line them up and compare.
- Measure the actual bump and find the closest guess.
- Closest without wrapping short wins.
Why This Game Works
It is a classic, and takes under ten minutes from start to finish.
The best shower games share three traits: they need no explaining twice, they include everyone regardless of age, and they finish before anyone gets bored. This one does all three.
Variations
Four ways to adapt it to your group:
- Use ribbon in your theme colours
- Guess in inches on paper instead, if measuring feels too personal
- Have guests guess the baby’s birth weight instead
Host Tip
Ask the mom-to-be first. Some women genuinely dislike this game, and it should always be her choice.
Prizes That Actually Get Used
Keep prizes small, useful and suitable for anyone:
- A nice candle
- A bar of good chocolate
- Hand cream
- A small potted plant or succulent
- A coffee-shop gift card
- A bottle of wine or sparkling juice
- A face mask set
Budget $5–$10 per prize and buy three to five. Anything overly themed tends to go straight in a drawer.
Fitting It Into the Afternoon
Two or three games is the right number for a 2–3 hour shower. A running order that works:
- Arrivals (0:00–0:30) — a drop-in activity such as advice cards
- After food (1:00) — your main game
- Before cake (1:30) — one quick second game
- Gift-opening (1:45) — bingo, if you are playing it
More than three games and guests start checking their phones. Fewer than two and the afternoon drifts.
Keep Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play guess the belly size?
Guests each cut a length of yarn they think will exactly circle the bump. Line them up and compare. It takes about 5–10 minutes and works with all guests.
What do you need for guess the belly size?
A ball of yarn or ribbon, scissors, a tape measure. Everything can be bought at a supermarket or printed at home.
How long does guess the belly size take?
About 5–10 minutes, with roughly 2 minutes of preparation beforehand.
How many games should a baby shower have?
Two or three, plus one drop-in activity for guests who prefer not to join group games. More than three and people lose interest.
What are good baby shower game prizes?
Small, useful items anyone would want: a candle, good chocolate, hand cream, a succulent or a coffee gift card. Budget $5 to $10 each and buy three to five.
Guess the Belly Size works because it is simple to explain and quick to finish — which is exactly what a shower game needs to be.
For more, see our baby shower games and printable games. 💕
