Fun Ways to 'Predict' Your Baby's Gender

These are all just a bit of fun - none of the methods below are scientifically proven, but that’s exactly what makes them perfect for baby shower games or a cosy evening with friends. An ultrasound is the only clinically reliable way to find out whether you’re expecting a boy or a girl, but while you wait for the official word, there are plenty of playful old wives’ tales to help you predict baby gender.

Planning a gender reveal party? These lighthearted baby gender prediction games make a brilliant pre-reveal activity for your guests. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular - and most entertaining - ways to guess whether it’s a boy or a girl.

What Is the Chinese Gender Prediction Calendar?

One of the oldest methods of baby gender prediction is the Chinese gender prediction calendar - said to be over 700 years old, making it quite possibly the oldest baby shower game in history! The method is simple: cross-reference the mother’s lunar age at the time of conception with the month she conceived to predict baby gender.

There’s no scientific evidence behind it, but it’s a fun conversation starter. Want to give it a go? Try our interactive Chinese gender prediction calendar and see what it says about your little one.

Can the Ring Test Really Predict Your Baby’s Gender?

The wedding ring test is one of the most well-known old wives’ tales around. Simply thread a ring onto a piece of string and dangle it over your pregnant bump. The tale goes that if it swings in circles, you’re having a girl - and if it moves back and forth, it’s a boy.

Looking for easy gender reveal party ideas? This one’s a crowd favourite. (It’s also a brilliant party game - put it to a group vote and see who guesses right!)

What Do Bump Shape and Cravings Say About Your Baby’s Gender?

Here are some of the most popular old wives’ tales when it comes to baby gender prediction based on how you look and what you’re craving:

• Bump shape: A basketball-shaped bump supposedly means a girl, while a watermelon shape suggests a boy.

• Carrying high or low: Carrying high is traditionally said to mean a girl, while carrying low points to a boy.

• Skin and hair: Some say a girl “steals your glow,” leaving your skin looking a little duller during pregnancy.

• Food cravings: Craving sweet foods? The old wives say it’s a girl. Can’t stop reaching for savoury snacks? That supposedly means a boy.

None of these are backed by science - they’re simply part of the fun of pregnancy. Of course, the most fun prediction of all might just be your gut feeling - and you’ll find out soon enough either way!

When Can You Find Out Your Baby’s Gender for Sure?

If you’d rather not leave things to old wives’ tales, the most reliable way to predict baby gender before birth is at your NHS 20-week screening scan - also known as the anomaly scan - which is typically offered between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy. At this appointment, the sonographer may be able to tell you your baby’s sex, though this isn’t guaranteed and depends on your baby’s position and your hospital’s policy. Some hospitals don’t routinely share this information, so it’s worth asking at the start of your scan if you’d like to know.

In the meantime, why not track your pregnancy week by week with our pregnancy calendar?

How Can You Use These Predictions at a Gender Reveal Party?

Why not turn these playful predictions into the highlight of your gender reveal party ideas? Here’s how to get everyone involved:

• Team Pink vs Team Blue: Before the big reveal, ask each guest to pick a side. Hand out pink and blue ribbons, badges, or stickers so everyone can show their prediction proudly.

• Prediction cards: Print simple cards where guests write down their guess based on bump shape, cravings, or the ring test result. Collect them all and compare after the reveal - whoever gets it right wins a prize!

• Voting jar or ballot: Set up a “pink or blue?” jar at the entrance and let guests drop in their vote. It doubles as a lovely gender reveal decoration and a keepsake from the day.

These activities work brilliantly whether you’re hosting a big party or an intimate gathering with baby gender reveal ideas for every budget. Looking for gender reveal ideas and decoration inspiration? Check out our guide to baby shower decoration ideas and themes.

Knowing your baby’s gender ahead of time isn’t a requirement, but it could help you choose a baby name or plan some brilliant baby shower games to celebrate with the people you love. Of course, if you’d rather wait, finding out at the birth is one of life’s most wonderful surprises.

However you find out - scan, surprise, or old wives’ tale - the best is still to come.