I had that happen with one of my friends... She asked to bring this girl that she is friends with that I managed over Black Friday a year ago.. I told her she could come but I literally only talked to her that day. Hopefully it's not awkward haha.

You could say something regarding someone else planning the shower and that you are unsure of how many seats they are preparing if it really bothers you. I would be hesitant if i were the one planning it and worried about having to feed extras, especially if a lot of ppl are asking to bring extra ppl.

I dont see the big deal, i would let them come.

That just sounds bizarre, who asks to bring a guest to a baby shower? Maybe a wedding but that's even a bit rude but you could understand someone not going alone to a wedding, but not a baby shower.
Two of my friend asked about bringing kids the one said she'd rather leave him with dad and I said it didn't matter but was obviously hesitant as he is not quite 1 and needs to be constantly entertained. The other friend her little girl is only 4 months old so still on the boob so I'm fine with that.

Get the person throwing you the shower to (politely) say no...then you won't have the stress of having to do it yourself! Win-win!

Thank you everyone! I think I am just going to explain that I have a set number of people allowed. I hope they will understand.

I think the limited space/seating idea would work for the extra adults.

Not sure about what to say with the kids thing. Typically all the baby showers I've been to are during the day, ladies only and kids are welcome and even expected. It's a shower to celebrate a baby how do you tell others they can't bring theirs?

I went to one recently that was in the evening like a cocktail type party and the invite actually said no kids please. Everyone but one person complied. She brought her 5 week old. I only went because it was a close family member otherwise I'd have RSVP no thanks and maybe mailed a gift.

I'd just say no to bringing an extra friend but I know I probably wouldn't go if I couldn't bring my daughter. I don't do sitters.

That's rude I would never ask to bring a friend, I even have a babysitter for my daughter.

I would say yes.... But they have to bring a present.

Tell them no you can only accommodation a limited number of people. I'm glad I never had to deal with that. I couldn't imagine going to someone's baby shower you don't even know! With my daughter i had my husband's Sgt invite himself to my baby shower. Lol

I would say "unfortunately the place has limited space and I cannot add anyone to the guest list"

Or

"unfortunately the place requires a preliminary head count and I cannot add anyone to the guest list"

I don't have this as a dilemma yet but I am worried people will bring their toddlers as well. I just don't want screaming kids running around. My two year old will be there but he's he big brother. How do you tell people in advance to find child care?

My friend asked if she could bring her 2 year old! I don't want kids running around aggravating people. My 3 year old nephew isn't even going. She's a god friend so I said only if she absolutely cannot get a sitter. I just can't say no! Ugh

If you know them then i would say ok but if you dont personally know the people they want to bring then say no you dont want people you dont know there!