Second Baby Shower Things to Know
Having a baby shower is a nice way to help new parents get off on the right foot with all they need. It’s also an important way for loved ones to show their support of the parents. Some people consider it improper to have a second-baby shower, since it was unlikely that mom and dad would need very much, especially the big-ticket items. It is now considered proper to have a second-baby shower, as long as certain modifications are made.
You may want to consider having an essentials-only shower, having guests purchase those basic items that every baby needs new, like diapers, bottles, and bath accesories. You can also make a list of whatever the parents say they need but did not receive with their first child. Another idea is to have a shower dedicated to the mom, where guests bring gifts that will help her relax during the last weeks of her pregnancy and after the birth. You can give mom items to pamper herself with, but that are practical, as well, like 5-minute facial masks and leave-in conditioner.
While most moms are certainly happy with their role as mothers, it can also be fun to host a shower focused on HER, with gifts like sensual dark chocolate or a department store cosmetics case. Mom and dad will definitely want and need some time off, so you might go in together with other guests on a gift certficate for a relaxing spa massage or other special treat. Another useful idea is to sit down with the dad and the mom’s loved ones, and organize a dry-erase calendar with concrete offers of help where it is likely to be needed.
You might want to arrange for someone to clean house while mom and baby are still in the hospital, helping out with childcare or as a helper on errands or grocery day, or schedule transportation for the older child’s school and sports activities, especially the first week or so. You can then give mom the finished calendar at the shower, with all the contact information in case of changes. Sometimes neither mom nor new baby needs any new items. You might decide to mark the upcoming birth with a straightforward party with friends and oved ones.
You might also have the guests purchase baby items and then put them all together for a donation to a shelter or other charitable organization. You can also ask guests to bring a dish that can go in the freezer or stored in tupperware (a “freezer” party instead of a traditional shower). This will be much appreciated by mom during the final days of her pregnancy and the days immediately after the birth. It is important to hold this shower quite close to the due date, of course, and to be sure that the mom has enough freezer or storage space to make it work.
Do keep in mind that in the case of caboose babies (a “caboose” baby is born several years after the next-oldest sibling), a full shower can be held with no impropriety. A lot of moms and dads won’t likely have even the big items (cribs, etc.), anymore, or they could be outdated in terms of safety requirements.
Don’t forget that the type of shower is secondary to the purpose of the shower itself, which is to show the mom that she has the love and support of her friends and family.
Hope you found our article useful, if so you might want to take a look at baby shower invitations, baby shower cake ideas and baby shower favors. Hope you have a great day!
