Second Child Baby Shower Etiquette – Is a Second Baby Shower Ok?

Lin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:00:09 +0000

Is having a second baby shower for a second or third baby ok, according to proper baby shower etiquette? Is it appropriate and ok to have a couples baby shower, where boyfriends or husbands are invited to a coed baby shower? What is a “baby sprinkle” baby shower? Who should throw a baby shower, when should a baby shower be given and who should be invited to the shower?

The question and answer to who gets a baby shower is dependent on who you talk to. Some prefer to stick to the old-fashioned, traditional custom of baby shower etiquette of baby showers only being “allowed” for first-time mothers, and just the idea of throwing or attending a baby shower for a second or third baby is believed to be offensive, greedy and unacceptable.

Traditional rules of who should be thrown a baby shower have changed to a more modern view of also throwing a baby shower for a second child, and in some situations, a third or fourth child. Baby showers are not about greed but are a celebration of the birth of a new baby, and all babies should be welcomed into the world with a celebration party.

Fortunately, society has lightened up quite a bit on the “traditional” customs from past generations of planning a wedding, and it’s about time that so-called traditional rules about baby showers no longer require fitting into a specific category, like baby showers only being proper or appropriate for a first time mother.

Modern Baby Shower

What is a Baby Sprinkle Baby Shower? A “baby sprinkle” baby shower for second, third (or more) babies are becoming more common in our modern society. A baby sprinkle shower is a unique and creative scaled-down baby shower idea for subsequent children after the firstborn child, where a baby is “sprinkled” with gifts instead of “showering” gifts on a baby at a typical, full-blown baby shower.

Since the expectant parents have most likely had a baby shower for the firstborn baby, a second or third baby is not likely to be in need of baby furniture like a crib, highchair, car seat, stroller, etc. For a baby “sprinkle” shower, guests bring gifts like diapers, baby wipes, teething rings, undershirts, bath accessories and other necessities that are always on the list of baby needs anytime there is a new addition to the family.

A baby shower is always a lot of fun, regardless if the shower is for a first, second or third (or more) soon-to-be born boy or girl. The archaic tradition to only throw a baby shower for first-time mothers, or where only women are invited, have been replaced to include the father or father-to-be in a couples baby shower if desired.

Couples Baby Shower

From my experience, a coed couples baby shower is often a lot more fun than a baby shower with just a bunch of a women friends, relatives and co-workers. Baby shower games for coed baby showers are often more unique and creative than the tired, worn out games from previous generations our mothers and grandmothers played.

Several years ago and unbeknownst to me beforehand, a few of my friends surprised me with three different baby showers, for three different children. One of the baby showers was held a few weeks before my due date, and the other two showers were thrown a couple of weeks after my second son and first daughter were born, a couple of years apart.

The first baby shower thrown for me was a boy baby shower for my firstborn son, and it was a couples shower that included hysterically fun baby shower games that kept everyone in attendance laughing and having a good time.

In one baby shower game we played, my husband and I were blindfolded and had to race to see who was faster at undressing, diapering and redressing a baby doll, but I haven’t seen that game played at a baby shower in many years.

Planning a Baby Shower

Who should throw a baby shower? When should a baby shower be held? Formal etiquette queen “Miss Manners” may disagree, but anyone can throw a baby shower for an expectant mother-to-be or new mother. Formal, traditional baby shower etiquette says that whoever throws a baby shower must not be a relative to the expectant mother, in order to avoid the appearance of the family simply asking for presents.

In these more modern times, it is perfectly fine for a relative, close friend or co-worker to throw a baby shower. A baby shower is usually held a few weeks before the baby is born, but some mothers prefer a baby shower after the birth, so guests can bring gifts specific to the baby’s sex. It’s always best to confer with the parents-to-be about the What, When, Where and How a baby shower will be held and who should be invited, in order to avoid scheduling problems or conflicts.

My niece is planning a baby shower for my daughter later this month, even though close friends offered to host a girl baby shower for my daughter, since we know it is going to be a girl. Baby shower planning can be very stressful, time-consuming, and expensive if you’re not careful.

My involvement in the planning of the baby shower is very limited, although I’ve offered suggestions and ideas for a cheap baby shower by trimming down the extravagant baby shower list of things not really needed for a “perfect baby shower”. Making your own baby shower invitations allows you the opportunity to create and choose baby shower invitation wording that is unique, creative, personalized and inexpensive, especially when you add baby shower clip art to the invitations.

I wish I knew more about making baby diaper cakes. If I knew how to make a diaper cake with cloth diapers or disposable diapers for my daughter’s baby shower, my niece wouldn’t be so worried about what to use for a baby shower centerpiece anymore.

If you’ve ever seen pictures of baby shower cakes and diaper cakes online, you know how cute and adorable diaper cakes are for a baby shower. Maybe if I search for “diaper cake directions”, I’ll have better luck finding instructions on how to make a diaper cake in time for my daughter’s baby shower.

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Baby Needs Checklist – Basic Baby Needs for Newborn Babies

Lin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:00:43 +0000

Baby Needs Checklist for Newborn Babies

There are many things a baby needs as a newborn baby and throughout the first few months that you’ll need to have ready and available. It is best to wait until you are at least three months pregnant before buying baby products, baby clothes and outfits, toys and baby furniture in case of any problems with the pregnancy.

Keep in mind that someone will likely throw you a baby shower once you have completed a baby registry for baby gear, baby clothes, toys and various other baby gifts, so try and stick to buying just essential basic baby needs that every newborn baby needs, and/or just a few baby clothes you feel are a “must have” for your baby such as a special outfit to celebrate bringing your baby home from the hospital.

2-4 packages of newborn disposable diapers or cloth diapers, or set up a diaper delivery service. Don’t forget the diaper bag, diaper cream ointment and baby powder. Cloth diapers, diaper pail and safety pins can save you a lot of money in the long run and are better for the environment, while disposable diapers are easier.

Baby wipes and/or extra baby washcloths (4-6 to start), being sure to choose fragrance free wipes that won’t irritate your baby’s skin, or just use a baby washcloth and warm water during the first few months.

Burp cloths or extra cloth diapers, which protect your clothes from spit-up and the baby’s skin from your clothes which may have dry-cleaning chemicals or other skin irritants and fabrics/materials that may be bothersome to your baby’s skin. You can never have too many cloth diapers!

6-8 lightweight gowns/kimonos/newborn sleeper outfits with pull-ties are not only comfortable for the baby, but they make changing diapers a lot easier than outfits with a lot of buttons and/or snaps that can be very time-consuming.

3-4 receiving blankets/swaddling blankets for holding the baby, swaddling, changing, bonding and playing with the baby. Be sure to include a few more receiving blankets with your baby registry, as these will need to be washed often. A baby sling/wrap is also an excellent choice for newborns; both you and your baby will love the shared closeness.

Car Seat – Rear facing infant safety seat for your baby’s safety and well-being.

6 pairs of socks and/or booties, 2 hats and 2 sweaters to keep the baby comfortable and warm, whether at home sleeping/playing, during a family outing or visiting grandparents.

4 pacifiers (you’re going to lose them), a baby bathtub, baby bouncer, tearless baby shampoo, baby lotion, alcohol swabs (for the umbilical cord), baby brush/comb set, thermometer, baby soap, 2-4 baby towels for bath time, nasal aspirator and baby nail scissors or clippers.

Bassinet and/or crib, 4 fitted sheets for bassinet or crib, 2 waterproof mattress pads, bumper pad for crib, 2 crib blankets or comforters (depending on the season)

2 or 3 nursing bras and pads, breast pump and nipple cream if planning to nurse the baby.

6 or more baby bottles with nipples, sterilizing equipment, bottle brush, bottle warmer, 6 baby bibs and infant formula if you are not planning to nurse.

Baby stroller with sun and rain cover for leisurely walks with the baby.

Soft baby toys, baby mobile and baby monitor to hear when baby starts to cry or wakes up at night.

There are many more things you will need for the baby than what is contained in this list, especially baby clothes in increasing sizes as your baby grows, and more diapers than you can imagine. It’s a good idea to take your time browsing baby products, baby furniture, baby gear, clothes and baby toys, in order that your baby registry is full and complete of everything you want and need during the first year or so after the baby is born. Congratulations and good luck!

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