Do people have showers for their second baby?

Question

I'm pregnant with my second, and wasn't planning on having a shower, because I have most everything I need. Our first is only 2 1/2. But a friend said to let her know when the shower was, so she could come. So now I don't know what to do. If we have another girl, I don't suppose we should have a shower, because we have all we need for a girl. But, maybe we should if it's a boy. I don't know what the proper thing to do is.

Answer 1

If they are far apart in age then I would say it's OK, but otherwise I think it is tacky.  If people want to buy you gifts they will anyway, but a shower is telling people they HAVE to buy you a gift and like you said you have what you need.  My daughter was 4 1/2 when my son was born and I did not have a shower.  Like you I had everything from before and just bought boy clothing and nursery items myself.

Answer 2

If it's a different s*x then it's acceptable to have another shower.

Answer 3

Congrats!!

not really. my mom had 1 baby shower for 6 kids. the only time that it would be ok to have a second one would be if your first child was at least 8 years older than the baby. my mom always went to garage sales and rummage sales to find baby clothes.

Answer 4

Usually you don't have a shower for the second baby.  But sometimes people throw a "sprinkle" which is a small shower for the 2nd one.

http://1sttimeparents-whatdowedonow.blog...

Answer 5

You will get mixed opinions on this.  I, personally, did not.  My grandmother mentioned throwing one but I told her it was not necessary.  I was afraid she would continue to ask or be persistent but, luckily, she dropped the subject.  My oldest had just turned 3 when our baby was born and we have 2 boys.  Like you said, we had everything.  Not having a shower didn't stop everyone from bringing the baby gifts though, lol.  

Had they been 7 years apart and different genders, I 'might' have considered letting someone throw a shower.

You can always have a "meet the baby" party and let everyone know that you already have everything you need.

Answer 6

If someone wants to throw you a shower I would have it. I mean you could make it like a Diaper shower. You will always need diapers. So if someone is wanting to give you one make it be something that you need. I have been to a diaper shower and the girl got more then she ever used. Decorate with diapers games with diapers it was really neat. But that is just an idea.  

Answer 7

Some people have a diaper drop for their second baby, where people just bring diapers or other disposable things that you would otherwise have to buy. They usually have the shower after the baby is born, though.

Answer 8

if you have a baby of the opposite s*x then i would think it would be ok for a shower. I have also heard of alot of ppl doing a "diaper" shower for the 2nd baby...basically ppl bring a pack of diapers of all different sizes to help you with the cost of the necessities.  

Answer 9

I thing the best way to decide is to just sit down and talk to your closest relative, i.e. your parents and in-laws and of course your hubby, BUT make sure you don't leave your little one out either.

I personally don't see anything wrong with having a baby shower, and maybe on the invitations just put some gift ideas that you would like, esp. if you are having another girl.... that way you can just get some cute little extras instead of all of the basics.  

Answer 10

If someone offers to throw you one, I think you should let them.  Especially if it's a boy - you will need more stuff.  Clothes.  Your friend who asked when it will be, just let her know you have so much stuff, you really weren't expecting anyone to throw you a shower, although if it's a boy, it would be nice, but you were not expecting it.  Some people will throw a 2nd shower for their friends, most will, and some will not.  Even if you don't end up having one, your friends may still buy you a gift on her own, however, so if she asks, you might have some ideas ready in your head as to where you might register - that makes it easier on family members and close friends as they typically will buy you (or the baby) something anyway.  

Either way - boy or girl, if someone offers to throw you one, I would let them, but resist strongly if it's going to be a girl.  Maybe suggest a 'no gifts' shower, just a time for your family and girlfriends to get together.  Or gifts that are themed in a certain way - around the name of the baby, diapers, other 'use it up' kind of stuff that you'll have to buy again??

Answer 11

Honestly you don't hear a lot of people saying they are having a shower for their second child unless there is like a 10 year difference. My Mom's friend just had her second child and instead of having a second shower they had a "diaper party" after she was born. It was kinda like a welcome party to the new baby. They had a barbecue and the fee to get in was a pack of diapers which I thought was wonderful because if you got too many of one size you just take them back and get what you need (whether that is diapers or clothes).  I know a lot of people brought other things too. She also said it was easier because it was one day when everyone could see the baby instead of having visitors over for the next couple weeks. I guess this is just a suggestion but congratulations!

Answer 12

Typically someone throws a shower for you.  So combining throwing a shower for yourself, with it being a second shower, might not give off the best impression to those on the invite list.

As for second showers in general, Im all for celebrating the birth of a child, 1st, 2nds, 8th, etc, and helping the famly out, bringing them a meal, taking mom out, babysitting the other kids, but dont want to feel compelled to bring a gift to a second shower.  Likely, Id make up an excuse why I couldnt go.

Answer 13

If someone offers to give you a shower, you have a shower. If not, you don't.  You never throw your own shower, or 'hint' to freinds/ family that they should give you one.  

Answer 14

I don't knoe if I would....but I would imagine that most people would

Answer 15

I would hope so, or the baby would be all smelly

Answer 16

To me a shower was something you throw for a first time mom.  To help her get started with the things she needs.  I have always thought it was inappropriate for a second shower.. But my husband's side of the family throws showers for everyone all the time.  It's ridiculous.  I was invited to a shower recently for someones 3rd kid.  Maybe if she hadn't had a baby in a long time then I'd understand, but her two other kids were 3 and a little over one.  I just think it gets tedious after a while.  I guess it depends on the situation though.  If it were someones second or third pregnancy and they were having multiples, I guess it would be appropriate...  It all depends on what works for you.  

Answer 17

I wanted to have a "meet my baby" party for my second child after he was born instead of another baby shower. It's very common to have more than one shower---its ludicris if you EXPECT gifts for every one though. Every baby deserves to be celebrated but a mother should not register or expect gifts UNLESS the baby is an opposite gender or the kids are a lengthy time apart.

P.S. I didn't get my "meet my baby party"--he came 8 weeks early, spent 4 weeks in the NICU and then spent another 8 weeks on an Apnea machine. After all that almost everyone saw him anyways with stopping by the house and stuff

Answer 18

I have two children that are three years apart and I had a shower for my second child. Most people do, especially if you have a boy and girl. There is no reason why you shouldn't celebrate the second child!

Answer 19

all depends on individual some thy do some not

Answer 20

Usually if theres a big age difference, they do. Heres an idea, a friend of mine just had her 3rd. And they are all about 3 years apart.What her sister did was have a diaper party. She didnt register anywhere. Everyone that came brought a gift, but it was only the necessities. Like diapers, wipes, body wash, lotion, detergent, desitin, a few outfits,etc. You know just basic stuff, that you use everyday. Like I said she never registered, her sister just called all the close relatives and friends and said they were having a diaper party. It actually worked out better, she only got what she really needed, and enough to start out and last a few months. Just an idea, but it works out great with your second!!!

Answer 21

20 - 30 years ago, when I had my children, you only had a baby shower with your first child.  But now things have changed.  Some women have them for every child.  I personally don't agree with it but do believe it is a personal choice.  My reasoning is that with the first everything is new to you.  With 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. you should be better prepared.  But I also think that it is a celebration of new life and there is nothing wrong with that.  So basically it is entirely up to you and no one would think it improper.