Hosting a Shower for a Second Baby
Thursday April 12, 2007
Although some may question the etiquette of having a baby shower for a second time mom, there's nothing wrong with hosting one of these parties. Why shouldn't every new baby be a cause for celebration? However, unless it's been a very long time since the parents had an infant, they don't need the equipment required for a first-time baby. One reader wrote to me asking for advice on a clever way to word the invitation for a shower like this:
"I'm throwing a surprise baby shower for my stepdaughter for her new baby girl due in July. I'm trying to figure out the best way to word the invitation so that people know gifts are not expected, and that really she has everything...I even thought about making an invitation that looks like a "ticket" from the etiquette police for breaking an etiquette law about having a second baby shower. I thought it would've been easier to do if she were going to have a boy this time, but no, she's having another girl! Any suggestions?"
Have you hosted one of these second baby showers? Do you have suggestions for this reader? If so, please share them in our comments section below.
"I'm throwing a surprise baby shower for my stepdaughter for her new baby girl due in July. I'm trying to figure out the best way to word the invitation so that people know gifts are not expected, and that really she has everything...I even thought about making an invitation that looks like a "ticket" from the etiquette police for breaking an etiquette law about having a second baby shower. I thought it would've been easier to do if she were going to have a boy this time, but no, she's having another girl! Any suggestions?"
Have you hosted one of these second baby showers? Do you have suggestions for this reader? If so, please share them in our comments section below.
Comments
Instead of a “shower” I have given friends a tea. It goes over really well. At the bottom of the invite I simply put no gifts necessary. Some bring gifts and others don’t.
A elegant “very pink”! luncheon is another idea. Making it a “Celebration” of this new little girl is fun and a good diversion for a pregnant mom.
My daughter’s friends had a second/third baby shower for her when it was discovered she was expecting twins. That was really helpful. Also, my neighbors held a “diaper drive”.
All babies deserve to be celebrated and so do moms, especially this time of year! Go for it, just be “classy” about it.
What is wrong with a second shower? A baby is a baby, a wonderful new life to be celebrated and should not be left to settle with hand-me-downs. New babies deserve a new car seat; this is essential for safety. Plus, sometimes a new crib is essential for safety.
Sometimes old etiquette is that – OLD. I think it is somewhat disrespectful toward the second child.
I think a “celebrate baby” party is a nice idea. Letting guests know that gifts are not expected takes the steam out of those who criticize multiple showers. And, for those who want to bring a gift, they can indulge in a cute non-neccessary gift.
At my baby shower, my sister had a photo of my daughter framed and everyone who attended, signed it. Its a lovely reminder of those who were as excited as we were to be welcoming our daughter (from China.) I would love to have a similar momento for my next daughter….though I don’t need many of the baby neccessities.
What would be cool is if you can encourage people to bring certificates offering their babysitting services or a promise of a homecooked meal when baby comes home. Perhaps an offer of doing the family grocery shopping for a week or two could help out in that first month. Putting together a scrapbook for the new baby of good wishes is a nice idea too.
Celebrating Life and Celebrating Family are always good reasons to party!
Thank you for all of your advice. However, since I don’t want the invitation to say “baby shower”, I’m still at the dilema of trying to make my own invitation. I had thought of the tea party as well. I could have several types of tea available and make this a luncheon celebration. I’m having problems trying to pin down a date with her too as they just bought a boat and plan on being gone every weekend up until as far as she can go. I told her I was taking her to a play, so I need a date before I pay for the tickets.
Second baby party for parents and sibling is wonderful..Out door barbecue, red checked table cloths, balloons, beverage table in racing black and white check cloth as it a boy all was geared as sports . A play pen held the gifts. Baby boy cup cakes in blue and white were stacked on a tiered cake display. Couple, singles and children attended. The invitation was created to reflect the mom, dad, and sibling being honored to welcome new baby. The best ever!! Good way to involve all friends and family.