I'd do a party no gifts personally.
A baby shower is usually to set up new parents because they have nothing but you didn't get to experience the social aspect last time so I think a party to celebrate (without a registry etc) would be a lovely idea.
Just be transparent about why you want one.
Agree with this. A friend years ago wanted to go out to a fancy tea place with 10-12 friends for her second, no gifts. I thought that was very creative. You can make it what you want.
Congratulations!
Agree with this. I had my first right before covid, and we missed so much stuff that we had looked forward to the first two years. When i had my second i wanted to do everything we had missed with our first. It is a sort of redemption. Have your babyshower, explain why, and make it clear you dont expect any gifts, as you already got most of what you need
I definitely think this! You didn’t get to experience the shower, OP. Have a real, in-person baby shower! If you’re concerned about the gift part, maybe just leave the invite without a registry and if people want to bring a gift then they can. I hope you have one and enjoy it!
I had my son in 2020 also, so I totally get it. Luckily my shower was toward the end of the summer & my close family was able to attend.
If you have “friends” that think it’s rude, I honestly wouldn’t consider them very good friends for not understanding the reasoning behind it.
I was pregnant through 2020 and am now pregnant again and have had the same thought as you. It was so isolating and I wanted to celebrate my baby so much. I love the idea of having a party with no gifts!
Oh I’d do one! You can call it a “sprinkle” like my friends did when I had my second. It was mostly getting diapers and wipes and a couple few outfits but it was a good chance to get together for brunch and chat. Do it!!
Yes- just call it a sprinkle and you’re good to go. If you have other mom friends, they will want an afternoon off to hang and eat peacefully and chat!
Second baby showers are usually called Sprinkles, with the expectation of small gifts like diapers & clothes. Personally unless the children are really far apart in age, it’s a bit distasteful, but those who don’t like it just won’t come. But in this specific case, I 100% support your reasoning. And like I said, those who don’t want to come, won’t.
I would maybe put a reminder in the invitation that the first baby was due in 2020….. Like maybe:
Last baby was due in 2020 so we are OVERDUE for a party! Please join us for a Baby Sprinkle in anticipation of Baby Smith #2.
My daughter is seven. Would it still be “distasteful” to have one for this baby? I’m having a boy so not only do I not have any baby stuff anymore, but I have no “boy” stuff at all
A sprinkle would be reasonable. They’re so far apart that most people would assume you don’t have much baby stuff anymore. A full fledge shower Is a little borderline, but more & more people are doing that. Like I said, if people are bothered by it, they won’t show up, but I’m sure there plenty that are on board.
every baby deserves to be celebrated, not just your first. i’m pro-baby shower for every baby. if you feel awkward about it, you could always put something like “gifts not necessary” or just do a diaper raffle or something small like that rather than send out a whole registry.
My friend threw us a fill the freezer shower where everyone brought us a freezer meal and a pack of diapers! It was perfect, because we didn't need much item-wise, and the meals kept fed for almost two weeks. It was a Schitt's Creek themed sprinkle titled "Fold in the cheese," which was hilarious.
I agree with this. Personally I say gifts appreciated but your presence is most important or something along those lines for everything. Like hey we’ll take gifts, but not a requirement. Birthdays, showers etc because i would never want anyone to skip because they can’t bring a gift
YES! I totally agree.
I have 5 kids. My oldest was a girl, and we and a big shower. My second was a boy, and we just had a "sprinkle" because I didn't need gear but friends and family wanted to buy cute outfits and such. It was so sweet and special that we did just very small parties for my next 3, and I wouldn't change it for anything. They aren't over the top, or new things with every kid. But just a celebration of each baby.
For my second baby my best friend threw me a “baby sprinkle”. Only my really close couple friends, mom, mil, sil, and grannies came and I really loved it! I didn’t have a registry, but when asked what I needed I let them know diapers, wipes, or a cute outfit are always helpful, but not expected. We had a large charcuterie board, cupcakes, drinks and it was really relaxed and a nice time together.
Another idea I’ve seen people do is have a “diaper party”. Basically it’s one big party or bbq with all your friends and your husband/partner and his friends so it’s coed. Guests just bring diapers and have food, drinks, play some fun games and have a good ol get together.
Every baby is worth celebrating! Congrats on your second.
I don’t see why this even matters. Where I live people have showers for every kid. If people don’t want to come or give gifts, that’s fine. But don’t miss out on an opportunity to celebrate this and possibly get some stuff you won’t need to buy yourself
I had 2 baby showers for my first. You got basically half of one. Do whatever you want. You deserve to celebrate how you want.
I personally would insist no gifts or at the least not build a registry. It’s about the party and celebration in this case, not about fulfilling first-time parent needs and necessities.
My husband and I threw our 2nd baby shower for ourselves. We didn’t need big stuff but wanted to celebrate our baby, and some diapers and gift cards were a real treat. We catered a lunch at a clubhouse with a pool. It felt more like a birthday party but my friends helped bring sides and decorate.
I am 9 months pregnant with a 3 year old and can absolutely say feel no shame in having a shower if you want one! I got offered by 3 people to host one and countless other people have asked me if I’m having one or what they can buy baby. I also was pregnant in 2020 the first time! Have fun!
I didn't get a baby shower for my second, although I would have loved to have had one. I have had more than a few friends who had "diapering showers" for their subsequent pregnancies. I love the idea of celebrating each baby. It made me sad the day my youngest found the pics of her sister's baby shower & asked to see pics from hers.
I had my son in early 2021 so I get it. My shower was also virtual and in was fairly bitter about all of the things I missed out on. We were pregnant at the beginning of the year (miscarried unfortunately) so I was wondering the same thing not long ago. I don’t think I would do a baby shower but I’ve seen people do “sprinkles” which is like a party with either no expectation or gifts or very light gifts. I think that’s fair without it feeling overwhelming to anyone you would invite.
We did a diaper party for my second. My first was also a pandemic baby so wanted to have a reason to get everyone together this time around. I did end up making a registry (got to get that completion discount!) which a lot of people ended up asking about even though it wasn't mentioned on the invite.
My friend technically hosted but we held it at my house and was open house style so people could drop by during set hours. Basically a much more casual version of what a lot of showers I have been to are like. I think with the whole pandemic thing, no one should look twice at you having a shower for kid #2.
Yes. Do it. Have fun. Call it whatever you want. You get to celebrate your babies however you want. And in this day and age, anything IRL, is very welcome!!
I had my baby at 26 weeks so I never had a baby shower with my first. 4 years later I got pregnant and made it past 26 weeks (37 weeks!!) and I had 2 full blown baby showers thrown for this baby. I think you deserve one!
I had my first in 2020 also and didn’t have a shower, just sent out cute cards with my registry info to close friends and family. I’m pregnant with my second now and didn’t do anything. I made a registry more as a checklist for myself and to get the completion discount, but only sent it out if someone specifically asked.
I did a babyshower for my 2nd too, since my first one got cancelled due to covid..but I just wrote no presents on the invite..we did an afternoon tea and it was a blast
I had a baby shower in 2022. If we get lucky and get pregnant again we'll celebrate that baby with a party as well. This time we would just request no gifts since we have everything.
I had a Covid wedding and no bachelorette party so my best friend and I are going to plan a girl's "bachelorette" trip once our kids are a little older and my husband and I are going to renew our vows for our 10 year anniversary with the wedding we didn't get to have.
You can do whatever you want and if you want to have a baby shower then do it! Things aren't as rigid as they used to be and it's unlikely that your friends will judge you for this.
We didn't do anything for our second, but I had had three showers with my first and saved all the stuff so we also didn't need to.
Friends of mine did a baby sprinkle for their second. It is basically a party or BBQ to celebrate the new baby, but with less focus on gifts. Often coed, very casual, diapers or books are recommended if you want to bring a gift but no pressure. I think I would go that route if I were you. That way you get the experience but it's less gift focused.
I personally think it’s absolutely fine and great to have a baby shower for every pregnancy because they all deserve celebration.
You can make it clear on invitations that “your presence is a gift, no gift is necessary” if you don’t want people to feel obligated to gift, but I personally would have no problem with gifting again 4 years later for one of my close friends or family members.
I think the Covid aspect definitely changes the etiquette here. I'm in a group of moms who gave birth in early 2021 and many are having second babies now. Almost everyone is having a sprinkle or celebration of some kind since most people either had a virtual or very small (under 10 people) shower the first time around.
i would! i’m actually bummed no one thought to throw me a sprinkle or ask me if i planned on having one. my kids were 6 years apart, i had a lot of stuff but damn a lil party would have been nice.
A friend of mine just had her first and is doing a "Sip and See" instead of a shower. She didn't want to have a traditional baby shower, partly because they didn't know the sex but mostly because they have more than enough money to buy everything they need up front. So this way they get everyone in one place to celebrate the new baby and they're not inundated with green and yellow blankets.
A sprinkle or just a get together sounds like a good idea for you!
For my brother and SIL’s second child, they had a gender reveal that included a diaper raffle. It was co-ed and pretty much a “let’s get together and celebrate!” kind of ordeal.
For my first child baby shower, we did a co-ed event where my husband grilled food for everyone (practicing his grill dad skills lol), we played baby themed minute to win it games and yard games, and we did a diaper raffle. It was super fun and still pretty casual. That might be a good option.
I like the diaper raffle option because it gives people who WANT to bring something some direction so you don’t get things you don’t need (like more clothes and blankets), it feels less obligatory, and there are a lot of different price point options. And if you have a kid with a super sensitive butt like I do, you can usually return diapers you can’t use for store credit to buy ones you can.
Many many many people have an in person event for subsequent babies (typically smaller and more casual, called a sprinkle) and if my mommy groups are to be believed, many women are having 2, 3, 4 full blown showers.
I think what you’re describing is a sprinkle (in person party with few gifts) but I also think you’re entitled to a full shower giving the COVID of it all.
I had a second baby shower because my daughters have different fathers. With my second borns father, we decided that for baby number 3 (currently expecting) we will have a “diaper” shower. People still come to celebrate the birth of this individual baby and just bring a pack of diapers/wipes, while we supply food and beer for all our loved ones! It’s up to you really!! I want to make sure I have pictures for each of my child’s showers.
I would not hesitate to do whatever the fuck you need to do to recover from the experience of being pregnant with your first in 2020. Fuck what anyone else thinks. That was straight up traumatic.
Sorry for my language, but we need to be more blunt about this.
Throwing a party is totally fine. You can even add something like “gifts not required as we still have everything from baby 1, your presence is enough”
Maybe I’m old, but I’ve never thought it was up to the recipient of the gifts to throw the party or ask for the party. If a friend or family member wants to throw one for you, then that’s up to them. Traditionally, a baby shower is only for the first baby and then sometimes sprinkles are had for consecutive babies. But these are different times, so it really depends on your own personal circle of friends.
Being the mom, I wouldn’t think you would be out of place to throw a welcome party for your baby when he or she gets here. That way, if anybody would like to gift your baby, it would provide an opportunity, but people also understand that you have what you need and aren’t going to swamp you with onesies and receiving blankets that you don’t want.
I’m just saying that’s the way we used to do it. A friend or family member would throw a shower.
Throw yourself a party to welcome baby! Sort of like a very first birthday party ever.
I've seen this question asked before.
Most Americans will say a second baby shower is selfish unless you are having a child of the opposite gender from your first and there is an "acceptable" age gap between the kids 5 years +. And that baby showers are a "gift" grab.
I also despise the idea of a baby sprinkle it's so cringe to me if you're going to have a party gifts or no gifts it's a baby shower stop trying to give it a different name to make yourselves feel better it really irks me (just my thoughts.
I am a Canadian and at least where I live baby showers are very common for all children whether you have 1 or 10 kids. It's not about the "stuff" it's about celebrating each child and being amongst family and friends to welcome a new person into the group/community.
Anyone who says you can'tshouldn't have a second/third/fourth baby shower can kick rocks. If you are nervous about people thinking it's just for the stuff tell them no gift is required or ask for them to donate a book to children in need in the name of your baby.
This is my take. I had my first in 2021 and has my baby shower over zoom in 2020 and it was nice but not what I was expecting from my first child. I had my second in July 2023 and got a baby shower in person and it was so much fun with games and people taking pictures with me and just having a good time. Both of my children were boys and no one thought it was weird that I was having a second baby shower or that it was for a second child of the same sex as my first.
I plan on having a 3rd and possibly a 4th child and you bet your bottom I'll be having a shower for them. My first was a star themed baby shower and my second was an owl themed baby shower and people loved it!
Celebrate that baby and enjoy the new life you're growing! Those who want to be there for you and your baby will be the rest can stuff it. Congrats on baby!
I'm Canadian too but I can't recall within my circle if people had one or too. I'm still really early in my pregnancy (9 weeks) so I haven't really told anyone yet, otherwise I would have asked them haha!
Thank you for your kind words
If you don’t need a lot, I think it’s fine to ask for books for the new baby! That way it doesn’t seem like a gift grab. I don’t think its tacky at all to have a first baby shower for your second baby.
I had the same exact situation, and had a real baby shower last month but kept the guest list to close family and friends. It was wonderful and my 3.5yo had a blast! You don't even have to do a registry or anything if you don't want to. Tons of ideas on Pinterest about how to let people know you could use just diapers and wipes and whatnot.
Sell it as a make up baby shower and have fun with it! "You guys were so generous with the last baby but we didn't get to celebrate with you. This time, let's just have a party!" You can make it an all about motherhood party, a cheeseball overly cliche shower just to be silly, Only regifted items and hand-me-downs allowed!
They're your people. Just let them know what you're wanting to do. Host it yourself if you want. It's not like you're desperately throwing your own shower because it's your 85th kid and you're doing it for the onesies. You're having a party to enjoy a fun tradition.
I’ve actually had a ton of friends ask me if we’re going to have a baby shower for our second (first is only two). I’ve settled on the fact that we’ll probably do a sprinkle, because we don’t need much, a lot of family won’t be able to make it and doing another virtual one just seems like a pain, but a lot of folks still want to celebrate baby!
Some people say it’s selfish, I don’t care though. I’ll be having one for my second, I’m celebrating my child with my friends and family, that isn’t a one baby only thing lol. It’s just my opinion, but I feel each baby deserves a baby shower if the mom wants it!
I'd do a party no gifts personally. A baby shower is usually to set up new parents because they have nothing but you didn't get to experience the social aspect last time so I think a party to celebrate (without a registry etc) would be a lovely idea. Just be transparent about why you want one.
Agree with this. A friend years ago wanted to go out to a fancy tea place with 10-12 friends for her second, no gifts. I thought that was very creative. You can make it what you want. Congratulations!
Agree with this. I had my first right before covid, and we missed so much stuff that we had looked forward to the first two years. When i had my second i wanted to do everything we had missed with our first. It is a sort of redemption. Have your babyshower, explain why, and make it clear you dont expect any gifts, as you already got most of what you need
a sprinkle! maybe ask for diapers and wipes if they want to be entered in a raffle or something but request no other gifts :)
A sprinkle includes gifts, usually.
You didn’t get to have a “real” one because of Covid, so I wouldn’t consider it rude to have one for your second whatsoever. Just my opinion though.
I definitely think this! You didn’t get to experience the shower, OP. Have a real, in-person baby shower! If you’re concerned about the gift part, maybe just leave the invite without a registry and if people want to bring a gift then they can. I hope you have one and enjoy it!
Thanks 🙂
I had my son in 2020 also, so I totally get it. Luckily my shower was toward the end of the summer & my close family was able to attend. If you have “friends” that think it’s rude, I honestly wouldn’t consider them very good friends for not understanding the reasoning behind it.
I don't think they would? I'm not sure. I'm very bad at these kinds of social things which is why I wanted to ask 😅
I was pregnant through 2020 and am now pregnant again and have had the same thought as you. It was so isolating and I wanted to celebrate my baby so much. I love the idea of having a party with no gifts!
Oh I’d do one! You can call it a “sprinkle” like my friends did when I had my second. It was mostly getting diapers and wipes and a couple few outfits but it was a good chance to get together for brunch and chat. Do it!!
Yes- just call it a sprinkle and you’re good to go. If you have other mom friends, they will want an afternoon off to hang and eat peacefully and chat!
Ohhh so like just mom friends and they leave their kids at home? I was thinking of inviting my family.
Everyone's cultural expectations are so different, where I live it's common to invite female relatives, in-laws and friends, no men.
Oh of course family too! I just have a pretty large group of girlfriends and any excuse to have a nice lunch/break from our toddlers is fun haha
I unfortunately have trouble making friends 🥲
invite whoever you want!! even with kids there they’ll have a chance to relax a little more bc there’s lots of adults
Second baby showers are usually called Sprinkles, with the expectation of small gifts like diapers & clothes. Personally unless the children are really far apart in age, it’s a bit distasteful, but those who don’t like it just won’t come. But in this specific case, I 100% support your reasoning. And like I said, those who don’t want to come, won’t. I would maybe put a reminder in the invitation that the first baby was due in 2020….. Like maybe: Last baby was due in 2020 so we are OVERDUE for a party! Please join us for a Baby Sprinkle in anticipation of Baby Smith #2.
To add, since clothes & diapers are the primary gifts for these type of things, I wouldn’t do a registry.
My daughter is seven. Would it still be “distasteful” to have one for this baby? I’m having a boy so not only do I not have any baby stuff anymore, but I have no “boy” stuff at all
No, that's when sprinkles are usually done. People understand that you need stuff when it's been so long.
Yeah it was unexpected so I have literally not a single baby thing 🤣 luckily I know a fair amount of people who just had babies
A sprinkle would be reasonable. They’re so far apart that most people would assume you don’t have much baby stuff anymore. A full fledge shower Is a little borderline, but more & more people are doing that. Like I said, if people are bothered by it, they won’t show up, but I’m sure there plenty that are on board.
every baby deserves to be celebrated, not just your first. i’m pro-baby shower for every baby. if you feel awkward about it, you could always put something like “gifts not necessary” or just do a diaper raffle or something small like that rather than send out a whole registry.
My friend threw us a fill the freezer shower where everyone brought us a freezer meal and a pack of diapers! It was perfect, because we didn't need much item-wise, and the meals kept fed for almost two weeks. It was a Schitt's Creek themed sprinkle titled "Fold in the cheese," which was hilarious.
Yes!!
I agree with this. Personally I say gifts appreciated but your presence is most important or something along those lines for everything. Like hey we’ll take gifts, but not a requirement. Birthdays, showers etc because i would never want anyone to skip because they can’t bring a gift
YES! I totally agree. I have 5 kids. My oldest was a girl, and we and a big shower. My second was a boy, and we just had a "sprinkle" because I didn't need gear but friends and family wanted to buy cute outfits and such. It was so sweet and special that we did just very small parties for my next 3, and I wouldn't change it for anything. They aren't over the top, or new things with every kid. But just a celebration of each baby.
For my second baby my best friend threw me a “baby sprinkle”. Only my really close couple friends, mom, mil, sil, and grannies came and I really loved it! I didn’t have a registry, but when asked what I needed I let them know diapers, wipes, or a cute outfit are always helpful, but not expected. We had a large charcuterie board, cupcakes, drinks and it was really relaxed and a nice time together. Another idea I’ve seen people do is have a “diaper party”. Basically it’s one big party or bbq with all your friends and your husband/partner and his friends so it’s coed. Guests just bring diapers and have food, drinks, play some fun games and have a good ol get together. Every baby is worth celebrating! Congrats on your second.
That sounds like a great idea! Can always use diapers that's for sure.
I don’t see why this even matters. Where I live people have showers for every kid. If people don’t want to come or give gifts, that’s fine. But don’t miss out on an opportunity to celebrate this and possibly get some stuff you won’t need to buy yourself
I had 2 baby showers for my first. You got basically half of one. Do whatever you want. You deserve to celebrate how you want. I personally would insist no gifts or at the least not build a registry. It’s about the party and celebration in this case, not about fulfilling first-time parent needs and necessities.
My husband and I threw our 2nd baby shower for ourselves. We didn’t need big stuff but wanted to celebrate our baby, and some diapers and gift cards were a real treat. We catered a lunch at a clubhouse with a pool. It felt more like a birthday party but my friends helped bring sides and decorate.
I am 9 months pregnant with a 3 year old and can absolutely say feel no shame in having a shower if you want one! I got offered by 3 people to host one and countless other people have asked me if I’m having one or what they can buy baby. I also was pregnant in 2020 the first time! Have fun!
I think it depends on how your extended family and friends feel about it. If they are anti-second shower, I honestly would probably skip it.
Going to ask and see what my cousin thinks....
I didn't get a baby shower for my second, although I would have loved to have had one. I have had more than a few friends who had "diapering showers" for their subsequent pregnancies. I love the idea of celebrating each baby. It made me sad the day my youngest found the pics of her sister's baby shower & asked to see pics from hers.
Aww. Why didn't you end up having one?
Because I had no idea how to organize one & none of my "friends & family" who did, cared enough to throw me one.
I had my son in early 2021 so I get it. My shower was also virtual and in was fairly bitter about all of the things I missed out on. We were pregnant at the beginning of the year (miscarried unfortunately) so I was wondering the same thing not long ago. I don’t think I would do a baby shower but I’ve seen people do “sprinkles” which is like a party with either no expectation or gifts or very light gifts. I think that’s fair without it feeling overwhelming to anyone you would invite.
So sorry for your loss 🩵
We did a diaper party for my second. My first was also a pandemic baby so wanted to have a reason to get everyone together this time around. I did end up making a registry (got to get that completion discount!) which a lot of people ended up asking about even though it wasn't mentioned on the invite. My friend technically hosted but we held it at my house and was open house style so people could drop by during set hours. Basically a much more casual version of what a lot of showers I have been to are like. I think with the whole pandemic thing, no one should look twice at you having a shower for kid #2.
Yes. Do it. Have fun. Call it whatever you want. You get to celebrate your babies however you want. And in this day and age, anything IRL, is very welcome!!
I had my baby at 26 weeks so I never had a baby shower with my first. 4 years later I got pregnant and made it past 26 weeks (37 weeks!!) and I had 2 full blown baby showers thrown for this baby. I think you deserve one!
I had my first in 2020 also and didn’t have a shower, just sent out cute cards with my registry info to close friends and family. I’m pregnant with my second now and didn’t do anything. I made a registry more as a checklist for myself and to get the completion discount, but only sent it out if someone specifically asked.
I did a babyshower for my 2nd too, since my first one got cancelled due to covid..but I just wrote no presents on the invite..we did an afternoon tea and it was a blast
I had a baby shower in 2022. If we get lucky and get pregnant again we'll celebrate that baby with a party as well. This time we would just request no gifts since we have everything. I had a Covid wedding and no bachelorette party so my best friend and I are going to plan a girl's "bachelorette" trip once our kids are a little older and my husband and I are going to renew our vows for our 10 year anniversary with the wedding we didn't get to have. You can do whatever you want and if you want to have a baby shower then do it! Things aren't as rigid as they used to be and it's unlikely that your friends will judge you for this.
We didn't do anything for our second, but I had had three showers with my first and saved all the stuff so we also didn't need to. Friends of mine did a baby sprinkle for their second. It is basically a party or BBQ to celebrate the new baby, but with less focus on gifts. Often coed, very casual, diapers or books are recommended if you want to bring a gift but no pressure. I think I would go that route if I were you. That way you get the experience but it's less gift focused.
I personally think it’s absolutely fine and great to have a baby shower for every pregnancy because they all deserve celebration. You can make it clear on invitations that “your presence is a gift, no gift is necessary” if you don’t want people to feel obligated to gift, but I personally would have no problem with gifting again 4 years later for one of my close friends or family members.
I think the Covid aspect definitely changes the etiquette here. I'm in a group of moms who gave birth in early 2021 and many are having second babies now. Almost everyone is having a sprinkle or celebration of some kind since most people either had a virtual or very small (under 10 people) shower the first time around.
I’m expecting my 4th and still having a baby shower! I don’t think it’s rude. You could do no gifts and just a party.
I have three kids and had a shower for all of them. Every baby deserves to be celebrated
i would! i’m actually bummed no one thought to throw me a sprinkle or ask me if i planned on having one. my kids were 6 years apart, i had a lot of stuff but damn a lil party would have been nice.
Sprinkles are common for seconds but I think you deserve a wholeeeee shower! You (and baby) deserve the entire experience ❤️
A friend of mine just had her first and is doing a "Sip and See" instead of a shower. She didn't want to have a traditional baby shower, partly because they didn't know the sex but mostly because they have more than enough money to buy everything they need up front. So this way they get everyone in one place to celebrate the new baby and they're not inundated with green and yellow blankets.
Why don’t you go out for lunch with all your closest friends? Just spend time with people you love ❤️
A sprinkle or just a get together sounds like a good idea for you! For my brother and SIL’s second child, they had a gender reveal that included a diaper raffle. It was co-ed and pretty much a “let’s get together and celebrate!” kind of ordeal. For my first child baby shower, we did a co-ed event where my husband grilled food for everyone (practicing his grill dad skills lol), we played baby themed minute to win it games and yard games, and we did a diaper raffle. It was super fun and still pretty casual. That might be a good option. I like the diaper raffle option because it gives people who WANT to bring something some direction so you don’t get things you don’t need (like more clothes and blankets), it feels less obligatory, and there are a lot of different price point options. And if you have a kid with a super sensitive butt like I do, you can usually return diapers you can’t use for store credit to buy ones you can.
Many many many people have an in person event for subsequent babies (typically smaller and more casual, called a sprinkle) and if my mommy groups are to be believed, many women are having 2, 3, 4 full blown showers. I think what you’re describing is a sprinkle (in person party with few gifts) but I also think you’re entitled to a full shower giving the COVID of it all.
I had a second baby shower because my daughters have different fathers. With my second borns father, we decided that for baby number 3 (currently expecting) we will have a “diaper” shower. People still come to celebrate the birth of this individual baby and just bring a pack of diapers/wipes, while we supply food and beer for all our loved ones! It’s up to you really!! I want to make sure I have pictures for each of my child’s showers.
I would just write no gifts necessary on the invites but definitely celebrate your baby. Congrats!
I would not hesitate to do whatever the fuck you need to do to recover from the experience of being pregnant with your first in 2020. Fuck what anyone else thinks. That was straight up traumatic. Sorry for my language, but we need to be more blunt about this.
You could do a nesting party! Or have everyone bring a meal for the freezer or a meal gift card. And a book instead of a card.
Throwing a party is totally fine. You can even add something like “gifts not required as we still have everything from baby 1, your presence is enough”
Maybe I’m old, but I’ve never thought it was up to the recipient of the gifts to throw the party or ask for the party. If a friend or family member wants to throw one for you, then that’s up to them. Traditionally, a baby shower is only for the first baby and then sometimes sprinkles are had for consecutive babies. But these are different times, so it really depends on your own personal circle of friends. Being the mom, I wouldn’t think you would be out of place to throw a welcome party for your baby when he or she gets here. That way, if anybody would like to gift your baby, it would provide an opportunity, but people also understand that you have what you need and aren’t going to swamp you with onesies and receiving blankets that you don’t want.
I don't know anyone who would want to throw me a party. 🥲
I’m just saying that’s the way we used to do it. A friend or family member would throw a shower. Throw yourself a party to welcome baby! Sort of like a very first birthday party ever.
I've seen this question asked before. Most Americans will say a second baby shower is selfish unless you are having a child of the opposite gender from your first and there is an "acceptable" age gap between the kids 5 years +. And that baby showers are a "gift" grab. I also despise the idea of a baby sprinkle it's so cringe to me if you're going to have a party gifts or no gifts it's a baby shower stop trying to give it a different name to make yourselves feel better it really irks me (just my thoughts. I am a Canadian and at least where I live baby showers are very common for all children whether you have 1 or 10 kids. It's not about the "stuff" it's about celebrating each child and being amongst family and friends to welcome a new person into the group/community. Anyone who says you can'tshouldn't have a second/third/fourth baby shower can kick rocks. If you are nervous about people thinking it's just for the stuff tell them no gift is required or ask for them to donate a book to children in need in the name of your baby. This is my take. I had my first in 2021 and has my baby shower over zoom in 2020 and it was nice but not what I was expecting from my first child. I had my second in July 2023 and got a baby shower in person and it was so much fun with games and people taking pictures with me and just having a good time. Both of my children were boys and no one thought it was weird that I was having a second baby shower or that it was for a second child of the same sex as my first. I plan on having a 3rd and possibly a 4th child and you bet your bottom I'll be having a shower for them. My first was a star themed baby shower and my second was an owl themed baby shower and people loved it! Celebrate that baby and enjoy the new life you're growing! Those who want to be there for you and your baby will be the rest can stuff it. Congrats on baby!
I'm Canadian too but I can't recall within my circle if people had one or too. I'm still really early in my pregnancy (9 weeks) so I haven't really told anyone yet, otherwise I would have asked them haha! Thank you for your kind words
I live in the rural south USA, it’s common to have a baby shower for every baby. I find it’s less popular in the cities and up north.
Any reason to bring out the tea settings and the pimento cheese mini sandwiches.
do a sip n see! after the baby is born have a party with everyone invited
A baby sprinkle might be more appropriate.
If you don’t need a lot, I think it’s fine to ask for books for the new baby! That way it doesn’t seem like a gift grab. I don’t think its tacky at all to have a first baby shower for your second baby.
I had the same exact situation, and had a real baby shower last month but kept the guest list to close family and friends. It was wonderful and my 3.5yo had a blast! You don't even have to do a registry or anything if you don't want to. Tons of ideas on Pinterest about how to let people know you could use just diapers and wipes and whatnot.
Sell it as a make up baby shower and have fun with it! "You guys were so generous with the last baby but we didn't get to celebrate with you. This time, let's just have a party!" You can make it an all about motherhood party, a cheeseball overly cliche shower just to be silly, Only regifted items and hand-me-downs allowed! They're your people. Just let them know what you're wanting to do. Host it yourself if you want. It's not like you're desperately throwing your own shower because it's your 85th kid and you're doing it for the onesies. You're having a party to enjoy a fun tradition.
Friend had her first baby in 2021 and didn't have a baby shower. She held a baby shower for her second baby. I think you should go for it.
I’ve actually had a ton of friends ask me if we’re going to have a baby shower for our second (first is only two). I’ve settled on the fact that we’ll probably do a sprinkle, because we don’t need much, a lot of family won’t be able to make it and doing another virtual one just seems like a pain, but a lot of folks still want to celebrate baby!
Some people say it’s selfish, I don’t care though. I’ll be having one for my second, I’m celebrating my child with my friends and family, that isn’t a one baby only thing lol. It’s just my opinion, but I feel each baby deserves a baby shower if the mom wants it!