Holding a baby shower is a fun way to help new moms and dads to have a smooth start to being parents. It’s a chance for loved ones to demonstrate to the parents that they care and are there for them. In the past, having a second-baby shower has been frowned upon, since the parents are likely to already have the big items like high chairs and changing tables. It is now more acceptable to have a shower for a second baby, but you have to make some modifications.
The shower could be a mini-shower focusing on those essential items that every baby needs, no matter how many older siblings – like diapers, undershirts, and bath accessories. You might ask the parents to list whatever items they never got or need to replace from the first time around. Or, you can hold a shower for mom – instead of baby gifts, bring mom gifts that she will appreciate in the weeks leading up to and after the birth. These can be pampering items like rich body wash, or practical items like pajamas.
You might want to make the shower focused on mom, reminding her that she will not be pregnant forever with gifts like wine or her favorite hard liquor, or savory salty snacks she may have had to give up. You can, on your own or with other guests, purchase a gift certificate for a full day at the salon or some other special event – but be sure to prearrange babysitting, too. A practical option is to have a meeting before the party, with the guests and the father-to-be, to draw up a helping hands calendar (using an eraseable board and markers).
There are many things you can do that will be appreciated, like getting the house organized while mom and baby are in the hospital, taking the older child to and from school (especially during that first week) or helping mom and dad juggle kids while doing errands. Mom will be delighted at receiving this calendar full of helpful offers, as well as the names and phone numbers of the helpers (in case of changes). Sometimes, both the baby and the mom have everything they need already. You can choose to commemorate the upcoming event with a simple party with her friends and family.
You could ask the guests to buy baby items, smaller items like diapers and clothing, and then bring them to donate to a women’s charity or shelter. You might also ask everyone to bring small portions of prepared food that can be frozen or stored (this is known as a “freezer party”). This will definitely help out mom in the last days before her due date and also those following the birth. You’ll need to be sure to have this kind of a shower near the due date, and also let the mom know so she can clear out enough space for all of the yummy food.
Finally, if the new baby is going to be several years younger than the next-oldest sibling (a so-called “caboose” baby), you can feel free to host a full-on baby shower. Many times, in situations like this, the parents will no longer have those “big” items anymore, or they might not meet current safety standards.
Regardless of the type of shower you are holding or if the gifts are large or small, remember that you are there to let the mom know that she and her new baby have all your love and support.
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