Baby showers for a first child are a big deal, but what about celebrations for subsequent children that don’t require as much hooplah and that are more like a baby…”sprinkle”?
It’s assumed that parents won’t need all those big-ticket items again, and most parents don’t register the second time around. But it’s still nice to celebrate baby number two (or three). And everyone needs more of the basics, like diapers and wipes.
Plus, if the first child is older than toddler age, it’s likely that some gear, like infant car seats, will need to be updated due to safety regulations.
Here are some low-key tips for planning a baby shower—or “sprinkle”—for the second, third, or even fourth child.
1. Keep it simple.
With baby number one, it was all about the baby and anticipating becoming a mom for the first time. Now, what mama probably wants before the new baby arrives is some down time with friends and family.
2. Make it relaxing.
Have a low-key picnic or barbecue, or plan a spa afternoon. Hold the event at someone else’s home or a commercial venue so Mom doesn’t have to prep or clean up. And make sure to coordinate with Dad or partner to arrange for child care for older kids or at least someone to keep them occupied.
3. Think about the time of day.
Depending on how old the first child is, timing can be crucial. Know what time is best for mom: she’s probably too tired for a late night, and might not want to impose on the older child’s naptime or bedtime.
4. Give Mom-centric gifts.
Mom and baby probably have all the hand-me-down onesies, the Pack n’ Play, and the crib sheets they need, but Mama still needs plenty of post-birth TLC this time around.
Some gift ideas just for Mom:
- yummy, power-packed, one-handed snacks for always-ravenous busy and/or nursing moms
- stretch-mark lotion or calming bubble bath
- ready-to-eat dinners (have friends sign up to bring dinner on a rotating basis in the first few months)
- babysitting of older kid(s): take the older child for a play date so mom and dad can get some rest or one-on-one time with the new baby
- gift certificates for pedicures or hair salons (be sure to include a free babysitting offer with it!)
5. Make gifts for baby practical ones.
If you really want to have gifts for the baby, ask that guests bring diapers and wipes (always appreciated—but do make sure she isn’t planning to use cloth diapers), plus a six-pack or bottle of wine for Mom!
You know how people say they have a million photos of their first child and 10 of their second? That really happens.
Offer to put together a photo book using a service like Snapfish. It’s unlikely that Mom needs more cute baby outfits—but she might appreciate a gift card (especially for online shopping) that gives her “permission” to splurge a bit on the youngest babe.
6. Consider a crafting party.
We treasure nothing more than the beautiful homemade gifts we received for baby. Later on, it’ll make a younger brother or sister feel special to have things that were made just for him or her.
Crafting shower ideas:
- each person makes a square and then chip in to have a quilt made
- create these baby blocks or get a ready-to-go kit
- decorate letters for an ABC wall in baby’s room
- have everyone write messages to baby on different decorative paper and take everything home to create a book of good wishes
7. Start a fund for baby.
Let’s be real. Having kids is expensive, and most parents start out with great intentions to continually fund those RESPs and savings accounts, and then the flurry dies down—especially when you’re faced with the costs of child care for more than one child. Help parents get a leg up by contributing to the baby’s education fund.
PHOTO: JARED CHERUP/FLICKR CC