New parents need a lot to get started, and a baby shower is one of the best ways to help make that happen. It’s a time-honored way for the parents’ friends and family to show that they can count on their support. In the past, it was often viewed as improper to hold a shower for a second child, seeing as the parents were not likely to need much, especially the “big” items. However, having a second-baby shower is still appropriate, if you make certain adjustments.

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 could also ask the parents what they did not receive the first time around, and add those items to the registry. Another idea is to have a shower dedicated to the mom, where guests bring gifts that will help her relax during the last weeks of her pregnancy and after the birth. You can give mom items to pamper herself with, but that are practical, as well, like 5-minute facial masks and leave-in conditioner.

Your shower can be extra entertaining if everyone brings gifts that remind mom that she is also a woman – fun items like a comfy lace nighty or a yummy alcoholic beverage. You might want to arrange for tickets or gift certificates to some special event or treat, like a concert or spa day – but be sure to include babysitting. You might also consider sitting down with the father-to-be and the guests, prior to the party, to draw up a dry-erase calendar with offers of assistance to the new mom.

Some tasks that you could arrange for include getting the house organized and laundry done so mom and baby can come home to a clean house, helping transport the older child to his/her activities, or going along to help out on a big grocery or warehouse club run. You can then give mom the finished calendar at the shower, with all the contact information in case of changes. Sometimes, both the baby and the mom have everything they need already. Or, consider having a simple party, featuring good food, music, and the mom’s loved ones.

You may want to ask the guests to bring baby items for donation to a women’s charitable organization. Another fun way to organize a shower for a second baby is to have a “freezer party” where guests bring dishes that can be frozen or otherwise easily stored. Mom will definitely need and appreciate this help as she approaches her due date and also after the birth. Make sure that mom knows about the shower ahead of time so she can determine if she has enough room for everything, and also pick a day for the shower which is close to her due date.

Do keep in mind that in the case of caboose babies (a “caboose” baby is born several years after the next-oldest sibling), a full shower can be held with no impropriety. Many moms and dads in this situation need to start all over again, as the big items might no longer meet safety guidelines – or may have been donated altogether.

Even if the baby shower is small or minor in terms of gift-giving, the most important thing to remember is that it is an opportunity to show the mom-to-be your love for her and her little one.

Hope you found our article useful, if so you might want to take a look at baby shower games, baby shower cake ideas and baby shower games. Take care and have a nice day!

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