Hey party people!
I recently got a message from Maggie, a Parties for Pennies reader. She wondered what the proper etiquette was regarding a baby shower for a second baby.
Technically, baby showers are primarily for the first born only. BUT, I know that sometimes parents are just as much in need of help with a second baby. So, I came up with a few creative ideas to help the mom-to-be (round 2).
No matter how many kids you have, you can ALWAYS use diapers!
Do something fun & beneficial for the mom by hosting a diaper cake or creation competition.
You can have guests create their diaper cake ahead of time or have them bring a box of diapers and decorate them in teams with accessories you provide.
Keep it minimal by just providing some coffee & cookies.
A Sip & See is held after the new baby arrives. It allows guests to come & meet the new baby and say congrats to the parents.
This would be a perfect event for a second baby. It allows guests to come and see the new baby and if they want to contribute a gift, it’s a perfect opportunity. I wouldn’t include a registry but if there is a certain item the mom really needs, she should always tell the host. Most times, the guests will ask the host if there’s anything the mom needs.
If you want to do something really nice for someone who is having another baby, a fun idea would be to have a dish & dash. A dish & dash is basically a set time where people bring over a dish for the family to freeze. This would be great right after the baby is born. The family can have a bunch of freezer meals ready to go so it’s one less thing to think about.
Provide a cold drink and maybe a little treat or a small thank you for everyone that stops by.
What pregnant woman wouldn’t want to be pampered? Especially when you can barely see your toes…much less put nail polish on?!
Gather some of your closest girlfriends and take mom to get a pedicure and manicure. Or you don’t even have to go out. Set up your own pamper station at home. Give her a facial, a mani/pedi, maybe a massage. It will be fun girl time and will let your preggo friend know that you care.
Stay in line with etiquette but still show mother-to-be (round 2…or 3…) she’s special & thought of with these creative ideas.
Do you have any other ideas to add?
Working on a fun little party for tonight! Can’t wait to show you all the details this Wednesday! Until then…
Party On!
p.s. This is YOUR official invite to the party… join in on the Parties for Pennies Facebook page, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Such cute ideas! Thanks 🙂
Thanks so much, Stephanie!! <3 Heidi
A favorite second baby (or MORE!) shower I attended was a “second time around” where everything had to be second hand. All New-to-them….but nothing officially new. 🙂 (That is especially great if your second baby is the same gender as the first, but born in a different season.) Great ideas!
Oh I LOVE that idea, Whitney! Thanks so much for sharing! <3 Heidi
Love your ideas! I didn’t know that there are no Baby Showers for second+ babies! 🙁 In my culture, there are Baby Showers held for every baby, it doesnt matter how many you have. But I do love these creative ideas for showing mom how special she is.
Thanks so much, Jamie. I don’t think it’s bad at all to have a second baby shower. I think every expectant mother should be showered with something to make her feel special…but if you’re a friend of the expectant mother…don’t feel pressure to throw a second baby shower (especially if you already coordinated one for the first baby). But…if you want to do a second shower…go for it! Really appreciate you commenting, Jamie! Please know that this is just the usual etiquette…but sometimes rules are meant to be broken. ;p Have an awesome week! <3 Heidi
I love your very first idea! Create diaper cakes AT the baby shower maybe in a race type setting or if the mom to be judges the best looking diaper cake.
I really love this idea, my blog visitors are going to love it!
Thanks Miki! Can you imagine all the funny creations you’d get from that? There will definitely be laughter! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! <3 Heidi