New parents need a lot to get started, and a baby shower is one of the best ways to help make that happen. It allows family and friends to show the mom-to-be how much love and support she has. For some people, holding a shower for a second baby was not considered proper, as the parents probably already had most of the items they needed. However, it is no longer improper to hold a shower for a second baby, as long as you make a few 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 might ask mom and dad what items they still need and let the guests know. Another option is to make it a shower for mom instead of a shower for the baby, and ask the guests to bring items that mom will need and appreciate at the end of her pregnancy and shortly 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.
It’s also a fun idea to have a shower where all the gifts are for mom – but are not related to being a mom, like a flirty nightdress or sexy nail polish (for when she can see her toes again!). The guests might choose to pool together to buy a gift certificate for something extravagant like a day for two at the spa or a fancy dinner – but be sure to include babysitting arrangements. Another idea is to have a planning meeting with dad and the guests before the party, in order to schedule days and times where help is likely to be needed, using a dry-erase calendar.
You might want to arrange for someone to clean house while mom and baby are still in the hospital, helping out with childcare or as a helper on errands or grocery day, or schedule transportation for the older child’s school and sports activities, especially the first week or so. The calendar can be revealed to the mom-to-be at the shower, along with all the names and phone numbers of the volunteers. 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.
An optional activity is to have guests purchase small baby items and then donate them to a local shelter or charity. Another idea for a second-baby shower is to hold a “freezer” party, with guests bringing food that can go in the freezer or else be easily stored. This will be of great help to the mom as she gets closer to her due date and during the first week or so after the birth. Obviously, you’ll want to check with mom to see if she has adequate room in her freezer for al the goodies, as well as select a party date close to her delivery date.
Lastly, it is acceptable to hold a full, as-if-it-were-the-first-baby shower in the case of a “caboose” baby – one who, as the name implies, is being born several years after the last child. 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.
And remember, even if the baby shower is a small one or doesn’t feature enormous gifts, the whole reason you are there is to simply show the mom that she and her new baby are cared for.
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