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 way for friends and family of the parents to demonstrate their support, as well. 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.

You could make it an essentials-only shower, asking guests to bring items that are always needed, such as bottles (the nipples always wear out or get lost), diapers and wet wipes, and burp cloths. You might ask mom and dad what items they still need and let the guests know. 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. She’ll appreciate receiving something soothing like aromatherapy candles, or even something for day-to-day use, like a soft robe.

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!). You can also pool your money together to purchase gift certificates for spa treatments or an elegant dinner, though if you can prearrange babysitting, even better. Another useful idea is to sit down with the dad and the mom’s loved ones, and organize a dry-erase calendar with concrete offers of help where it is likely to be needed.

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. In some cases, both mom and baby are set, and don’t need anything new. You can choose to commemorate the upcoming event with a simple party with her friends and family.

You may want to ask the guests to bring baby items for donation to a women’s charitable organization. A “freezer party” is another practical theme for a shower, where everyone comes with a freezeable or easily-stored dish of food. Mom will appreciate this help in the last days of her pregnancy and immediately after the birth. Be sure to check with mom first to find out if she has enough space, and also choose a date for the shower close to the delivery date.

Lastly, if the new baby is what is often known as a caboose baby (several years younger than the next brother or sister), you can still hold a full baby shower. A lot of moms and dads won’t likely have even the big items (cribs, etc.), anymore, or they could be outdated in terms of safety requirements.

Keep in mind that the main reason you are there, no matter what kind or how many gifts are given, is to celebrate the upcoming birth and show the mom your support.

Thanks for checking out our article, if you would like to know more please review baby shower games, baby shower centerpieces and baby shower invitations. Thanks and have a wonderful day!

Technorati Tags: , , ,