Etiquette dictates that baby showers are only for the first-born, the argument being that baby shower gifts received in the first shower could always be passed on to the next baby. Gifts are not the stuff that baby showers are made of. In these modern times, situations have changed and circumstances are different. The best thing to do is have an alternative to the first-born’s baby shower.
There are a lot to consider for the baby shower of the second baby, or third, whichever the case may be. If the first baby, for instance, was male and the second baby female, then there can be a different color scheme from the first one. To save on decorations, use the old ones and add some creative touches here and there to give them a new look.
You could also forgo the decorations altogether and have the food carry out the theme. Why not focus on the mother-to-be’s favorites for example and plan an Italian night around her favorite selection of pizza? And if she has weird cravings, like having only mushrooms on one side and a double order of anchovies on the other, well go ahead and indulge her! There are a lot of different things as well that can be done to make this baby shower unique.
It may be worthwhile to mention in the invitation if the expectant mom has requests, or a wish list. She may not need another crib, but she may need new beddings for it. Simple things like diapers or wipes are always appreciated, as these are the most useful. If she has no need for gifts, maybe she would rather her guests make donations to a charity she has picked out.
The baby shower doesn’t have to be all about the baby. The expectant mother also needs to ready herself for what is to come. You might want to consider treating her to a day at the spa or at the salon. Everyone enjoys being pampered, especially the mother-to-be-again. Why not just spend a day with the girls at the spa, getting all the luxurious treatments you can’t get at home?
An alternative to this baby shower is to have a party when the baby comes home. Friends and family can come to the family’s house to ogle, coo and enjoy the baby. Some may bring gifts, some probably won’t, but it doesn’t matter because the purpose of this party is to welcome the little one into everyone’s lives. Also, since there were no glaring invitations or anything to pressure the guests to come, everyone will feel relaxed and just enjoy a nice afternoon among loved ones.
Whether it’s for the first baby or the tenth, there should always be a baby shower. There are also other alternatives and different party ideas. That’s why babies are called bundles of joy, because they can always bring a smile to anyone’s face. A new life should always be celebrated. Whether there are gifts or not is not what matters. It’s the coming together to wish the baby well and to send all the love in the world to the little one.
Some other baby shower alternatives include a baby welcoming party, a baby naming party, or a mommy blessing. These are similar to a baby shower except the focus is on welcoming the baby instead of getting gifts to help out the mom.