The Shower Diva: Where Fun Reigns!

Answer:

Dear Loraine,

Thanks for your email! Baby showers are not only for the first born anymore! In fact, we honor each birth by celebrating with a shower whenever, wherever and however possible! This shower can be held before or after the baby's arrival. I recommend asking the Mom-to-Be what type of shower she prefers.

There are a few considerations when planning her second baby shower. What is the sex of her first child? What is her first child's age? How long has it been between pregnancies? Does Mom-to-Be know the sex of her Baby-on-the-Way or does she want to be surprised? These are just a few of the questions that get tossed into the mix when planning a second-baby baby shower!

A second baby shower is A-OK, no matter what you might have heard other party pundits say. Every baby, without exception, deserves a loving celebration welcoming him or her into the world.

For those who worry a second, third or fourth baby shower might trip off the greed meter, think again. While today's baby showers are as fun and elegant as ever, they're oftentimes about "need."

In a world of rising gas, food and diaper prices, help and shower gifts from family and friends goes a long, long way. No matter what one's budget or lifestyle, baby showers are always about joy, generosity, hope and dreams for the future. Friends and families are coming together for babies these days like never before.

We're going to set out a some topics for you to think about in hopes that points raised will assist you in making a list of questions for Mom-to-Be. Be sure and talk with her well in advance so that you'll have a clear idea of what she has, what she needs, and what she'd most like incorporated into her party. The more upfront info you get, the easier it's going to be to plan the shower!

1. If the second baby is the same sex as the first, talk with Mom-to-Be about what she most needs and wants this time around. Just about every mom we know has a "I wish I'd gotten this" list. Make sure those precious items make their way to her this time.
2. Unique gifts hit the mark for moms every time. If the second baby is the same sex as the first, get creative. Set up a surprise. If Mom-to-Be (whether single or married) is flush, give her a spa day or give her gift certificates for pretty maternity wear, make-overs, manis and pedis.
3. If Baby-on-the-Way is the opposite sex from the first born, shower gifts will cover a wide range. Help Mom-to-Be get registered at her favorite baby stores. Guests will appreciate the convenience and be glad to know they've selected an item mom really needs.
4. No matter whether or not there's been a long gap between pregnancies, Mom-to-Be is still going to need tons of diapers and wipes as well as extra towels, blankets, onesies, etc. Baby supplies gifted in bulk amounts are lifesavers for new parents.
5. If there is a large age gap between the first born and the second born child, traditional gifts such as those you'd expect a mom to get at her first shower would be the way to go. In this case, Mom-to-Be probably doesn't have any baby gear or her old gear needs to be updated. Talk to her about what she needs and help her get registered at her favorite stores. Shower invitees will appreciate knowing what to shop for.
6. If mom's first born is a toddler or older, a family style or co-ed style shower is a great way to go. Invite couples and have them bring their children to keep company with Big Sister or Big Brother. Have a separate area set aside where little ones can play. Provide games, crafts, coloring books and crayons for entertainment. Kids adore games and presents, so be sure to get fun, colorful favors for them. Remember to pay special honors to Big Brother or Big Sister. This child is a guest of honor too!
7. Sprinkle showers are popular with moms who are expecting their second child. A Sprinkle gifting is one where guests have the 411 on providing Mom-to-Be with necessities such as those famous diapers we mentioned. Sometimes a new crib, bedding, a stroller or other high ticket items are needed. Sometimes it's a broad spectrum of little things yet every little bit guests give helps. Oftentimes a family-plus-friends shower is the way to go. People coordinate their gift giving. They pitch in to make sure Mom-to-Be is completely set up for her new arrival.
8. Sometimes Mom-to-Be doesn't really need any baby gear and isn't keen on receiving gifts for herself. What she yearns for is a get together with friends. Sometimes these gatherings are co-ed and sometimes the mom prefers to keep it among "us girls." Ask her if she has a party theme or preference in mind. If so, work at creating it.

The gathering she foresees can be anything from a backyard barbeque, a movie and dinner night out, a formal tea, an ethnic cuisine sampling (if mom's tummy can handle it) or a gab fest with lots healthy munchies served at your house.

The bottom line here is that Mom-to-Be and those near and dear to her are given the opportunity to celebrate the new baby. In this instance it doesn't matter whether the shower takes place before or after she delivers just as long as friends and family are gathered close.

Showers today have evolved into Green celebrations, charity celebrations (wealthy parents donate baby gifts to charity), ancestry or legacy celebrations (several generations of family and friends attend the shower), spiritual or religious dedications and more. The sky's the limit when it comes to showers. When you add heart and plenty of soul, you've got the formula for throwing the best baby shower ever!

Happy Showering,

 

Susan "The Shower Diva"
Where Fun Reigns!™