Second Baby Shower Etiquette

Throwing a second baby shower is no more a taboo, where it is perfectly fine to arrange one for the mother-to-be. Let's take a look at the rules of etiquette when it comes to a second baby shower.

A second baby shower shouldn't be pegged as a money-making occasion, especially since it is a celebration that should be genuinely embraced. New life, whether it is the second, third, or fourth child in a family, should never be downplayed just because one is worried about what others will think.

Free your mind from any kind of doubt that you may have when it comes to throwing a baby shower for the gleeful mother-to-be.

Whether you're a friend, relative, close family member, or even the spouse, arranging for a baby shower is usually and ideally taken care of by someone close to the mother, and not her. Let's take a look at the etiquette involved when it comes to this joyous occasion.

While the gifts aren't supposed to be the motive of the celebration, it is practical to want certain things to kick-start a mother's journey with her second newborn.

She'll need new supplies that she may not be able to use again from the first child, especially if the baby's sex isn't the same as the first. A mother would love to receive new things for her newborn, because of the thought behind choosing such an item, which you have to admit, will come in handy.

A baby shower for the second child shouldn't be looked down upon as a waste of time or money, for the guests. After all, the one who's putting the baby shower together is also spending on appetizers, food, and drinks. Don't make it sound like guests are obligated to attend the baby shower, since you know that you can count on close family and friends to show up.

Anyone that the mother is close to, whether it's her co-workers, distant relatives, friends, or family members, should be invited for the celebration. Send a postal invitation or a common email to everyone, since there are no rules when it comes to the mode of invitation.

If you'd like to send an actual invitation through the post, a simple handmade or recyclable card will suffice, both of which are available in certain stores and even online.

It is wise to register at a store to avoid the mishap of getting the same gift again, which you can possibly use from the first child, like a baby's crib, for instance.

Don't include the details of the registry in the invitation, but on a different slip of paper, highlighting the point that if they wish to give something else, they have the freedom to. Do not make it sound compulsory or limit them to choosing something from the gift registry.

It's okay to register a couple, especially since the sex of the baby is known prior to the gift-giving. Ideally, a baby shower is thrown after the baby is born or when the sex is known, to make it easier for guests to pick out an appropriate gift.

You can send the notes a week after the baby shower, thanking guests for their individual gifts and blessings.

If you happen to be preoccupied with hospital checkups or the possibility of delivering within a few days from the celebration, don't worry about the notes until after you've fully recovered and returned home.

You can ask your husband to send the notes for you, if you've already looked through the many gifts. Once the baby is born, don't forget to reveal the good news to those who attended the baby shower.