Second Baby - Baby Shower Tips and Guide

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. Having a shower for a second baby has often been seen as excessive, since the parents will likely already have the big-ticket items like cribs and strollers. 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 the parents to list whatever items they never got or need to replace from the first time around. Or, instead of a baby shower, you can have a mom shower, asking guests to bring gifts that mom will appreciate as her delivery date approaches. You can choose items that will be a treat, like a thick, sweet-smelling body lotion, or something more practical, like an extra-large handbag.

Your shower can be extra entertaining if everyone brings gifts that remind mom that she is also a woman - fun items like a comfy lace nighty or a yummy alcoholic beverage. Obviously mom and dad will need some time for themselves, so a nice idea might be to get a gift certificate for an elegant dinner - with babysitting included, of course. Another option may be to sit down with the guests and the father before the party and make up a calendar (use a dry-erase version) with helping-out offers.

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. Mom will be delighted at receiving this calendar full of helpful offers, as well as the names and phone numbers of the helpers (in case of changes). Sometimes neither mom nor new baby needs any new items. You might decide to mark the upcoming birth with a straightforward party with friends and oved ones.

As an option, ask guests to bring baby items which you can later donate to a charity or women's shelter. You might also have a "freezer" party for the new parents, where all the guests show up with a small dish that can be frozen or stored for later consumption. During the final days of pregnancy and the first week after the birth, mom will definitely appreciate this. Make sure that mom knows about the shower ahead of time so she can determine if she has enough room for everything, and also pick a day for the shower which is close to her due date.

Finally, if the baby is a so-called "caboose" baby - born several years after the next-oldest sibling - feel free to hold a traditional baby shower. 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.

Regardless of the type of shower you are holding or if the gifts are large or small, remember that you are there to let the mom know that she and her new baby have all your love and support.Janet is a Pro baby shower favors, baby shower pictures and baby shower games so thanks for visiting!