As everyone knows, preparing for a baby means acquiring a lot of new items – which makes a baby shower almost a necessity. It’s a way for friends and family of the parents to demonstrate their support, as well. Some people consider it improper to have a second-baby shower, since it was unlikely that mom and dad would need very much, especially the big-ticket items. However, it is no longer improper to hold a shower for a second baby, as long as you make a few adjustments.

You might also make it a “baby” baby shower – as in a shower focusing on those small, basic items that are always going to be needed, like burping cloths, diapers, and other essentials. You might ask the parents to list whatever items they never got or need to replace from the first time around. Another option is to make it a shower for mom instead of a shower for the baby, and ask the guests to bring items that mom will need and appreciate at the end of her pregnancy and shortly after the birth. These gifts might be luxury items like a box of decadent chocolates, or perhaps something practical, like a stationery set to respond to gifts.

It can also be especially fun to throw a shower that reminds the mom that she won’t be pregnant forever, with gifts like lingerie, chocolate treats, alcoholic beverages, and other items. 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 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.

Things you can help out with could include cleaning house so mom can come home from the hospital to washed dishes and folded laundry, scheduling transportation for the older child’s activties, and offering to come along to do errands. After being sure to get down all the names and phone numbers of the helpers, present the finished calendar to mom at the shower. In some cases, both mom and baby are set, and don’t need anything new. Or, consider having a simple party, featuring good food, music, and the mom’s loved ones.

You could ask the guests to buy baby items, smaller items like diapers and clothing, and then bring them to donate to a women’s charity or shelter. 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.

Finally, if the new baby is going to be several years younger than the next-oldest sibling (a so-called “caboose” baby), you can feel free to host a full-on 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.

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