26 answers

Baby Showers for Second Children

I am pregnant with our 2nd child, now due in approximately 4 weeks. As a lark, and more becuase I wanted to keep track of things I still needed/wanted - I started a registry at Target. My thought process was, "Well, this is our second baby, and we won't be getting a shower, but since we got rid of so much stuff from our first child we need to organize a list of what we need for the new one." I thought this was a good way to do it because then I could purchase things from my own registry as I needed them. I'm not expecting a shower (big, small or otherwise), I don't expect all my friends and family to run right out and purchase stuff for us from the registry; I honestly created it for me.

Since starting the registry, however, I have had several people ask me if we're registered anywhere. What is the etiquette on showers and gift-buying for second babies? Quite a lot of the really necessary things (like car seats and a swing etc...) we've gotten 2nd hand from people we know. Do I let people know where I'm registered if they ask? I guess I just would really like to know your thoughts and if you've had any experiences that could help guide me.

Thanks so much!
J. S.

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Thanks to all the mommies who responded. I feel much better now. It's good to know that though showers for second babies are not usually the norm...they're not unheard of and sometimes even necessary. We do not know the gender of this baby; we also did not find out with our son, who will be 3 at the end of March. Who knows, we could be looking for pink accessories rather than blue!!! :)

Featured Answers

Definately have a shower! I had one for all three of my girls. It's a great section for thier baby book, and an even better, it's normal now to have one each time. I love celebrating life, and that is what a baby shower is! There are so many bad things that happen in the world, so this is a good time to get together, and think of something good for a change. (:

Go for the baby shower for the second child. I did!! it helps out a bunch. yes you can pass down stuff from the first child especially if they are both boys or girls. but there are still some things that you will want to buy new for the new child (2nd or not). if people are asking where you are registered, they want to help you buy things. tell them!! good luck sweetie

Let them know!! And enjoy it! The second is just as special as the 1st... I've had 3 babies & 3 showers & they were all unique & special in their own ways. It also helps people, if they just want to get you a little baby gift, not repeat what you already have, regardless of a shower! Enjoy!!!!

More Answers

Hi J.,

I think having a shower for your second child is completely okay. A friend of mine just had her second child and I helped give her a baby shower for this child. It is completely normal!! When I have my second child I will definatly have another baby shower!!!

C. Scoggins
scoggins.fourpointmoms.com

Definately have a shower! I had one for all three of my girls. It's a great section for thier baby book, and an even better, it's normal now to have one each time. I love celebrating life, and that is what a baby shower is! There are so many bad things that happen in the world, so this is a good time to get together, and think of something good for a change. (:

i'm also pregnant but with my 4th child, i had a shower for my first, but not the 2nd and 3rd and now i'm having a pretty big one for this one. with my 2nd and 3rd i didn't have much family or friends around. but this time there will be alot of family and friends and they are excited about it.this baby will be 6 years apart from my youngest child so i had given everything away!!!!!! so i'm starting from scratch. if i was you i wouldn't feel bad if people want to buy you something, they wouldn't ask if they didn't want to do it for you. congratulations on your new addition.

Baby showers are not just for 1st children. Even though you already have one child, many family and friends like to purchase something to welcome the new little one. I say, let them know where you are registered. It's up to the individual if they want to get a gift or not. No pressure involved.

Go for the baby shower for the second child. I did!! it helps out a bunch. yes you can pass down stuff from the first child especially if they are both boys or girls. but there are still some things that you will want to buy new for the new child (2nd or not). if people are asking where you are registered, they want to help you buy things. tell them!! good luck sweetie

In our family we have a shower for each child born. This way it can be added to the baby book and mostly to get together and have a good time. We all realize that as soon as our kids out grow something we pass it on so then when a new baby comes it really is starting from scratch.

People don't ask things like that unless they truly want to buy you a gift and celebrate your pregnancy! Absolutely tell them with no reservation. Now advertising it by sending a note to all of your friends.... that's a different story.

Just my 2 cents worth.
J.

Tell them where you are registered. Although many people don't have showers for 2nd babies (unless it is a different sex or many years after the first) people will still want to give you gifts. I would rather give someone something I know they need or want than to pick something randomly.

Be cautious about second hand car seats. You are not supposed to use them if they are more than 5 years old. The heat from being in the car for 5 years causes the plastic to break down and not be as strong. Maybe some friends could go in together and get you a new car seat.

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