Diaper Shower for Second Baby

Hey, A.,

I'm glad you are more comfortable with the idea. I hope you have a fantastic time. I didn't register for my second, but afterwards, I really wished I had. People enjoy buying baby stuff - and they get the stuff they like. I know I love going to showers and buying the cute little clothes!

Good luck - and congratulations!

C.

Hey you deserve a shower you are having a baby.that is the grestest accomplishment it the world.You deserve a celibrtion and dont feel bad for agreeing to it.It doesnt matter how many children you have you deserve it.Having a baby is hard work dont let anyone tell you different.Congrats!!

Where I work, we have showers for every baby born or adopted and every wedding (even 2nd or 3rd marriages). It is a time to celebrate! The showers for 2nd babies and beyond or 2nd marriages are not as extravagent and gifts are usually gift cards or essentials but the fun and spirit are the same.

I hadn't heard this whole etiquette issue with the second pregnancy til recently and it was actaully quite shocking to me. I think that baby showers are a celebration of a new birth that is going to take place more than anything and also to help out the new mom so the finanacial burden doesnt hit her like a stone! With my second I did have a shower because my first was a girl and my second was a boy so I had nothing for boys!:) I didnt register anything huge just mostly clothes, boy blankets, boy diaper bag, etc. I did register a few things that were costly like the bed set(because a few people told me ahead of time they wanted to go in together and get me that) and a couple things I dint get with my daughter like a bouncer($30),but nothing that was really expensive. So mostly it was a clothes and diaper shower. I definetly think you should have something even though you are having a girl all over again. Are you not supposed to be excited about a new child because it isn't your first! Heck no!:) Will you not celebrate her birthdays only your first? Of course not! I think the people that came up with this etiquette thing were all born in 1902 and dont live in the high paced society we do now. Not that I think that some etiquette shoudn't be restored to our society that is plumiting down hill quickly in most areas(i.e. cuss words on regualer tv) but this is one that needs to be thrown out in the trash! Have a diaper shower because we all know that no matter if the child is 2nd or 13th, they all pee and poop a ton!:) I hope this helps.

A shower is about celebrating the impending arrival of a new baby with family and friends. It's not about getting gifts. There is nothing wrong with wanting to celebrate your second child. I do think the "diaper party" idea is great. You can never have enough diapers!

That etiquette rule was meant for back in the day when basically all women did was stay home & rear children, LOTS of children, and they had the help of their mothers, sisteres, etc.plus babies didn't have all the fun gadgets that they do now! While I believe rules of etiquette are still important, the entire reason for them is for all people to feel at peace and comfortable in their surroundings. Therefore, every little bundle of joy deserves some new things to welcome to the safe, comfortable world called "home." Party on!

My second child was only 14 months younger and I had a "Celebration of Life" party....did get some gifts but it was clear that was not the purpose. I truly believe each child should be celebrated....gifts or not. PARTY AWAY!!!

If your friend wants to do this, let her and enjoy the help. My first child was a son, and my second was a girl. I was given several showers for both, boy stuff first, and girl stuff second. With the arrival of our third child, a girl, I already had everything and then some, but my friends wanted to do a shower. They threw a diaper/gift card shower. I got alot of diapers, and some great gift cards, some to HEB, Wal-mart, and BabysRUs. It was nice to be able to replace some worn things, and get a few nice new things for our second girl. Enjoy your pregnancy.
E.

Go for it!!! Every baby deserves a party!

I have twin boys and I always wanted a diaper shower it's a great idea and the whole point of a baby shower is to celebrate the baby and get things you need for the new baby....It may sound a little out of the ordinary but believe me lots of people are doing it or the woman is having a baby shower with the women and the man has a diaper shower with the men since men aren't usually too good at picking out presents and thus making it easier on them...Thats another way you could consider doing the whole diaper shower is letting your husband have a little shower like thing with the men....I have lots of friends who felt the same way as you and the husbands are doing the diaper showers....Just another way you could think about...Congratualtions on the new baby coming and good luck to you....

I know alot of women think it is wrong to have baby showers for 2nd or more pregnancies BUT times change...Clothes get dirty/ out of style... and diapers/wipes and baby toiletries are always needed. And I think a baby/diaper shower is a great way to rejoice your new blessing with friends and family! Don't feel bad! I know when I have my second I will definently have another shower. (They are always fun too)

I think that it is fine to have a diaper shower for the second one. I think that it will give your friends an opportunity to also give another type of gift if they want to as well. I am all for celebrating the life of a little one, I think we take for granted sometimes how special it is and what a blessing it is to have a baby!

Hi A.,

I have 5 children. My oldest is 23 and back then it was customary in my neck of the woods (LOL - West Texas) to have a baby shower for every baby. My 2nd who was born 2 1/2 yrs later was a girl and I had a shower to welcome her and people brought her presents. 5 years later same for my son. Then after my divorce from my 12 yr marraige, I moved to California and remarried a couple years later. I had a little girl when my son was 7 and all of my friends threw me a shower because I had NOTHING baby left as my 1st husband had a vacectomy and I dontated EVERYTHING baby. But then here is the catch.. 18 months later I had another baby girl. In CALIFORNIA - I learned that showers were thrown for 1st babies and if it has been SO many years it was treated like a first baby. So I felt sad that my 5th baby was not going to have a "welcome" party. She was my last and wanted to do something. Obviously with an 18 month old there was almost nothing I needed. So I had a "Welcome Baby" party. I specifically put the invitation out to come by and see the new member of our family and stated (Gift's not necessary).

I have to say I think it was a great idea, but people had a hard time coming by to see the baby without a gift I guess because only 2 people came by. I was a little sad but by that time so happy to have my baby that it didn't really bother me. At least I gave the "opportunity" to those who wanted to see her. My husband still thinks that it happened to be a busy Saturday and people just had other plans but I think it was more like they felt obligated if they came by to bring a gift and it was not "customary" to do so for a 2nd baby.

I think you should do whatever your "friends" feel comfortable doing for you - and be happy for those who want to show up and thankful for gifts you receive but don't expect anything specific so you are not let down (just in case others were brought up thinking baby showers are for the first baby).

W.

I think it's a great idea! The ladies at my church gave me a diaper shower for my # 2, 3 and 4, and the diapers lasted more than 6 months. My last one is 8 months old now, and I am still using the diapers from the shower. In my opinion, if someone disagrees with the idea, they don't have to participate, but it gives the ones who want to help you along on your way a chance to do it and share the birth of your new baby with you in an easy and practical way. I have been on the other side of this party as well, and I loved just getting together with other moms to celebrate something we all have in common. It only cost me $15 dollars or so, it it helps the new mom out so much. Just make sure you still send out your thank you cards, and have fun!

A.,
I don't know how anyone else feels but I think it's great. Especially since your friend wants to do it for you.
I felt the same way as you when my friend was so attement about giving me one when I was pregnant with #3&4 (twins). We made it very clear that it was a diaper shower.
The way it was told to me and why I finally agreed to it was, it's a shower to celebrate you and your new little one. And yes, you're not registering and with the wording on invitations it can be a lot of fun.
Good luck,
M.

I don't care what ediquitte says, I think every baby should be celebrated. If you don't feel comfortable having a full blown shower and diaper shower is a great alternative. We have a boy, if our next child is a girl, I would still like a full shower since we will need different stuff, if we are having another boy, at least a diaper shower would be nice. But gifts or not a party celebrating the new life is a wonderful thing to do.

I think you should go ahead and do the diaper shower but make it a time to bless your guests as well. Like get some tubs that you all can soak your feet in and buy some salt scrub and a good foot cream and an assortment of nail polishes. Take the focus off of you in appreciation of those who want to give to your family. And make sure you have someone there who loves you enough to paint your toes ;).

I think that diaper showers are neat, and it doesn't matter how many babies you have, because you will always need diapers and wipers.

Hi A.,

Speaking as someone who is planning on going to a diaper shower for a friend's #2 baby, I didn't even think twice about it. Each baby is important and deserves a celebration. You shouldn't feel guilty about having another shower. Just my opinion!

J.

Hi A.,

Send your friend this link www.incredible-inedibles.com ... What better way to give diapers!

J.

I had babyshowers for both of my kids (a Boy & 7 years later a girl). It's a celebration of life just like a birthday party which we celebrate every year. You can specify which types of gifts like a diaper party, bottles and pajamas and so on. Babies are expensive and having 2 or more adds up. If you get Wic you should be set with Formula, but diapers and clothing go fast.

Let your family and friend celebrate in the happiness of ha a precious little one coming into this world. You can have a Welcome baby brunchen after 6 weeks of birth. That way you know what you need most and friends and family won't mind helping at all.

I think a diaper shower would be fine. We have diaper showers for every new baby in our MOMS club.

E.

I wouldn't feel wierd about it at all. I have been invited to 5 baby showers this year to people who are having 2nd and even 3rd babies. I don't think it's considered rude or anything like that any more, besides you do need a special day to celebrate your new baby!

I think that accepting a diaper shower is okay. Your friend is just wanting to show how much you mean to her by doing this for you. Don't take that away from her. Besides, you will NEED diapers. Go with it and have a great time.

A.,

I think a Diaper Shower is just fine... I love to shower my friends with gifts for their new ones, be their first or 31st... Even thought you are having your second, things have changed since the fist and I'm sure you could use some help with small items.. So let your friend shower you and enjoy. I"m sure your family and friend will enjoy and understand. Anything for a party right! :-)

I say let your friends serve you. They want to do something for you and this would be fun!

I don't know who ever thought one shower was enough... things change.. safetey requirements change... costs go up... and babies are precious wether they are the first or the 50th....

My three best friends are throwing us a "couples shower" for our second... we just had our first a year ago.... a girl... second baby is a boy. We did register again... I don't care if anyone buys us anything or if they think we are rude... my friends reasoning to have us register is that our first was a girl and our second is a boy and none of the clothes will work for #2 and she hasn't outgrown much of the other items... crib included and car seat ... it is almost like having twins... but their main point was that this baby deserved a celebration too. It will be very informal and we are having a pot luck and a drumming meditation. If someone finds this rude ... thats their problem... we get to see everyone so rarely that I'm looking forward to this even with great anticipation. It makes me feel very special that they were so adamant about throwing the shower... and considering I've been pregnant longer than an elephant... it is nice to take time for me for a change and be celebrated.

Go for it and don't let what others say bother you... you deserve to be celebrate as does your baby... enjoy it!

My group of friends ALWAYS throws showers for a 2nd baby, but we just have it at a restaurant and don't get a cake or anything. We just pay for the person's meal and then all bring gifts. If it's another baby of the same gender, we do a neccesities shower and if it's the opp. gender of the first, then we still buy clothes, etc. as well. I think it's great and is very normal to do these days--and I know I certainly appreciated mine!

Mixed reviews... this baby deserves just as much a celebration as the first. Heck I would have a baby shower again if I was preggo with my tenth baby. Sorry but why would people think that is bad. No doubt you didn't keep all the clothes from your first and no doubt you had to throw some out b/c of messes... right? Don't let anyone tell you, You are crossing the line.
Good Luck and Congrats.

First I have always believed that every child needs to be celebrated. Plus a diaper party is the best way since you most likely already have what you need. You don't have to feel weird even though we all do when our 2nd one comes around. But enjoy it and let them give you the shower. Remember you are only pregnant with you 2nd child only once in your life let someone shower you with....Diapers.

Congratulations!!!

I think that is a fabulous idea. I had a shower thrown for me for my second baby (even though both were girls) and I have also attended several showers in this past year for other friends of mine who have had their 2nd and 3rd children. Who knows, maybe it ISN'T 'proper etiquette', but I think every baby deserves a celebration, and EVERY mom needs diapers, regardless of how many children you've had. Go for it, girl!!

Guess I'm the only one that feels this way. But I don't think it's right. 1 shower per family unless and only unless it's be so long since you had a baby that all the baby stuff has been long gone. The idea of a shower is to help someone get started with all the big ticket items. There is nothing wrong with "hand me downs" but thats just me. Times do change.
Lonie

Go for it!
I had a shower with my second baby. Mainly because she was a girl and our first was a boy. We did not have a friends shower with him since I was getting all my sisters stuff. So they did a nice one for her and she was well dressed and diapered for her first few months.

Showers are also just a fun thing for friends to do to celebrate with you that you are having a baby, so just enjoy it and graciously thank them. ;-)

I think there are 2 unspoken (or quite often spoken) issues here -

1. You don't ask for it, and you didn't.

2. A dipes and wipes shower isn't quite a "real" shower.. I don't think the same rules apply.

And then there's the biggy - it's always rude to hurt a friend's feelings. :)

So I say smile, say thank you, and enjoy.

S.

I'm in the same boat, only my first was a boy and just found out yesterday #2 is a girl. My mother and I discussed the etiqutte of baby showers and we agree that a diaper party is perfectly alright - you're not asking for another crib or anything crazy like that, just a little help with all the diapers and a celebration for the new life coming. I say have a party and enjoy yourself. Down with the nay-sayers!! :)

I say do it. The diapers will be a big help and I'm sure your friends just want to do something nice for you.

I believe every baby should get a party! With my last 2, I asked my friends for a party, but I also requested no gifts. When one of the party throwers asked if there was any thing I needed (b/c some people will buy/make gifts no matter what! :)), I was honest, and let them know, and they passed it on. I didn't have to register, or feel guilty in giving the information. Guests asked the hostess what to bring, and the hostess was able to tell them they didn't need to bring anything, but if someone insisted, then they could let them know what would be most helpful. :)

Go for it. Your friend is asking to throw the shower, so you are not out of line. Personally (not that it is worth anything) I find that to be a silly rule. Every baby deserves to be celebrated and many things can not be reused. Car seats, burp rags, and other such items need to be replaced.

Someone threw a diaper shower for me for my second and it was wonderful. I did not have to buy diapers for four months.

Party on, A.. Party on.

Absolutely have a shower, there is nothing wrong with having a shower for this baby!!!!
She shouldn't be "left out" by being the second.
And I would register if there are things that you and the baby need. It has been almost 4 years since your first pregnancy, you are bound to need a few NEW things. Enjoy it and DO NOT feel weird or guilty. Give your friends and family an opportunity to celebrate with you and bless this baby.
I hope this has encouraged you. As far as shower Ideas, which you didn't ask for, lol, you don't have to to a typical shower theme, you could do a game night and invite the guys too, or you could do a movie night. My third baby, and yes I had a shower for that one too, I had a game night. It was fun.
Just have fun and don't stress out and if there are people in your life that are offended by you having a shower for you new little one, well, to bad for them they will miss out on the excitement of New Life.
Blessings
T

Girl, Who cares about what people "think" your second baby deserves just as much celebration as the first and 4 years apart is fine to have a true shower. Most people have gottenrid of everything from the first one already and you may need things the other baby did not have. Go for it... have a big bash! you only live once remember!

Good luck, A. J

Hello,

Don't worry! I had the same shower for my second child. It is not wrong to have a diaper shower at all. I would do it because I am sure that your close friends love you and be happy to come to your shower.

I don't feel like it's inappropriate to have a shower for your second pregnancy. I actually don't think I ever heard that it was rude (maybe I just don't pay attention to these kinds of things). Especially if you're having the opposite gender this time around. Things like sheets, bedding, towels and clothes are probably going to be needed in different colors. I know most of my daughters towels and stuff are worn out anyway, so even if #2 is another girl, we would need that kind of stuff and that can sure add up financially! I think you should register for the things you need or just be happy to have a zillion diapers....we all know those won't go to waste. If someone is offended by your invitation, then they don't have to come. Celebrate and don't feel a bit guilty about it. Have fun!

Enjoy this gathering of friends to celebrate your upcoming birth!!! Women need this time together. Enjoy!

I personally find nothing wrong with a second baby shower. It's supposed to celebrate your pregnancy, not be a way to get gifts anyways. Though people do bring them and that's fine. I think, especially with such a distance between their ages, what are the chances of your still having all you need for the new baby? I wouldn't necessarily register any where, but maybe have your mom or other female friends and family mention that you need a few things and let them spread the word for you. That way your not the one asking, and it's no biggie if no one brings anything but themselves and some fun with the ladies. And Diapers are always great because you use sooo many in the first few months, so, at the very least you'll get a little help that way. As they say "don't look a gift horse in the mouth".....I say go for it!

Good morning

A. I would have loved to have someone throw'n me a diaper party. I am a single parent and just had #3 (dec 06), Christian was 6 weeks early so I ended up buying newborn diapers till he fit into size 1 I had stocked up on. If you have friends that care that much and want to have a little party for you why not, celebrate bringing a new life into the world...

I registered my 3rd one because he is 9 years younger than my 2nd one so it it like starting all over again. Plus it helps people know what you want without asking or calling. After the baby is born you will want to spend time with the baby and not be bothered my phone calls on what you need.

Enjoy
D.

Ok I did not read your other "30" answers , wow what a response your getting! But MY opinion is this: A new baby is a good reason to celebrate.....I don't care if it's your 1st, 2nd, 15th (God forbid : ) but it's a reason for a party and celebration. A new baby on the way is one of the most wonderful things we have to look forward to in this world so I say CELEBRATE!

On my 2nd baby we did have a diaper shower and I did not buy diapers for the first 3 months ( a little added bonus to the celebration).

Have a wonderful time and best wishes on your new little one.

M.

I think a 'diapers and wipes' party is a GREAT idea. I also agree with the other response that you can register for things that are worn out or if you'd just like something new for the baby. It's nice with Baby #2, you pretty much already have everything you "need" - this baby shower for #2 will be a "wants" party! But who couldn't use more diapers?!? Let your friend give the shower and enjoy the party for your new baby!

Some of my friends and relatives had a shower for me for my 2nd. I was a little weird about it too, but my second was a different sex. They did a teddy bear and gift card shower. Each teddy bear was different and had a Target gift card attached to it. They said that way I could get what I needed when I needed it. I have been to diaper showers for a second baby, but have seen them more thrown for the dad to be by his friends. It is up to you, but I know a shower for a second is not as big as for a first. Good Luck and Congrats.

I had a shower for my second. Granted, it was a boy and #1 was a girl, but still... I honestly don't see anything wrong with it at all. I'm sure you'll still need a few baby things, like if they have birthdays in opposite seasons or something. And, hey. Someone else buying your diapers is a wonderful thing. I say Go for it! :D
Congrats!!

I have a 5 year old girl and a baby boy due in Feb. I wondered the same thing. According to everything I have looked up it is absolutly fine to have a full shower for the new baby. The only definate no-no is throwing one for yourself. Have the shower and have fun!

When I had my second baby I was a little weird about having another shower at first, and when I looked up the etiquette almost everything I read said that you SHOULD have a second shower. Every baby is special, and there is nothing wrong with throwing a party to celebrate a second child. I plan on celebrating every one of my children! A diaper party is great if you don't mind using multiple brands of diapers....I opted not to have one because I only use a specific kind, and I didn't really have room to store all those diapers at once. My friend had a diaper shower for her daughter and the boxes took up half her bedroom for months! Since people knew I was having a second, no one really bothered with the big stuff, just clothes. So, have your showers, enjoy yourself, and celebrate the next new blessing in your life!

Perfectly accepted now days. You are going to have friends and family that want to get you something. It would be much better to receive something useful. I know when I have a friend that is pregnant I would much rather know exactly what she wants. It is not preceived as being rude.
TK

I have four kids and each one was celebrated. By the third and fourth it was more about celebrating the baby, not showering it with gifts. You will still need diapers and wipes. Depending on the size of the invite list, you might suggest to your friend that y'all go out for a girls night dinner and gifts are optional. I do think we moms should be careful not to appear greedy or ungrateful, but all children should be celebrated in some way. With my fourth child, we all met a dinner preparation place (like Dream Dinners) and my friends bought packages for their families and then just gave one of the meals to me. I went home with 18 frozen meals and they all went home with prepared meals for their families too. It was a really fun night and useful for everyone. Even if you dont' have a shower, your friends and family will give you gifts, so go with what you are comfortable with.

Every baby should be celebrated. Not having showers for subsequent pregnancies is an antiquated idea. Every mother I know has had at least one shower for each baby. Nobody thinks it's rude or weird anymore. And really, this baby deserves to have some new stuff that is just his/hers. You don't have to register for huge items, just register for little things (i.e. pacifiers, blankets, towels, outfits, burp cloths, a new diaper bag etc) that way you get what you want and need. A diaper shower is a fun idea too especially since you seem uncomfortable with the idea of a full-out shower. Don't worry too much about etiquette rules or what people will think. If they don't think its appropriate, they won't come.

I think your friend would be more insulted if you didn't accept her party idea... Every baby deserves to have something special...!!!

J.

A diaper shower is perfectly appropriate. #2 DESERVES a special celebration, and diapers are certainly not an overindulgence. The only thing I personally think is wrong is when someone goes and re-registers for things they already have just to get new stuff. In fact, even if you just register for a few small things that you may need that are worn out or outdated from your first child, that is ok too. I would only tell very close friends and family about a possible registry too. That way general friends won't feel obligated. If you still feel awkward about it, just have your friend put a note on the invitation saying something like "Gifts aren't necessary, but if so inclined, please limit it to diapers." Congratulations!

I just had my second in May and two of my friends threw my a full shower for her. I don't know if it was because my first is a boy and I was having a girl but, I would say don't feel guilty about your friend wanting to give you a shower. I know lots of people who have had a shower for their 2nd-in fact, I threw one for one of my good friends-and she was having her second girl! Friends and family who love you will not be offended, they will be happy to celebrate this new life. If you feel weird registering for gifts-don't register anywhere. That's what gift reciepts are for. Like you said, this has been a difficult pregnancy for you and why not celebrate her soon to be birth?!

I don't see any problem with having a party for the second child on the way! After all, the expenses go way up with a second child, I think it is totally acceptable. I would want to buy new cute outfits for friends second baby, as well as diapers!

Personally, I feel shower ettiquette rules are outdated. Most people have their children spread out now, some sell or give away a lot of it, and technology changes. Items are more gender specific now than they used to be when those "rules" were set. Back then, you didn't know what you were having and everything came in neutral colors.

I would let my friend have a shower for me and not worry about it. Who couldn't use diapers?!

Good luck...