Multiple Baby Showers

[SimplyMum]

Is it appropriate to have a baby shower for your 2nd/3rd child?

Generally, I always thought that you have one for your first and not for subsequent children but what happens if your partner is not the father to your 1st/2nd child, and they have no previous children? Should you have a baby shower so as your partners family can take part in all the 'fun baby shower' stuff?

What are your thoughts?

[A Party of Five]

Generally, I think the "5 year rule" should apply. If it has been over 5 years then I don't think it would be considered rude. Anything under 5 years really starts getting touchy. I've been invited to showers every year or so for some people and personally I don't feel like I'm celebrating their new baby but just purchasing their baby products for them. If you've had a baby within 5 years I think you should have a "meet the baby party" then I would truly feel like I'm celebrating someone and it should be thrown by you. I think there is a fine line between "celebrating" every baby you have and having your friends and family buy everything for the children you have decided to have.

[SimplyMum]

MM- I completely agree. going to baby showers for subsequent babies after the first feels like you are seen as just a present, and I do see it as quite rude.

I have never heard of the 5 year rule. I suppose that makes sense- although I would still feel funny about having a baby shower for child # 2/3.

Anyone had a 2nd/3rd.... baby shower? Why did you have one? And what was the response/thoughts from yourself and your guests? Anyone kick up a stick and not come?

[RubyRedToes]

I'm pregnant with my second child and my sister is throwing me a baby shower in a few months, but I never had one for my first child so I don't feel rude. Should I ?!

[Eboniesmum]

i dont think a baby shower for every bub is necessary however if there is a large age gap between bubs then i think its fine and if like in Ashton08's circumstances where she didnt have a shower for bub number 1 then it is also fine. A meet the baby party idea sounds great

[lambjam]

I'm pregnant with my second child and my sister is throwing me a baby shower in a few months, but I never had one for my first child so I don't feel rude. Should I ?!

I was the same; I didn't have one for my first and my friends threw me one for my second. You shouldn't feel rude at all, just enjoy the day!

I won't be having one for my 3rd, but think that the "meet the baby" party sounds lovely!

[Jen3910]

I'm having a baby shower for my 2nd, and we're planning on at least 4 - i'll be having a baby shower for each.
There's no obligation for people to buy things, just a nice get-together.

[Ffrenchknickers]

I have had 4 babies and 4 baby showers and no doubt I will have one with number 5 as well ;) I have not organised a single one, it has been friends who get excited to organise parties....;) We do it for all our friends. One friend is about to have her 6th child and we will be organising hers soon.

I couldn't give two hoots about gifts, we don't need anything, it is just fun to get together :)

[Areca]

Three baby showers in 4 years here. I wanted to celebrate my baby so why shouldn't I? The only one I asked to be organised was my first one.
My second one my gym friends organised one for me. They took me out for lunch and they had very sneakily sussed out what I needed and put together a little gift basket.
My third my bestie knew I was upset that I wanted to celebrate our upcoming arrival and couldn't because we would be deemed 'rude' so she tricked me in to going to the park one day and had organised a surprise one for me. My closest friends and family. No presents.

It was never about the presents. I wanted to celebrate the upcoming arrival of my baby and didn't want to have to organise a party after they were born so they could be celebrated.


I would happily go along to a baby shower, no matter what number the baby was. Babies deserve to be celebrated! Really it could be more rude to just have one for the first...isn't that like saying 'come and bring a present and help get us ready for our family, after the first one though we don't need help so I won't bother with a party again.'

[1CrazyMoose]

I am having a similar dilema, I didn't have my friends and family around for my first 1. I did have a very small baby shower and had alot of fun. This time My bub's god mother wants to throw one for us and my friends and family will be able to make it as we have sinced moved close to them. I wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do or not. However I have now decided that I will have 1. The only people that will be coming are close family and friends. I don't mind if they don't bring gifts but if they do I am only happy to reiceve small inexpensive gifts. However it is up to them, usually your parents and sisters etc may ssplurge a little more and why shouldn't they? Everyone says its ok to have 1 for your first baby. But your second baby is a completely different person! So why not celebrate them and the pregnancy you have had with them.

I haven't met anyone yet that isn't happy to give a little somthing to a new arrival! I myself over splurge everytime I hear someone has a new bub regardless if we are close or not! Its a celebration for that new little person.

I do agree that you shouldn't demand people to bring something or put a price on it etc, people have different finanical circumstances.

However I think it is a little rude if they don't even bring a little something like a singlet ($2 from best and less) After all you are supplying food and decorations etc. Everyone is happy enough to throw $2 out on a cup of cofee etc, why not a new life?

You always need new things with each child and I am sure all your close friends and family would be so excited to help you out.

Plus I am more then sure your partners family would be really happy to share a baby shower with you as its your partners first regardless of age gaps between your children!

I was so unsure about having mine. But I feel that everyone has a great time so why not! If they don't like it then they don't have to come nor do they have to give a gift! It is a celebration isn't it?

[earthfairy]

I dont think it's rude.

Do what you feel like, and plus if your friends organise it for you, you cant help that anyway.

I love going to baby showers, and i also love buying gifts too, the gift doesnt have to be large or expensive, its the thought that counts.

Enjoy your day :)