Is this a new thing for baby showers?

[Ohiodislover]

Diaper showers are becoming more and more popular, I think. When my niece had her baby last year, she had a traditional shower, with a few close friends, and family, but a diaper shower, with more expended family (cousins, aunts that aren't close, etc)

Worked out great. Her baby turned a year old in Dec, and she JUST bought her first diapers

 

[MinnieMe87]

If she is wanting diapers and other necessities, I would get a laundry basket and buy an assortment of those items. Fill it with diapers, burp cloths, lotion, body wash, wash cloths, diaper rash cream, etc. That's usually what I give to people as shower gifts and it goes over very well.

 

[monkeybug]

If you really wanted to give something besides just diapers, you could give them (and the diaper cream, lotion, ect. on the other list) in a cute diaper bag. The diaper bag could kind of be like really expensive wrapping paper.

 

[nmmom95]

When I had my first, a shower guest gave me a stack of diaper packs in every size. The "basics" may not be the most exciting gift, but they definitely are appreciated! I agree with pp's who said make a necessity basket or give a gift card if you would like to bring an additional gift. You cn bring a cute outfit after the baby is born.

 

[C.Ann]

I normally don't approve of any invitation that "tells" people what to buy - either by list or by registry - but in this case, I think I would let it slide.. Due to her age, I think the "basics" will be a struggle and the items you mentioned a tremendous help..

Personally I would also get an outift (probably not newborn though) and don't think it would be considered "snooty" at all..

 

[Ember]

I normally don't approve of any invitation that "tells" people what to buy - either by list or by registry - but in this case, I think I would let it slide.. Due to her age, I think the "basics" will be a struggle and the items you mentioned a tremendous help..

Personally I would also get an outift (probably not newborn though) and don't think it would be considered "snooty" at all..

I agree. Invitations with gift instructions get politely declined by me. Although, I would also let this one slide.

 

[qtwns]

I agree. Invitations with gift instructions get politely declined by me. Although, I would also let this one slide.

I don't like directive showers either--however, when I was expecting my twins I secretly prayed someone would throw me a Diapers and Dinners shower. Everyone brings a pack of diapers and a frozen casserole to put in the freezer. This was my second go 'round so I wasn't expecting any showers, but man would diapers and dinners have been great!

 

[Disneycrazy!!]

yes it is normal to host "diaper" showers. I have been to many and with my 2nd child, I had a diaper shower also!

 

[disykat]

I'm surprised so many people are offended by gift "directives." Even back when I was getting all sorts of shower invitations, specific showers were common - brides had kitchen showers, personal showers, around the clock showers, and for babies, book showers, diaper showers, layette showers, etc. I kind of like knowing what the showeree needs. I even went to some coed showers where the gifts were hardware, sporting goods, or camping equipment.

This was before people registered for anything other than wedding china patterns. It was a way of knowing what the honoree would enjoy.

 

[Sparx]

this reminds me of the diaper cake thread a few months back. if you could afford it, i'm sure something like that would be really nice (a smaller one of course) decorated with baby items (like the care basket posted earlier)

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

I like the idea...if you dont feel comfortable just walking in with a case of diapers, make a diaper cake and add the other things like baby wash, wash clothes etc...diaper cakes or even the diaper wreaths are so cute and pretty easy to make

 

[Mom-to-2-Princesses]

. Due to her age, I think the "basics" will be a struggle and the items you mentioned a tremendous help..

Totally agree! I remember having a budget of $75 a month for diapers, and I'm sure it's more now. Diapers are probably the nicest and most practical gift for her.

I went to a diaper party once and it was really nice. Everyone wrapped their diapers in clear/see thru cellaphane wrap. Most added a cute rattle at the top. It was very festive!

 

[mjkacmom]

Am I the only one who could've bathed and lotioned a 3rd world nation after having a baby? Diapers - I sure needed them. But I ended up with 5 kids, and never got through my stock of baby bath, shampoo, and lotion. Most of mine had moderate to severe ezcema, and I couldn't use any of it, but I did receive the majority with #1, and didn't put a dent in it. Cloth diapers for burp cloths - the best! My youngest are 7, and I'm still using them to dust.

 

[monkeybug]

I don't like directive showers either--however, when I was expecting my twins I secretly prayed someone would throw me a Diapers and Dinners shower. Everyone brings a pack of diapers and a frozen casserole to put in the freezer. This was my second go 'round so I wasn't expecting any showers, but man would diapers and dinners have been great!

What an awesome idea!! A great shower for a second baby! (or babies in your case).
I was always lucky to have the church and moms club bring dinner after my babies, but I know not everyone gets that.
My gift to second time moms is always a few frozen meals, some midnight feeding snacks, and something fun for mom (most of my friends have all the baby stuff they need).
No moms club this time, and a different church. I'm going to have to cook my own food! Boo!

 

[kpm76]

Am I the only one who could've bathed and lotioned a 3rd world nation after having a baby? Diapers - I sure needed them. But I ended up with 5 kids, and never got through my stock of baby bath, shampoo, and lotion. Most of mine had moderate to severe ezcema, and I couldn't use any of it, but I did receive the majority with #1, and didn't put a dent in it. Cloth diapers for burp cloths - the best! My youngest are 7, and I'm still using them to dust.

Me too!! I am so hesitant to give lotions, shampoo etc because I know some or most of it will go to waste. I still have a closet full and DD 2 can only tolerate Cetaphil. Unfortunately, they don't make the nice thick Gerber cloth diapers likes they used it, but DH discovered similar ones in the car care aisle at Target. I guess they are meant for washing cars but they were the best burp clothes and very absorbent

 

[Ember]

I'm surprised so many people are offended by gift "directives." Even back when I was getting all sorts of shower invitations, specific showers were common - brides had kitchen showers, personal showers, around the clock showers, and for babies, book showers, diaper showers, layette showers, etc. I kind of like knowing what the showeree needs. I even went to some coed showers where the gifts were hardware, sporting goods, or camping equipment.

This was before people registered for anything other than wedding china patterns. It was a way of knowing what the honoree would enjoy.

I don't mind a themed shower. There is a difference between saying "We're having a Kitchen shower for Jody!" and saying "Kitchen gifts only, please. We're registered at Target." The first is a hint, the second is an order. Even in a shower invitation it is rude to mention gifts. The duty of selecting a gift is the job of the giver, not the receiver. Weddings are the worst for this.

I know I'm fussier about this than others, but you invite people to events not the gifts you feel you having coming your way. I really do decline any invitation with gift instructions including registry information or any kind of money only directive (presentation, no boxed gifts, a "cute" poem, etc.).

 

[cheermom1]

around here it is to a point but I really was glad I didn't get diapers as my son could only wear a certain brand it is not found in walmart, I could only get them at one store Harps...

in didn't read all the replies but this is my experience.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

If that's what she wants, then that's what I'd give. I'd probably give SOMETHING else "fun" or useful, like onesies. I thought onesies were the best invention!

Having said that, I found that certain diapers worked better than others, and those are the ones I bought, even if I didn't have coupons. However, I'd use what I had, and if what I had was what people gave me, then so be it. Another thing was...I had huge babies, so they didn't stay in infant diapers very long.

Lotions, etc...just didn't use much. Didn't use talc either. (Inhaling talc...not good.) So I'd never give it as a gift.

Another thing I wouldn't give would be any kind of decor, unless I knew what their decor was and that they specifically liked something. My diaper bag was something that *I* (and DH ) had to "wear" out in public, so I was picky about that (and didn't get one from anyone, so it worked out well).

Frozen dinners...I wish people had given us some food! LOL I remember being amazed and overwhelmed by how much work a baby could be, and how tired I was, even tho at the end of the day I'd wonder "What did I DO today??"

Good luck to the new mom!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

For my main shower with my DS I registered a few places and honestly I was amazed at people's generosity - I got so many expensive gifts - really I was shocked (pleasantly).

For this baby if I have a shower I could see it being a diaper shower.

So for a first baby I don't think that's the norm, but definitely for subsequent babies.

 

[Piecey]

They did a diaper raffle at my shower. It said in the invitation to bring a package of diapers to get a ticket into the drawing of a gift basket. I think the gift basket had 4 movie passes, boxes of candy, popcorn, a gift card to Applebees, etc... It was pretty neat.
I got a TON of diapers that way.

Anyway, I returned a ton of the clothes that I got. The ones I didn't love, the ones I knew I didn't need and anything that just seemed silly, like a newborn sweater vest set DS was 9lbs5oz, I knew I'd never use that outfit so I took it back.

I think that a gift card is a great gift, too. If the mom isn't going to breastfeed she can use the gift card to buy formula which is the biggest expense, IMHO. We saved all the gift cards we got until after he was born and used them on formula! Such a help.