Tacky or inappropriate to have baby shower for 2nd?

[cjnix29]

I just found out I'm pregnant. My first child is going to be 7. This one is a total surprise, and I had gotten rid of everything except the outfit my son came home from the hospital in!! My sister has offered to throw me a shower, but I don't want to offend anyone, or be seen as greedy, or anything like that. Just didn't know what the etiquette was for this.

 

[DVCBELLE]

Would you be inviting many of the same people you invited to your first? Their is no standard etiquette on the issue. I have known people who had a baby shower for their 2nd child. I would not register though.

 

[apnep]

I don't think it's tacky at all. Every child is special, not just the first. Let your sister throw you a shower! It's been 7 years! You got rid of all your stuff. Have a party and celebrate this new life! Congratulations by the way.

Angela

 

[hsmamato2]

nope- celebrate each new baby!

 

[caitty13]

I had a 2nd baby shower but they are almost 5 years apart. One boy and one girl, plus like you I needed almost everything expect for the crib.

Congrats!

 

[disneymeces]

Not greedy...Just celebrate!

 

[clanmcculloch]

I've attended showers for people who are on their 3rd and 4th children and in some cases the kids are born within 1.5 years of each other. In no way do I consider this tacky. When the child is the mom's first I do tend to get something more practical because mom has nothing and then for subsequent kids I get something more fun plus a little something for big brother/sister if the kids are under 5(ish). I tend to spend about the same amount per shower but the subsequent showers tend to get that money spread over all of the kids (newborn gift is generally the biggest since that is the point of the shower). In a case like yours, I'd treat your shower more like a first time mom's shower since you don't have any stuff for the baby and by 7 your oldest won't have the same kind of hard feelings seeing the baby getting stuff when she doesn't.

Your sister wants to do this for you. There's a good chance your family and friends will want to celebrate with you as well since it's been a while since you all got to celebrate a new life (how can anybody not want to celebrate a new life?). Let everybody do this for you. If anybody finds it tacky then they do have the option of declining the invitation.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

I wouldn't do it.

I just had my 5th. I was so surprised how many people inquired if I needed anything or wanted anything special. I had saved a lot of stuff (not everything) through 4 kids. I received so many gifts....but I never would have had a 2nd shower. 7 years just isn't that long......

 

[imLissy]

I just threw a shower for my coworker's third Any reason to celebrate!

 

[dopey22]

I just had my 3rd baby in October. For each of my pregnancy's, I was given a shower.I too, thought I shouldn't and felt bad that people were yet again buying me gifts,but each and every one them told me they wouldn't have done it if they didn't want to.They all said that a baby is to be celebrated whether it is your 1st or 5th.So, if your sister wants to have a shower,let her.I think 7 years is an awful long time between children.You can't even use the same carseat if it's been that long.They are not safe.

Congratulations!!

 

[Derby4me]

Go for it! I just threw a shower for my cousin's second baby. She was in the same boat you are in and needed almost everything. Don't feel guilty or greedy. After all, your sister is the one who wants to throw you a shower...it's not like you're planning the party for yourself! Sit back and enjoy!

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

I too, thought I shouldn't and felt bad that people were yet again buying me gifts,but each and every one them told me they wouldn't have done it if they didn't want to.They all said that a baby is to be celebrated whether it is your 1st or 5th..

Congratulations!!

that is my point. Many people do want to celebrate with a gift... like you said, if they want to they will, but don't make them feel like they should with a shower.

And as far as safety items go, that is the parents responsibility. Don't expect gifts to cover your safety issues. I have had a new car seat with each child. My oldest is 16.

 

[poohfriend]

throw a celebration. I'd go if it were you're 8th child. (But by then,your gift would be a practical set of diapers and wipes.)

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Go for it! I wish I could have a 2nd shower, but it's just not in my future. If people want to shower your new baby with gifts... by all means!!

Congrats!!

I just wanted to add that I don't think it's tacky whatsoever. I think it's great.

 

[JeannieNM]

I gave my girlfriend a shower for her 5th child. We all loved celebrating. It is not about the gifts it is about the celebration. Go for it.

 

[PatsMom]

I used to be in the group who thought showers were not appropriate for second babies. Then I had a sister in law who unexpectedly got pregnant when her older daughter was almost 7. We decided to have a shower for her since she had also given away/sold all of her baby things. She needed it all!

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I'm in the celebrate each child camp. My circle has showers for 1st, 2nd, 3rd... whatever baby. It's a chance to focus on the new (or new-again mom. You always need some new things no matter the child. I've been too diaper/fill the freezer/new books showers for 2nd+ showers, but have been to as many that were basically the same as 1st showers. (Maybe should be noted that showers here are an afternoon at someone's house with snacky foods, not catered events at a hall or anything!)

I was thrown 2 showers for my second child- one was at work (where I hadn't worked with #1) and the other was thrown by a friend.

 

[ohanaMAMA]

I would have one FOR SURE. I never thought of a baby shower JUST as a way to get gifts Children are a gift. Celebrate. eat cake, and tiny sandwiches without the crust. play the clothespin game and open some fun baby loot! And if someone thinks you are greedy? Assume they are jealous that THEY arent the one recieving cute little onsies and tiny little shoes.

 

[nashville_minnie]

I think that second baby showers can be a little bit taboo, except in two circumstances - if the baby will be a different gender than the first, or if it has been longer than 5 yrs since the first.

I am from the Midwest & now live in TN. Back home people have pretty large catered showers, usually at a banquet hall facility with all kinds of extras like flowers and table centerpieces and guest favors. I have noticed here that showers are more commonly held at a family member's home & are a mix between catered and homemade food, and are much more low-key.

I would think that the second shower would be more appropriate to be the low-key, at-home style.

Congrats & have a wonderful time celebrating your new little one!

 

[MamaJessie]

I had a shower for my first and third. By the time we had number 3 a lot of our stuff wasn't in very good shape anymore and my friends threw us a party.

Some people find anything other than a first shower tacky, but who cares? You're celebrating a new baby what can be wrong with that? If they don't like it they can always find something inexpensive, or not go. Who wants a party pooper there anyway?