Should you have another baby shower if you’ve already had a baby (or two… or three)?

Attending your baby shower is a wonderful part of the pregnancy experience. I’d even go so far as to say it’s one of the best parts of the whole process. Surrounded by family and friends, it’s your time to bask in the glow of your mama-to-be status, enjoy some yummy eats and maybe even play a game or two (okay, the entertainment aspect of that last part is debatable). But honestly, after a long, tiring pregnancy, I loved being pampered during my shower and sharing in everyone’s excitement over my baby’s impending arrival. My friends put a lot of time and effort into making my baby shower extra special, and I truly felt it.

When I became pregnant with baby number two a couple years later, I didn’t feel like an official baby shower, or “sprinkle”, as they’ve become known for, was necessary. I didn’t create a baby registry because I had basically everything I needed left over from my first baby (another girl). Some close friends did come over one afternoon with cake, a few gifts and flowers, and that was, for me, the perfect way to celebrate. Now that I was a busy mama of a toddler, having that bit of friend time felt extra special, with or without the presents―though those were nice, too!

At the end of the day, I feel like every baby’s arrival deserves and should be celebrated, in some way, no matter when they arrive. What do you think?

Here are some ideas for baby showers, or “sprinkles”, if you’ve already had your first baby. Now that we can celebrate responsibly again in groups, it seems like yet another reason to celebrate baby number two’s arrival (or third, or fourth…?)

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Low-key baby shower ideas for the mama who’s already had her first baby:

Brunch with friends to celebrate mama-to-be

Now that we can go out to restaurants again, a Sunday afternoon brunch with friends sounds like the perfect way to celebrate another baby. While mama-to-be will be skipping out on the mimosas, perhaps call the restaurant ahead of time to see if they could create a special mocktail for her to enjoy? She’ll be so happy to get out and enjoy some friend time! Instead of asking everyone to bring an individual gift, what about contributing to a gift card? That way she can get exactly what’s needed for the new baby.

Give gifts around a theme

Post-pandemic and got a small soiree on the brain? We get it. As for gifts, mama might not need a crib or stroller, but she definitely needs diapers. And books. And more onesies. Pick a theme and go with it, and she will be so happy to have one thing off her plate when it comes to planning for the new baby’s newborn needs. I also like the idea of a “pampering mama” theme that includes new post-baby loungewear, creams and comfy slippers.

Celebrate with a “sip & see” after the baby arrives

A low-key celebration after the baby arrives is a win-win situation: friends and family get to meet the new baby in one place and it’s a more casual way to celebrate in case mama is feeling any awkwardness about having another shower. In this situation, it’s more the merrier, so include partners and kids as well. And if you’re sending invites, these “sip and see” ones from Minted are pretty cute!