Can I have a Baby Shower for a second baby?

Can I have a Baby Shower for a second baby is a question many Moms ask!

Many women have a traditional Baby Shower for their first child but what about a Baby Shower for a second (or third) baby?

Well, rest assured, it is quite common and acceptable to have Baby Showers for future children. Many women hold a traditional Baby Shower for their second child, much the same as they did for their first child.

Alternatively, some Mamas hold what’s called a Baby Sprinkle for their second babies.

So, How are they different from Baby Showers? Below is everything you need to know about Baby Showers for second babies, along with our best tips for how to plan one.

Baby Showers for second babies

Usually, Baby Showers for second children are a smaller and more subdued affair than for the first baby. Many parents want to avoid seeming greedy and so throw a more casual party than their first time, usually with a smaller guest list and a few smaller items on the gift registry.

What is Baby Sprinkle?

Basically, a Baby Sprinkle is a relaxed, small gathering of friends and family to celebrate a new baby on the way. This Baby is often the second (or third or fourth) baby in the family. Baby sprinkles are usually pretty casual, don’t require a lot of work, and usually take between 2-3 hours.

Baby Shower vs Baby Sprinkle

Second babies deserve to be celebrated just as much as the first, so if you want a second Baby Shower, then go for it! Typically, Baby Sprinkles are held by couples who are expecting their second (or third/fourth) child and have already had a Baby Shower for their first born.

However, Baby Sprinkles can also be thrown by first-time parents who would prefer to have a quieter gathering.

Why is the second Baby Shower called a Sprinkle?

A second Baby Shower is often referred to as a Baby Sprinkle because it is usually a smaller, more low-key celebration than the first Baby Shower. Parents-to-be will likely have all the big-ticket items they need for a baby, so gifts are often smaller items.

So, what happens to a Baby Sprinkle?

Baby sprinkles are relaxed, casual and fun, usually with a small group of close friends and family. There aren’t too many hard and fast rules about what needs to happen with baby sprinkles, but one thing you can be sure to see is the opening of the gift. Most baby sprinkles also include light food, drinks, and games for guests to participate in.

What would you give for a second Baby Shower?

First-time parents usually create a registry for Baby Showers to make shopping easy for their guests and to make sure they have everything they need for the new baby. Gifts given at a baby shower often range from small items, such as onesies and blankets, to more expensive items, such as prams and car seats.

However, for Baby Sprinkles, parents don’t often use a registry. By the time the second baby is on the way, they probably have all the “big” stuff they need. Instead, the mother-to-be may need smaller items like new clothes and sheets. Baby Sprinkles is an opportunity to upgrade some of the baby’s existing items (especially if there is a big gap between her last child and her new baby) or to help her prepare for a baby of the opposite gender from first.

Some gifts suitable for Baby Sprinkles are:

• diapers
• memories
• gift cards
• new clothes
• blanket
• books
• toys
• bibs
• wipes

Our top 10 Best Baby Shower Gifts will give you more inspiration!

What is the difference between Baby Shower and Baby Sprinkle?

Basically, Baby Sprinkles are smaller and more intimate than Baby Showers! Only close friends and family are invited to Baby Sprinkles, rather than distant friends and family or colleagues. Usually, Baby Showers are girls only, however, Baby Sprinkles can be co-ed. Because of the casual nature of Baby Sprinkles, they are also usually shorter than Baby Showers.

A Shower can be a grand party with fun, fancy decorations, and food, while Baby Sprinkles should require less work. In Baby Showers, the theme is usually focused around the baby. Baby Sprinkles allows the expectant mother to take more of the spotlight. The food must be his favorite, the theme can be his favorite colors.

Tips for Planning a Baby Shower

Whether you’re planning a Baby Sprinkle for yourself or a mom-to-be in your life, be sure to keep it simple. The whole point of Baby Sprinkles is to celebrate the new baby without the overwhelming Baby Shower to-do list.

Be clear that the party was a Baby Shower for the second child

Baby Sprinkles is still a very new idea that many people are unfamiliar with. Make sure you outline what to expect in the invitations. The mom-to-be may find it helpful to have a small registry so guests know what types of gifts are appropriate for the event.

Serve the finger food

Typically, Baby Sprinkles are likely to only last a few hours, meaning guests likely won’t need a full meal. That said, it’s always smart to serve up some food to keep everyone energized! Keep your food choices simple and look to mom for her favorite finger foods. This may include a fruit or vegetable tray, chips and salsa, and cupcakes.

Include Baby Sprinkle Games

While not strictly required, games are a fun way to liven up any party!

A fun game idea is to have guests write their best parenting advice on a card, which can then be placed in a photo album for a nice keepsake.

Another great game is called “Remember When”. Ask your guests to share stories of raising children and/or their pregnancies. They can be funny, embarrassing, or sweet and the mom-to-be can decide which stories win. This game is especially fun for family reminiscing.

If you want to incorporate games into your Baby Sprinkle, we’ve included a FREE DOWNLOAD of our most popular Baby Shower Games here. Just print them at home and you’re ready to play!

For more fun Baby Games, check out our post here.

Check out our Pinterest board for heaps of great Baby Sprinkle decorating ideas!