Traditionally, baby showers are given only for the family's first child, and only women are invited, though this has changed in recent years, now allowing showers being split up for different audiences: workplace, mixed-sex, etc. Activities at baby showers include gift-giving and playing themed games.
If a mother-to-be is expecting a baby soon (a year or so) after her first, “it's perfectly fine to have a second baby shower,” said Lizzie Post, etiquette expert, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post and co-host of the podcast, Awesome Etiquette.
Etiquette says that a baby shower should be given for the first baby only, and should be given by a non-family member. So, when a second baby comes along and a sprinkle invitation arrives, you might be a little put off at first. The family already has all the baby essentials.
A baby sprinkle is a type of baby shower to celebrate a family's second child. Instead of a traditional shower, the gifts are often diapers, wipes and a few outfits since many families who are expecting their second child already have a lot of the gear they'll need.
It is now acceptable to have a baby shower for a second or even third child, even if they are the same gender. Every baby can be celebrated and it's a great opportunity to get together with family and friends. However, the family having the baby should not be the decision maker.
A baby sprinkle is just like a baby shower but scaled down. If mom is on her second, third (or fourth) child, consider throwing her a baby sprinkle instead of a full blown baby shower.
For a second baby shower, there are some social rules and etiquette that you should keep in mind as well, to keep things from appearing “tacky.” First of all, it is best to have someone throw the baby shower for you if you are the mother. It can be anyone, such as a friend or relative.
"For a celebration for a second or third or fourth baby, you might want to include only close family, call it a celebration rather than a shower, and make it clear you are inviting them to celebrate," notes Gottsman.
Who pays for a baby shower? Most often, the host pays for the baby shower. This is not always one person. For example, several aunts and cousins might cover the full tab of a shower at a restaurant, or a group of coworkers may help coordinate all the decorations, food and fun.
A Baby Sprinkle is similar to a regular Baby Shower but smaller and less involved. A Sprinkle is typically used to commemorate the arrival of a second or third child for people who do not have the time or means to organize a traditional Baby Shower.
From parents to college roommates, and anyone else who plays an important role in the parents-to-be's lives. It's safe to say that those who weren't included in the initial guest list are the people you shouldn't invite.
Men are allowed at baby showers — especially if the father's in attendance. It's rare for a mom to have a co-ed or Jack&Jill baby shower and not invite any of her and the father's male friends and family members.
Classic baby shower etiquette rules state that a close family member or friend should be the baby shower host. And this is good advice. While you don't have to be related to the person, ensure it's someone close. If no one has offered to host yet, it's ok to ask someone to throw you a little soiree.
Traditionally the host will pay but this will depend on many factors. This includes the venue, budget, size of the guest list, and how extravagant it may be. For instance, you can't expect your best friend to throw a huge baby shower and pay for it all herself.
The average baby shower gift spend amount typically ranges from $25 to $200. The range in the average is explained by different closeness levels to the mother-to-be.
Though a gift is expected if a guest attends, guests should only be invited to help celebrate the upcoming arrival, not for the gift they bring. If a guest is invited to a shower but can't attend, there is no obligation to send a gift, though they certainly may if they want to.
Overall, a father bathing with his young toddler is not considered inappropriate or even a warning sign an adult might be at risk to harm a child. Of course, every family has its own comfort level with issues like nudity, bathing practices and parenting styles.
When and Where to Have a Baby Shower? Early on in planning the baby shower, remember that when you hold the celebration is just as important as where to have it. Usually, showers are held later in pregnancy, often around four to six weeks before the due date, but always check with the expectant family first.
It is considered inappropriate for you or your spouse to throw the baby shower. It is considered rude to ask someone to throw you a baby shower. Typically a close friend or one of the grandmas-to-be will throw a baby shower. It is acceptable to have a sister or other family member throw the baby shower.
You also might want to keep the guest list to close family and friends but are also looking for ways to include everyone in the celebration. This is where a hybrid baby shower comes in. With a hybrid shower, you can host guests from all over the world, or hold separate parties so that all loved ones are included.
Who hosts a baby sprinkle? While there are plenty of differences between a baby sprinkle and a baby shower, the host for both events is often a close friend or sibling. The host of your baby sprinkle may be the same person who threw your first shower, or it may be someone different.
What is a Reverse Baby Shower? A reverse baby shower is a party where family and friends of a new mom-to-be gather, but the new mom isn't actually present. The guests bring their gifts unwrapped and share what they purchased and why with the other guests before wrapping the gifts at the party.
Traditional Baby Shower Length
Games, food, and opening gifts are all part of the fun but can run long. Check with the guests of honor to see what they feel comfortable with and adjust if needed. Parent's magazine recommends a shower last three hours at the most.