4 Alternatives to Traditional Baby Showers

Traditionally, baby showers are thrown before the birth of a couple’s child to help new parents prepare for the arrival of their new bundle of joy. Although appropriate for the first child, how do you subsequently celebrate the birth of the second, third or fourth child? Don’t they each deserve to come into the world with as much celebration as the first?

Of course, after the first child, you often don’t need as many things, but the celebration shouldn’t be about gifts or presents. The emphasis should be on the celebration of new life. Below are four alternative baby shower ideas for those who are not born first:

Blessingway Ceremony

Loosely-based on an ancient Navajo tradition, a blessingway isn’t wholly different from a baby shower, except no gifts are exchanged and the ceremony focuses on the mother. Instead, an all-female guest list comes together, bringing only a blessing, a candle and a bead. Before the food, drinks and chit-chat, the group gathers in a circle and each guest reads her blessing for the expectant mother, focusing on encouragement and support in motherhood and then lighting the candle she brought. The candle goes home with the woman who brought it, with the idea that when the new mama goes into labor, each attendee lights her candle to show continued support. Lastly, the beads are strung together for the mom to wear during labor to represent the spirit and well wishes of the woman who gifted it. It’s also an easy way for those friends who couldn’t attend in person to offer their support.

Sip n’ See

Six to eight weeks after the baby is born, friends and family can visit and sip some punch and see the newborn baby during set hours in the afternoon. Typically, there’s also a buffet of food for folks to snack on. Everyone will coo over the new baby and get a chance to catch up with old friends and gossip. If you didn’t have a traditional baby shower, many folks will ask about gifts. You can ask them to bring specific items, like diapers or children’s books, or ask them to make a charitable donation instead.

Coed Diaper Shower

Also known as a cookout, this is an opportunity to share wisdom and funny stories with the parents-to-be and celebrate the family together. Somewhat self-explanatory, everyone brings a package of diapers. If you prefer cloth diapers, ask guests to bring accessories like wet bags, wipes or detergent. You can go one step further by using a party theme and give out favors or gag gifts for prizes, or order a diaper cake! Check out sites like Party Pail for ideas on party themes, favors and supplies.

Sprinkles

During the second pregnancy, moms likely aren’t expecting to be showered with gifts. More than a shower, they simply need a light “sprinkle”—gifts to complement the baby items they already own. It also can be an informal, small gathering of friends to take the mom-to-be out for a nice meal or afternoon tea. Again, gifts can be optional or at least kept small. One idea: Have the group go in on a gift to pamper mama with a massage or facial.