Celebrating your first baby with a shower is a well-established tradition. But should you have a shower for your second (or third or fourth) child? The etiquette is a little more unclear.
Your first shower was likely all about stocking up on big-ticket items—the crib, the stroller, the car seat, the mountain of onesies that your baby somehow outgrew in approximately 2.5 seconds. And there’s a good chance you’ll be able to use many—if not all—of these supplies for your second, so if you do have a shower for your new baby, it can be a little confusing to know what to register for.
Ultimately, whether or not you decide to have a baby shower for your new little one is up to you. You may not feel a need or you may have some baby care needs you’d love to fill. If you’re in the latter group, here are a few modern ways to welcome your newest family member.
The joy of second baby celebrations
As an alternative to a baby shower for a second baby, a lot of families these days are throwing “sprinkles.” What’s a sprinkle? Amore intimate new baby celebration just for close family and friends.
These gatherings have gained significant popularity on social media, with #BabySprinkle generating millions of views on TikTok as parents share creative ways to celebrate their growing families.
Sprinkles also provide practical support during this significant transition for your family. If your children will be close in age or even just by increasing your numbers, you may need different or additional gear like a two-person stroller or another car seat.
What makes a second baby shower unique?
Second baby celebrations tend to focus more on meaningful connections and practical tools to support you and your growing family. Here’s more on how these events differ from first-time showers:
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They’re more about practical gifts. With second showers, the emphasis is on specific needs rather than all the baby essentials. Registry items for a second baby shower often include gear for managing multiple children or age gaps between kids. If friends and family ask how they can help beyond traditional gifts, you might request child care assistance with siblings during or in the days after your new baby is born. Crafty friends might enjoy putting together a photo album of special moments for your baby’s big sister or brother (a great way to help them feel included in this special time).
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They offer a chance to shine a spotlight on older siblings. Many parents use these gatherings to help older siblings feel involved and excited about their new role. This is also a good opportunity to give your older child special recognition, asking them to share advice for the new baby (or their own parents!), for example, or gifting them with the photo album as mentioned above.
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They provide an intimate celebration style. Sprinkles often have a casual, open house vibe that welcomes kids (especially future older siblings). The gatherings for second babies center on simplicity and joy, welcoming the new baby with a little less pomp and circumstance as the first time around. Instead of sprinkles, some families opt for “nesting parties” where friends help prepare your home for your new arrival. Nesting parties involve organizing baby clothes and gear, setting up the nursery, prepping freezer meals, and establishing a support network (meal train, sibling child care) for after the baby arrives.
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They make room for different scenarios. Sometimes, a more significant celebration makes perfect sense if you’re welcoming a baby girl after three boys, celebrating a blended family's first child together, or preparing for a surprise addition years after giving away all the baby gear.
Ultimately, second baby celebrations balance honoring your new arrival and acknowledging your growing family's practical needs. Whether you choose a sprinkle or a helping-hands nesting party, either provides a perfect chance to strengthen connection and support.
Tips for planning a second baby shower
Creating a meaningful celebration for baby number two requires thoughtful planning that considers the whole family. Whether you're figuring out how to plan a baby shower that suits the growing family dynamic or looking for fresh ideas, here are some ways to make the event special:
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Choose a family theme. Get creative with themes that celebrate your growing family. Some ideas are: "Blooming Family" for spring babies, "Adventure for Four" for active families, "Two Under Two" for siblings close in age, or "Our Nest is Growing" for a nature-themed celebration. Then, choose decorations, games, and food relating to your theme.
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Include older siblings. There are a number of ways you can make your firstborn feel special in the party planning. Depending on their age, you can let them help with decorations, create a big sibling area with games and crafts, or give them an important role, like helping with gifts or taking photographs of the party.
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Consider the timing. When planning the event, consider your older child’s schedule. A mid-morning celebration after nap time or a weekend drop-in party can let your older child participate in the fun, help prevent them from becoming overtired, and keep the day fun for everyone.
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Stay flexible. Keep the celebration casual, and, as with any event with kids involved, plan for breaks, quiet moments, and easy exits. A relaxed attitude about timing and activities helps everyone feel more comfortable, especially friends and family attending with their own little ones.
Many families are also getting creative with hybrid celebrations that blend virtual and in-person elements. For example, you could set up a live stream during gift opening so far-away grandparents and other family members can participate. Some parents also create interactive digital guestbooks where friends and family can upload photos, messages, and even video greetings for the new baby.
Remember: A successful second baby shower keeps things relaxed and inclusive. By keeping details family-focused, you can ensure a shower that honors the new baby while recognizing and celebrating your family’s growth.
Activity ideas for a second baby shower
Whether you’re throwing a more traditional gift-giving shower or a modern nesting party, a few fun activities can make the event even more memorable.
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Create a family time capsule. Set up a station with a decorative box, notecards, and memory prompts. Have guests contribute letters, photos, or small items representing this time of your life. Don't forget to include your big sibling's drawings and wishes! Open it on the baby's first birthday for a sweet walk down memory lane.
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Design matching clothes for siblings. Provide plain onesies or T-shirts, fabric markers, stamps, and stencils. Create coordinating outfits with themes like "big bro and little sis" or "partners in crime." Let older siblings design their own shirt to match the baby's.
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Write letters for the new baby. Give guests themed notecards and prompts for writing messages the baby can read when they’re older. Ideas include "words of wisdom," "hopes for you," or "funny family stories." Make sure big siblings or cousins add their special messages, too.
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Make a family handprint art piece. Create a tree, flower, or rainbow design using everyone's handprints. Choose colors that match the nursery, add names and dates, and leave space for your new baby's tiny print to join later.
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Create a family recipe book. Ask guests to bring their favorite kid-friendly recipes, especially ones that work well for busy families with multiple children. Include photos, stories about the recipes, and tips for cooking them with little helpers in the kitchen.
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Build a sibling survival kit. Set up a station where guests can contribute items to a special box just for the older sibling. Encourage guests to share activities for hospital waiting time, "big sibling" badges, quiet toys for nursing sessions, and other thoughtful items that will help your oldest feel special during the transition.
These activities create meaningful keepsakes and memories that celebrate your growing family. Plus, they give older siblings and other young family members unique ways to participate in welcoming the newest addition.
Adding thoughtful touches with Nanit
If you’re preparing for a second baby shower, certain registry items are extra important—particularly those that help you manage your new life with multiple little ones. And it’s just as important for you and your guests to know what to bring to a baby shower.
The Nanit Pro Baby Monitor is an excellent choice for growing families. Its split-screen functionality lets you monitor your toddler’s naptime endeavors and your newborn’s peaceful midday slumber simultaneously. The Nanit Pro Camera Multi-Pack provides you with multiple cameras for even more coverage, ensuring you never miss a moment of your little ones’ activities.
Looking for helpful resources on creating a registry for your second baby? Check out our registry guide with tips on when to start a baby registry and how to choose the right setup for your growing family.
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Key takeaways
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Every baby deserves to be celebrated. Whether it's your first or fifth, each new addition brings unique joy worth sharing with loved ones. These celebrations help mark important family milestones and create lasting memories for everyone involved.
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Keep it personal. Choose celebration styles that fit your family's needs and personality, whether it’s a traditional shower or a casual sprinkle. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to welcoming a new family member.
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Focus on celebrating connection. Create meaningful moments that involve the whole family, especially older siblings, making everyone feel special during this transition. These early bonding experiences set the foundation for positive sibling relationships and help ease the adjustment period for the whole family.
Sources:
The Bash. Creative Second Baby Shower Ideas for a Special Celebration. https://www.thebash.com/articles/shameless-or-special-the-second-baby-shower
Martha Stewart. Can You Have a Baby Shower for Your Second—or Third, or Fourth—Child? https://www.marthastewart.com/8050739/second-baby-shower-etiquette
