Well on two message boards I read the question amazingly came up about what to do when people are having baby showers #3, 4, 5, and 6! We’re not talking 6 showers for 1 baby, but showers for actually having babies #3, 4, 5, and 6!
Like I said before I like gift giving it’s a habit I learned from my mom. So personally I give gifts. When our friends didn’t have a shower for their 4th child I sent them a gift card to amazon anyway. It’s fun to give gifts.
But I can see how it starts to feel like a shakedown to many. I guess you wonder what do people really need for their later children they didn’t already get? But come on people. Doesn’t every child deserve it’s own gift or is it SOL because it was born 3rd or 4th, so everything should be hand me downs?
I am not sure about the protocol or manners involved. So many kind readers who have had multiple kids or know people with multiple kids can enlighten me.
9 responses so far ↓
1 Kerry // Aug 17, 2008 at 9:47 am
I have 5 children. I haven’t had a shower for each one, but I do give away EVERYTHING between kids because the minute I’m not using it I want it to go to someone who can use it, and baby stuff is a dime a dozen anyway, so I can always use stuff when expecting.
However, it is a firm belief of mine that EVERY baby deserves a celebration regardless of when it’s born. Even if no gifts are given, just a gathering to celebrate the Mom and the new life within. Personally I ask that any gifts given be from the thrift shop, because I don’t like new, but I’m weird that way.
2 devil // Aug 17, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I don’t have a problem with a baby shower for each baby. Each child is an individual and needs his/her own stuff. Besides, it’s really fun to buy/make/give baby gifts. I like to sew and knit and crochet so I’ve told would-be parents that they need to let me know as soon as possible 1) When they’re expecting 2)The gender of the baby (if they’re finding out)
Normally, I wouldn’t dictate to people this way, but if they want a handmade gift they MUST give me proper notice
I do have a problem with a wedding shower for each marriage, though. THAT seems greedy. Wedding showers are only appropriate for young couples just starting out, IMO.
3 Ashley @ Wide Open Wallet // Aug 17, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I think every baby deserves a shower. Every baby needs stuff. And every baby deserves a celebration.
4 Jen // Aug 17, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I don’t mind buying gifts for for each baby at all. If the second child is the same sex, I buy essentials like diapers and forumla as gifts. If the second kid is not the same sex, I buy clothes for the new baby
.
5 LivingAlmostLarge // Aug 17, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I kind think it’s fun. But I figured I was in the minority because I don’t have kids.
6 laughing808 // Aug 17, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Personally, I wouldn’t have a baby shower after the second child. I would figure is family and friends still wanted to give they could do so without the party.
For family members and close friends, I’d consider giving beyond the second child. Otherwise, after the second a congrats card is all I’d give.
7 Kristy // Aug 18, 2008 at 9:08 am
I am pregnant with our second child and I don’t expect another shower for this child. If people want to give gifts then great and if not that is fine too. We kept everything from DD so the the next child will have some hand me downs and the same toys. If we have a boy, then I am sure the grandparents will buy some boy clothes.
8 Rachel // Aug 18, 2008 at 11:56 am
I’m the one at Church that makes sure everyone gets a shower and isn’t left out. But we only do an “all church” shower for the first baby (first baby born in our church- if they had 4 kids before they came to our church, we still have a shower for them). It really isn’t that big of a deal to have a shower each time, but we limit it because there have been 5 babies born each year and it can be taxing/expensive for people. After the first baby someone tends to volunteer to have a shower for the mom and we just make it more intimate rather than announcing it to the whole church. People are very generous though and still give gifts.
One thing I like to do for moms who have more than a couple kids is have a “pamper mom” shower- we did this with the last gal that had baby #5- gifts cards to Dominoes Pizza or a clothing store, lotions, soaps, etc.
I think it’s important to make sure the mom knows we all see this as a special time and we want to celebrate with her.
9 Andrea // Aug 21, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I made a blanket for a friend’s third child. She told me that no one gave gifts after the second child(besides the grandparents) so it was nice that the baby would have something new that was hers(I didn’t get it made before the baby was born so she was about 4 months old).
I also think gifts for a mom of a number of kids is nice, too.
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