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Is it Proper to Host a Baby Shower For the Second Baby?

 Baby and mother. Feeding a baby.

Hello Polite One,

I am new to your site, and I just love it!   It has helped me in several instances.  However, I haven’t been able to find an answer to this particular question.  I have always been told that baby showers are given to first-time/new moms, and not typically given for the second and third child.  Is this correct? 

What if the first child was a boy and the second is a girl?  I would greatly appreciate your response as I have a friend who is having her second child and I am not sure as to what to do.  She has hinted about a “baby shower”.  I’ve responded that I thought that showers were only for first-time moms, but she said no not if the sexes are different.  Please Help!

Thanks!

Baby Shower Blues

Hello Baby Shower Blues,

Welcome!  I'm glad I have helped you in the past.  And you are from Folsom?  I am a native Sacramentan.  This is great.  Most of my questions are from a great distance from our section of CA.   

There is no rule about the appropriateness of the first, second, or twentieth baby showers.  The original baby showers were focused on providing support for the new mother.  So, logically we would assume this means support for the first-time mother.  However, each birth is different.  We really should assess each case individually.   

My daughter adopted a child.  No one hosted a baby shower for her because they didn't notice that she was indeed a mother.  I couldn't because it is not acceptable for a mother to do so. 

Mothers need a support system and need to know that there are people who care and will notice if they need help.  Yes, this type of 'party' seems like it’s all about the gifts.  But it is also about love and expectations of a new life soon to be born.   

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

More by The Polite One

What is proper birthday party etiquette?

Opening Gifts During a Child's Birthday Party: Yes or No?

Do I give a gift or what? 

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