Do You Have a Baby Shower for Every Baby?
The point of a baby shower is generally to shower the mother-to-be with practical gifts and supplies she’ll need to be prepared for a new baby. The tradition has become increasingly popular, but is it necessary for every baby? Whether it’s your first or fifth, having a shower is a great opportunity to gather and have a laugh or play silly games with friends and family and enjoy their company before life gets a little more complicated.
A Shower of Love for Every Baby?
Celebrating the impending birth of your first child is an expected rite of passage, but the etiquette of showering for future babies can feel a little less welcoming. Traditionally, baby showers were for first-time parents who were getting started and needed everything from diapers to highchairs for their newborn. Additional babies make the decision more difficult, because many people have an abundance of things and need very little, however, much like birthdays and other special events, it’s still a great reason to celebrate.
In some cases, an additional shower makes sense, like for a couple with boys who find themselves about to welcome a baby girl, or for a family celebrating a pregnancy a decade after they gave away all their baby gear. While the practice of celebrating the upcoming arrival of a new bundle of joy is heartwarming, the decision of whether or not to have a baby shower is ultimately a personal one.
If you’ve recently had your first baby, you may opt to tweak your celebration style. Call it a celebration rather than a shower, and make it clear you’re inviting folks to celebrate, and request there be no gifts. Some people throw a “baby sprinkle”, a smaller party designed to make parents’ lives easier once they have a newborn and other children. Host a “stock the freezer” or a “nesting party” where friends come over and help with laundry, deep cleaning, meal prepping, etc. You can also simply throw a party to mark the new baby’s arrival.
To Shower or Not to Shower?
A baby shower for a first-born child is often an extravagant party with lots of friends, family, and presents, and etiquette gets a little more complicated with a second child, but are baby showers really necessary at all? Babies should always be celebrated, and an additional child should not mean you celebrate any less! Plus, there are many ways to make the event special and meaningful to the family, it is afterall meant to be a fun and supportive gathering.
Reasons to Consider a Baby Shower
Honoring the Expectant Mother: A baby shower is a wonderful way to show love, support, and appreciation for the expectant mother. It’s a chance for her to feel celebrated and cherished during this special time.
Gathering Loved Ones: Baby showers provide an opportunity for family and friends to come together and share their excitement and well wishes for the new parents.
Gift-Giving: While not the sole purpose, baby showers offer a convenient way for guests to contribute gifts towards the baby’s essentials.
Reasons to Skip a Baby Shower
Privacy Preferences: Some expectant mothers may prefer a more low-key celebration or simply wish to keep their pregnancy private.
Multiple Babies in the Family: If there are other recent or upcoming births in the family, having multiple baby showers might feel excessive.
Alternatives to a Traditional Baby Shower
Co-Ed Baby Shower: If you want to include both men and women in the celebration, consider a co-ed baby shower.
Virtual Baby Shower: For those who live far apart or want to include more people, a virtual baby shower can be a convenient and enjoyable option.
Low-Key Gathering: A simple gathering with close family and friends can be just as meaningful as a formal baby shower.
No Shower at All: Sometimes, the most meaningful celebration is simply spending quality time with loved ones during this special time.
The decision of whether or not to have a baby shower is a personal one. Consider the expectant mother’s wishes and needs, and family dynamics to make the most appropriate choice. Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate the new arrival with love and joy.
Our smaller space at Historic Acres, The Coop, is perfect for baby showers. This renovated banquet room has charming farmhouse details, exposed wood beam ceilings, large bay windows, and crystal chandeliers. If you’re looking for a baby shower venue in Hershey PA, give us a call at 717-298-6340 or contact us.