My niece is having 2nd baby in February and we are planning her baby shower for January (when my kids will both be in town). Just wondering what wonderful suggestions folks have. They have a lovely house and tons of toys for their 2.5 year old girl and lots of clothes, books and hand me downs.
I asked her sister to gently ask what things they need for baby but am asking the hive mind here for help. At this time, we don’t know if baby is girl or boy but niece & her H know.
I have no experience with this, but I understand people call a shower for second kid a “sprinkle” these days. I think it’s meant to be lower key, but I really don’t know.
Well for kid #1, it was combined with wedding reception so they didn’t get that much attention for the baby. Still they have so much stuff at this point but it’s always fun to have some new things.
Maybe some sort of diaper party, unless they will be using cloth. Disposable diapers are something that can’t be handed down!
Yes, when we asked, she did say diapers would be appreciated. Haha!
For the baby shower for my nephews (twins), they requested everyone bring diapers and wipes as well as another gift. Or maybe a box of diapers and a donation to a college fund?
Things a new baby always needs, even if there is an older sibling:
blankets and receiving blankets
bath towels and wash cloths
a double stroller, maybe from the group?
family membership to a children’s museum or zoo
books
lotions for baby and mom
onesies (they never last through multiple kids)
I was in charge of a baby shower for a coworker - the company purchased a lovely bookcase. Everyone then brought a wrapped copy of their favorite book as a child (or if they have children a favorite book of theirs). New baby has a lovely piece of furniture and 31 new books that are classics and loved by the givers. It was a huge success.
A friend of a friend just planned a 2nd baby shower. Specified no gifts on the invite, but the donation details for the local food bank was listed. This organization is always accepting diapers, wipes, other hygiene items which you can’t purchase with SNAP. Everyone loved it she said….nice and low key social event to honor the mom.
The grandparents had already purchased the second car seat which was the only thing the family needed….
I would not buy a double stroller without checking with the parents. D and SIL recently had a second child and 3 yo GD has refused to sit in a stroller for at least a year. ( neither of my kids would sit in one after 18 months).
Do not forget to include small gifts for the older sibling.
Great advice. There are too many configurations and options….side by side? Front and back? Fits in the trunk of a small car or bulky and only fits in a minivan? Jogging option? Seat pops off for a car seat? Standing board?
I had 11 strollers in total, and was very picky. Most don’t do second showers here, and if they do it’s a sprinkle, diapers, books… I actually was thrown a sprinkle with my 4th pregnancy, twins, I think it was a pity shower, just close friends, not even my mom. A friend did give me her used triple stroller (she had triplets) a monster peg perego that I used to walk my twins and 1 year old to the parks all of the time. Anything else I needed (extra cribs, high chairs, bassinets, etc. ) were donated to me by friends who were done having kids. I really didn’t need anything with #2 and #3.
Maybe a package of diapers with a card. Card could include gift card to somewhere like Target where it is possible to buy baby items or diapers.
I used to give 1st year and/or 2nd year (first year goes fast!) sticker calendars. Especially if there is older sib(s). I figured if the parents already had one, they could regift at another shower. Example - Morehead 2nd Year Baby Calendar | Current Catalog
Don’t forget a book on being a big sibling for the older sib!
Our niece and partner got 15 of these books (several duplicates) at the shower for their triplets. It’s a great gift, but they returned a LOT of these. No one needs that many.
For any book gift, I would suggest NOT writing an inscription in the book, and including a gift receipt. That way, returns are easier.
Since this is including both of the parents, what about some things that will make life easier…some gift cards for prepared foods, a diaper delivery (there used to be something like this for disposable diapers…don’t know if there still is), offers to babysit so parents can have some time out?
Right. Thats why I said A book! 
if the kids are going to be born in different seasons maybe an effort could be made to ask for winter clothes/summer in a certain size. My two grandsons are 18 months apart and the 2nd who just turned two wears hand me downs. His first winter he had few pants and this past summer he had no shorts that were the right size and my daughter took to cutting sweat pants into shorts. My long winded point being that even though it’s a 2nd it’s nice to have some fresh new clothes.
Thanks—Hawaii so pretty comfortable temps year round. haha! Good thought!
Love the bookshelf and books idea!