Rosie to the Rescue!: How to Throw a Baby Shower for a Second (or Third, or Fourth) Baby

In case you missed it, here is a recent post from “Rosie to the Rescue”, my blog for Parents Magazine, where I list my tips for throwing a baby shower for a second (or third, or fourth!) baby. Don’t miss the rest of the “Rosie to the Rescue” posts, available here.

I must admit, I haven’t had a baby shower since my first son was born, but I often get asked questions about the etiquette surrounding showers for 2nd, 3rd and 4th babies. My response is always the same: There is no reason you shouldn’t have a party to celebrate this wonderful occasion, but don’t ask for gifts or create a registry. We simply can’t expect our friends to keep forking over money and gifts so that we can have the latest and greatest baby gear. Clearly there are exceptions to this rule (hello, unexpected triplets!), and, as friends, it is our job to throw showers for our friends that need them for one reason or another—they shouldn’t have to ask!

These most tasteful of second showers are aptly dubbed a “sprinkle,” which always makes me think of someone tossing sprinkles all over me in some extravagant version of the wedding rice-throwing tradition! (So far however, it hasn’t happened.) So with baby #4 on the way, I was delighted that my friends at Hot Moms Club and Belly Bandit decided to get in on my “sprinkle”-throwing action. Here are the do’s of throwing one yourself:

Choose a fun location. Look for something that’s more reminiscent of the margarita-drinking, disco-dancing, pre-baby you, and shy away from the traditional tea rooms that you may have picked for your first shower. Those are wonderful for baby #1 and completely appropriate when your great aunt needs to attend, but this one should be a smaller affair, and more for you and your friends than for your granny’s bingo crowd. Mine was held at the newly-opened Herringbone restaurant at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood, which provided a chic party environment as opposed to a ladies luncheon vibe. Tea cups were replaced with cocktail glasses (or mocktail glasses for mommies-to-be) because after all: “sprinkles” are parties.

*Serve sweet eats. Or, if you’re more of a pastry trend-setter, cronuts. Delicious, sugary treats never go out of style and much more aptly fit the party environment than fruit plates and finger sandwiches.

Choose the yummiest of foods on the menu. After your “sprinkle,” you aren’t likely to have another party where you eat French fries with reckless abandon, so now is the time. We served French fry salad—such a great way to wreak havoc on a salad—topped with guac, bacon bits, cheese, and crisp lettuce.

*Ask for modest donations. Consider asking guests to bring diapers for a diaper drive or to donate gently used gear of their own to wonderful charities, like Baby Buggy.

*Assemble thoughtful goody bags. If there are some new moms amongst your bunch, considering including one of your favorite mommy tools in your goody bags. Mine included the tummy-shrinking Belly Bandit and some pieces from my new baby line. While I don’t expect you to go out and start making baby clothes, do include that special something you have so appreciated knowing about in your gift bag so you can share it with your friends.

Once the location, the gifts, and the refreshments are taken care of, be sure to relax and have fun. Your sprinkle is your party, your time with you and your friends, and a chance to celebrate one of the most amazing things in life. A new baby is on its way, so “sprinkle” away!