Baby Shower Etiquette

On these pages you'll find some typical questions relating to baby shower etiquette which we have answered and which may be of some help to you when considering or planning a shower.

Shower Etiquette

Is it usual for a baby shower to be held only for the first baby, or can one be held for a second or third baby, especially if say the first baby is a boy and the later baby is a girl?

Traditionally a baby shower is only held for the first baby, but the modern view is that baby showers can be held for subsequent babies as every baby’s birth is a cause for celebration.  It might be a good idea if the person who is intending to host the shower asks the potential guests how they feel about holding a second or third shower. If most people seen keen with the idea then why not have one.

Gifts for the shower are best aimed at being the more useful everyday items that the baby may need and maybe not quite as expensive as those given at a first baby shower. For example diapers, bibs, bottles, formula, receiving blankets and onsies.

If the second or third baby is not the same sex as the original child, or if there has been a considerable lapse in time between the births the mother may not still have the original clothing and equipment it may be particularly appropriate to hold a subsequent shower, often called a sprinkle.

But please do remember that the idea of holding a baby shower is of course not just about giving gifts but is also a social event and it is a good excuse for friends and family to get together and to celebrate the birth of a baby.