People can get hung up on etiquette these days. Many people think that a baby shower should only be held for the birth of a first child. Baby showers are not only a means of "showering" parents to be with the items they will need for the arrival of their bundle of joy, but also to celebrate this arrival.
Fully stocked baby registries are not necessary for parents in which there isn't a large age gap between children. Here are some theme ideas for baby showers for second or third children...
Diaper Baby Shower - Parents to be may have many of the larger essentials from a previous child, but make no mistake about it, babies will need diapers and lots of them! A baby averages 8-12 diaper changes per day! And who couldn't use baby wipes. We still carry them in both of our cars and "away" bag for quick clean ups for ourselves and our 5 year old. For this type of baby shower each guest is asked to bring a box of diapers (in different sizes), diaper creams and/or a box of wipes. You may want to tell guests to purchase diapers in size 1 or up as newborns may quickly grow out of newborn sized diapers.
Pot Luck Baby Shower - Friends prepare dishes that can be frozen and bring them for mom to be. It's a great way to stock up on dinners for parents to be for the first few weeks after baby is born. Let's face it, everyone is adjusting to a new world order, especially older siblings, and mealtime may not be number one on everyone's mind. Try to make as many nutritious meals which balance protein, veggies, carbohydrates and limit fats, especially if kids are going to rely on these meals for a few weeks.
Clothesline Baby Shower - fill up baby's dresser by hosting a Clothesline Baby Shower. While there may be some hand me downs for this baby, he or she is just as special as his or her older sibling. He or she deserves to have some outfits, one piece bodysuits, socks, pjs, washcloths, towels, etc, that are purchased just for him or her. If this baby is a different gender than the first child then he or she may need all of the essentials.
Celebrate the arrival of this child and the new roles family members will take on. If this is a second child then the older sibling to be may have difficulty transitioning from only child to older sibling. Make this time extra special for them by treating them to a big brother or big sister gift. The world as they know it is going to change soon so make it an exciting change for them.