The Baby Sprinkle: Holding a Baby Shower for Subsequent Children

You had your first child and you had the whole baby shower then. Now some time has passed and your second, third, or more child is on the way. Whether it’s because it’s a different gender, you got rid of all the baby stuff, or you simply want a way to bring family and friends together to celebrate, you are considering another shower. But a whole big baby shower feels unnecessary. Or maybe you have some odd societal judgement about wanting to throw a shower. Instead of the traditional baby shower, consider the latest fad of throwing a Sprinkle.

The sprinkle is a lower key, less stuff filled celebration of your upcoming second child. Using the term sprinkle instead of shower informs your guests that the registry is likely shorter or maybe even non-existent. It tells them you already have a lot of what you need, or that you acknowledge you’ve already had a baby shower. Most importantly though, it tells them you want to celebrate and honor your new little bundle on its way.

Planning the Party

Much of this party planning is going to reflect the same planning that went into planning your first baby shower (need a guide? Check out my real guide for expecting parents here). You want to pick a date and time that makes sense for you, your partner, and as many guests as possible. Then send out invitations, either by mail or over the internet. Facebook and Evite are two really common ways to invite people electronically.

Leading up to the party you want to have your registry prepared if you are going to ask for gifts. Give plenty of time for family and friends to buy stuff. Ideally you will have a link or direction to your registry on your original invite. Then prepare the food, the decorations, and celebrate with your family and friends.

Registry List

Amazon’s baby registry is a super easy and a convenient way to share with your loved ones what you would like for your little one. My favorite feature is that guests can mark that something has been bought even if they didn’t buy it through Amazon. Sign up for the Amazon baby registry here.

My other favorite list, specifically for subsequent children, is Babylist. The thing I love about this is that it isn’t just stuff. Yes, you can ask for diapers or clothes or toys or the usual shower supplies. But you can also ask broadly for donations for experiences. I’ve seen people use it for a honeymoon fund, eating out expenses, date nights, and babysitting costs. It is so accessible and so easy to donate. And as a person using it on the buying end, it’s really accessible and even donating just $5 is very easy. Plus, now you can really save up for something you want as opposed to getting a bunch of tiny little gifts that maybe you don’t really need. Sign up here.

My favorite registry suggestions, especially for baby #2

Cute new baby clothes
- Especially sibling clothes
Babysitting night
Diapers or diaper cleaning service
Restaurant certificates
Anything from your baby shower registry that you are still wanting

Instead of Cards

I find cards to be kind of junk. they often don’t hold long term value. Books on the other hand are different though. Check out my blog about asking for books instead of cards here.