Is it normal to have a baby shower everytime you have another baby?

Never heard of a baby shower for a 2nd or 3rd baby. In our circles, people might have a baby-welcoming party of some kind, with belly casting, good food, friends, and well wishes. For our 3rd child, a friend organized a party where people donated a casserole or some kind of food that would freeze well. We filled our chest freezer. Then, the first few weeks after he was born, we didn’t have to do any cooking.

If there is a long gap between the two babies, like 5 years or more, then I know people may do a second shower, because a lot of the stuff that was purchased for the first baby has likely been discarded or is out of date (like car seats, which are subject to new technology).

However, if the babies are in faster succession, then it’s kind of greedy to have a shower for each (just my opinion).

Baby showers I think are pretty much the first baby or like @jca writes, if another baby comes along after a span of years.

Bridal showers I feel are for a couple just starting their first home more than individuals who’ve already been living on their own or together blend a home.

My mother threw me a baby shower for my second daughter, BUT that was only because it had been four years and we had sold or given all of our previous baby things away, since we never anticipated having another child. Everyone just sort of chipped in on the essentials: crib, swing, stroller, car seat, and lots of diapers and wipes.

I’m with you. It seems to be more and more common to have them for 2nd and 3rd children, though.
I also find it odd to have a bridal shower if you’ve been living together for a long time, or if you’ve already established a home. But, that’s also common.

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We had a second baby shower when my daughter was born, but there is a 10 and 12 year age gap between her and her brothers. Other than that, I’d say one baby shower for first born is enough.

I usually only hear of a shower for the first baby. Unless there’s a large gap in ages or the baby was unexpected (so mom and dad got rid of all their other baby stuff), it seems a bit tacky to me. Even though we were more broke with each kid we had, so actually it would have helped us out most to have a shower for the LAST kid instead of the first one!

However, when I was expecting my second child, the women I worked with threw me a shower. It wasn’t a big affair, just a really nice get-together at someone’s home. No family or friends, just co-workers. I felt uncomfortable with it and told them I didn’t need a shower for my second baby, but they all shouted me down. I think they all wanted an excuse to buy baby things and eat desserts! And it was fun, so I’m glad they did it!

@MissAusten: Yes, everyone definitely loves an excuse to buy baby things (especially clothes) and eat desserts! Everyone loves a party (or at least I do, anyway!).

I was recently invited to a baby shower for a third child (a girl), where the first two siblings are twin 3-year old girls. Both parents have advanced degrees and good jobs. Also, they listed in the invitation where they were registered for gifts. I didn’t think this was in good taste and did not attend… although several people did.

I am much happier to have a get-together or celebration… or have a gift-giving party for people who could use some help. Other than that, it reeks of greed to me. Yuck.

@jca..sometimes I like parties, but I DON’T like parties where I’m expected to buy things that I don’t need (like Tupperware) and parties for people who are just wanting presents that they don’t need.

Well, perhaps the one I was invited to is just a get together…the mom to be asked if I’d make a couple of dishes and I said sure….Her kids are 3, 1.5 and she’s due with the 3rd in November…I was just a little taken aback.

I think we’re all on the same page, guys!

@Dutchess_III: I’m with you on that – parties where they try to sell you overpriced crap like candles are not for me! Sorry, I’m unable to attend. It’s funny because Miss Manners wrote, referring to “gift registries” that if people want something they should just go out and buy it. I’m kind of torn between seeing the necessity of registering and feeling like people should just buy what they want to. I usually buy something that’s not from a registry, but it’s practical (like baby clothes).

These kinds of parties go back to the day when there just wasn’t much help that could be forth coming….so it was like a “everybody pitch in to help the young kids.” Anymore they seem to be turning into “Let’s have another Christmas for the kids every time they turn around!”

@Dutchess_III: Plus, the “kids” are not usually kids any more!

@jca yabutt if you’ve had 2 or 3 kids already, then you should be established well enough to buy your own stuff, not have to have it donated!

@Dutchess_III: I was referring to people getting married – I was referring to how bridal showers probably started to help the young couple get a start, but now, it’s often that people getting married have already gotten a start – they often are in their 30’s and have been independent for a long time.

O. I C!