Second baby shower

Trek_girl

When did having a baby shower for a second child become a thing? I thought the point originally was to ensure a new mum has the essentials.

I was invited to one where the first baby is barely a year old so surely they still have all the kit. I don't think I will go as it is someone I barely know and seems like gift grabbing.

I think if it were say an older mum who had a large gap between children e.g. the first lot are teenagers or even 10+ years it would not be so bad.

I think a baby welcome party is much nicer and there is less of a gift grabbing subtext.
Am I the only one who thinks this way?

Counting_Pennies_2

Not sure how I survived ten years ago without baby showers!


A good excuse to meet up with friends, but not sure it should be about kitting you out with the full kit for a baby, that seems a bit money grabbing to me

KARO

Don't know.. it's an americanism, and I tend to avoid it. Same with the silly expensive Proms where the kids hire a limo and dress up like film stars on the red carpet, lol.

sweetilemon

I don't really think they are necessary. I will maybe have a house warming/meet the baby as I won't be having a christening but not a baby shower. Don't really see the point of silly games when I can't even have a glass of wine. I've always respectfully declined invites and said I do not want one.

Mrshaworth2b

I've just recently had a second baby shower, I asked that no one bought any gifts because I had my first in 2013 and people were very generous. I had a second baby shower because I don't get to see the people I invited very much so I used it as a get together. We had afternoon tea at a lovely place and everyone had a great time. It is very American, but seeing as most people buy a gift for a new baby, whether it be first, second or tenth baby. It's only the same

C_Mababejive

A vulgar Americanism for the aspiring middle classes and young pwohfessionals

Person_one

Trek_girl wrote: »

When did having a baby shower for a second child become a thing?

When did having a baby shower for any child born in the UK become a thing?

Unpleasant American tradition, should not be tolerated here! Parties thrown purely as a way to get free stuff, and that make the terrible mistake of taking a healthy baby for granted before its born.

balletshoes

I was under the impression if you went in for baby showers, you would do it for every baby you had - in that respect, its no different from bridal showers?

DKLS

Baby showers?, Baby Welcome Party?

Is that what women do these days?, all I have ever done is to take the new father out for a beer or five to "wet the babies head"

Trek_girl

Person_one wrote: »

Parties thrown purely as a way to get free stuff, and that make the terrible mistake of taking a healthy baby for granted before its born.

I like the idea of a party to celebrate a new life but your point is well made. I think in the past Christenings would have filled this role.

Most cultures also have some sort of event to support NEW, FIRST TIME mothers and help demystify the upcoming birth and motherhood as well as making a show of support ( look ! All these people care about you and are here to help)- but these seem to be a gift grab.

onlyroz

It never occurred to me to have any kind of pre-baby party. Sure, have one once the baby is born if you like (and call it a Christening if you're that way inclined) but it is the ultimate in presumptuousness to expect people to fawn over you and shower you with gifts before the event.

I feel the same way about hen and stag dos. Surely the wedding itself is a big enough party.