quick clicks

pregnancy today articles

pregnancy today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Only One Baby Shower?

Two Moms and an Expert Share Their Thoughts

By Harmony Cornwell

Sometimes there isn't one right answer. For the would-be hostesses that are not for the idea of more than one shower, certain circumstances may change their mind. Vankevich provides some guidelines to follow when deciding if an additional shower may be needed even when it isn't the norm:

• If the couple has been told that they are delivering a special needs baby who might need extra care or a special crib. A shower in this instance will also be an avenue to show support for the mom and dad.
• If a mom is pregnant with twins, triplets – or more! When more than one baby is going to arrive at the same time a shower where all the guests bring a pack or two of diapers will help the parents. It is a nice gesture to give the mom and dad a head start on the multitude of diapers, wipes and cream they are going to need as parents to multiples.
• If a family has all girls or all boys and is now expecting the opposite sex. Have a blue or pink party theme and introduce the mom to what it means to have a little boy or girl for the first time.

Vankevich doesn't believe a shower is needed for each child in a family. "Usually for additional children a mother doesn't need more stuff for the baby," she says. "[But] it's nice to honor her and honor the child [with] even just small gifts like bath salts, creams and lotions."

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Counting Down to
  the Baby Shower: What Items Should a Mom-to-be Ask For?
• 6 Baby Shower Games: Get Aquainted and Have Fun!
• Rocking Tradition: A New Generation of Baby Showers
• Talk about it!