I have been asked by several people where we are registered. I am due with our second baby a week from today and we do not know the sex. We had two baby showers with our first baby (a girl - 2.5 years). We didn't know what we were having last time and we don't know this time either. But, I'm not sure what to register for! Everything we got last time (stroller, car seat, jumperoo, high chair, etc) was gender neutral and so is the nursery so we feel like we have everything. We got a double stroller a couple of weeks ago. The only things I can think of are a second baby monitor and maybe an Ergo or other carrier. We will need clothes regardless of the sex because our first was born in the fall but we won't know until we have the baby! Any suggestions on anything I may be overlooking for baby #2? We will be having a shower after the baby comes so I feel like I should be registered for something! Thanks!
Wow - I had no idea that so many people find second baby showers inappropriate or bad etiquette. Let me clarify by explaining that a friend of mine asked me if she could throw me a shower and several people, including family members who bought for our first, have asked where we are registered. I think any occasion to celebrate the birth of a baby is completely appropriate. I will definitely ask for book and clothes. Thank you so much for your input and if anyone else has any other ideas, let me know!
I don't think I would register for anything. What about a book collection instead? Ask (or spread the word when people ask what to get) for childrens books instead of gifts.
Good luck and Congrats!
Yes, my friends had a diaper shower for me for baby #2. Can never get enough of those!
But to the comment that a shower is inappropirate for #2...I think that it is fine/appropriate to have a shower for #2 (and #s 3/4/5) because it is a celebration of baby and arrival! CONGRATULATIONS!
Register for consumables -- diapers, wipes, bath products, boogie wipes, new nipples for the bottles, pacifiers, and the like.
In our office we typically throw a diaper shower for second/third kids--Mom tells us her perferred brand and we arrange to get jumbo boxes in multiple sizes.
I wouldn't register for anything with a 2nd baby only because I don't think it's appropriate to have a shower for a 2nd baby (unless there is a really big age gap between the children). No judgement to you, it's just not for me.
Having recently had a baby, the best gifts I got were the dinners that people brought over after we brought the baby home. Maybe everyone can create a dinner schedule for stopping by with meals to help you, hubbie and your toddler. Then it will save you having to come up with a whole registry when you feel like you don't really need anything.
Clothes are always good, or books.
What about:
Diapers
Wipes
Binkys
Socks
Bottles (if you are using)
Blankets
Onesies!
Teethers
What about a nursing pump?
Or nursing cover?
If you want to register, just register for basic things that you will use a lot of, or just say surprise me!
Congrats on the baby!
Register after the baby comes- you'll know then what you need!
I would register for both boy and girl items with a note saying not to purchase till after the birth (obviously). Even though you have the "basics", it is nice for the second child to have some new things (especially if it is the same sex).
I would just TELL them what you want........ I wouldn't register with number2.
Just say "Well, we could really use some small summer clothes, 6-9 month+ fall/winter clothes, (LUVS or preferred brand) diapers, and xyz." Or whatever it is that you REALLY do need.
I think every baby deserves to be celebrated for themselves and moms deserve a nice little party to make her feel special. Pregnant with a baby AND taking care of other children is a lot harder than just expecting your first. Who needs a little pick me up more than a M.-to-be with kids at home too? Maybe part of the problem is this crazy idea everyone has that they need to spend $100 on a nice shower gift. I dont see why, unless you are the gama, or best best best friend and have the extra money on hand. I can find a really nice gift for $20, and if Im that great a friend then in a couple years when baby #2 comes along, $20 isnt much to spend again. I know you will need diapers, and wipes,and all the stuff the others have mentioned. You could tell friends how sweet of them to think of you, and if they can wait a week to see what the baby is, you will love anything they pick out. My first shower was before the baby, and we had no idea we were having a boy. My second was after our daughter was born and the room glowed pink! I think people ask what you want because they are being polite and excited, but in reality, we are all smart enough to find what we want to buy whether you register or not. Have a happy baby!
I agree with Juliebean. You can always use diapers and wipes. I have heard of parties/ second showers just to get togethe and everyone brings a package of diapers. I love the idea of books too!
Or just wait and say... well we might need some "boy" stuff! My two are 20mths apart (girl first and then boy)... My little guy has hardly any "boy stuff/toys!"--Little Brother or Little Sister items are good too!
Congrats!!!
My favorite showers for my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th were diaper showers! It was sooo nice having that stockpile! You could also wait and have the shower after baby is born, that way you can show off baby and friends can buy clothes if they would like. Congratulations!!
I had three babies and not one shower. Soooo, ....I can't really help! :)
I wouldn't register either. Sorry, Baby showers and registries are intended for first borns NOT b/c they are more important, just to help with necessities of having children for the first time. It's just old school etiquette. I hear diaper showers are appropriate when you are going to have a second baby shower.
I'm not preaching here BUT (and I'm not one of them) there are some people out there who resent being invited to 2nd, 3rd baby showers after they already dished out for the first one. Esp. those with no children.
I hear it all the time, you may not b/c they don't want to offend you. Along with the baptisms, 1st b-day parties. For some people, it really adds up.
When you tell them you aren't registered, and they still want to know what to give, i think you received excellent answers.....diapers, books.
And if you want to be really forward, I would discourage any new born size clothing. Not to be rude, but they are a waste of money, only last a month and typically never worn.
If they want to buy clothes, suggest bigger sizes, 9 month, 12 months and clothes that will work in the climate you live in when the child reaches that age (for example, I received sweaters in Houston in July, didn't work).
What we did with our 2nd is a diaper shower since we still had everything from baby #1.
Plus, any leftover packages that baby grows out of, you can always exchange for a larger size.
Congrats on the baby!! :-)
While it is not proper etiquette, I know that many people want to celebrate the birth of your second child just like you did the first one, which is lovely. I think the diaper shower is a GREAT idea - i would certainly welcome the chance to have a stockpile of diapers!!
do a list on amazon.com, that way you can put practically anything on there, not just stuff for baby but stuff you might enjoy as well (parenting book, something to help in the kitchen, etc.)
diapers!!! wipes!!! and bottle nipples.
I also had my second about the same time you are but my friend gave me a Diaper Shower, I received tons and tons of diapers in all sizes and other stuff that goes along with diapers. (ie. diaper rash cream, wipes, burp clothes and shampoo/soaps) all this stuff you will need for a long time to come.. Enjoy your second baby shower!!
In this situation I would just ask for diapers, wipes, and other toiletries.
I threw a baby shower for my friend's second AND third babies - it is a time to celebrate and if people don't want to come because they don't agree with it, then they can stay home!
Diapers, wipes, a backpack diaper bag (with two kids, you will need your hands free!), and definitely clothes.
I remember after having my second child thinking that all I really needed was the backpack and my double stroller, and I was all set!
Congratulations to you!
Jen
www.morethanmothers.com
