Is it rude to have more than one baby shower? Moms are divided

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Welcoming another child into your family is worthy of a celebration, but is there a limit to how you toast to your new addition? Moms in the BabyCenter Community have some mixed opinions.

"Is it weird to have a sprinkle for [your] second child if [they're the] same gender as your firstborn?" asked one user in a recent Community poll. It's a common debate among parents and partygoers. 

Here's what fellow moms-to-be – and etiquette expert Juliet Mitchell of the Life Etiquette InstituteOpens a new window – have to say on the matter.

What is a baby sprinkle? 

A baby sprinkle is a celebration for parents expecting another child, and it's usually a more casual and smaller-scale event than a baby shower. While first-time parents are typically "showered" with gifts they'll need during this new chapter, these subsequent celebrations "sprinkle" the experienced parents with a few essentials. 

Is it weird to have a sprinkle for another child of the same gender? 

A BabyCenter Community poll shows parents-to-be are somewhat divided: 20% think a sprinkle for another child of the same gender would be strange.

Some moms worry that having a sprinkle can seem like asking for gifts: "In my opinion, it's tacky," one user wrote. "The only way it wouldn't be tacky (in my opinion) is if you have something like a brunch at home to celebrate – where you feed people and maybe play fun games, but that you make it very clear that gifts are not expected." 

It's never inappropriate to celebrate new life. Each child is a gift and deserves to be welcomed with joy.

– Juliet Mitchell, Life Etiquette Institute

If you're having another child of the same gender, there's often an assumption that you don't need gifts because they can use hand-me-downs.

However, most moms (65%) didn't have a problem with the idea: "Every baby deserves to be celebrated!" shared another user.

This split reflects a recent change in customs: "While traditional etiquette once leaned away from hosting multiple showers for the same family, modern etiquette makes room for diverse celebrations like sprinkles, especially when kept casual and meaningful," Mitchell says. 

From her viewpoint, it's perfectly acceptable to host a sprinkle for a second son or daughter. "It's never inappropriate to celebrate new life," Mitchell explains. "Each child is a gift and deserves to be welcomed with joy." 

Many BabyCenter moms agree: "I had multiple 'baby showers', but the consecutive ones were more of just a nice [reason] to have the family together to play games, eat food, and create cute keepsakes for the little one on the way," one wrote. 

Plus, having another child (regardless of the gender!) still requires additional gear, like diapers, formula, and another car seat. Timing – like welcoming a second baby in the winter when your first had a summer birthday – or a change in needs can also make it more likely (and okay!) that you'll need a sprinkle, Mitchell adds.

Tips to make a sprinkle feel less "weird"

Hosting a baby sprinkle doesn't have to be overcomplicated, stressful, or awkward; here's some advice from Mitchell and BabyCenter moms that can make it go smoothly. 

Make a small registry, or skip registering altogether

"It's completely acceptable to create a small registry that reflects practical wants or updated needs," Mitchell says. "If you truly don't need anything, it's perfectly fine to skip the registry and let guests gift organically – but be aware, this may lead to an influx of questions from loved ones wanting to contribute in some way."

If it's been more than six years since your older baby was born, you'll likely need a new car seat – check the expiration date! If your children are closer together in age, you may also want to register for a big-ticket item designed for two or more babies, such as a double stroller or wagon.

Keep the guest list – and the event – short and sweet.

"Make it more intimate by inviting just close family, godparents, and a few supportive friends," Mitchell says. "This way, it feels more like a gathering of your village rather than a traditional shower." 

Your party also doesn't need to last long. In fact, Mitchell says about two hours is the sweet spot for a sprinkle.

Carefully word your sprinkle invitation

"Keep the wording light, warm, and celebratory," Mitchell says. Here are a few examples to choose from, courtesy of Mitchell:

"We're sprinkling [your name] with love as she prepares to welcome baby #2! Join us for a casual celebration filled with joy, laughter, and sweet moments. No gifts required – just your presence is a present!"

"We're keeping it simple – just a few family and friends to celebrate baby #2. Join us for a short and sweet gathering to share love, laughter, and a slice of cake!"

If you want to include a link to your baby registry, Mitchell says it's perfectly acceptable, but to make it clear that it's optional for guests to contribute. Feature it in a digital invite, on a printed insert, or make it available upon request. Here's another example for those who want to add a registry link:

"We're so excited to welcome another little [boy/girl] to the family! If you'd like to bring a gift, [your name] is registered at [registry store], but your love and support are the best gifts of all."

Consider hosting a diaper party 

Here's another low-key celebration option: Tell guests that by bringing diapers to the party, they'll be entered in a prize raffle. (Some people might bring other gifts too, but that takes the pressure off!) 

Send birth announcements instead 

If you're still feeling self-conscious about asking friends and family to gather, it's totally okay to mail birth announcements sharing the good news in lieu of a formal celebration, Mitchell says.

No matter what you decide to do, your family members and friends will be excited to celebrate their newest family member and friend.