A baby sprinkle is a type of baby shower to celebrate a family's second child. Instead of a traditional shower, the gifts are often diapers, wipes and a few outfits since many families who are expecting their second child already have a lot of the gear they'll need.
If a mother-to-be is expecting a baby soon (a year or so) after her first, “it's perfectly fine to have a second baby shower,” said Lizzie Post, etiquette expert, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post and co-host of the podcast, Awesome Etiquette.
It's fine to have a baby shower for a second or third baby. This party is often (cutely) called a "Sprinkle" instead of a shower since the family welcoming the new child likely already has many of the items needed (though not always!). Immediate family and very close friends are usually included.
Traditionally, baby showers are given only for the family's first child, and only women are invited, though this has changed in recent years, now allowing showers being split up for different audiences: workplace, mixed-sex, etc. Activities at baby showers include gift-giving and playing themed games.
Years ago, it may have been thought baby showers were only appropriate for a woman's first child. While some may still stick to that rule, baby shower etiquette has changed over the years. It's now considered acceptable to have a baby shower or baby sprinkle for second or third babies (or fourth or fifth!).
A Baby Sprinkle is celebrating the second and third children and so the gifts are going to be different.
"For a celebration for a second or third or fourth baby, you might want to include only close family, call it a celebration rather than a shower, and make it clear you are inviting them to celebrate," notes Gottsman.
Who pays for a baby shower? Most often, the host pays for the baby shower. This is not always one person. For example, several aunts and cousins might cover the full tab of a shower at a restaurant, or a group of coworkers may help coordinate all the decorations, food and fun.
For coworkers or acquaintances, people tend to spend around $30 to $50. For friends or distant relatives, many people spend between $50 and $100. For close friends or family members, most people spend between $100 and $200 or more.
Who hosts a baby sprinkle? While there are plenty of differences between a baby sprinkle and a baby shower, the host for both events is often a close friend or sibling. The host of your baby sprinkle may be the same person who threw your first shower, or it may be someone different.
Traditional baby showers only focus on the mom-to-be and typically only include female guests. Whereas a coed baby shower celebrates both parents and invites both men and women to join in on the fun.
While baby showers are a lovely tradition, they aren't necessarily for everyone. Remember your baby – your rules! You're under no obligation to have a traditional shower or have a shower at all if it doesn't sit right with you for whatever reason. Whatever you choose will be perfect for you and your wee family.
Most baby showers should be hosted by a sister, mother, mother-in-law, or close friend. Baby showers were traditionally thrown by family members who weren't close with the parents-to-be, to avoid the assumption that close family members wanted to collect gifts for themselves.
A bath 2-3 times a week is enough to keep your baby clean. But if your baby really likes baths, you can bath your baby once a day. Bathing more than this can dry out your baby's skin. About 5-10 minutes is long enough for a baby bath.
From parents to college roommates, and anyone else who plays an important role in the parents-to-be's lives. It's safe to say that those who weren't included in the initial guest list are the people you shouldn't invite.
Traditionally the host will pay but this will depend on many factors. This includes the venue, budget, size of the guest list, and how extravagant it may be. For instance, you can't expect your best friend to throw a huge baby shower and pay for it all herself.
As a fast rule, baby showers are often held at the end of the second trimester or early to midway through the third trimester — usually four to six weeks before the due date. Expectant parents who are having multiples may prefer to have the baby shower on the earlier side.
A baby sprinkle is a type of baby shower to celebrate a family's second child. Instead of a traditional shower, the gifts are often diapers, wipes and a few outfits since many families who are expecting their second child already have a lot of the gear they'll need.
Overall, a father bathing with his young toddler is not considered inappropriate or even a warning sign an adult might be at risk to harm a child. Of course, every family has its own comfort level with issues like nudity, bathing practices and parenting styles.
A Baby Sprinkle is a relaxed gathering of close friends and family to celebrate a new baby on the way. Essentially, Baby Sprinkles are a casual celebration that lasts between 1-2 hours. A Baby Shower has more guests and presents, and the time frame is usually between 2-3 hours.
The term “rainbow baby” is used for babies born after a loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or child death — the idea is that life can color following a storm. Hosting a rainbow baby shower can be a beautiful way of honoring the loss in the family while celebrating new memories that will be made.
You also might want to keep the guest list to close family and friends but are also looking for ways to include everyone in the celebration. This is where a hybrid baby shower comes in. With a hybrid shower, you can host guests from all over the world, or hold separate parties so that all loved ones are included.
What is a Reverse Baby Shower? A reverse baby shower is a party where family and friends of a new mom-to-be gather, but the new mom isn't actually present. The guests bring their gifts unwrapped and share what they purchased and why with the other guests before wrapping the gifts at the party.