Community Chat

[Tinkrbl44]

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@Abrowneyegirl wrote:

Times have changed.  I know too many people who have full showers for each baby and expect new cribs, high chairs, strollers and wardrobe for each and every baby whether the babies are months or years apart!  

Then when the babies are born welcome baby parties are had were everyone is expected to bring diapers!!

It never ends.....

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@Abrowneyegirl

Sorry, but what a load of kwap!   i've been to many (first) baby showers, but repetitious and redundant  "welcome baby parties" are a bit much, IMO.   

[Imadickens]

When I had my babies I had a shower fo both. However,, my two are nine years apart! I think it's fun to give the pregnant lady a party! Even if she has the major items it's always nice to have some fresh items! Plus, my first was female and then came a boy! So, I needed specific items! By number two I was better off financially, but speaking as the guest, I love buying cute baby items! Chances are, if you are invited to a shower you are close enough to want to give her a present for the baby anyway! Why not have a party! Even if it's a package of onesies I imagine a new mother appreciates having new things for baby!

[Imadickens]

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@jubilant wrote:

I don't think it should be expected.  If I know someone well and they are having a child of a different gender than the first one, I might take over a cute outfit.

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Which is why I believe you might as well gift it at a shower and get some cake and punch, have a chance to gossip with the girls, and make the one who feels like a mother whale about that time feel special! I'm also always thinking of baby "next". It's nice to have some things that are new and special and just for each baby! Obviously you would only invite very close friends to a second, third, fourth...baby shower. These invitees are likely to want to give a gift anyway, so why not make everyone feel special! I would not feel it necessary to buy an expensive gift the next time around, but even a basket of pacifiers, bottles, and bibs would have been welcomed by me! If you don't want to spend a lot but are worried about looking cheap (ah, c'mon...you know we all feel like this at times!) then get together with another one or two gals and chip in together! Even homemade gifts made me happy!

[NativeJax]

I did receive several handmade gifts when my son was born 22 years ago and I still have those few items. To me they are special.

[chiclet]

I really have never understood the idea of showers.  If people want to give you a wedding or baby present they will.  I guess showers just force you to do it.  Same with birthdays.  When my children were small if I had a party and invited the family they gave gifts, if not they did not.  Never understood that. 

[Lila Belle]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

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@software wrote:

Every baby deserves a shower, it's not their fault they are #2 or #3 or #4.   Later in life, mom shows pictures of the first shower & nothing for the others?    

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@software

If the baby hasn't been born yet, the shower is for the mother .....  not the baby.

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How do you figure that? The gifts are for the baby who also happens to be there with his/her mom.

[bri20]

I can't believe so many people get whacked out giving a gift to a baby. 

[KingstonsMom]

I've never even heard of having a baby shower for every baby, just the first,  it's not common where I live.

[Lila Belle]

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@bri20 wrote:

I can't believe so many people get whacked out giving a gift to a baby. 

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You'd think that they'd be happy to see a baby brought to term wouldn't you?

[NicksmomESQ]

  I think that bridal as well as baby showers have become gift grabs!! I'm not cheap.In fact I'm quite generous but I don't appreciate being railroaded into attending fancy catered showers!! If I choose not to attend these events I would be criticized so I attend.Then after when I'm invited to the couple's home or to come see the newborn I have to bring another gift!!

  I'm very generous with those people I want to give gifts to but I don't appreciate being put in a position where I have to.Getting married & having a baby is expensive!! If you can't handle the cost don't do it or do it cheaper! When I married & had a baby I refused the bridal & baby showers.We had no money! We paid for our own wedding in a friends backyard! People gave me gifts because they chose to not because they had to!!

  I also don't appreciate the bridal/baby registry's.These days when I get invitations to engagement parties,weddings,bridal & baby showers a card is always included instructing the invitee that the recipient wants you to purchase their preselected gifts from certain retailers.I think this is tacky.It is not my responsibility to support other people's lifestyles!  I've even gotten invitations to second bridal showers!! I had to go to keep the peace!!

  I've also been asked to give cash to help pay for an expensive 3 week honeymoon in Paris!! When does it end??