Ahhh as we get thru winter, closer to day light savings time, it makes me think of spring . And when I think of Spring I think of babies and flowers! Might not be your point of reference or thought pattern, but I love both!
When I think of babies I think of baby showers. How fun is a baby shower where you are celebrating the creation of a new life! It is a wonderful celebration. Now most people have at least one baby shower for their first born, but what about the 2nd, 3rd, 4th baby? Should a baby shower be given or thrown once you are on to numbers 2 thru 10?
There are a couple “newer” types of baby showers that you might not be aware of.
First is called a “Sprinkle”. Sprinkles are considered a scaled down baby shower to celebrate any baby after the first one. 
The focus can be anything you choose. You can focus on diapers, or Mommy needs, or baby & siblings, or meals to help the soon to be Mom of multiple children out.
If the sex is different from the previous child or children, (or there is a big gap in ages for the same sex) the focus for gifts and fun can include clothes, blankets etc. Typically a Sprinkle shower will focus on the things that always need to be replenished such as diapers and wipes or new teething rings, a baby book, or a special blanket. For those of us that have multiple children, you all know that the further you get down the line in birth order, the fewer “new” things your baby receives. Other gifts can also focus on what does Mommy need (might be new breastfeeding supplies or things along those lines).
As you plan your Sprinkle, you need to decide whether you will include children. In my humble opinion it is a 50-50 decision. Do you want to give any of your guest Mom’s with small children, a short “break” from their kids? Do you want to include all kids so the child(ren) of the Mom you are celebrating will have children to play with during the Sprinkle? Including children into your Sprinkle is fun and lively, but will also take more work and planning for you the Sprinkle organizer. Things to consider when making this decision is length of Sprinkle, food for both adults and kids, activities for kids, will there be a focus on the Mom you are celebrating or will all the Mom’s be focused on their children, location for Sprinkle, alcoholic drinks, hiring someone to watch and entertain the children, goodie bags for the children and/or the guests. One last consideration is not making it women only, like the old tradional showers were. Just some food for thought as you plan your next Sprinkle.
Along the same lines as a Sprinkle is having a “diaper party”. Everyone is encouraged to bring diapers and wipes to resupply the Mom’s inventory. It is just a more focused “gift” event. Food, drinks, location, guests, decorations, etc have all the same considerations as a Sprinkle
After the baby is born, another idea is called a “Sip and See”. 
You can offer drinks (coffee, tea, ice tea, champagne, wine, beer, etc) and invite your friends and family to come and see the baby, (and Mom & Dad). Typically you will want to wait until the new one is 2-3 months. This can be setup similar to an “open house” type of event, where you give your guests a window to come by. Depending on the time of the “event” that will determine what, if any food, you would like to offer. (I recommend always having food!) A sip and see event can be hosted by the Mom and Dad of the new baby or can be coordinated and hosted by a friend/relative. One of the great things about a sip and see is the baby is already here and you get away from the gender neutral gifts. Another great thing about a sip and see is you don’t have friends and family coming to see you and baby any hour, any day for months at a time. While the event might be a little exhausting for the Mom, there will be rest ahead!
If in your world, you have a new baby coming or has just been born, rather than a traditional baby shower you have several other options to consider. Try one of these out and let me know how it went! Happy Planning!
A special thanks to my beautiful Grandbabies Rocco and Indie for allowing me to share their photos!!
A new baby is like the beginning of all things – wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities – Eda J. Le Shan
Your grand babies, Rocco & Indie are beautiful! ❤
Donna – Thank you – I certainly think so. They have beautiful parents!!!
Oh, great ideas!! I like the “sip and see” although, I’d be more likely to call it “sip and snuggle!” There is nothing like the smell and feel of a new baby!!
Pat – couldn’t agree more. What a great new name!!!