At first I had this as an add on to my original baby shower gift idea post. However, once I started writing it, I felt it deserved a whole post on its own.
when my two were young, but never did purchase one. These are great items to buy second hand. Just
make sure you double check with the parents on the make and brand they would like. Don't deviate from
their choice, especially if they are outdoor people. There are definitely large differences in strollers.
It can be tricky to buy baby shower gifts for second, third, forth etc. moms, because if the babies are close together, the family probably kept all the big items that they would need for the next one, and the clothing can probably be all handed down. But going from 1 to 2 children is a big adjustment, and there are some things that I feel can help make that change a little bit easier.
So what can you get the mom for these subsequent showers?
1- Wrap or Carrier
A wrap is pretty universal in terms of fit, but a carrier is not. There are local stores that can fit carriers to
peoples body shape, so don't purchase a carrier for someone else without knowing exactly what will fit
them right. There's not point in spending money on an item that may or may not work.
This was my favorite carrier: https://amzn.to/2CvurIz
If mom doesn't have either of these from the older children, I highly recommend this as a gift idea. I used
the carrier sporadically for the first, but All of the Time for the second. The Boba wrap that I had is what
my baby pretty much lived in the first couple months. Whether it was to go for a quick walk or to watch
the older kid play out in the backyard, or just around the house while mom did some laundry etc. Both of
my kids wanted cuddles 24/7 and this was a way I could cuddle them hands free.
the carrier sporadically for the first, but All of the Time for the second. The Boba wrap that I had is what
my baby pretty much lived in the first couple months. Whether it was to go for a quick walk or to watch
the older kid play out in the backyard, or just around the house while mom did some laundry etc. Both of
my kids wanted cuddles 24/7 and this was a way I could cuddle them hands free.
A wrap is pretty universal in terms of fit, but a carrier is not. There are local stores that can fit carriers to
peoples body shape, so don't purchase a carrier for someone else without knowing exactly what will fit
them right. There's not point in spending money on an item that may or may not work.
This was my favorite carrier: https://amzn.to/2CvurIz
and my preferred wrap: https://amzn.to/2U64kBN
2- Quiet and Easy activities for the older child(ren)
Some moms keep their older kids home during their maternity leaves with the youngest baby, I salute
these moms. It's hard! On days when I had my oldest home items like look and find books, simple craft
kits, easy puzzles, sensory boxes, and coloring kits were great for when I was busy feeding or changing
the baby.
these moms. It's hard! On days when I had my oldest home items like look and find books, simple craft
kits, easy puzzles, sensory boxes, and coloring kits were great for when I was busy feeding or changing
the baby.
These Melissa and Doug activity sets are HUGE in my house:
https://amzn.to/2U8lwqy
https://amzn.to/2YlNE8H
https://amzn.to/2YggIP0
3- House Cleaning
Who wouldn't love to have a professional house cleaner come and clean their house? I'm thinking most
of us would. But you know who would have a deep down extra appreciation for it? A mamma who just
had a baby and can now relax on the couch with the baby and not have to get annoyed by any dust
bunnies that she can see. Not to mention that pregnancy is much harder when you are home with a
toddler. The exhaustion of just making it through the day does not leave much energy for the housework
after bedtime.
of us would. But you know who would have a deep down extra appreciation for it? A mamma who just
had a baby and can now relax on the couch with the baby and not have to get annoyed by any dust
bunnies that she can see. Not to mention that pregnancy is much harder when you are home with a
toddler. The exhaustion of just making it through the day does not leave much energy for the housework
after bedtime.
4- Meals
Everyone has to eat. Bringing a newborn home to a house that already has a child or more in it can be a
difficult juggling act on its own, let alone throwing in meal planning and cooking. Calling ahead and
ordering and paying for the family to have a pizza delivered was much appreciated at our house. So were
the 10 frozen meals that we had gifted to us. Prior to baby number 1 I was able to spend a day prepping
dump and go slow cooker meals to keep in the freezer, but with the chaos of a toddler and being pregnant,
I wasn't able to do this before the next baby. ANY meals provided for us, at our home, were huge.
difficult juggling act on its own, let alone throwing in meal planning and cooking. Calling ahead and
ordering and paying for the family to have a pizza delivered was much appreciated at our house. So were
the 10 frozen meals that we had gifted to us. Prior to baby number 1 I was able to spend a day prepping
dump and go slow cooker meals to keep in the freezer, but with the chaos of a toddler and being pregnant,
I wasn't able to do this before the next baby. ANY meals provided for us, at our home, were huge.
5- Photography session
Now that the family has grown in number, it would be lovely for them to have updated family photos.
This could be something that is not financially feasible at the time, especially with the burden of mom or
dad heading on another round of maternity or paternity leave pay. It also is likely something that they just
didn't get around to booking due to juggling the schedule of older children and pregnancy at the same time.
A gift certificate for a family photo session was definitely one of the cherished gifts I received for baby
number 2.
Now that the family has grown in number, it would be lovely for them to have updated family photos.
This could be something that is not financially feasible at the time, especially with the burden of mom or
dad heading on another round of maternity or paternity leave pay. It also is likely something that they just
didn't get around to booking due to juggling the schedule of older children and pregnancy at the same time.
A gift certificate for a family photo session was definitely one of the cherished gifts I received for baby
number 2.
6- Time & Services
Call ahead and plan a time to come visit. When you're there, bring them a beverage, a snack, or a meal.
Don't say "let me know what I can help you with". Ask, where is your next load of laundry and switch the
wash over. Empty the dishwasher or do the dishes in the sink. Sweep or vacuum the floor. If the older
child is at home, play with them, make them a snack, help them clean up their room. But don't forget to
sit with the mom and talk to her. Ask how she is doing, not just the baby. Too often visitors swoon over
the baby and the Moms mental and emotional needs are forgotten.
Don't say "let me know what I can help you with". Ask, where is your next load of laundry and switch the
wash over. Empty the dishwasher or do the dishes in the sink. Sweep or vacuum the floor. If the older
child is at home, play with them, make them a snack, help them clean up their room. But don't forget to
sit with the mom and talk to her. Ask how she is doing, not just the baby. Too often visitors swoon over
the baby and the Moms mental and emotional needs are forgotten.
7- Postpartum Doula
If you don't have the time to visit for a couple hours and help out with items at home for the mom,
consider hiring her a postpartum doula. These doulas are AMAZING. They will come to their house and
really focus on the mom and helping her with all aspects of life after birth. They will do light housekeeping.
They will take care of the baby (or older siblings) so mom can nap or shower. They will be able to answer
questions mom has, check on moms well being, and connect them to any community resources that can
be of additional support for the family.
consider hiring her a postpartum doula. These doulas are AMAZING. They will come to their house and
really focus on the mom and helping her with all aspects of life after birth. They will do light housekeeping.
They will take care of the baby (or older siblings) so mom can nap or shower. They will be able to answer
questions mom has, check on moms well being, and connect them to any community resources that can
be of additional support for the family.
Check out Trena Gallant www.trenagallant.com
8- Double Stroller
I still swoon when I see double Bob strollers stroll past me on the trails. I really wanted this double stroller when my two were young, but never did purchase one. These are great items to buy second hand. Just
make sure you double check with the parents on the make and brand they would like. Don't deviate from
their choice, especially if they are outdoor people. There are definitely large differences in strollers.
9- Car Seat
This is going to be a needed item. All kids have to have a car seat, meaning if they have older children,
they probably need more car seats. If the oldest is so old that they don't need a car seat anymore, then
the car seat has probably expired and is no longer safe to use. If you are purchasing a car seat, make
sure you ask if they have a preference. Depending on their vehicle, they may need or want a specific
brand that will fit nicely. I highly recommend Diono's. They were narrow enough in the back seat of a civic
that I could squish my bum in between them. When my second one was born, the fact that I could sit in
the back with both of them was a life saver multiple times.
they probably need more car seats. If the oldest is so old that they don't need a car seat anymore, then
the car seat has probably expired and is no longer safe to use. If you are purchasing a car seat, make
sure you ask if they have a preference. Depending on their vehicle, they may need or want a specific
brand that will fit nicely. I highly recommend Diono's. They were narrow enough in the back seat of a civic
that I could squish my bum in between them. When my second one was born, the fact that I could sit in
the back with both of them was a life saver multiple times.
These are the ones we had https://amzn.to/2OkW3ox
10- A special stuffed animal
This may seem like an odd suggestion. After all by the time the youngest is born the older child(ren)
probably have enough stuffed animals to start their own zoo. But it was one of my favourite gifts to
receive with my second because she didn't have any of her own. They all belonged to her older brother
so it was nice for her to have a special stuffy that was just hers.
probably have enough stuffed animals to start their own zoo. But it was one of my favourite gifts to
receive with my second because she didn't have any of her own. They all belonged to her older brother
so it was nice for her to have a special stuffy that was just hers.
11- Annual Passes
There are lots of places around that are "easier" then others for moms juggling two or more kiddos. When
I was off on my second maternity leave and had my 2 year old son home some days with me, I had
memberships to two places.
I was off on my second maternity leave and had my 2 year old son home some days with me, I had
memberships to two places.
The first place for spring, summer, and early fall was the Shubenacadie wildlife park. It wasn't that far and
it provided an entertaining walk for the toddler. I often would put the toddler in the stroller and the baby in
the carrier and just go for a stroll. There was lots to see and do, lots of benches along the way for a
snack or a breastfeed. They also have a great picnic area with a playground and large field to run around.
it provided an entertaining walk for the toddler. I often would put the toddler in the stroller and the baby in
the carrier and just go for a stroll. There was lots to see and do, lots of benches along the way for a
snack or a breastfeed. They also have a great picnic area with a playground and large field to run around.
The other place I had a membership to was the Museum of Natural History. On Wednesdays they have
a Wee Wild Ones program that generally consists of a puppet show and then exploration of toys and
items, included in your admission. The museum is a fantastic size for two year old legs to get around and
there are some really neat exhibits that they host.
a Wee Wild Ones program that generally consists of a puppet show and then exploration of toys and
items, included in your admission. The museum is a fantastic size for two year old legs to get around and
there are some really neat exhibits that they host.
I know not everyone believes there should be baby showers for the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th child etc.
but personally, I would disagree. I think the moms have to be recognized and celebrated for the birth of
another child. In a day and age where postpartum depression seems so common, why not do what we
can to ease the burden on the mom and to celebrate her for everything that she has and will endure.
Why not shower her with kindness instead of implying only your first deserves an event.
but personally, I would disagree. I think the moms have to be recognized and celebrated for the birth of
another child. In a day and age where postpartum depression seems so common, why not do what we
can to ease the burden on the mom and to celebrate her for everything that she has and will endure.
Why not shower her with kindness instead of implying only your first deserves an event.
Since I'm a mom to only two babies, I am curious if there is anything moms to more than two kids
would add to this list, or if there is anything you feel I missed.
would add to this list, or if there is anything you feel I missed.
Comments
Post a Comment