Beyond baby showers: Have you heard of these ideas?

Baby showers are lovely occasions that usually celebrate first-time moms. But what about moms who are having a second or third or seventh baby? Sprinkles, nesting parties, baby blessings, and more … these are all ways to celebrate parents -- experienced or novices.

What’s the difference between these gatherings and a baby shower? I talked to some friends who are well-versed in hosting and facilitating these occasions for expecting moms and got the details. 

These are the traditional parties held to welcome a new baby for first-time parents. The idea is to help gift the family with the essential items they will need to care for a baby. Family and friends are invited to this gathering, which usually features food, games, and activities relating to babies, and then a time to open and ooh and ahh over presents that will help mom nurture the new addition.

While most mothers usually only have one official baby shower thrown for them for their first baby, it may be helpful to have a baby shower for a mom who is having a different gender baby as her second baby or for a mom who has had a significant gap between her babies (and may not have her baby paraphernalia anymore). 

Sprinkles are more casual get-togethers to support a mom who is expecting a second child (or third, fourth, etc). The vibe is usually similar to a baby shower with games and food, but more casual. Often, a mom will request diapers as gifts rather than a registry full of various items. 

A nesting party is another way to celebrate a “veteran” mom. The idea is to have friends come and prepare your home or stock your freezer in anticipation of a new baby. Often, the circle of friends invited to a nesting party is smaller, as it requires more vulnerability to invite someone into your home to help you clean, do laundry, organize, assemble freezer meals, etc. You might bring coffee and bagels and have a bit of social time before launching into the mom’s chosen to-do list. 

The most intimate option to prepare for a new life is a baby blessing. This is a way to help a mom spiritually prepare for her new baby. Often, the beginning of the event is similar to the other events already described. Women share some light food and drink and casual conversation. Then, everyone gathers together and lights a candle and begins in prayer. The expectant mom shares any specific fears or intentions relating to this birth. Everyone takes home a blessed candle.

Then, when the expectant mom is in labor, she alerts one friend who then texts the group from the baby blessing. These moms all pray for the mom in labor, perhaps lighting the candle that they brought home while they pray. This may not be a very large event, depending on how many women the expectant mom would like to have praying for her and knowing when she is in labor. 

Parties for dads-to-be are much more straightforward. The most popular option is to organize some kind of group activity, supply drinks and/or snacks, and request that the men invited show up with a package of diapers. Some examples of activities and venue options include disc golf, board games at a brewery, axe throwing, or cards at a bar.

It is also possible to combine elements of each of these events into a unique gathering to honor an expectant mom. You might facilitate a baby blessing that starts with a couple of games, and ask everyone to bring a package of diapers with them. Or you might gather a group of women to clean someone’s house and then end with a baby blessing. The possibilities are as endless as the personalities and desires of the women you want to honor.