Sprinkle Party?

KariB509 · August 2013

I told several of my girl friends that I was pregnant over the weekend and one, who recently moved back to the state, said how excited she was that she would be able to make it to my baby shower this time. I said, "Baby shower??" And she said, yea, that you have a "sprinkle" for your second baby. I'd never heard of such a thing! Apparently a sprinkle is a smaller event than a shower, where you don't get as many large gifts but things like clothes, diapers, etc. I did a quick Pinterest search and it's legit. Anyone ever heard of this? I said to another friend that I guess if someone wanted to throw me a "sprinkle" that I wouldn't be opposed to it but I always grew up with the idea that you don't have two baby showers. What do you ladies think??

ju0725 · August 2013

I think a smaller or diaper type party would be fine. I was severely annoyed with my SIL who sold all of her baby stuff as soon as baby grew out of it even when she was pregnant with the next. She had 4 baby showers total and threw them all herself.

Shaq1009 · August 2013

I have heard of it. I've also heard of people doing diaper showers for subsequent babies. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with it but my sister offered something like that and I turned her down, just not my style.

Shaq1009 · August 2013

ju0725 said:
I think a smaller or diaper type party would be fine. I was severely annoyed with my SIL who sold all of her baby stuff as soon as baby grew out of it even when she was pregnant with the next. She had 4 baby showers total and threw them all herself.

That is beyond tacky.

angelsnight · August 2013

I threw my friend one for her second baby (another boy, just 2.5 years after her first so by all "rules" she was not eligible for another shower). But I wanted to do it because A. Her MIL kind of stole the show with her first shower and ran it so crappily I had to leave before they even cut the cake and opened presents (I was there for 3 hours btw) and I wanted to do this for my friend.

It was small, the only people in attendance was her aunt, mother, MIL, and three or four close friends. In other words, all people who would have bought her something anyway so it's not like it was a gift grabby party. It was more about celebrating the coming arrival of her new baby. It was just at my house, we had light finger foods and cake, and we talked and had a good time. I think they're fine as long as the mother doesn't throw it herself, she does not register for it, there are not more than say 10-12 people invited, and the guest list is kept to just close family and friends.

kmeyers0611 · August 2013

I've heard of it if your babies are super far apart and you don't have baby stuff anymore, but I've never been to one myself...

KariB509 · August 2013

ju0725 said:

I think a smaller or diaper type party would be fine. I was severely annoyed with my SIL who sold all of her baby stuff as soon as baby grew out of it even when she was pregnant with the next. She had 4 baby showers total and threw them all herself.

Tacky!

kali55 · August 2013

I told my girlfriend I was PG and she wanted to throw me another baby shower but I told her I was uncomfortable with that, given this is my second child. I asked, instead, if we could just get together maybe for a potluck and spend some time catching up instead.

RunNanny · August 2013

I don't like them. I think having a second shower/sprinkle shower is a bit demanding to others to get you gifts. BUT if someone else wants to throw you one and your group of friends/family are use to doing second showers, then go for it! That's just my opinion and everyone is different. I had a friend who had a second shower (her son is 2 years old) and they put on the invite that they aren't registered anywhere but would like gift cards and to also bring a box of diapers to the shower. I found that tacky to do that. But again, my opinion.

bumpuser9058414 · August 2013

My cousin had a "sprinkle" and it was honestly like another shower. There were about 25-30 people there and she got some big ticket items. I wasn't offended because I was going to buy her stuff anyway but it's just not my style. I'm worried that since she had one that my family will think it's normal and throw me one and people will be offended, even though there is a 5.5 year gap between babies.

MrsS81112 · August 2013

ju0725 said:

I think a smaller or diaper type party would be fine. I was severely annoyed with my SIL who sold all of her baby stuff as soon as baby grew out of it even when she was pregnant with the next. She had 4 baby showers total and threw them all herself.

Ugh! That would definitely be annoying!!

IMO, one should have a Sprinkle party IF their last child has a huge age gap with this child. Or all of their things are gender specific (for example, their last child was a boy and now they're pregnant with their first girl), then I think it would be okay for someone to throw a small sprinkle party where people can bring girl clothing.

farmfanatik · August 2013

Bah, its a regional thing really. Where I grew up its normal to have a shower with each pregnancy, even if its your 3rd or 4th. Its expected and people would think you were weird if you didn't have some kind of party/celebration. Where I live now, not so much, so I'm not expecting anything. Which is fine by me, since I don't like being the center of attention all that much anyway.

I had never encountered such disapproval over a 2nd shower as I have on these boards. I really don't see why people get their panties in such a twist over it. Don't attend one if you don't approve. I think if your friends and family want to throw you one and you don't go into it expecting tons of stuff, then why not. Have fun with it! You're celebrating a new life. However, if you throw the party yourself and register for a bunch of things, then thats kind of a different story.

RunNanny · August 2013

farmfanatik said:

Bah, its a regional thing really. Where I grew up its normal to have a shower with each pregnancy, even if its your 3rd or 4th. Its expected and people would think you were weird if you didn't have some kind of party/celebration. Where I live now, not so much, so I'm not expecting anything. Which is fine by me, since I don't like being the center of attention all that much anyway.

I had never encountered such disapproval over a 2nd shower as I have on these boards. I really don't see why people get their panties in such a twist over it. Don't attend one if you don't approve. I think if your friends and family want to throw you one and you don't go into it expecting tons of stuff, then why not. Have fun with it! You're celebrating a new life. However, if you throw the party yourself and register for a bunch of things, then thats kind of a different story.

I agree with you on that! My friend that had her second shower complained afterwards on how they didn't get much and how much she is stressed with money and expected more. I found that tacky. I don't think you should go into ANY shower: bridal or baby or whatever and expect gifts from every guest.

TradeMama · August 2013

I think it's tacky. I would prefer a "meet the baby" event after he/she is born that I host and where no gifts are expected.

ufsandra85 · August 2013

At my old job we always had sprinkles for 2nd, 3rd, etc time moms. if someone wants to throw you one i say let them and have a good time

springbaby03 · August 2013

When my family throws a shower its small10-12 people and mostly all family.
Smaller items like outfits, blankets, diapers.
To me its just a celebration of baby, not a time to see how many gifts can be collected.
If my sis in law, cousin, sister has a baby I will buy a gift shower or no shower. Its a celebration of new life and new family, so why not have a small party for such an occasion?

farmfanatik said:
Bah, its a regional thing really. Where I grew up its normal to have a shower with each pregnancy, even if its your 3rd or 4th. Its expected and people would think you were weird if you didn't have some kind of party/celebration. Where I live now, not so much, so I'm not expecting anything. Which is fine by me, since I don't like being the center of attention all that much anyway.

I had never encountered such disapproval over a 2nd shower as I have on these boards. I really don't see why people get their panties in such a twist over it. Don't attend one if you don't approve. I think if your friends and family want to throw you one and you don't go into it expecting tons of stuff, then why not. Have fun with it! You're celebrating a new life. However, if you throw the party yourself and register for a bunch of things, then thats kind of a different story.

↑↑↑
This.

farmfanatik · August 2013

RunNanny said:

I agree with you on that! My friend that had her second shower complained afterwards on how they didn't get much and how much she is stressed with money and expected more. I found that tacky. I don't think you should go into ANY shower: bridal or baby or whatever and expect gifts from every guest.

Complaining about how little you think you received is tacky under any circumstance and no matter where you are from!

Drgn30 · August 2013

Darbie914 said:

In my opinion, a sprinkle is the exact same thing as a shower, just on a smaller scale and with a cutesy title. It doesn't really change the fact that it's still a shower.

It's def. not my cup of tea but to each his own.

Agreed. I think sprinkles are tacky

liamandlettie · August 2013

I have heard of the term sprinkle. I have seen it both ways but I have bossy friends and family. I have said no shower and I wouldnt be suprised if they didn't listen! I just don't like all the attention of any shower...baby, bridal...but can't say I'd turn down diapers! Lol.

katykatykaty · August 2013

I like Sip and See parties for 2nd+ babies more than Sprinkles. At the few Sip and See parties that I've been to, the mom didn't open presents during the party, and it was all about taking turns holding the new baby.

kerrymass · August 2013

Personally, I'm not a fan. (Of course there are exceptions - a huge age gap, you never had a baby shower, etc) My sister had a party for her second, but it was hosted by friends and it was a "no gift" occassion. She was at the time craving Cadbury Fruit & Nut bars and said that a candy bar would be the only gift she'd even consider accepting. She did get a few of those! I thought that was ok - it's a baby and definitely worth celebrating. I am just personally not a fan of the events where it is expected to bring a gift.

With DS1 we registered for everything gender neutral, even though we knew we were having a boy. IMO, if you're not smart enough to do that or refuse to use "boy colors" for girls or vice versa - that's your problem, not mine.

liamandlettie · August 2013

katykatykaty said:
I like Sip and See parties for 2nd+ babies more than Sprinkles. At the few Sip and See parties that I've been to, the mom didn't open presents during the party, and it was all about taking turns holding the new baby.

I llove the idea of this or meet the baby party but man! I didnt know my own name for 2 weeks! Lol. Can I just sleep while everyone passes the baby around?
I-)

kerrymass · August 2013

springbaby03 said:

When my family throws a shower its small10-12 people and mostly all family. Smaller items like outfits, blankets, diapers. To me its just a celebration of baby, not a time to see how many gifts can be collected. If my sis in law, cousin, sister has a baby I will buy a gift shower or no shower. Its a celebration of new life and new family, so why not have a small party for such an occasion?
Bah, its a regional thing really. Where I grew up its normal to have a shower with each pregnancy, even if its your 3rd or 4th. Its expected and people would think you were weird if you didn't have some kind of party/celebration. Where I live now, not so much, so I'm not expecting anything. Which is fine by me, since I don't like being the center of attention all that much anyway.

I had never encountered such disapproval over a 2nd shower as I have on these boards. I really don't see why people get their panties in such a twist over it. Don't attend one if you don't approve. I think if your friends and family want to throw you one and you don't go into it expecting tons of stuff, then why not. Have fun with it! You're celebrating a new life. However, if you throw the party yourself and register for a bunch of things, then thats kind of a different story.
↑↑↑ This.

@springbaby03 - I will also buy close friends and family a gift regardless if they have a shower or not. However, showers are the only parties where it is pretty much required that you bring a gift (as the whole idea of it is to "shower" people w/ gifts). What rubs people the wrong way is how expensive it can get + the idea that if you are invited, you feel like you must spend money and bring a gift. It can just get to be a lot. Have a party, celebrate, but why do gifts have to be included? Yes, you do have the option not to attend, but - at least for me - I feel guilty if I don't because I am happy for them and do want to celebrate. It can put people in a tough spot even if done w/ the purest, least gift-grabby intentions.

PinupMomma08 · August 2013

My girlfriends are already planning a valentines sprinkle. I don't mind! I'm sure if I said no way, they would still find a way to do something fun. We all really like cake. So there's that.

ALHolli · August 2013

We threw our own "shower" but we bought a ton of food, cooked it all, supplied beer and liquor, and it was basically a cookout with a few friends. We got a couple small things but we made it clear that we just wanted everyone over to celebrate.

Our families are both far away though and we don't have many friends here since we just moved a couple years ago. So it was a few of DH's coworkers and a couple family friends who live in the area. It was fun

karacakes98 · August 2013

I think a lot of the etiquette with showers/2nd child showers/sprinkles/etc. is regional. Where I live, every baby gets a shower, whether it's your 1st or your 5th. I thought it was weird at first, but I'm used to it now. The bulk of the showers I've been to lately have been for 2nd- and 3rd- time moms.

KKcowgirl · August 2013

All I can say about this "sprinkle" post is that now all I can think about is cupcakes. Thanks a heap!

jandkmoses · August 2013

I guess we are really laid back where I am from. People consider the shower to be something for the baby, not necessarily the parents. Each baby gets a shower, and gifts are appreciated, but not required to attend. It's about having fun and celebrating the little one. I have also never heard of people complaining they didn't get enough... And I didn't know it was tacky to have a shower for your second child or to throw one yourself. Wow, this is all new!

katykatykaty · August 2013

FarmBoysWife said:

jenniemac2000 said:

I like Sip and See parties for 2nd+ babies more than Sprinkles. At the few Sip and See parties that I've been to, the mom didn't open presents during the party, and it was all about taking turns holding the new baby.
I llove the idea of this or meet the baby party but man! I didnt know my own name for 2 weeks! Lol. Can I just sleep while everyone passes the baby around? I-)
I thought about a sip n see, but its still cold a flu season up here and most people I know cant resist coming even with a cold.

Totally. This is why we won't be having a Sip and See. But that doesn't stop me from enjoying others...

VineyardMel · August 2013

In my circle we do Sip and Sees for second babies, usually a couple of months after they're born. I think it's a great way to celebrate without it being a big gift event. And my friends are always looking for a reason to leave the kids with dad and go drink mimosas. I've always taken a gift--usually something monogrammed or clothes--but the gifts are never opened and I'd give a gift regardless of the party. If my friends opt to do this for me the timing should be nice in late April or early May. On top of that, a lot of moms wear the baby so they don't get passed around and exposed to too many germs.

klutz2005 · August 2013

RunNanny said:

I agree with you on that! My friend that had her second shower complained afterwards on how they didn't get much and how much she is stressed with money and expected more. I found that tacky. I don't think you should go into ANY shower: bridal or baby or whatever and expect gifts from every guest.

This is probably an UO, but I agree. I realize that the historical purpose of a shower was to help out a young couple with the expenses associated with setting up house or preparing for a child, but I disagree that it should be an expectation. Personally, when my best friend hosted my bridal shower, it was more about gathering and celebrating with friends. I appreciated the gifts, of course, but I know I had friends who could not afford anything and had no problem with that.

ring_pop · August 2013

I think it's nice to celebrate every baby, whether it's the first or fourth.

I would never dream of throwing neither a shower nor a sprinkle for myself.

I would gratefully accept if a friend or family member offered to throw one for me, but ask that they keep it small in either case (that's just my style - I had about a dozen friends at my first shower).

I wouldn't be offended to attend a sprinkle, but I would not bring a big ticket gift. But I would be happy to celebrate with the mother or couple. And I love giving gifts.

The idea of a party to pass my newborn around to a whole bunch of people makes me cringe. Or at least, thinking back, it would certainly have made me nervous back then. Maybe I won't be as anxious about germs second time around.

HKline922 · August 2013

I've heard/read of sprinkles but never attended one or knew of anyone who had one. I think it's totally pretentious and I personally would not attend one if I was invited.

redshoe95 · August 2013

Where I live it's done ALL the time. Everyone has little showers for like the first 3 kids after that there are often still little diaper and wipe showers. No one thinks a thing of it. After the second baby it's more of a sip n see sort of thing and talk of it as a welcoming party to celebrate the baby

SomersIsles · August 2013

A friend of a friend tried throwing my sister a 2nd shower and tried selling it with the notion of it being more low key, and my sister did precisely the right thing (IMO)... Politely turn it down.

The problem is, it's a tacky idea to host a party that is based around the concept of giving gifts for a 2nd child.

She suggested, before turning it down, to add that she did not want any gifts at all but rather a nice note for the baby to read when she was older... But the friend didn't want to do that because SHE wanted to get her a gift. It's fine that she wanted to get her a gift, but how can you invite other family and friends and expect some to bring gifts and some to opt out. It certainly puts the invited guests into an awkward position.

Then she said, well, I'll only invite people who will want to bring gifts so its now uncomfortable for the other guests................... And how do you expect to judge who will want to and who will not??

She put it pretty well, if people want to give gifts, then when we have plans to hang out, they can give me a gift. That's that.

MissyMakes · August 2013

Yeah, I think a lot of it is regional and even family-specific. At our family's showers, they're usually held at a restaurant with 50-75 guests. You can plan on getting pretty much everything you register for, including major gear like car seats, strollers, etc. Because of that, I would never dream of having a second shower, not even a sprinkle. A diaper party for subsequent babies would probably be fine, though.

ju0725 · August 2013

MissyMakes said:
Yeah, I think a lot of it is regional and even family-specific. At our family's showers, they're usually held at a restaurant with 50-75 guests. You can plan on getting pretty much everything you register for, including major gear like car seats, strollers, etc. Because of that, I would never dream of having a second shower, not even a sprinkle. A diaper party for subsequent babies would probably be fine, though.

Hey I am your long lost cousin. Wink, wink. Lol. Joking aside, it sounds as if your family really takes care of each other. That's awesome!

Hrose7091 · August 2013

I know someone who had a second shower but they requested no one bring gifts.. If they wanted to purchase a gift they asked or a book for the baby and most people wrote a special message in it for the new baby. I think it's more about celebrating a new baby with family!

DEL14 · August 2013

I've never heard of the term sprinkle, but I have had friends throw a beer and diaper party where close friends and family have a party to celebrate the pregnancy. Usually guys bring beer and ladies bring diapers...

OakvilleMomof3+1 · August 2013

I have a feeling my sister will want to throw me a shower since there is a ten year gap between this baby and my last and I don't have anything! My older 3 kids are from a previous marriage so the people attending would be different also but I still would rather just buy the items myself and just have a celebration of the baby.

My sis was only 19 when I had my baby shower when my oldest was born (he's 14). But now she has two LO's and I threw her a shower and a sprinkle. I also thought the sprinkle was tacky but all her circle of friends had one with their second and they kept asking if they could help plan it lol. So I went through with it even though I'd never heard of the concept in my day lol.
We'll see!

lwebley · August 2013

I have a friend that did a sprinkle, but only because she was having a girl and her first was a boy. People just brought little girl clothes.

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