So, is it proper etiquette to have a baby shower for a second or subsequent baby?  Do second babies deserve a baby shower or is this a right reserved only for the first born?

There seems to be two schools of thought on this subject.  There are those who are old school and think that a baby shower’s sole purpose is to provide the expectant mother with the necessities of baby raising and argue that it is poor etiquette to have a shower for a second or subsequent baby.  And, then there are those who believe a baby shower is less about gifts and more about celebrating the pregnancy and the baby about to be born.   Depending on which camp you find yourself in will depend on how you feel when you receive an invite in the mail for a “second baby” baby shower.

I am a proud member of the second group.  A baby shower, to me, is a chance to get together with friends and family to celebrate the impending arrival of a new baby. I actually think that shopping for gifts to bring to baby showers for second and subsequent babies are even more fun to buy because you can pretty much buy anything, you don’t have to focus on those “necessity” items.  And, it seems a lot of people agree with me.  A recent poll on babycenter.com asked mothers if they thought it was appropriate to have a shower for a second or subsequent baby, and three quarters of moms agreed that it was fine.  Etiquette experts agree as well.  Having a shower for a second or subsequent baby is perfectly acceptable.

So, what are you thoughts?  Which side do you fall on in this debate?