If you're in the midst of a baby boom among your friends and your experience has been anything like mine, you've probably noticed that lots of women are having baby showers or "sprinkles" for their second and even subsequent babies. Even just 10 years ago there was still kind of a stigma around having more than one baby shower, but these days many if not most women have showers complete with gift registries for their second babies, and it's actually kind of awesome.
More from MamásLatinas: Baby registry etiquette you need to know
There are several really good reasons to have a gift registry for your second baby, and since it's no longer looked down upon at all to do so–in fact, it might even be expected–you might as well set one up. Even if you're not having a baby shower, there are some benefits to having a registry.
Here are seven reasons you absolutely should have a gift registry for your second baby:
1.To celebrate your baby. Many cultures including American and Latino cultures celebrate with gifts, which has been the case for generations and generations. It doesn't make sense that only your first child gets all the fanfare–every baby is a reason to celebrate, and many of us do that with gifts.
2.You still need the basics. Everyone knows how expensive babies are, and your close family and friends are probably looking forward to helping you out with the basics, even if you already have all the big items. You'll still need diapers, wipes, bath products, diaper rash cream, etc. Depending on the age difference between your kids, some of what you had for your first may no longer be usable or you may even have already gotten rid of it.
3.Baby gear expires. While it's not terribly common for second-time moms to register for big-ticket items, if there is a big age difference between your children, you may find that what you used the first time around isn't in good condition, doesn't meet current safety standards or is actually expired. That's right, items like car seats actually have expiration dates and need to be replaced.
4.Every year brings new options. Hundreds and hundreds of new baby products are released this year, many of which have improved safety features or are simply more convenient and helpful than anything that was on the market when your first child was an infant–even if that wasn't all that long ago. And once you have two kids, anything that makes your life easier is essential.
5.Your children aren't the same gender. While many parents opt for gender-neutral baby gear and clothing, plenty of others still choose more gender-specific items. If your children aren't the same gender you may find that you want to replace some things or at least add in a few new items that are more gender specific. Plus, abuela is likely itching to dress a baby boy in all blue and trucks and a little girl in all pink and butterflies.
6.You might get samples. A lot of retailers will you give you a gift bag full of samples and coupons when you start your registry. I've gotten baby bottles, pacifiers, diapers and a variety of sample-size products in these bags, and they are super-convenient to have. For instance, when packing your hospital bag or diaper bag and you just need supplies to keep on hand for emergencies. Plus, coupons equal future discounts!
7.You'll get a discount. Though I did have a baby shower for my second child, I originally didn't plan on it. But, I still registered. I chose to start a registry so that I could take advantage of the commonly offered completion discount for any items we decided we needed just before our baby's birth or anytime in the first year afterwards. Most stores and online retailers offer a 10 percent discount on any items that weren't purchased off your registry or a gift card to use towards them.
