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While a baby shower is a traditional part of celebrating the arrival of a new baby, many people aren’t sure whether or not an adoption baby showers would be an appropriate idea. There is nothing wrong with having one of these celebrations if you are adopting, although depending on the age of the new arrival your baby adoption shower may need to be a little non-traditional.

Having a Baby Shower Adoption for Older Children

Adopting older children isn’t as hyped as international adoptions today but giving a loving home to these children is almost more special because they are very in need of loving parents and a caring extended family. Having a celebration for the parents and the new child is a good idea but you’ll want to alter the baby shower so it’s not quite the same as it would have been for an infant. This celebration should be about showing the child exactly how excited the circle of loved ones is to have this new child in the family.

Instead of baby gifts, family and friends can purchase toys or other items appropriate for your new family member’s age. You can still have a cake and other refreshments, too. However, you may not want to have the same type of baby shower games at your adopted baby shower for older kids that you would for an infant. Instead, skip the games and focus on giving everyone a chance to mingle and be introduced to your new child. Consider keeping the guest list small so your child does not feel overwhelmed.

The Adoption Baby Showers for Babies

Make sure to include information about the adoption in the baby shower invitations you send out. For example, you might want to change the wording a little. Instead of adding the birth weight and height which you might not know, you can include information you do, such as the baby’s birth location. This would not be the place to include any information you know about the birth parents, however. Consider including both the date of birth and the date of adoption on the invitations or announcements.

Remember that you can play games and have refreshments at this adoption baby showers. Also, you should consider scheduling the event for after the baby arrives in its new home. Keep in mind that there is always the risk of delays with both biological and adoptive deliveries so waiting until after the baby is in your arms to throw the shower is a wise idea. Plus, people can see your new arrival with their own eyes.

Throwing a child adoption baby showers can also be a great way of getting the items you’re going to need to help welcome your child into your home. You’ll probably need new baby clothes, furniture, accessories, and plenty of other items. Remember that whether you’re adopting a child or a baby, you are bringing a new family member home who may not be yours biologically but will always be yours emotionally.

People can get hung up on etiquette these days. Many people think that a baby shower should only be held for the birth of a first child. Baby showers are not only a means of “showering” parents to be with the items they will need for the arrival of their bundle of joy, but also to celebrate this arrival.

Fully stocked baby registries are not necessary for parents in which there isn’t a large age gap between children. Here are some theme ideas for baby showers for second or third children…

Diaper Baby Shower – Parents to be may have many of the larger essentials from a previous child, but make no mistake about it, babies will need diapers and lots of them! A baby averages 8-12 diaper changes per day! And who couldn’t use baby wipes. We still carry them in both of our cars and “away” bag for quick clean ups for ourselves and our 5 year old. For this type of baby shower each guest is asked to bring a box of diapers (in different sizes), diaper creams and/or a box of wipes. You may want to tell guests to purchase diapers in size 1 or up as newborns may quickly grow out of newborn sized diapers.
Pot Luck Baby Shower – Friends prepare dishes that can be frozen and bring them for mom to be. It’s a great way to stock up on dinners for parents to be for the first few weeks after baby is born. Let’s face it, everyone is adjusting to a new world order, especially older siblings, and mealtime may not be number one on everyone’s mind. Try to make as many nutritious meals which balance protein, veggies, carbohydrates and limit fats, especially if kids are going to rely on these meals for a few weeks.
Clothesline Baby Shower – fill up baby’s dresser by hosting a Clothesline Baby Shower. While there may be some hand me downs for this baby, he or she is just as special as his or her older sibling. He or she deserves to have some outfits, one piece bodysuits, socks, pjs, washcloths, towels, etc, that are purchased just for him or her. If this baby is a different gender than the first child then he or she may need all of the essentials.

Celebrate the arrival of this child and the new roles family members will take on. If this is a second child then the older sibling to be may have difficulty transitioning from only child to older sibling. Make this time extra special for them by treating them to a big brother or big sister gift. The world as they know it is going to change soon so make it an exciting change for them.