In the history of preparing for little ones, baby sprinkles — which are more low-key baby showers to welcome second (or third, or fourth) babies — are a relatively new phenomenon. So naturally, there are lots of questions about what is acceptable and what might not be.
The key to ababy sprinkle is that, unlike a shower, it doesn’t focus on stocking new parents with everything they need for their baby-to-be. It’s a celebration of a new life — which is always appropriate, whether the baby is the first or the sixth.
With the emphasis placed squarely on the support and love of your closest family and friends rather than a focus on big-ticket gifts, a baby sprinkleis a party that, ideally, is relaxed, warm and laid-back. While there are no hard rules when it comes to baby sprinkle etiquette, here are some tips to help you feel prepared to throw (or attend!) a sprinkle party.
Who hosts a baby sprinkle?
While there are plenty of differences between a baby sprinkle and a baby shower, the host for both events is often a close friend or sibling. The host of your baby sprinkle may be the same person who threw your first shower, or it may be someone different. Of course, anyone may throw you a baby sprinkle, whether it be a co-worker or another relative.
Just like withbaby showers, the host generally organizes all of the details, so you can rest easy and soak up the celebrations rather than worrying about all the ins and outs of planning.
Who should you invite to a baby sprinkle?
While baby showers are typically larger and more involved, baby sprinkles are often intimate and casual, centering around support and encouragement rather than presents and funny games. That's why lots of parents prefer to keep the invitation list small, surrounding themselves with close friends and family rather than a large crowd of loved ones.
Continue Reading Below
Read This Next
How to Plan a Baby Shower
How to Plan a Baby Shower
Is it okay to have more than one baby sprinkle?
Yes, it's fine to have more than one sprinkle. If a co-worker and your best friend offer to throw showers, and they’re different groups of friends, it’s perfectly acceptable to accept both invitations. The same goes for sprinkles in honor of baby number three or four— if a loved one offers to organize the celebration, feel free to graciously say yes.
Baby sprinkle etiquette for parents-to-be
While every baby sprinkle is unique to the host and the guest of honor, these etiquette tips may help you feel more prepared:
- Don’t expect someone to throw you a sprinkle. And don’t bring it up to anyone else either — especially not whomever threw your first shower. Leave it to your other close friends or relatives to think of it on their own.
- Register for (smaller) gifts. But step away from the scanning gun! Yes, ababy registry is okay, but it shouldn’t, and won’t need to be, as long as your first list (and it shouldn’t be on the invitation — instead it should be given to guests on an as-requested basis or included on a separate card). Set your sights on everyday essentials, like diapers, wipes, baby wash and the like, plus one or two big ticket items you absolutely need (such as a newinfant car seat or double stroller).
- Don’t forget to thank the host. A batch of homemade cookies or muffins with a handwritten note is inexpensive and sure to be appreciated. If you’re not up to baking (or delivering anything for that matter), you can't go wrong sending a bouquet of flowers.
- Send thank-you notes. Even if few or no gifts were given at your sprinkle, it’s still nice to let people know you appreciated their presence and support. And just in case baby arrives early, prepare the thank you notes in advance and send along with the birth announcement.
Baby sprinkle etiquette for guests
Many guests who attend baby sprinkles opt to bring a gift — but what you offer is totally up to you. If you're not able to make it, it's up to you whether or not you send a gift. Either way, it's a good idea to RSVP so that the host can prepare for the event adequately.
From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy.
Was this article helpful?
FAQs
Keep in mind that the general etiquette is to expect fewer and less extravagant gifts than what you might expect at a shower. Though it's not expected, some guests may choose to also bring gifts for the older sibling(s).
What is appropriate for a baby sprinkle? ›
Gifts: Baby sprinkles are about showering the parents with love, rather than extensive gift-giving. Encourage guests to bring smaller and more practical gifts, such as diapers, baby clothes, books, or gift cards. 9. Activities and Games: Plan some enjoyable activities and games that involve everyone present.
How much do you give for a sprinkle? ›
Sprinkle Strategy for Gift-Giving
Consider Convenience: A $20 to $50 investment in a practical present like easy-change pajamas ensures your gift is both well-used and cherished. Enhance the Essentials: Sprinkle gifts often complement the baby's existing collection – consider what they have and fill in the gaps.
Who typically throws a baby sprinkle? ›
While baby sprinkles are traditionally hosted by close family members and friends, Gosselin says it's becoming increasingly common for the parents-to-be to host an event themselves. “It allows them to have more control over the execution and timeline, which is often a big factor,” she explains.
Who should be invited to a baby sprinkle? ›
For a baby sprinkle, you invite only your closest family and friends. Your baby shower probably included neighbors, co-workers, a childhood friend, and distant relatives. But for a baby sprinkle, you will want to narrow the list. This is not a time for “catching up” or reconnecting with old friends.
How many people should be at a baby sprinkle? ›
Baby sprinkle invitations, on the other hand, are usually sent to only the closest family and friends, since the focus isn't so much on getting new gear as it is getting support. Save room for around 10, and include people like parents, siblings, and your best friend of the past 15 years.
What to wear to a sprinkle shower? ›
For a fancier event, a nice dress or skirt-and-blouse combo are a safe bet. If you prefer pants, opt for dress pants and heels over jeans or leggings. For a casual affair, however (think: at someone's home or a park), jeans might be totally acceptable with a dressy top or a blazer.
How do you say no gifts for baby sprinkle? ›
To answer the question, the invitation could include something like: “We have everything we need for our little one, and request no gifts. Your presence is all we ask for. If you would like to make a donation to (your favorite charity) in our child's honor, that would bless us, as well as the children in need.”
What is after a baby sprinkle? ›
A Sip & See is a party held after the birth of a baby to introduce the little one to friends and family members. It's usually a more casual event than the baby shower (with new parents often hosting it themselves), and it can be a fun way to celebrate a child's arrival.
What is an appropriate gift for a sprinkle? ›
Personalized jewelry is an extra-special way to commemorate the birth of a little one. Whether new parents want a keychain with engraved names or a necklace or ring with colorful birthstones, parents can customize their gift to reflect their personal tastes and growing family.
Many guests who attend baby sprinkles opt to bring a gift — but what you offer is totally up to you.
How to ask for gift cards for Baby sprinkle? ›
Here are a few templates to ask for gift cards for a baby shower. “We are beyond excited to welcome our baby… we already have everything we need for the first period together, so no need to bring a gift. Gift cards or other monetary donations are welcome but not required. See you there!”
What is the etiquette for a sprinkle? ›
A Sprinkle is typically a lower key affair than a shower (hence the name “sprinkle”!) and usually just the mother's closest friends and family are invited. Generally, it is a celebration of the mom and arrival of her newest bundle of joy, and not a “stock the nursery” kind of gathering.
Do you play games at a baby sprinkle? ›
While traditional baby shower games still work at a sprinkle, you can plan on simpler activities, too, like making a DIY shower gift as a group.
Do you make a registry for a sprinkle? ›
See the must-haves for baby number two — and a few nice-to-haves — that you'll want on your registry. If you're on your second (or later) baby and planning on holding a baby sprinkle, you may be wondering if it's appropriate to set up a registry. In a word: Yes! It's perfectly acceptable to register for your sprinkle.
What do you wear to a baby sprinkle? ›
For a fancier event, a nice dress or skirt-and-blouse combo are a safe bet. If you prefer pants, opt for dress pants and heels over jeans or leggings. For a casual affair, however (think: at someone's home or a park), jeans might be totally acceptable with a dressy top or a blazer.
What is proper etiquette for a second baby shower? ›
"For a celebration for a second or third or fourth baby, you might want to include only close family, call it a celebration rather than a shower, and make it clear you are inviting them to celebrate," notes Gottsman.
Do people register for a baby sprinkle? ›
Proper Etiquette
So, to answer the question: YES, of course! You can quickly alter your registry to include the important items if you recently had a sprinkle and still have certain baby products that your newborn can utilize (i.e., wipes, diapers, etc.).
What is the difference between a sprinkle and a sip and see? ›
What's The Difference Between A Baby Shower And A Sip and See? A baby shower (typically reserved for a couple's first child) or sprinkle (a nice gesture for any children after that) happens before the baby is born, while a sip and see happens after.
