As is tradition, the anticipated arrival of a family's first child is celebrated with a baby shower. However, the second sibling (and any after that) is greeted with a baby sprinkle. Many are familiar with the gift-giving customs of a baby shower, during which the mother-to-be is fully outfitted with all of the essentials she needs. Comparatively, a sprinkle is a small-scale version of a shower that focuses on celebrating a new birth as opposed to giving lavish gifts.
When planning a baby sprinkle, make sure to clue your guests in on exactly what the event entails. "Since this is a newer celebration, some guests may not be aware of what it entails, you can convey that message through the invitation," says Lisa Cokinos of LC Events LLC. "Make sure the wording of the invitation includes older siblings and the request for essential items. Check with the parents-to-be of what they are in need of, to accurately guide your guests." And while parents may know what to expect when expecting their second child, they may not know what to expect for a baby sprinkle. How and when do you start planning? Should there be a baby registry for a sprinkle? What are the games and activities to enjoy? Who hosts the sprinkle and who is invited?
To help answer these questions, we tapped Cokinos for guidance.
Can You Have a Baby Shower for Your Second—or Third, or Fourth—Child?
Who hosts the sprinkle and who's invited?
After the decision to host a baby sprinkle has been made, do you host an in-person gathering or should you do something more virtual? As large in-person gatherings have been restricted since March 2020, it's understandable that families are hopeful to reunite in celebrating such joyous news. If you decide to do a small gathering for your sprinkle, practice social distancing, wear face masks, and schedule your sprinkle for a shorter timeframe (such as a drive-by event)—these are all smart party-planning decisions.
A baby sprinkle should not be hosted by the parents or immediate family. Instead, friends and siblings can join in to host the sprinkle, and certainly anyone can be invited although it's best to keep the list of invitees small, especially now, in light of the ongoing pandemic. Those who've frequented baby showers in the past will attest that the celebration is traditionally attended only by women. However, a baby sprinkle is typically a family affair including any of the baby's older siblings.
How do you decorate for a sprinkle?
Simplicity is the best mindset when hosting a baby sprinkle whether it's virtual or in-person. When it comes to party decorations, simplicity is the key. Cokinos shares the proper sprinkle party décor aesthetic, sharing, "you can have a lot of fun with décor depending on your tastes but keep it simple. Balloons and signage are perfect additions to any room. Coordinate chic and beautiful tableware and flatware from Sophistiplate or Meri Meri to add style and ease for clean-up."
What is the proper etiquette on gifts?
While it's common for expecting new parents to share their baby registry the first time around, the abundance of baby gifts isn't the primary focus the second time around. "Thankfully, with a baby sprinkle, gifts are more essential rather than show-stopping," says Cokinos, "and a big production of opening and displaying them can easily be skipped." As she explains, appropriate gifts include the essentials like diapers, wipes, or a new outfit. "Most families already have the foundational gear," she adds, "but refreshing and replenishing those staples that the first child has outgrown are welcomed by a growing family."
What are some fun activities?
Since a baby sprinkle is a more low-key affair, Cokinos insists on avoiding the pressure of baby shower games. In fact, it's perfectly acceptable to pass on the games altogether. "Avoid the pressure of playing games and have an activity for guests to enjoy," she suggests. "A personal favorite of ours is a perfume bar. Guests can create their own scents with fragrant oils and the product can also act as a favor."
What should you give for party favors?
Send everyone home with thoughtful party favors, which as Cokinos says, should reflect the tone of the event. "Since a baby sprinkle is a more casual event, packaging up a seasonal food favor with a coordinating label is perfect," she adds. "For example, adorable individual s'mores kits are perfect for winter or send everyone home with a miniature champagne bottle and mixer."
FAQs
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.
What is the etiquette for a sprinkle? ›
Some parents choose not to accept gifts during a sprinkle. Others register for items that can't be handed down from an older sibling, like diapers or potentially even clothing. Keep in mind that the general etiquette is to expect fewer and less extravagant gifts than what you might expect at a shower.
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.
Is it tacky to host your own baby sprinkle? ›
But in short, yes, it is totally okay to throw your own party to celebrate the precious new life joining your family soon.
What is the appropriate gift amount for a baby sprinkle? ›
If you're pondering over the proper amount to spend on a baby sprinkle gift, the unwritten rule hovers around $20 to $50. It's a gentle shower of affection, not the full-on downpour of the first-time baby shower.
What should a sprinkle invite say? ›
Baby Sprinkle Invitation Wording
Babies are so much fun, we've decided to have another one! Join us at our baby sprinkle. Oops, we did it again! Help us sprinkle [Parents' Names] with love for their newest little one!
What do you do at a sprinkle shower? ›
That hour and a half or so is usually filled up with chatting, eating, opening a few gifts and just enjoying the company of your guests, so that doesn't leave a whole lot of time for the games you'd normally play at a full-size shower.
What do you do at a baby sprinkle party? ›
The name says it all: Instead of a bigger party where first-time parents are showered with gifts, a baby sprinkle is a more casual, relaxed gathering where the guests of honor are "sprinkled" with support and potentially smaller gifts.
Who do you invite to a sprinkle shower? ›
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.
Who traditionally pays for a baby shower? ›
Who Traditionally Pays for a Baby Shower? The hostess traditionally pays for the baby shower and its associated costs. However, the hostess can divide up the responsibility and costs by asking a few close family members or friends to co-host.
Can you throw your own baby shower? Typical baby shower etiquette dictates that the parents-to-be shouldn't throw their own party since doing so could be perceived as asking for gifts.
How to throw a sprinkle party? ›
Here are my Tips for Throwing a Baby Sprinkle
- Make sure you specify that it's a Baby Sprinkle and not a Shower on the invitation.
- Schedule the party at an off-time and for a shorter duration.
- Keep the menu simple.
- Keep the decorations simple too.
- Play games, or don't.
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.
Do you ask for gifts at a baby sprinkle? ›
Instead of asking for big-ticket items or extensive gifts, a baby sprinkle focuses on celebrating the upcoming arrival of the new baby and providing some of the practical necessities and smaller gifts that the parents may need.
How many prizes should you have for a baby shower? ›
The number and type of games you plan to play at your baby shower will affect the prizes you need. Ensure there's at least one prize per game, and it's a nice idea to have some extra prizes for unexpected tiebreakers or just-in-case situations. The prizes don't all need to be the same, so feel free to mix it up!
How much should a sister-in-law spend on a baby shower gift? ›
Sister in Law — Depending on the relationship you have with the sister in law you are expected to buy a good gift. As a sister in law, you will most likely have a fair bit to do with the baby. Therefore spending between $50 and $70 is appropriate.
Do you bring a gift to a sprinkle? ›
The biggest question I receive about Sprinkles is : Should guests bring presents? Generally, the answer is no or something small. Now some pregnant moms will retort, “But my friends really want to bring me a gift.” That may be true, and they might bring one, but the event itself shouldn't be regarded as another shower.
Who should be invited to a sprinkle? ›
This party is often (cutely) called a 'Sprinkle' instead of a shower since the family welcoming the new child likely already has many of the items needed (though not always!). Immediate family and very close friends are usually included.
What do people do at a baby sprinkle? ›
The name says it all: Instead of a bigger party where first-time parents are showered with gifts, a baby sprinkle is a more casual, relaxed gathering where the guests of honor are "sprinkled" with support and potentially smaller gifts.
