Jump to:
- What is a baby sprinkle?
- Should you make a registry for a baby sprinkle?
- How much should someone spend on a baby sprinkle gift?
There's nothing that could possibly match the excitement, challenges, and whirlwind of joy around having your first baby ... until you're expecting your second.
While it's customary to have a baby shower for your first pregnancy to be gifted all of the parenting products you need to get your home ready for your little one, having a shower for your second child (also known as a baby sprinkle) might not seem necessary. You might be wondering, "What is a baby sprinkle, and are they really a thing?"
In short: It is completely up to you whether you'd like to have a baby sprinkle. However, it may be worth having one so that you can bring your loved ones together, replenish your supply of diapers and baby wipes, and register for the cool baby gadgets that you wish you'd gotten the first time around.
"A baby sprinkle is reserved for your second or subsequent pregnancies, where the gender is usually the same as the first, and you do not need a lot of baby items because you feel pretty prepared after having your first child," says Amy Motroni, founder of the blog Genius Mom Hacks. If the gender of the second child is different from the first, Motroni says that you might consider holding another full-scale baby shower, so you can register for lots of different items.
"A shower is much more formal, and the sprinkle tends to be more casual," says Kristin Revere, certified birth and postpartum doula at Gold Coast Doulas, adding that there tend to be fewer people invited to a baby sprinkle than a shower.
Should you make a registry for a baby sprinkle?
Whether you're expecting your second child shortly after you've had your first or there's been a larger gap between them, it's a good idea to make a registry for a baby sprinkle. A registry gives your guests a guideline of which items are most useful to you and your growing household.
"Family and friends like to know exactly what they should buy the mom-to-be," says Motroni. "Many moms have favorite items or brands, so a baby registry is very helpful."
But if you already have all of the things that an expecting parent could possibly want, you could think outside the (gift) box, too.
"It is wonderful to consider registering for services like sleep consultants, postpartum doulas, or meal delivery services," says Revere.
How much should someone spend on a baby sprinkle gift?
If you've been invited to a baby sprinkle and you've already bought something from the registry, you still shouldn't show up empty-handed.
"While the gift doesn't have to be large, it is polite and good etiquette to attend a baby sprinkle with a gift," Motroni says. "Family and friends can all go in together and give a group gift, but showing up with at least a card is best."
The gift can be an affordable, basic baby item, too. "It could be something as small as a box of diapers or a swaddle," says Revere, who recommends a price point of $20 for a sprinkle gift.
..
FAQs
A baby sprinkle is a casual and smaller-scale version of a baby shower. It is typically held for parents who are expecting their second, third, or subsequent child. The term "sprinkle" is a play on words, as it suggests a lighter celebration compared to the more elaborate and traditional baby showers.
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.
How many people are invited to 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 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.
Is it normal to have a baby shower for your second child? ›
Holding a baby shower for the second baby is very common. So much so that it has the name “Baby Sprinkle”. So holding a second baby shower, or baby sprinkle is not only acceptable, it's encouraged. I'm also asked if you should get a gift for the second or third baby shower.
What is the etiquette for a sprinkle? ›
Some parents choose to treat the sprinkle like a shower and play traditional shower games. Others may just want to opt for crafts, snacks and a casual hangout. The bottom line is to do whatever you want, and don't do what you don't!
What is the point of 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.
Do you play games at a sprinkle? ›
Activities and Games: Plan some enjoyable activities and games that involve everyone present. It could be as simple as baby-related trivia or guessing games. 10. Thank You Notes: After the sprinkle, ensure the parents express their gratitude by sending out thank-you notes to all the guests.
How long should a baby sprinkle last? ›
The typical time period for a baby sprinkle to last is around two hours. There won't be all the specific details like there would be at a baby shower.
Can you host your own sprinkle? ›
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.
Baby showers are typically associated with floral prints and light, happy colors like baby blue, light pink, and yellow. If that's the vibe you're feeling, lean into it! A sweet sundress with a bow detail isn't just great for a shower; you'll wear it all summer.
Do you open gifts at a baby sprinkle? ›
The parents-to-be can open gifts during the sprinkle, but it's not necessary and doesn't need to be the event's focal point.
What do you take to a baby sprinkle? ›
A second-time mom (or 3rd or 4th) won't need all new equipment; she already has a crib and a car seat. So, a baby sprinkle is designed to help her stock up on the essentials or anything that her other child is still using. This can include things such as diapers, wipes, onesies, formula, stroller, a car seat, etc.
Do you do a registry for a baby sprinkle? ›
In a word: Yes! It's perfectly acceptable to register for your sprinkle. In fact, it makes things easier for friends and family who want to offer a token gift. Keep in mind, though, that details are usually left off the invitation and provided only to those who ask.
Who 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.
What is a 3rd baby shower called? ›
A Baby Sprinkle is celebrating the second and third children and so the gifts are going to be different.
Who is responsible for throwing a baby shower? ›
Who plans and hosts a baby shower? According to tradition, baby showers are typically hosted by a friend or distant relative (like a cousin or an aunt) instead of an immediate family member. This custom is believed to have developed to avoid the appearance that the family was simply on a mission to collect gifts.
Who is expected to throw a baby shower? ›
Tradition states that when it comes to throwing a baby shower, those who love you should do the honors. This person could be your best friend from college, a colleague from work, the next-door neighbor… or your sister, sister-in-law, mother, aunt, etc.
Who organizes a sprinkle? ›
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.
Who should I invite to baby 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.
