- Nursery Articles -
What is a Baby Sprinkle?
Etiquette, Hosting Tips & Gift Ideas
You’ve heard of a baby shower, but what is a baby sprinkle? A baby sprinkle is a small party celebrating a baby that’s not the parents’ first. The differences may be pretty small, but they can make a big impact on how they’re planned by parents and approached by guests. Now, let’s dive into our best baby sprinkle ideas, gifts and etiquette tips!
Baby Sprinkle vs. Shower: What’s the Difference?
By definition, a baby sprinkle is more low-key than a baby shower, with a smaller guest list and fewer gifts. Baby showers are meant to help new parents get items they’ll need for their first kid. That means that by the time their next bundle of joy arrives, they’ll already have essentials they can reuse now that Baby #1 is a little older.
The idea behind a baby sprinkle is that (as every middle child knows) every child deserves to be celebrated—not just the first! Plus, there are plenty of things any new baby will always need, like diapers and personal keepsakes of their own.
Who Should Host a Baby Sprinkle
Just like with a baby shower, the baby sprinkle can be hosted by either the expectant parents or a generous friend or relative. Since the parents-to-be will be preparing for a new delivery while caring for their older child (or children), they’ll probably appreciate having logistics handled by a loved one.
When to Host a Baby Sprinkle
There’s no right or wrong time to host a baby sprinkle, but many parents prefer to do it early in the third trimester. This allows time to put away gifts, write thank you notes and relax before the baby is born.
Baby Sprinkle Etiquette: Tips for Hosting
Baby sprinkle etiquette is similar to what you’d expect of a baby shower—with a few key differences. To make sure everybody has a great time, you can adapt our baby shower checklist to guide you through our step-by-step tips below!
1. Send Baby Sprinkle Invitations
Since these aren’t as well-known as baby showers, it’s a good idea to explain what to expect in the baby sprinkle invite. Aside from that, general baby shower rules apply:
• Who is hosting
• Where the event will be held
• The time and date
• What food will be served (if any)
• Any important information about gifting
2. Decide on Gifting & Registry
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. Though it’s not expected, some guests may choose to also bring gifts for the older sibling(s).
3. Plan the Guest List
Since a sprinkle is a generally casual affair, you can invite as many or as few people as you’d like. Typically, though, a baby sprinkle has a shorter guest list, with only close friends and family invited. Big brother or sister can come to this one, too.
4. Consider Party Duration
How long do sprinkles last? Since it’s typically pretty laid-back and may not include as many activities as a baby shower, you can expect a relatively short event. Most hosts plan for the sprinkle to run about two to three hours. But if everyone is having fun, it can certainly last longer than that!
5. Prepare Games & Activities
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! But if you’d like to play some baby sprinkle games, here are some popular options:
• Don’t Say Baby. The goal is—you guessed it—not to say the word “baby” for the whole event.
• Bottle to Bottle (Sprinkle Edition). Partially fill one bottle with sprinkles, then remove the lid and partially seal the other bottle with tape. Race to see who can transfer all the sprinkles first!
• Name That Celebrity’s Baby (Number Edition). Print out photos of celebrities’ babies with the same number as the one getting the sprinkle (e.g., Baby #2, #3, etc.).
• Baby Game Show. Come up with a list of questions about the older child (or children) along with a few about the new baby, and see who knows the family best.
6. Choose Food
Many people choose to keep a baby sprinkle casual with light bites (think chips and dip, veggies and hummus, and similar hors d'oeuvres). Of course, you’re also welcome to host a brunch, barbecue or whatever else the parents are craving. If you plan to keep the drink menu alcohol-free, be sure to note that in the invite.
Baby Sprinkle Themes
By far the most common baby sprinkle theme is, well, sprinkles—the kind you put on cupcakes. But there are plenty of other options for those who want something a little different. Here are some tried and true favorites:
• Around the World. If the parents are passing down their wanderlust gene, theme the sprinkle around countries they dream of visiting or whose heritage they proudly represent.
• Chance of Rain. A sprinkle may not be a full shower, but you can still flood the venue with cute clouds and raindrop decorations!
• Floral or Woodland. Fresh flowers are a natural choice for celebrating a new baby. Plus, this theme gives you an excuse to wear a flower crown!
• Sweets ’n’ Treats. Always a crowd-pleaser, this theme gives plenty of opportunities to incorporate sprinkles. Just be sure to include a couple savory items—who doesn’t love a little salty with their sweet?
Baby Sprinkle Favor Ideas
Favors certainly aren’t required at a baby sprinkle, but if you do provide them, the guests will appreciate getting something useful. Think fun foods or drinks, unique pampering products or other items that relate to your theme. Here are some specific ideas:
• Jars of sprinkles. In keeping with the theme, try supplying guests with a small jar of rainbow sprinkles they can use the next time they bake.
• A snack for the ride home. Because everyone likes a little something for the road. Just be sure to include napkins!
• Bath bombs. Whether you buy them or make them, bath bombs come in an endless variety of colors and shapes to match your theme.
• Mini (self-)care packages. Help the ones you care about practice a little self-care by filling small baskets with a selection of quality lotions, soaps, face masks or gift cards.
• Scented candles. Aim for subtle scents in case any of your guests are sensitive to strong fragrances.
• Small potted plants. Small potted plants like succulents make for cute gifts that guests can watch grow with the new baby.
Baby Sprinkle Gift Ideas
A small token for the baby or the parents may be in order, but just remember to set gifting guidelines. If you’re attending someone else’s event, be sure to follow gifting instructions—and if you’re writing a card, approach it like you would a baby shower card.
While baby shower gifts can range from diapers and bibs to car seats and strollers, baby sprinkle gifts tend to be more modest. Here are just a few ideas to add to your sprinkle registry or consider bringing to a loved one’s event:
• Diapers and wipes. Can you ever have too many of these?
• Personalized items. Personalize your gift by adding baby’s name (if you know it) to blankets, bibs and even books!
• Original art. Tap into your artistic side by creating an original piece to update the nursery.
• Photography session. A gift certificate to a professional photographer is perfect for families who love to document their growth.
• Massage appointment. A spa day is a welcome gift for parents.
• Homemade meals. A freezer full of hearty meals will make the parents’ lives much easier after baby arrives.
• Distinctive toys. While the new baby will likely inherit plenty of playthings, you could give them handmade or unique toys of their own.
Whether it’s for the second baby or the seventh, there’s so much to celebrate at a baby sprinkle, baby shower, sip and see or any other event commemorating a new addition to the family. The gifts, theme and etiquette will always be secondary—the important thing is for the growing family to have a great time with their loved ones!