Nothing can truly match the excitement of being pregnant with your first child. New experiences, new sensations, a newfound respect for your body and a feeling you can’t put into words — it’s simply a magical moment.
Of course, to celebrate your first-ever pregnancy, you can expect loved ones and friends to throw you a baby shower. Indeed, it’s a special, gift-giving occasion in which the mom-to-be is gifted with all the necessary items that she and the baby need.
But say it’s your second pregnancy. In many cases, a baby sprinkle is thrown for the mother, which is a relatively new trend to celebrate second-time parents. Here’s a primer on all things related to a baby sprinkle:
What is a Baby Sprinkle?
A baby sprinkle celebrates the arrival of a second (or third or fourth, etc.) child. This time around, however, the celebrations are rather subtle and relaxed, which means inviting fewer guests and having a low-key get-together.
And when it comes to presents, it’s typically diapers, wipes and onesies that are gifted to the parents, as many second-timers already have all the necessary items needed from their first pregnancy.
How Do You Throw a Baby Sprinkle Shower?
The Timing
Many expectant parents prefer to have baby showers or sprinkles in the second or early- to mid-third trimester, as that leaves plenty of time to create a baby registry but isn’t too close to the due date. Ultimately, though, it’s up to the host and expectant parents to decide on timing. Don’t forget to give guests plenty of time to plan for the sprinkle, too. A good rule of thumb is to send out invitations at least four weeks in advance.
The Guest List
As this is a baby sprinkle, parents typically prefer to keep their guest list smaller, consisting only of close friends and family. In other words, don’t feel guilty about not inviting or offending that laundry list of distant uncles and aunts, as well as second cousins. This time around, it’s all above warmth, support and love for the parents.
The Invitations
There are no hard and fast rules about how to organize a baby sprinkle — and the same goes for your invitations. But when it comes to a design and theme, your baby sprinkle invitations should showcase something adorable and cute to put guests in the perfect mood to celebrate the arrival of your newborn.
The Theme and Decorations
Since these affairs are typically informal, there’s no need to go all-out with elaborate decorations, fancy invitations and gift bags. For an informal party consisting only of family and close friends, having a subtle theme related to “sprinkles” or showers, ice cream and cakes, and/or a moon and starry sky or something the parents enjoy would be perfect.
The Baby Sprinkle Menu
For a small gathering, the menu can — and likely should — consist of snacks and drinks, including fruits and candy, chips and dips, nuts and olives, brownies and cupcakes, pregnancy-safe cheese with crackers, yogurt, and chocolate. Fruit juices or punch for drinks would work great as well.
The Family Activities and Games
While tradition calls for games and other fun activities at baby showers, you can plan on something a bit simpler this time around. The choice is yours, but consider having guests jot down their best memories of being pregnant for the second time and asking them for advice. You could also ask guests — during the sprinkle or beforehand — to record a special message or act out a small play for the newborn. Finally, consider including any older siblings by asking them to write a brief letter to their new brother or sister and sharing their excitement with everyone.
Shower the People You Love with Love
No matter how you choose to celebrate, a baby sprinkle is meant for showering (pun intended) the parents with all the love and support they need, as well as to rejoice in the fact that they’ll soon be welcoming a new son or daughter. Bottom line: It’s all about sending good vibes and blessings to the second-time parents for a healthy and safe pregnancy and to welcome the new baby.