Baby Sprinkle Ideas & Etiquette Guide

what’s a baby sprinkle?

What is a baby sprinkle, and who gets to throw one? For parents expecting their second or third (or fourth) baby, sometimes this scaled-down, more casual, shorter version of a baby shower is just what the doctor ordered. Think: fewer guests, and just the gifts that check off all the necessities over big-ticket items like high chairs and toys that might be handed down from your firstborn.

when to host a baby sprinkle

Ultimately, it’s up to the parents to decide when to have their baby sprinkle party, but a good rule of thumb is about 2-3 months before the baby’s due date. This gives parents time to create their baby registry and to feel prepared in advance of their baby’s arrival, and the host enough time to get organized and give guests the time they need to plan ahead.

baby sprinkle etiquette

There aren’t a ton of faux pas for throwing a baby sprinkle, but here are some ground rules to make sure you get started off right.

For Expecting Parents
Try not to ask the same person to host twice. Don’t ask your baby shower host to also host your baby sprinkle party, especially if your previous shower was a big, organized event. Unlike a traditional baby shower, your sprinkle should have a much smaller baby registry with gifts that would be considered just the essentials. For big-ticket items like furniture, limit them on your registry to a couple of nice-to-haves.

For the Host
Baby sprinkles are a much more casual affair than traditional baby showers. Keep your guest list small, usually just close family and friends, and in your invitation, keep the time of the event to two to four hours, and let your guests know that this will be a more intimate, laid-back event.

For Guests
If you’re a guest that can’t attend there’s no need to send along a gift, but do let the host know that you can’t make it. For gifts, keep it simple, and if you’re not sure what to get, inquire with the host about a registry.

who’s hosting & who’s invited?

Since you’re not asking the same person to host twice, who’s the best person to ask? Baby sprinkles are typically a close family and friends affair, so you can choose from this group, knowing that your party will be less pomp and more relaxed. And it’s okay not to invite your work colleague or neighbor to your baby sprinkle, even if they attended your shower.

invitation do’s & dont’s

There’s no need to be formal, but every invitation needs to send the right message.

Traditional Vs. Online Invitations
Definitely send one online via email to all guests (and there’s nothing wrong with sending paper invitations through regular mail).

Including the Baby’s Gender
If the parents know the gender, definitely include in the invitations whether the baby sprinkle is for a boy or a girl.

Call It A Baby Sprinkle
And don’t forget that naming your party a baby sprinkle and not a baby shower is important! Let your guests know it’s a more laid-back affair.

To Register or Not to Register
Traditional etiquette calls for leaving out mention of a registry on the sprinkle invitation. But hosts should leave their contact info so guests can easily inquire if they would prefer to purchase a sprinkle gift from a baby registry.

baby sprinkle themes & decorating ideas

The great news for the host is that throwing a baby sprinkle is less elaborate than a shower, but having a theme makes it a lot easier to decide on sprinkle decorations. Here are a few popular baby sprinkle themes to get you started.

Sprinkle Themes
Let’s go with a big favorite: sprinkles or confetti on everything. Ice cream, doughnuts, cupcakes, brownies, etc. are all great desserts to put on display, and add festive sprinkles as decoration.

Spring Flowers & Rainbows Themes
Instead of sprinkles, flowers, balloons, and rainbows and raindrops are also some of the most popular decorating ideas.

Host a Barbecue or Brunch
If the weather forecast predicts clear skies, consider hosting a brunch buffet or barbecue outside for a casual gathering with good food and good company.

Make It Kid Friendly
If children will be attending, make sure to include them in the fun. Set up tables at their height with arts and crafts, baby sprinkle games, snacks and other activities that they can enjoy.

No Decorations Are OK, Too
If you’d like your celebration to be low-key, it’s okay not to have a theme! Consider elevating your sprinkle with a floral arrangement or two, and a nice tablescape. Simple yet beautiful.

baby sprinkle gift ideas

Remember, unlike a traditional baby shower, sprinkle gifts should focus on newborn essentials: diapers and diaper essentials, toiletries, burp cloths and bibs, baby clothes, and even gift cards. A Crate & Kids gift card is a wonderful sprinkle gift for parents to choose what they need for their bundle of joy. If the new parents have children who are old enough to receive gifts, bringing a small gift for them would be extra special.