SearchBaby Sprinkle: What It Is And How To Host One
A baby sprinkle is often the more low-key way to celebrate a second (or third, or fourth, etc.) pregnancy. But since sprinkles are a fairly new concept, lots of people still have questions about them.
For example, who gets to host it? What should you have on your registry? And can you have more than one? We’ll answer all these questions and more as we take you through what to know about these special events.
What Is A Baby Sprinkle?
A baby sprinkle is a shower that is usually smaller than one you would have with your first child. Because it makes sense for second-time parents to reuse a lot of their first child's toys, swings, high chairs, car seats, and other items, sprinkle gifts are typically necessities.
In addition, similar to a baby shower, a sprinkle is usually hosted by a close friend or co-hosted by a group of friends.
Unlike a baby shower that has a more extensive guest list, many choose to invite just intimate relatives and close friends to a sprinkle. In other words, it's a low-key but festive get-together where loved ones express well-wishes and help the parents stock up on the necessities.
Key Differences Between A Shower And A Sprinkle
Because the concept of baby sprinkles is somewhat new, the host may need to explain the event's details on the invitation.
Although there are no set guidelines for what should happen at a shower versus a baby sprinkle, here is a typical breakdown of each:
Baby Shower
A baby shower is usually more formal, with more activities and decorations as well as a more extensive guest list.
In addition, a traditional baby shower usually includes an entire baby registry (e.g., baby rockers, strollers, car seats, clothing, etc.) because first-time parents require so much new baby gear.
Baby Sprinkle
A baby sprinkle is usually less formal than a standard shower and focuses on sharing in the joy of this new little life.
Because most of the big-ticket items are likely already owned by the honorees, the registry typically contains minor necessities, like diapers, wipes, and onesies.
Proper Etiquette
If you've recently had a baby sprinkle and are expecting again, you might be wondering if it's proper etiquette to have another one.
To answer this, we must first look at the main purpose of a baby sprinkle: to honor the new life and the parents. Every child's birth, whether it's your second, third, fourth, or fifth, should be celebrated.
So, to answer the question: YES, of course!
You can quickly alter your registry to include the important items if you recently had a sprinkle and still have certain baby products that your newborn can utilize (i.e., wipes, diapers, etc.).
Now that you understand what a sprinkle is, let’s get into the details of how to host one.
7 Ways To Throw An Amazing Baby Sprinkle
1) Choose The Date
Many expectant parents choose to hold baby showers or sprinkles in the second or early-to-mid-third trimester since this gives enough time to create a baby registry while not getting too close to the delivery date.
However, the host and expectant parents must ultimately decide on the timing together. You’ll want to give your guests enough time to prepare for the sprinkle. So, sending invitations at least four weeks in advance is a good rule of thumb.
2) Draw Up A Guest List
As we mentioned earlier, the guest list for a baby sprinkle is usually smaller than a baby shower. Most include only the closest family and friends. Really, it’s up to the expectant parents and who they feel most comfortable with.
3) Choose A Theme
Once you've decided on a date and location for your baby sprinkle, it's time to choose a theme and start planning decorations.
Keep in mind that these events are meant to be laid-back and low-key. So, select easy-to-implement invites, design, cuisine, and entertainment. You do not need to go all out with expensive decorations or gift bags.
While choosing a specific theme isn't required, many parents and hostesses find that it makes decorating easier.
A popular concept is to use variations on "sprinkles" as a theme:
- Ice cream with sprinkled toppings
- Raindrops and rain showers
- Donuts with sprinkles
4) Send Invitations
When it comes to baby sprinkle invitations, it doesn’t have to be formal. If you prefer to send out traditional invites, that's fine, but an email works just as well.
Regarding baby sprinkle etiquette, it's best not to include registry information on the invitation but have it ready for those who ask (and there will be a few!).
5) Gift Registry
To follow up on our previous point, parents expecting a second, third, or fourth child generally don't expect large gifts from sprinkle visitors. Instead, bottles, wipes, diapers, and other simple items that wouldn’t be left over from previous children are traditional gifts.
However, many parents who are growing their families require and desire additional items for the new baby, even the more expensive items.
Depending on the family’s situation, here are a few things they might need to add to their registry:
Baby Clothes
Baby clothes are always great to include on a baby registry, whether you’re throwing a baby sprinkle or a shower.
For example, if the new baby is of a different gender or is due at a different time of year than the elder child, the parents may need different or additional clothing items than the ones they have on hand.
Diaper Products
No matter how many children you already have, you will always need diapers, diaper cream, and wipes. Choose ones that are great for delicate, sensitive baby skin.
Stroller
If the parents have an older child who still enjoys riding in a stroller, they may need to switch to a convertible or double stroller or invest in accessories, such as a toddler stroller board, to extend the life of their current model.
Cribs And Bassinets
Cribs and bassinets can also be helpful if an older sibling is still using theirs. Newton Baby offers a great selection of Cribs and Crib Mattresses to choose from. GREENGUARD Gold Certified and crafted with breath-thru technology, our mattresses are both cozy and safe for your babies.
Car Seats
A car seat is one baby item that’s usually best bought new. This is to ensure the seat meets all the latest safety standards and has all of the necessary components.
In addition, if a car seat has been in a car crash, it is typically not safe to continue using.
6) Consider The Menu
In addition to any presents, keep the meal small for this less-formal gathering. Have some bite-sized hors d'oeuvres and desserts, like pregnancy-safe cheese with crackers, a yogurt bar with fruit and candies, veggies and dips, nuts and olives, or brownies and cupcakes.
This type of cuisine makes party prep easy and allows visitors to mingle while filling their plates.
7) Prepare Games And Activities
Traditional baby shower games can be a little elaborate. Because a baby sprinkle is more simple and straightforward, limit your games to one or two creative activities.
For example, consider having visitors make a floral crown for the expecting mother with the best one winning a prize.
Baby sprinkle activities that are fun yet low-key include crafting nursery art, DIY-ing baby wooden blocks, and decorating onesies.
Of course, traditional baby shower games can still be played during a sprinkle, but you can also decide on simpler activities.
Here are a few other suggestions for making the party more personal:
- Make a no-sew quilt out of the elder siblings' outgrown clothing or blankets.
- Make a memento book by having guests write their best advice for the sibling on slips of paper. (This is also a great way to make the big brother or sister feel included.)
- Ask guests to write a letter to the baby within a plain baby book.
- Request that guests write a hilarious phrase or note on a diaper's front waistband. Then, put the diapers in a nice bin that will only be used for late-night changes. The parents will have a little humorous relief and positivity throughout those late shifts.
- Print out a list of celebrity parents and their children's names for guests to match up.
Make It A Celebration
Whether you’re throwing a baby sprinkle or shower, the most important thing is to make the expectant parents feel loved and excited for their new bundle of joy.
With other children underfoot, this is often an exciting and stressful time, so having a day to celebrate their coming baby will be appreciated.
As you’re planning the special event, consider the guest list, food, and activities you’d like to include. Then, check out the baby registry for diapers, wipes, Cribs, Crib Mattresses, and more to outfit the parents with everything they need.
Happy sprinkling!
