What Is A Baby Sprinkle And How Do You Host One?

It's no secret: Southerners love a good party, and not just as attendees. They love planning and hosting them, too. Not only are décor, menu items, and invitations important, but there's always etiquette to remember. While we like to stick to the old-school rules for many party dos and don'ts, there’s a more modern way to think about manners for many gatherings. One party that old-fashioned etiquette sticklers might not know about yet? The baby sprinkle.

Now if your ears just perked up, your eyebrow raised, and your lips pursed ready to retaliate at another pointless millennial concoction made for social media, hold the reins for a sec. We'll admit, the baby sprinkle already has made-for-Instagram theme ideas and invitations. But the premise behind it makes a lot of sense, and it's a very sweet occasion to add to your calendar. So what is a baby sprinkle anyway?

What Is a Baby Sprinkle?

As you can assume from the name, a baby sprinkle is a toned-down baby shower. The mama-to-be had a blowout baby shower with all the bells and whistles for her first child, but what about the second, third, and consecutive kids (bless you mothers all)? I love hand-me-downs just as much as the next person, but there are still plenty of things second-time parents will need before their new child comes home.

Even the Emily Post Institute acknowledges the usefulness of a sprinkle: “It's fine to have a baby shower for a second or third baby. 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. If a parent(s) truly needs nothing, some will opt for a party that focuses on giving advice, or even hold a sip n' see instead (which is more like a brunch where you get to meet the baby.)” 

At the end of the day, the main purpose of a sprinkle is simple: “Every new child welcomed into a family can be celebrated if the family feels like it's the right choice for them."

What Are Typical Baby Sprinkle Gifts?

Think of a baby sprinkle like a stock-the-bar party, except you're stocking the nursery. The couple probably has the big-ticket items from the first kid (high chair, crib, car seat, etc.), but they're going to need replacements for some items as well as essentials like newborn diapers, anytime onesies, wipes, and other baby bathroom staples when the new addition arrives.

Practical gifts include:

• Gift cards
• Meal delivery or freezer meals
• Books
• Teethers, pacifiers, and other items that may need replacing
• A double stroller
• Bibs and burp cloths

So you're "sprinkling" them with baby essentials—and love, of course. 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.

How to Tailor a Baby Sprinkle to the Mama-to-Be

When you're invited to or hosting a baby sprinkle, it's important to consider the mama-to-be's situation. If her first child is young enough that he or she is still using the car seat or crib from the baby shower, you and several friends could split the cost of one of those expensive must-have items. If the first kid has grown out of those big-budget buys, go with simple gifts you know the mama needs. It's also smart to take into consideration if her first child is one gender and she's having the other, or if she doesn't know the gender of the new baby yet. She might need bows in her current house full of boys, and gender-neutral baby gifts are always a safe play. And like we said, you can't go wrong with diapers and other nursery and bathroom go-tos for the baby. These gifts are always used and always appreciated.

Who Typically Attends?

Since a sprinkle is a more low-key affair than a shower, it's typically a smaller gathering of only family and close friends. Some moms-to-be opt for a kid-friendly party, since they already have the new baby's older sibling at home. Baby sprinkles are more laid back and typically shorter, too.

When to Hold a Sprinkle

Hold the sprinkle in the third trimester of pregnancy. Planning will begin sooner, and invitations should go out four weeks before the event. Mailed invitations are a nice touch but they're not necessary since guests are in the mom-to-be’s inner circle. An email invite is just fine.

What Are Sprinkle Do's and Don'ts?

Several of the same etiquette rules that apply to baby showers still play with the sprinkle, though. The mom-to-be and her mom or mother in law typically don't host, and you should never include a registry on the invitation. Because the gifts are smaller and more baby essential-focused, most baby sprinkles won't have a registry anyway.

What Are Some Sprinkle Ideas?

Since a sprinkle is a smaller-scale celebration, games aren’t necessary. A theme will help tie it all together. Typical shower themes like animals and flowers will make it festive. Play on the rain theme with clouds and raindrops, or play off the meaning of sprinkle by having cupcakes and doughnuts with sprinkles or a sundae bar with, of course, lots of sprinkles.

How to Involve Siblings

While some young siblings-to-be may not understand the full extent of what is happening, involving them in the celebration and attention will help them see that their role is special too. Give them a special role at the party or present them with a small gift. If younger siblings and family members will be attending, a kids’ table with simple printouts, activities, and snacks will help keep them busy.

What's Our Take?

Although there are some new party trends we're ready to say goodbye to, we can definitely get behind the baby sprinkle. Every new baby should be celebrated, and every mom, even if she's not a first-timer, should get support and love from her friends and family. Sprinkle away!