Baby 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?
How To Throw An Amazing Baby Sprinkle
6 Baby Sprinkle Themes

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. They tend to be short and sweet, which can make planning easier.

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. You may ask guests to bring something instead of a gift, such as baby laundry soap or a freezer meal.

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.

How 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.

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) Prepare The 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.

And while babies look adorable in dressy outfits, they also need some basics, such as:

Socks
Onesies
Footed pants
Pants
Sleepers
Rompers

Since this type of everyday wear gets worn so frequently, they may not last from one child to the next.

Of course, whatever clothes a baby is in will almost certainly end up with poop or spit-up on them. So include some baby-friendly laundry detergent and stain remover on the wish list.

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.

If the parents-to-be prefer cloth diapers, please ask for details about their preferred type and style. Otherwise, they may not be able to use what they’re given.

Whether buying cloth or disposable diapers, consider getting a slightly larger size. Many parents end up with many newborn or size 1 diapers, and babies grow so fast.

While it’s possible to return unopened packages and exchange them for a bigger size, it’s not something parents look forward to doing with a new baby in tow.

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.

If the family likes to travel, consider a portable bed option, like our . It provides a safe place for the baby to sleep, no matter what adventure comes calling. Plus, you can add a Bassinet Insert, making it easier to use with a newborn.

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.

Many parents start their baby off in a newborn-style car seat. This style quickly pops in and out of the car and doubles as a convenient baby carrier.

A convertible car seat, while less portable, has a longer lifespan.

Sling Or Wrap

Life can get a little crazy when you’re chasing around a toddler and trying to care for a newborn. A sling can be helpful during this busy season since it allows you to keep your baby close and still have your hands free.

Several styles of slings are available, including:

Ring slings
Woven wraps
Structured carriers
Pouch carriers
Backpack carriers

When selecting one, keep the age and weight restrictions in mind. You’ll also want to make sure it meets the federal safety standards.

Some slings are better for newborns, while others last through the toddler years.

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.
Ask each attendee to send you a baby picture of their own before the party. Compile these into a slideshow and have everyone try to guess who is who.
Set out a jar labeled “Unsolicited Parenting Advice” and slips of paper. Guests can write practical or humorous tips for the parents-to-be.

Have a small prize available for the winner of each game if you’d like. Or simply enjoy the fun and laughter that comes with celebrating a new addition.

6 Adorable Baby Sprinkle Themes

Now that you know what goes into planning a baby sprinkle, here are some of our favorite themes to make the event memorable. For each, you’ll find ideas for decor, food, and games that fit the theme.

Donuts and Diapers

When you invite folks to this sweet-themed baby sprinkle, ask them to bring a pack of diapers to get entered into a drawing for a prize. .

Decorate with pastel colors, donut-shaped balloons, a diaper cake, and tealight candles in glass jars filled part way with sprinkles.

Set out a DIY donut bar to let everyone create their own snack. You can include:

A variety of cake donuts
Frosting (chocolate and vanilla)
Toppings such as sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreo cookies, peanuts, and marshmallows

For games, try a Donut Dangle, where guests try to eat a hanging donut without using their hands. You could also do a Diaper Relay, where teams race to diaper a baby doll.

Storybook Sprinkle

For book-loving parents-to-be, this theme is perfect. In your invitation, ask guests to bring a baby book instead of a card. They can write a special note inside, creating a keepsake that the family can look back on for years to come.

Decorate with classic storybook characters like Winnie the Pooh or Peter Rabbit. You can also create a “storybook” backdrop for photos by hanging pages from favorite children’s books on a wall.

Serve classic tea party fare such as finger sandwiches, scones, and mini desserts.

Print out a blank ABC book, and encourage the guests to add to it. They can each pick a letter and decorate that page with pictures and words that begin with that letter. Then they can sign their name.

Create lists of children’s book characters and their corresponding book titles. Then, ask everyone to try to match the two lists. For example, they could match Wilbur to Charlotte’s Web and Mrs. Trunchbull to Matilda.

Sprinkle By Mail

Don’t let distance stop you from celebrating a new baby. Instead, host a virtual baby sprinkle. With this one, you won’t have to worry about decorations or food.

Arrange for everyone to ship a gift or pack of diapers directly to the expecting family. Then, pick a date and time to get together on a video call.

During the call, you can have the mom-to-be open the packages, and everyone can still ooh and aah over all the cuteness. Then, play a couple of games just for fun.

Name that Price works well online. Show the guests a baby item and have them write down how much they think it costs. Then, on the count of three, have everyone hold their guess up to the camera. Whoever is closest without going over wins that round.

You can also have everyone make some predictions about the new baby. They can guess:

What day and time the baby will make an appearance
How much the baby will weigh
How long the baby will be
Whether or not the baby has hair
What the baby’s name will be

Have everyone submit their guesses to you. Hang onto them, and after the birth, review what everyone wrote. Mail a prize to the person who got the most right.

Fill The Freezer

Everyone gets to bring a freezer meal for this baby sprinkle. That way once the new baby arrives, the family won’t have to worry about cooking while they adjust to life with one more.

To host this one, you’ll first want to verify that there’s room in the freezer for these meals. Otherwise, it might be more of a burden than a blessing.

You’ll also need to find out about allergies and preferences. Make sure to communicate this information with all participants, to help minimize wasted food.

Once you have all the details, arrange a time for everyone to drop their meals off. After things are safely tucked away, enjoy some cake and punch together and share stories. It’s a great time to have people write down advice and well-wishes that the parents-to-be can read later.

Puggles And Cygnets And Poults, Oh My!

This adorable animal-themed baby sprinkle is super simple. Decorate with plush animals, and use animal prints in your decor. For refreshments, set out cupcakes with animal toppers, fruit kabobs, and a vegetable platter.

Fill a jar with animal crackers and have everyone guess how many are inside. The one who comes closest wins a prize – and the container of crackers.

You could also have guests try to match the baby animal's name with the adult's. While you’ll want to include some obvious ones like puppy/dog, be sure to throw in some zingers like these:

Puggles/echidnas
Cygnets/swans
Poults/turkeys
Hoglet/hedgehog
Pinky/mouse
Fry/fish

Pancakes And Pacifiers

You can throw a baby sprinkle any time of day, even in the morning. But pancakes are always a good choice no matter what time of day you’re celebrating.

To stay within the theme, hang up a few pacifier-themed decorations and put a few real ones on each table. Then, set up a pancake bar. You’ll want butter and maple syrup, but don’t stop there.

Set out bowls of different toppings like:

Whipped cream
Sliced strawberries
Blueberries
Sprinkles
Nutella
Shredded coconut
Peanut butter

As long as it’d taste good on a pancake, it’s fair game!

Have a few printable baby games on the table to keep your guests engaged during this party. Then, people can join in the fun at their leisure.

For example, give everyone a piece of paper with the phrase “Pancakes and Pacifiers” printed at the top. Then, see who can make the most words from just those letters.

As another activity, hide a bunch of pacifiers around the room and encourage guests to try to find them all. Children seem to enjoy this activity since they get up and move around instead of staying seated.

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!

Baby Sprinkle: What It Is And How To Host One | Newton baby (2024)

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