When you had your first baby, you might have gone all out to celebrate their arrival. It’s an exciting time, and there are a lot of things you need to prepare for your new addition. A baby shower is a big affair for a big life moment.
Although you already have most of the baby goods you need, you might want to celebrate your newest little one. But maybe you aren’t sure if a baby shower is appropriate. Your family likely threw the first shower, and it can be a big ask for another affair.
A baby sprinkle is a smaller version of a baby shower intended to welcome a new addition after you’ve had your first little one. Sprinkles are more family-centered, require less preparation, and a smaller registry to restock on some of the baby clothes or other goods that have a lot of wear and tear.
A Shower or a Sprinkle: What’s the Difference?
Baby showers tend to be pretty elaborate. They have a lot of games, snacks, decorations, and, of course, gifts. A new mother needs to be showered with gifts because a new baby needs a laundry list of items.
When you’re expecting another addition to your family, you might not need as much. Some things, like diapers, will need a good restock, but since this isn’t your first rodeo, you likely have many of the necessities and the know-how to make your experience easier this time around.
A baby sprinkle is a smaller affair. It’s still for celebrating a new arrival, but sprinkles are typically less of a hassle to prepare for. The focus is more on family since your new little one has a sibling or siblings that should also be a part of the celebration.
The most significant difference between a baby shower and a baby sprinkle is that a shower is for the first-born child since you need a ton of supplies to prepare for the new arrival, from clothes to diapers to toys to strollers and car seats.
Sprinkles are usually intended to celebrate babies that follow the firstborn. When you’re expecting your newest addition, you don’t need as many new baby goods since most things are reusable, and using hand-me-downs is a great way to reduce waste and be economical.
But babies are also messy, and some things might have a lot of wear and tear on them. You may need replacements or items like a double stroller, especially if you have two little ones that need a seat.
Baby showers are more about getting the necessities before the baby arrives, while a baby sprinkle can focus more on supporting the parents. Baby showers and baby sprinkles are both intended to welcome a newborn, but sprinkles are smaller and more intimate, partially because of the guest list.
Who Should You Invite to a Baby Sprinkle?
A typical baby shower usually has an extensive guest list, including family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors. Throwing a big party is fun, but it can also be tiring. Some people can’t have such an elaborate party or so many guests over every time.
Baby sprinkles tend to have smaller guest lists, so you can spend more time with your loved ones when celebrating. A shorter guest list allows for more intimacy, and it can be easier to keep an eye on your other little ones with fewer people around.
Baby showers and baby sprinkles also differ in this aspect. Since baby showers are for the firstborn child, children, in general, usually aren’t invited. A baby sprinkle allows the older kids to get in on the fun.
When To Have a Baby Sprinkle
One of the things that baby showers and baby sprinkles have in common is the timing. Most baby showers take place around the second or early in the third trimester, which would be between two to three months before the baby is born.
Sprinkles are usually hosted around that time too, although either could be held earlier. It’s not so close to the due date that it adds extra stress, but it’s also close enough that the excitement is beginning to sink in.
Why Have a Baby Sprinkle?
Even though sprinkles are smaller, more intimate parties, they can still be a lot of fun and help you prepare for the newest family member.
It can also be an excellent way to help your other child or children get excited about their new sibling. Kids love parties (hint: cake). There are many creative ways that you or your party planner can include siblings, whether older or younger.
Do You Need To Register for a Sprinkle?
Even though you might not need a lot of new things for your next child, a small registry is still a good idea. You can add things that you may need to help transport multiple kids, like a double stroller or other items that may be necessary.
For example, the mother may be pregnant with twins after having a first child. In that case, she would need a new crib, new stroller, and lots more of every single thing.
A registry is helpful and, in many cases, necessary. When it comes to letting people know about your registry, you have a few options:
- Put your sprinkle website with party details on the card (and link the registry to that site)
- List the registry on the invitation or birth announcement
- Wait until people ask to share the registry link
Eco-Friendly Baby Sprinkle Ideas
Register for Sustainable Gifts
One of the ways that you can make your party is by asking for eco-friendly gifts on your registry. For example, you can opt for gifts that are 100% GOTS Certified Organic or for companies that use eco-friendly packaging backed by reputable partnerships with groups like EcoEnclose or 1% for the Planet.
Need some inspiration? Consider the Tabeeze Bottom-Up Baby Bodysuit. Tabezee is the friend to busy caregivers everywhere. With fumble-free snaps and feet-first dressing/undressing capabilities, you can change your sleeping baby’s diaper blowout without waking them up.
Tabezee is 100% GOTS Certified Organic, nickel-free, phthalate-free, and super soft. It makes caring for both baby and planet easier.
Another way to keep your party environmentally friendly is to ask for hand-me-downs. You could also use some of the clothes or bottles that you have from your first child for decorations.
Decorate and Invite With Care
Parties, even small ones like a baby sprinkle, can involve a lot of waste, from decorations to plates and cups. Opt for compostable plates or reusable plates that you can easily toss in the dishwasher. Instead of paper towels or single-use napkins, consider cloth or compostable alternatives.
When it comes to sending invitations, consider e-vites. Paper invitations often end up lost (or thrown away), so an e-vite is a fabulous alternative. If you have older children, maybe they’d like to help draw or design them (adult handwriting is recommended for the important info).
Celebrating Your Newest Addition
When you’re expecting a new little one, there is always a reason to celebrate. If you’re expecting your second, third, or fourth, but you think a baby shower would be too elaborate, hosting or asking a close friend to host a baby sprinkle is ideal.
A sprinkle can be a great way for you to get together with your family. It’s also a lovely way to help your older children get excited about their new sibling. Baby sprinkles can be a lot of fun and a wonderful way to give your community the chance to celebrate its newest member.
Sources:
How to Plan a Baby Sprinkle That Will Feel Totally Different From Your Shower | Parents.com
Who Is Supposed to Throw a Baby Shower? | The Spruce
Hand-Me-Downs Made It Easier to Prep for a Second Baby | Verywell Family
