What is a Baby Sprinkle? Sprinkle vs Shower - Darling celebrations (2024)

Today, we’re going to chat about a sweet little gathering that’s been gaining popularity in recent years – the baby sprinkle! Now, I know what you’re thinking, “What exactly is a baby sprinkle?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! What is a Baby Sprinkle is a question we get asked a lot! Baby Sprinklesare a new trend that you may not have even heard of yet! You probably have a lot of questions, like how are they different from Baby Showers? and what should I get as gifts for the expecting parents? Below is everything you need to know about Baby Sprinkles, including tips for how to plan one.

What is a Baby Sprinkle?

Picture this: You’ve already been through the whirlwind of your first baby shower, complete with mountains of gifts, adorable onesies, and enough diapers to last a lifetime. But now, you find yourself expecting baby number two, three, or even more! You might be wondering if it’s appropriate to have another big shebang, and that’s where the baby sprinkle comes in.

Essentially, a Baby Sprinkle is a relaxed gathering of close friends and family to celebrate a new baby on the way. Baby sprinkles are a casual celebration, don’t require much work, and usually last between 2-3 hours. Think of it as a low key Baby Shower often held for second babies.

Baby Shower vs Baby Sprinkle

Who says first-borns get to have all the fun? Usually, Baby Sprinkles are held by couples expecting their second child and who already had a Baby Shower with their first child. However, Baby Sprinkles may also be thrown by first-time parents who would rather have a more laid-back gathering than a full blown Baby Shower.

What happens at a Baby Sprinkle?

Baby Sprinkles are casual and relaxed, usually with a smaller group of people. There aren’t too many hard rules about what needs to happen at baby sprinkles, but one thing you can be sure to see is gift opening. Some baby sprinkles also include snacks and games for the guests to participate in.

There may be a Baby Sprinkle cake, some music and lots of chat and laughter.

Do you take Gifts to a Baby Sprinkle?

First-time parents will usually create a baby registry for Baby Showers to make shopping easy for their guests and to make sure they get everything they need for the newest member of the family. Gifts given at a baby shower can range from smaller items, like onesies and stuffed animals, to bigger ticket gifts, like strollers and car seats.

However, for Baby Sprinkles, parents typically don’t use a registry as the event doesn’t usually call for expensive gifts. By the time a mom is expecting her second child, she likely has all of the “big” things she needs. Rather, the mom-to-be might be in need of smaller items like new onesies and blankets. Baby Sprinkles are an opportunity to upgrade some of her existing baby things (especially if there was a large gap between her last child and her new baby) or to help her prepare for a baby of a different gender from her first.

Baby Sprinkle Gift Ideas

Some of the best baby sprinkle gifts that are appropriate for Baby Sprinkles, and that any expectant mother would be happy to receive, are:

• diapers(let’s face it, this is one of the baby essentialsthat every new mamaneeds heaps of)
• money
• gift cards
• diaper cream and wipes
• baby bathroom essentials
• new outfits
• bedding
• books
• toys
• nursery essentials

Our top 10 Best Baby Shower Gifts will give you some more inspo!

It’s hard work creating a human – especially if you already have another small human to take care of! Treating your mommy-to-be with a facial or mani-pedi will remind her to take some time for herself.

What’s the difference between a Baby Shower and a Baby Sprinkle?

Generally, Baby Sprinkles are smaller and more intimate than Baby Showers, which can sometimes be as big as a wedding with 200 attendees! To Baby Sprinkles, only close friends and family are invited, rather than distant friends and family or coworkers. This means there are usually 40 guests max. Oftentimes, Baby Showers are ladies-only, however Baby Sprinkles can be co-ed. Due to the casual nature of Baby Sprinkles, they are also usually shorter than Baby Showers.

A Baby Shower is a grand party with fun, extravagant decorations and food, while Baby Sprinkles should require much less work. At Baby Showers, the theme is usually focused around the baby. Baby Sprinkles allow the expectant mother to take on more of the spotlight. The food should be her favorite, the theme might be her favorite colors. Baby Sprinkles are usually held at a local restaurant or at home, but this may vary depending on budget and guestlist.

Baby Sprinkle Etiquette

Whether you’re planning a Baby Sprinkle for yourself or a mom-to-be in your life, be sure to keep it simple. The whole point of Baby Sprinkles is to celebrate mom without the overwhelming to-do list of a Baby Shower.

Send out clear Baby Sprinkle invitations

Baby Sprinkles are still a very new idea that many people will be unfamiliar with. Be sure to outline what is expected in the invitations. It may help to have the mom-to-be set up a registry so that guests know what kinds of gifts are appropriate for the event.

Serve finger food at your Baby Sprinkle

Unless you’re hosting a backyard barbecue,]Baby Sprinkles tend to be only a couple hours long, meaning guests probably won’t need a full meal. That said, it’s always smart to serve some food to keep growling stomachs at bay. Keep your food choices simple and look to the mom for her favorite finger foods. This might include a fruit or veggie tray, chips and salsa, and cupcakes.

Don’t forget to involve older siblings

A Baby Sprinkle is a great way to celebrate a new baby, but don’t forget about the siblings! Welcoming a new baby into the family can be difficult for older siblings. One way to invite them in and ease their insecurities is by giving them a key part in the party or by giving them a small gift, like this Big Sibling Book that will get them excited. You could even call the Sprinkle a “big brother” or “big sister” party and celebrate their new role in the family.

Include Baby Sprinkle Games

While not necessary, games are a fun way to liven up a party! Parenting one child is very different from parenting two. One fun game idea is to have guests write their best parenting advice on a card, which can be put into a photo album for a nice keepsake. Another game is called “Remember When”, where guests share stories of raising children and/or their pregnancy. These can be funny, embarrassing, or sweet and the mom-to-be can decide which stories win. This game is especially fun for family reminiscing.

For more fun Baby Games check out our post here.

Who Pays For A Baby Sprinkle?

Usually a Baby Sprinkle is paid for by the person organising it. Oftentimes that can be the parents-to-be, but sometimes it might be a friend or close relative who wants to throw the Baby Sprinkle either as a surprise or as a kind gesture. Either way, a Baby Sprinkle is usually a low-key celebration and does not need to blow the budget!

Can I throw my own Baby Sprinkle?

Yes you can certainly throw your own Baby Sprinkle. Many Moms-to-beenjoy planning and preparing for a Baby Sprinkleand it is perfectly acceptable to plan and hostyour own.

When should you throw a Baby Sprinkle?

Usually a Baby Sprinkleis held somewhere in the middle of your pregnancy. Most parent to beavoid the first three months when the pregnancyis new, and they also avoid the last month in case the baby decides to come early. Oftentimes, a BabySprinkleis held somewhere between the 5th and 7th month of yourpregnancy.

How long does a BabySprinklelast?

A BabySprinkle usually lasts for 2-3 hours, often over the afternoon or early evening. Remember, theMom to beprobably doesn’t want late nights during herpregnancy, so BabySprinkleare usually daytime celebrations.

Are BabySprinkles tacky or rude?

I never consider aBaby Shower or BabySprinkle tacky or rude, as it’s acelebration of yournew baby and you are inviting your guests to enjoy a couple of hours of food, drinks, fun and entertainment.

With regards togifts, as long as you have a range of price points onyour Baby Registry then none of your guestsshould feel obliged togift anything out of their price range.

Baby Sprinkle Top Tips

1. It’s A Sweet, Simple Affair

A baby sprinkle is like a baby shower’s cute little sister. It’s a more intimate and simplified version of the traditional baby shower, perfect for celebrating subsequent pregnancies. Think cozy gatherings with close friends and family, where the focus is on showering the mom-to-be with love, support, and a sprinkle of gifts.

2. Navigate the Gift Dilemma

One of the most common questions about baby sprinkles is, “Is it okay to have another round of gifts?” The short answer: Yes! While guests aren’t expected to bring grand, elaborate presents like they might for a first-time mom, it’s still a lovely gesture to bring a little something to help the family prepare for their new addition.

Consider practical gifts like diapers, wipes, or even a thoughtful gift card to a favorite baby store. And don’t forget to remind your guests that their presence and well wishes are the most important gift of all!

3. Embrace the Theme

While baby showers often have themed decorations and games, baby sprinkles tend to be a bit more laid-back. You can choose to keep things simple and elegant with a soft color palette or go for a subtle nod to the baby’s gender if it’s known.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to themes for a baby sprinkle. It’s all about creating an atmosphere that feels comfortable and enjoyable for the mama-to-be.

4. Honor the Siblings-to-Be

One of the sweetest aspects of a baby sprinkle is the opportunity to involve older siblings. Let them feel like a part of the celebration by including them in the festivities. They can help with decorations, assist in opening gifts, or even participate in fun activities designed just for them.

5. Celebrate the Journey

A baby sprinkle is a beautiful way to honor the incredible journey of motherhood. It’s a chance for experienced moms to come together, share their wisdom, and offer support and encouragement to the mom-to-be. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for first-time moms to soak in the love and guidance from those who have been there before.

In the end, whether you’re planning a baby sprinkle for yourself or for a dear friend, remember that it’s all about celebrating the joy and excitement that a new addition brings to a family.

Check out our Pinterest board for heaps of gorgeous Baby Sprinkle decor ideas!