What is a baby sprinkle?
A baby sprinkle is a small, low-key baby shower for a second or later baby. The closest family and friends get together for an afternoon tea or a brunch, and the gifts are small and practical, like nappies and wipes, because the family already has the cot, the pram and the car seat. The registry is short to match: the things that wear out, plus a nappy fund or a meal fund.
Baby sprinkle or baby shower: the difference
The name is a play on the shower: a lighter one. Wikipedia describes sprinkles as small showers for a subsequent child, and Mamamia describes a sprinkle as a low-key gathering with the parent-to-be's very closest friends and family.
| What differs | Baby shower | Baby sprinkle |
|---|---|---|
| Which baby | Usually the first | A second or later baby |
| Guests | A wider circle of family, friends and often colleagues | The closest family and friends |
| Format | Often games, decorations and a set venue | Low-key: an afternoon tea at home or a picnic (Mamamia) |
| Gifts | The big items and the full list | Small and practical, like nappies and wipes |
| Registry | The full baby registry checklist | A short list of the things that wear out, plus a fund |
Who hosts a sprinkle, and when
A sprinkle is usually hosted by a close friend or a few friends together. Ask the parent-to-be who they want there, and count the older children in: Mamamia calls them key guests. There is no need for a venue, decorations or printed invitations; a group chat does the job.
The timing follows the shower calendar. Most Australian showers are held in the third trimester, often between 30 and 36 weeks, with invitations going out four to six weeks before. Our guide to when to start a baby registry sets out the weeks for the registry around that date.
Sprinkle ideas
- Doughnuts and nappies: A doughnut bar, with a nappy raffle: every pack of nappies a guest brings earns a ticket.
- Fill the freezer: Every guest brings a freezer meal. Check the freezer space and any allergies first.
- Storybook sprinkle: Each guest brings a favourite book for the new baby's shelf.
- Sprinkle by mail: For family far away: cards, small gifts and a video call instead of a gathering.
- Advice cards: Guests write a card each, collected into a keepsake book, an idea Mamamia suggests.
What to give, and what goes on a sprinkle registry
Parents expecting a second, third or fourth child generally don't expect large gifts, so guests bring the things every baby uses up: nappies in the next size up, wipes, nappy cream and baby laundry liquid. As Mamamia puts it, you can never have enough nappies. A freezer meal or a treat for the parent, like a massage, is just as welcome. For how much to spend, see how much to give for a baby shower.
The registry is the short version of the baby registry checklist: what wears out or no longer fits. That means wraps, fitted cot sheets, bottle teats and a sleeping bag for the season the new baby arrives in. A hand-me-down cot may need a new mattress, which must be firm and flat and fit within 20 mm of the sides and ends. If the older child is still in the cot, the pram or the car seat, add a second. Then add a fund for the things you will buy every week, such as a nappy fund or a meal fund, which works like an online wishing well for a baby shower.
Keep the registry details off the invitation and have the link ready for anyone who asks. Most guests will ask, because a sprinkle guest wants to bring something useful.
What to write in a sprinkle card
Keep it short and warm, and write to the family and the baby. These work for a sprinkle card, a newborn note for a keepsake book or a message with a group gift:
- Can't wait to meet the little one. Sending so much love your way.
- Welcome to the world, little bub. You've got a whole crew who already adore you.
- We can't wait to meet your newest family member. Shout if you need a lasagne dropped at the door.
- Counting down the days until cuddles. Hope these last few weeks are gentle on you.
- So excited for you. This baby is lucky to be landing in such a loving home.
- Here's to tiny socks, big cuddles and the odd good night's sleep. Can't wait to meet them.
- Dear little one, we've been looking forward to you for months. See you very soon.
- Huge congrats! Can't wait to meet bub and hear all about the first few weeks.
- Wishing you a safe arrival, a smooth first week and plenty of help when you need it.
- For when the nights are long: you're doing brilliantly, and we're only a text away.
- Dear baby, you've got the best people waiting for you. Can't wait to meet you.
- So sorry I can't make the sprinkle. Can't wait to meet the little one when the dust settles.
For more, our blog has baby shower card messages and congratulations on your pregnancy wording.
Baby sprinkle questions
Is it OK to have a baby sprinkle?
Yes. Mamamia notes that plenty of people feel a full shower after the first baby is too much, and a sprinkle is the middle path: a small gathering with the closest family and friends and no expectation of big gifts. Parents of a second, third or fourth child generally don't expect large gifts anyway.
Who hosts a baby sprinkle?
Usually a close friend, or a few friends together. Check the guest list with the parent-to-be before anything goes out, and include the older children, who are key guests.
What do you bring to a baby sprinkle?
Something small and practical: nappies in the next size up, wipes, nappy cream or a freezer meal. A treat for the parent, like a massage voucher, is a welcome change from baby things.
Should a baby sprinkle have a registry?
A short one helps, because guests ask what to bring. Leave the registry details off the invitation and have the link ready for anyone who asks. Keep it to the things that wear out and add a nappy fund or a meal fund, rather than the big items the family already has.
When is a baby sprinkle held?
On the same calendar as a shower. Most Australian showers are held in the third trimester, often between 30 and 36 weeks, and Purebaby suggests sending invitations four to six weeks before.
A short registry for a sprinkle
Add the few things you need from any store, plus a nappy fund, and share one link with the people who ask. It is free to create.