I’m gonna be honest with you – the first time I had ever heard of a Baby Sprinkle was while watching an episode of Schitt’s Creek. If you, like David, are wondering, “What the hell is a sprinkle?” and, more importantly, want to know what it looks like to host one, allow me to guide you past the sushi and soft cheese selection and toward some advice that’s sure to make your sprinkle a thundering success.

What is a Sprinkle?

In keeping with the Schitt’s Creek references, I’ll let Patrick do the explaining here. A sprinkle is “like a shower but for your second kid. It’s not a full shower – it’s a sprinkle.”

Sometimes, second-time parents can feel awkward being the guests of honor at a traditional baby shower, complete with a baby registry and balloons. A sprinkle is a low-key gathering that usually feels a little more intimate than a full-blown baby shower, with more of a focus on celebrating the parents-to-be and their newest addition than opening gifts and playing games.

Who Should I Invite?

Traditional baby showers often have a guest list that extends to the third generation of great aunts and family members a mom-to-be has never even met, but baby sprinkles are meant to be more laid-back and personal.

Close friends and family of the expectant parents make up the full guest list, and both parents-to-be are definitely welcome to shine on the special day. The baby’s older sibling(s) and the children of any other guests attending are extra considerations for a sprinkle.

You can decide whether you want the event to include kids or not, but if you’re opting for an adults-only event, childcare may impact your guests’ attendance and might create a headache for the guest of honor.

What About the Venue?

Although a baby sprinkle involves a smaller guest list than a baby shower, you’ll want to find a venue that can comfortably accommodate everyone who’s attending and that can keep kids entertained if they’re going to be part of the party.

Steer clear of the guest of honor’s house if you can – the last thing they need to be worrying about is cleaning up the remnants of the celebration when it’s over.

What Do I Do About Invitations?

Since the guests for a sprinkle are likely to be close to the baby throughout its life, invitations for the event are more than just a party detail—they’re a keepsake.

For a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind memento of the day, head to Minted.com, where you can easily create customized invitations designed by independent artists worldwide.

Minted offers a range of premium paper for printing your final product and offers special add-ons like matching stationery, custom envelopes, letterpress printing, and foil-pressed designs to take your invites to the next level.

What About a Sprinkle Theme?

While baby showers often come with a cute theme and matching decorations, there are no rules for sprinkle decor and you can make things as elaborate or simple as you want.

If you want to run with a baby sprinkle theme, start with one key element (like the invitation, venue or certain decoration), then let it dictate the tableware, napkins, garlands, cupcake stands, balloons, etc., to make your life easier.

Check out this list of over 60 baby shower themes (including sprinkles) for some inspiration if you’re feeling stuck!

What’s the Gift Situation at a Sprinkle?

Typically, baby showers tend to place a lot of focus on gifts to prepare parents-to-be for their bundle of joy. Guests usually turn to the gift registry for big-ticket items like strollers, car seats and cribs to help deck out the nursery for the new baby.

By the time the second, third, or sixth baby rolls around, most of the more expensive baby gear has been covered, thanks to older siblings.

That said, it’s always nice to wear a onesie that doesn’t have someone else’s faded blowout stains on it, so purchasing smaller gifts is certainly welcome.

For a baby sprinkle gift, think essentials like diapers, wipes, baby clothes, bathtime items, or anything that tends to get tired or grubby with a previous baby. Personalized items are great if you know the baby’s name because it’s a nice way to celebrate this baby as something special in their own right (and not just the second pancake).

What Kind of Food Should I Plan?

Before you start thinking about food, look back to your guest list and the time of day you’re planning to host your baby sprinkle.

If you’ve got a handful of close friends and family members coming, you could totally order some takeout and celebrate with a meal together.

If you were thinking of something less formal, plan for a few savory snacks and finger foods, like crackers, veggies, dip, olives, mini sandwiches and cheese.

Desserts like cupcakes, cookies, popcorn and candies will totally get the job done.

Do We Have to Play Games?

Sprinkles tend to be more low-key and intimate, so you probably don’t need them to break the ice, and it’s probably safe to skip them if you want. However, they can be fun to get the party going and give away some fun prizes.

If you’re looking for ideas, this list of Baby Shower Games That Don’t Suck is a good place to start. Most people can get on board with a trivia game, so check out this list of Baby Shower Trivia Questions and Answers for a printable that’s ready to go.

Final Thoughts on a Baby Sprinkle

Babies are exciting and pregnancy is hard work, whether it’s your first or your fourth time around.

It’s customary to celebrate the birth of a firstborn baby with a traditional baby shower complete with games, gifts, and food galore; subsequent siblings are definitely worth celebrating, although the party may look a little different.

A baby sprinkle is the perfect way to make the parents-to-be of a new baby feel recognized and cared for in a way that can feel a bit more manageable for the hosts than a full-blown baby shower.

Have you ever attended a baby sprinkle? Did you like it more or less than a baby shower, or did it kinda just feel like the same thing? Fill me in in the comments!

Also check out: Best Big Brother or Big Sister Gift Ideas from a New Baby Sibling