A baby shower is a cause for a big celebration! Any time a child joins a family, it is a miracle and the biggest of blessings. Whether you are best friends with the mom-to-be or a not-so-close co-worker, you might be struggling to find the words to express your excitement. We’re here to help!
The Greeting
The greeting is the first thing you’ll write, and you may hit a roadblock right off the bat! Do you address the card to just the mom-to-be or to the mom and her partner?
My best advice is to take your cue from the baby shower invite. Is the shower for both parents-to-be or just the mom? If the shower is ladies only, it is appropriate to address the card to the expectant mom only. But consider your relationship with the couple. If you are just as close to the baby’s father, I would address the card to both parents. After all, your gift is likely for their baby or something to make both parents’ lives easier.
If the shower is honoring both parents, addressing the card to both mom and dad is best.
Going Beyond “Congratulations”
Keeping your message of congratulations short and sweet is perfect for a baby shower card. And it is always a good idea to include a personal anecdote or heartfelt message that shows that the card is meant for the person receiving it. Here are a few ways to express the happiness that goes beyond, “Congratulations!” to get you started.
- Over the moon excited for you to welcome Baby (name, if known, or last name)! Can’t wait to meet him/her!
- I am so honored to be sharing this wonderful journey with you.
- This baby is already loved beyond measure!
- Here’s to your greatest adventure yet! Wishing you so much love and happiness.
- We have been talking and dreaming about this day for as long as I can remember. It means the world to me to be here with you today.
Reference Your Gift
A great way to personalize a baby shower card is to acknowledge the gift accompanying it. This is also a good opportunity to share a personal story, if you are a parent yourself.
- We hope you love the newborn swaddle. We tried so many, and this was a lifesaver for us when our daughter was born!
- I had so much fun shopping for your precious babe! These outfits are too adorable! You’ve got great taste.
- I’m sure the diaper genie will be getting a lot of use very soon! Not that it will be more enjoyable, but glad I can help make the diaper changing process a bit easier 🙂
- We hope you get all the wonderful snuggles reading these books with your little one. They were favorites in our household too!
Celebrate the Parents-to-Be
The baby shower is as much a celebration for how incredibly the lives of the parents-to-be will change, as it is for the precious life coming into the world. Gush over the soon-to-be moms and dads. Just avoid the unsolicited advice and keep the emphasis on the parents.
- This baby is so lucky to have such kind and loving parents.
- I am so excited to watch you become a mother. You are going to be a natural!
- Remember that I am always just a phone call or quick ride away. Please lean on me for a meal, grocery run, anything to help during those first few weeks!
- Parenthood is the most amazing journey. Get ready to experience a love like never before. Thrilled for you!
- You deserve every bit of happiness heading your way!
- Praying for a smooth delivery and recovery. Can’t wait to meet your little one.
Other Names for Baby
You might feel like a broken record with how many times you repeat the word “baby” in a baby shower card. If the parents-to-be have not yet announced their baby’s name, here are a few other ideas to address the baby.
- Little one
- Bundle of joy
- Sweetie or sweet pea
- Precious babe
- Baby (last name), if you know for sure that the baby will be taking that last name
- Miracle
- Blessing
- Cutie
Focus on the Event
If you are not a parent and feel uncomfortable with some of the good wishes above or perhaps you are not very close to the guests of honor, not to worry! You can still write a beautiful baby shower card by focusing on the event itself.
- I am so honored to celebrate with you and your growing family today!
- Thank you for including me in such a happy celebration. So excited to shower your bundle of joy with love!
- I would not have missed this opportunity to celebrate you, mama, for the world!
- There’s nothing better than being together to celebrate your upcoming arrival today!
Bible Verses
If faith plays a big part in the life of the parents-to-be, a Bible verse may be the perfect way to share in their joy. You can even write a small prayer for the baby, parents, or both!
- I prayed for this child, and God gave me what I asked for. – 1 Samuel 1:27 (MSG)
- Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above… – James 1:17 (ESV)
- Just as you’ll never understand the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman, so you’ll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does. – Ecclesiastes 11:5 (MSG)
- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
- For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139: 13-14 (NIV)
- Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. – Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)
- Dear Lord, thank you for this little miracle. We lift up this new family, that you would protect them and your grace would fall upon them.
Inspirational Quotes
Sweet quotes and sayings are always a hit, and you may even give the parents-to-be inspiration for their nursery!
- A new baby is like the beginning of all things – wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. – Eda J LeShan
- Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart. – A.A. Milne / Winnie the Pooh
- You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way! – Dr. Seuss
- It is a smile of a baby that makes life worth living. —Debasish Mridha
- Babies are like little suns that, in a magical way, bring warmth, happiness, and light into our lives. – Kartini Diapari-Oengider
When You Can’t Physically Attend
When you cannot physically attend a baby shower, it is all the more reason to send a nice, handwritten card. It shows that you are thinking of the parents-to-be and still sharing in their excitement with them.
- Wishing I could give you and that growing baby bump a huge hug! I am celebrating in spirit.
- I am so sad to be missing this happiest celebration. Please know I am toasting you from afar!
- I am so sorry I cannot be there to shower you and baby with love, but here’s to hoping I can be there to squeeze you both soon!
- Thinking of you during this momentous, magical time. I am waiting in anticipation alongside you!
Closings
Don’t overthink this one. It doesn’t have to be baby-themed or overly cute. A simple, “Yours truly,” “Love…” and “Thrilled for you!” or signing your name is perfectly fine.
Alternative to a Baby Shower Card
A trend that I am loving is ditching the baby shower card altogether and writing a personal note inside a baby book instead. Not only do you help mom and dad build out their little one’s bookshelf, but chances are they will actually keep the note longer. This is also a wonderful way to share with babies when they get older how excited everyone was for their arrival!
The baby-b00k-in-lieu-of-card message is usually much shorter since you don’t want the note to be distracting or take up too much room (baby board books are not very big!). It is typically written on the inside or back cover or the sleeve of the book.
The messages can be tailored to the parents or to the little one!
- Baby (last name), we hope you grow up knowing all the Wonderful Things You Will Be and all the wonderful things you will do. The sky is the limit! (a perfect note if gifting the book The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin.)
- I love this story very much. I hope you love it as much as I do!
- This is a story of adventure. Know that adventure is out there and for the taking!
- Praying for you to be brave, adventurous, and uniquely you!
- We hope this book brings endless bedtime cuddles just like it did for our family.
Things to Consider
Everyone’s journey to parenthood looks different. Celebrate all the paths that lead to parenthood while being sensitive.
Adoption
The joy and heart explosion of love in becoming a parent is the same, no matter how the child joins the family. You can use many of the well wishes above, but be sure to avoid statements, such as “I hope he gets dad’s athletic abilities!” or “I’m betting she’ll have mom’s beautiful eyes.” Also, don’t make references to birth and/or the delivery process.
If the couple is adopting an older child, steer clear of the word “baby.” In fact, some would recommend not using traditional baby shower cards and choosing generic “Congratulations” or blank cards instead with messages like this written inside:
- Nothing makes me happier than seeing you and this little blessing finding each other. I cannot wait to watch your love story unfold.
- This child has the best parents waiting for him/her and a whole village supporting your family!
- I love celebrating your growing family with you. So much light, love, and blessings heading your way!
After Infertility or Pregnancy Loss
Infertility and pregnancy loss are absolutely heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. Expectant mothers who have experienced either or both may understandably be anxious and their emotions to pregnancy may run the gamut. Take cues from her and reflect on how open she has been in sharing her journey with you.
This miracle child, of course, is “worth the wait,” but that is for mom to express. Try to avoid writing the sentiment, if you can. Share other thoughts of positivity and encouragement.
- Your strength amazes me, and soon, this little one will know how incredible his/her mom is. I am thrilled for you!
- This little miracle has no idea how much love is coming his/her way.
- This little blessing, without a doubt, is the brightest spot and the answer to so many prayers. Can’t wait to meet him/her.
Final Thoughts
Baby shower cards do not have to include long messages. A few sentences are more than appropriate, though you may want to consider a longer, more heartfelt message if you are close to the expecting mom. You can either choose a baby shower card with a customized greeting inside, a blank card, or a handmade one. All are wonderful options in gifting to the guests of honor at a baby shower.
Crafting the perfect baby shower card is a small way to share in the excitement of welcoming a new little one into the world. The best cards are personal and come from the heart. If you keep the focus on the baby and the parents-to-be, you can’t go wrong.
And if the writer’s block gets to you and all else fails, a simple “Congratulations. I am so happy for you!” speaks for itself.
