Baby Ideas

Finding the time to write the birth announcements can be tough, but getting the etiquette right is a breeze.

Baby announcements range all the way from formal to casual, cute, and fun. The usual wording is pretty straightforward – a short intro such as "Our sweet little miracle is finally here!" (that's usually part of the printed announcement). Then come the details and the parents' names – write the mother's name first unless you are using the more formal "Mr. and Mrs."

It's not necessary to put the weight and length of the baby. Some people like to, but there's no obligation. Here are examples of wording for different situations.

Multiple births
Treat these the same as single birth, but put the babies' names on separate lines.
Ryan James Bradshaw
8 lb 3 oz
17 inches
Adam Sidney Bradshaw
8 lb 2 oz
18 inches

born October 28, 2008
Mary and Edward Bradshaw

Parents with different last names
Write the mother's full name first, followed by father's full name.
Stephen Andrew Gaines
born on July 12, 2008
at 8:03 a.m.
9 lb 3 oz
18 inches
Allison Carter and Robert Gaines

Unmarried mother
Include the baby's full legal name and the father's name if that's acceptable to both parents.
Kyle Edward Smith
born August 31, 2009
7 pounds 2 ounces
Jeanette Johnson

Adoption
James and Samantha Gooding
are proud and happy to announce
the arrival of Emily Rose
born April 2, 2009
and welcomed into our home
on June 12, 2009

Gay and lesbian parents
Use both parents' full names.
Christa Devlin and Johnna Miles
are proud and happy to announce
the arrival of
Susan Annette Devlin-Miles
born on October 2, 2009

Second, third, etc. babies
Pete and Lisa Schiff are proud to welcome
Adam's baby sister
Roxanne Marie Schiff
who was born on May 28, 2009
weight: 8 lb 5 oz
length: 17 inches

Divorced or separated parents
Each parent sends announcements separately.

When to send?
Up to two months after the birth of the baby. However, in the case of adoptions, wait until after the adoption is final.

Whom to send to?
There's no rule. Your pride and happiness are completely justifiable, and everyone wants to share in the happiness.

We've made it easy to shop for and personalize your announcements online. Don't forget...order thank-you notes, too!