Guide to Birth Announcements

Being a new mother means a lot of added work, even before the baby ever arrives! You've got a nursery to get ready, a home that's going to have to manage without you for a while until you and the baby settle into a routine, and of course, the birth announcements. Letting friends and family know that the baby's finally here is one of the details expectant and new mothers worry about the most, because they want to make the best possible impression for themselves and the child they've worked so hard to bring safely into the world.

Creating your own birth announcements can be a fun and enjoyable way to put the word out about your new bundle of joy. One thing that many mothers worry about is what information to put on birth announcements. Are birth announcements even really necessary in this age of instant communication via Internet, cell phone, and so on? Etiquette is moving so much more slowly than technology, making this sort of question all the more puzzling.

Etiquette dictates that you send out announcements as soon as reasonably possible. Naturally, this will vary according to circumstances, and only you (and maybe your spouse) can decide when it can be done.  Some information that should appear on the announcement includes date and time of birth, gender of the baby, the baby's height, weight, and a cute saying or verse that you feel is appropriate for the occasion. Parent, grandparents, uncles and aunts, siblings, and close friends are obvious, but you may also want to include employers, neighbors, and others.

There’s also the question of who should receive an announcement. Should you hand make them or buy them from a printer or online service? Designing your own birth announcement in advance of the actual birth can be a great way to add your own unique style to this time-honored tradition. If you find yourself stuck for ideas, you could always have a design party with your closest friends! It would be a great way to let the creative juices flow while not driving yourself crazy trying to do all the work yourself, and one of your friends might just surprise you with her design skills. However you decide to go, remember your birth announcement is all about you and your baby.

"Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege,
than the raising of the next generation."

-C. Everet Koop, M.D.

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What to Look for When Choosing Birth Announcements

Your baby’s birth announcements are his or her first introduction to all of your friends and family. They will also appear in every baby book and scrapbook for the rest of his or her life. Because of this, it is important to pick out the right birth announcement for your child or children.

Start by thinking about how you want to present your child or children to the world. Some parents prefer to send a small card that includes basic information about the family’s new addition, assuming that everyone will be able to see and meet the baby. Other families want their birth announcement to include as much information as possible about the baby. In particular, parents who live far away from their relatives and friends often choose birth announcements with several different photos and a lot of information about the baby. Think about who will be receiving your birth announcements, and what information you want to share with them.

Next, think about a few practical matters. Will you be mailing the birth announcements or handing them out personally. If you’re mailing them, you will probably want to pick a card that is a standard size and/or comes with envelopes made to fit the cards. Avoid card with pop-outs, glitter or other items that might make them difficult for the post office to sort.

Think carefully about the pictures. If you want birth announcements with a picture of the infant, you will have to take a picture of the baby. While this might not seem like a big deal, many new parents are surprised to discover how hard it is to get a good picture of someone who keeps squirming and moving their hands over their face. Unlike standard snap shots, it will be important to think about lighting and other factors if you select an announcement that you have to resize a photograph for. In fact, some parents choose their announcement based on what size photographs the announcements use. Expect to spend at least an hour getting a good picture of the baby, or use a professional photographer. If you do decide on a professional photographer, set up an appointment with him or her for at least a week after your due date, and make sure that he or she has a flexible schedule.

Finally, make sure to look at a preview of the announcement before placing an order. Many new parents change their minds about coloring or the information they want printed on the announcement. You might even want to select several different styles before the baby comes and make the final decision after you look at your new infant.