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There comes a time in some parents’ lives where they decide they are ready for another baby. Unfortunately, they won’t always get the opportunity to have another baby shower, so sometimes, a baby sprinkle makes more sense. But in case you’re new to the whole parenting thing, you might be wondering about the difference between a baby shower vs sprinkle and what to register for in both scenarios.
The short answer is that a baby shower is much more involved, is typically given for first-time parents or those who have larger age gaps between kids, and is often more costly to throw. A baby sprinkle, on the other hand, is more low-key overall and is typically thrown for parents who are on their second, third, o even fourth baby.
Of course, there are no set rules and you can honestly throw whatever kind of party you want in preparation of your newest bundle of joy, but at some point, you might find yourself wondering which kind of party makes the most sense for your family. So in order to really figure out which way to go, you should probably take a closer look at not only the details of each kind of baby celebration but what to register for in order to get the most out of them.
Jump to a specific section
- A Baby Shower
- 1. Lotus Travel Crib
- 2. Delta Children 4-In-1 Convertible Crib
- 3. Safety 1st Riva Ultra Lightweight Travel System
- A Baby Sprinkle
- 1. Dr. Brown’s Original Bottle Newborn Feeding Set
- 2. MAM Pacifiers
- 3. Pampers Pure Diapers
- The Main Differences Between A Baby Shower And A Baby Sprinkle
- Baby Shower vs Sprinkle – Final Thoughts
A Baby Shower
Baby showers are the most tried and true version of baby celebrations in order to help new parents get off to a good start with their new baby. They can be as laid back or as formal as you prefer, but they typically involve at least a dozen guests, but usually more. Think of it as a bridal shower for your baby. So anyone who you would invite to a bridal shower would likely be on the guest list for your baby shower.
Historically, baby showers were reserved for women, but once again, it is entirely up to you to decide what works for your own needs. If you prefer to have a co-ed baby shower, there is nothing wrong with that. Just expect to feed a few more people.
Speaking of which, the food at a baby shower is usually fairly involved, whereas a baby sprinkle might serve lighter snacks. You should expect to serve a full brunch or lunch menu as well as appetizers at a baby shower. And while a baby shower is usually thrown by close friends or family, there is a chance that parents-to-be will have a large role in throwing their own shower. Either way, there is no expectation that guests pay for anything, even if you throw the baby shower at a restaurant.
Baby showers are also complete with some kind of entertainment, which is usually in the form of games and prizes. There are plenty of baby shower games to plan out, but some of the more popular ones include baby shower bingo or guessing how many pieces of candy are in a large plastic bottle. Prizes are also given out and at the end of the shower, it is customary to give each guest a party favor to take home.
Of course, for some parents the best part of a baby shower is the gifts. Baby showers vs sprinkles are likely giving different gifts – When you register for a baby shower you should ask for all of the big items you will need for your baby’s first year, while sprinkles would suggest smaller gifts. But just to give you a better idea on what to register for, here are a few choice products you might not be able to live without.
1. Lotus Travel Crib
You will definitely need a travel crib at some point and the is the perfect thing to register for so your little one can use it when he or she is ready. It comes with a backpack carrying case s you can travel with it with ease and one side of the crib zips open to allow your little one to crawl in and out or for you to get down to their level and play together. It also comes with a comfortable foam mattress that can be folded up with the crib with ease.
Age Range: It is designed for children from the newborn age up to three.
Where To Buy: You can find it on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon.
The Best Part: It folds up to a relatively small shape which makes it easy to travel with.
The Not So Great: The mattress isn’t as thick as that of some other similar travel cribs.
Reviews:
“I can’t recommend this bed enough!! We bought it a few years ago when our son was a few months old. We wanted a bed that was easy to fold, easy to travel with, and one that our son could continue to use comfortably as he grew. We opted for the Lotus Travel Crib because it had all those characteristics as well as the open, mesh sidings (which some other travel beds lack). The bed has been incredible throughout my son’s baby and toddler years – we felt very secure with him when he was a baby… Now, as a toddler, he still fits easily in it at night and loves to “hang out” in it during the day.” – Bill Strohmeier on Amazon.
“Pack ‘n Plays should cease to exist. This should be the only travel crib/playard on the market. So easy to set up. So lightweight and easy to carry with the backpack straps. Have yet to travel with it, but don’t anticipate having any issues. Even after owning a Pack ‘n Play for over 10 months, my husband & I both still struggle to set up and disassemble it. This crib didn’t take any trial and error. Easiest baby accessory I have ever set up and broken down. Love this crib. Would recommend everyone get one.” – J. Kotarski on Amazon.
Has It Been Recalled?:
There are no recent or current recalls on the Lotus Travel Crib.
Worry free airport travel - Designed to be easy to fly with the compact, light backpack carrying case. Set up is simple in 15 seconds and only weighs 13 lbs packed.
2. Delta Children 4-In-1 Convertible Crib
It’s never a bad idea to opt for a crib that can grow with your child and the Delta Children 4-In-1 Convertible Crib does just that. It can transition from a crib to a toddler bed, then a daybed, and finally a full-size bed. That can make it the only bed your child will ever need and that’s kind of a huge deal.
You might have to remember to keep the instructions around so you can properly change the bed to each mode as your child is ready, but that’s a small price to pay for the overall value of the convertible crib.
Age Range: It’s suitable for children of all ages, from newborn through the teen years, thanks to its different modes.
Where To Buy: You can find it on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon.
The Best Part: It can be the only crib or bed your little one ever needs.
The Not So Great: The bars in the toddler gate part of the bed are a little narrow, so there’s a chance your child’s hand or foot could get stuck between the bars during naps.
Reviews:
“A bit bigger than I expected, but it’s an absolutely gorgeous crib. No funky smell when I opened the box and it’s one of the few I found that comes with the toddler conversion. This will probably be my go-to company for cribs in the future.” – Nina Gooden on Amazon.
“This crib is perfect! I loved the look online and thought I’d chance it without seeing it in person, and the color is more beautiful than they could have captured in a picture. I sat down thinking it would take a couple hours to put together, and it honestly took longer to unwrap everything than it did for assembly (which was still less than 15 minutes). Super simple, gorgeous, and worth the money. I’m going to have this for years.” – Nikki Scheetz on Amazon.
Has It Been Recalled?:
There are no recent or current recalls on the Delta Children 4-In-1 Convertible Crib.
3. Safety 1st Riva Ultra Lightweight Travel System
Since you will need to register for a stroller and a car seat, you might as well opt to register for the Safety 1st Riva Ultra Lightweight Travel System to save your baby shower guests some time. The set is perfect for traveling and the stroller has so many different modes to choose from to get years of use out of it. Plus, it comes with a safe infant stroller than can be installed in your car and click into place on the stroller.
Age Range: The car seat is for babies from 4-35 pounds.
Where To Buy: You can find it on Amazon or in store at Walmart.
The Best Part: The entire travel system is lightweight and therefore easy to travel with.
The Not So Great: The stroller assembly can be a little tedious for some parents.
Reviews:
“I like the versatility of the Safety 1st Riva. It is easy to travel with and the base installs easy in our car. It is also lightweight and the fabric seems to be of high quality. The canopy also has good protection from the sun. The lightweight and easy unlocking/locking mechanism makes it easy to use. The assembly was also straightforward and the carrier attaches well to the stroller. While pushing the stroller I feel like it is ergonomic and I will not get tired from an uncomfortable position.” – Zaki Polad on Amazon.
“This is a nice system. I appreciated the use of recycled materials, a nod to sustainability. Both the stroller and seat are lightweight. Assembly was average; manageable without any issues. I actually prefer the stroller to the seat. It rolls smoothly and has nice features like a good sized basket, simple brakes, and folding and cup holders. The seat can convert to a bassinet, a very nice feature.” – Antigone Walsh on Amazon.
Has It Been Recalled?:
There are no recent or current recalls on the Safety 1st Riva Ultra Lightweight Travel System.
A Baby Sprinkle
If this is your second, third, or even fourth baby, you might opt for a baby sprinkle. Of course, you have every right to have as many baby showers as you want, but by this time, you might just want a party to celebrate your baby rather than a party to get your baby’s necessities. Depending on how close in age your children are, you might not even need the big baby items again this time around, and therein lies the beauty of a baby sprinkle.
You can still register for baby items, like bottles, pacifiers, diapers, and clothes, but baby sprinkles aren’t really meant for the big-ticket gifts. And the scaled-down aspect of a sprinkle doesn’t stop there. Unlike baby showers, where games typically come throughout the party, a baby sprinkle doesn’t necessarily include any baby-themed games. In most cases, a baby sprinkle is a chance for you to celebrate your baby while keeping things relatively low-key.
These are especially useful if you prefer an alternative to an all-out big affair that a baby shower can be. You don’t even have to make the guest list as expansive with a baby sprinkle. You can invite close friends and family to keep it as intimate as possible. You can even come up with an easy gift, like diapers, for everyone to bring. Sure, you might still have to buy your baby’s bigger necessities later on, but you will never have too many diapers.
If you do want to register for some smaller baby items, however, a baby sprinkle is the perfect opportunity for just that. And while there are no rules on what you have to register for if you opt for a smaller scale baby sprinkle over a baby shower, these are a few products that would be perfect for a baby sprinkle registry.
1. Dr. Brown’s Original Bottle Newborn Feeding Set
Part of the beauty of Dr. Brown’s Original Bottle Newborn Feeding Set is the fact that the vent system inside the bottles helps reduce air intake and, therefore, gas bubbles in your baby’s belly. When you have a newborn, you accept all of the help you can get as far as feeding goes, and these bottles are designed to be as gentle on your baby as possible. If you want to register for bottles for your baby sprinkle, these are the way to go.
Price: Check it on Amazon!
Age Range: The bottles are designed for infants from newborn and up.
Where To Buy: You can find them on Amazon or in-store at Walmart and Buy Buy Baby.
The Best Part: The anti-colic venting system on the inside helps prevent gas bubbles in your baby’s stomach.
The Not So Great: There are a few pieces to keep track of when cleaning and sanitizing the bottles.
Reviews:
“As a first time mom, these bottles were a little daunting at first to say the least. So many parts and pieces! After you get used to it though and realize what a benefit you receive from all those parts..completely worth it. Compared to other bottles my little one has less gas after using these, their easy to hold, and I trust them to properly store my breast milk. They are easy to clean and come with an included brush for the tiny nooks and crannies. We have had no problems with leaks unless due to user error.” – C. Brewer on Amazon.
“We are super happy with Dr. Brown’s bottles. Baby toke that bottle from the beginning on. This is my second set that I bought to have some additional bottles. If you always do a good job cleaning them with soap water and a brush they can last for a long time.” – Daniela Erhard on Amazon.
Has It Been Recalled?:
There are no recent or current recalls on the Dr. Brown’s Original Bottle Newborn Feeding Set.
2. MAM Pacifiers
One thing you can’t get enough of your baby is pacifiers. No matter how many you have and how many extras you keep on hand, they turn up missing at some point. So for an easy gift for your sprinkle registry, the MAM Pacifiers are an easy choice. They are designed to feel like the real thing to calm and soothe babies whenever they need them. Plus, unlike strictly newborn pacifiers, your little one can use this style until they grow out of pacifiers altogether.
Age Range: They are made for babies newborn and up.
Where To Buy: You can find them on Amazon
The Best Part: They come in different sizes to grow with your baby as he or she needs them.
The Not So Great: The front plastic piece that sits against your baby’s mouth might be a little uncomfortable for some babies.
Reviews:
“I love MAM pacifiers and, pretty much all of their products. With my first and now my newborn, they have been consistently the favorite. My daughter now, at first, would pretty much latch onto anything I gave her, but has slowly for some reason come to highly favor the MAM products to any other. The nipples just seem to be the easiest for her and was the same situation for my first daughter. They love them, and happy babies equal happy mommies.” – K. Layher on Amazon.
“I’m a mother of newborn twin boys, I was frustrated because they could not keep their hospital pacifier in and I could tell it helped them relax. This arrived at the moment one of my twins was fussy, I had burped, changed, and fed him, I cleaned it with warm water and soap and gave it to him. I nearly cried of happiness, he calmed down immediately and was able to hold his pacifier! This is a godsend to a very tired, sleep deprived, mommy and babies!” – Claudia Cruz on Amazon.
Has It Been Recalled?:
There were some MAM Pacifier recalls before 2012.
3. Pampers Pure Diapers
Another baby product you won’t be able to get enough of is diapers. And there is no shame in registering for a ton of Pampers Pure Diapers for your baby sprinkle. The diapers are designed to be free of any harsh chemicals or dyes and can be the most gentle thing against your baby’s skin. This is especially important for newborns, so you will definitely want to stock up.
Age Range: They come in sizes newborn through five.
Where To Buy: You can find them on Amazon or in store at Target.
The Best Part: There is less of a chance of your baby’s skin getting irritated while wearing one of these than your standard disposable diaper.
The Not So Great: Some babies might experience more leaks in these than others.
Reviews:
“I ordered these for my newborn and love them! The prints are so cute and the lining is soft and doesn’t stick to my baby’s skin. I also love that they don’t smell like diapers. They hold up against leaks just as well as Swaddlers too.” – Melissa Diekroeger on Amazon.
“My daughter has pretty sensitive skin but these diapers are amazing as they do not irritate her at all. Also they are really thin but super absorbent. She sleeps through the night and there was absolutely no leakage. I also love the wetness indicator which most diapers don’t have after size two. I’m sold.” – J. Ellis on Amazon.
Has It Been Recalled?:
There are no recent or current recalls on Pampers Pure Diapers.
The Main Differences Between A Baby Shower And A Baby Sprinkle
- Size. A baby shower typically has a large guest list that might include guests you hardly know, like friends of your in-laws or more distant relatives. A sprinkle is perfect for close friends and family only.
- Games. You can always opt for a couple of small fun games at your baby sprinkle, but a shower is more often the place for baby shower games to take front and center for a little while.
- Food. When you throw a baby shower, the expectation is that you serve a full meal as well as appetizers and desserts. A baby sprinkle requires smaller snacks throughout the party.
- Gifts. Feel free to register for whatever you think you will need for your baby, but baby shower registries typically have larger more expensive gifts that baby sprinkle registries.
Baby Shower vs Sprinkle – Final Thoughts
Some people might tell you that you “shouldn’t” have more than one baby shower, but honestly, it is entirely up to you at the end of the day. There is no parenting rule book that states you will be judged if you opt for a baby shower for all of your children. The only downside might be dealing with the planning process, especially if your children happen to be close in age.
Sometimes, if you don’t really need any large baby items or you don’t have the time for a huge party, a baby sprinkle is the perfect alternative. You still get to honor the baby and celebrate his or her impending arrival with the people who matter to you the most. At the end of the day, it is your choice to decide which is better between a baby shower and a baby sprinkle, but both share the fact that they are celebrations of your little one and that’s all that matters.
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