What to Say When Someone is Expecting a New Baby

Writing a New Baby card

Welcoming a new baby is both life-changing and cause for celebration. A message of congratulations lets the expectant parents know you share their joy and excitement for this momentous event.

But what should you say in your message? A simple congratulations or something more personal? Offer advice or assistance? Is humor or religion appropriate?

Our specialists at Spoonful of Comfort have food for thought to help you choose the perfect message (and perfect gift!) to welcome the new bundle of joy.

What you choose to write starts with how close you are to the mother and family. If you don’t know them well, or have a professional relationship, a simple congratulations is most appropriate. With close friends and relatives, more personal sentiments will be deeply appreciated.

1. Personalizing the Message

The more you know about the new arrival, the more you can personalize your message. Is this their first child? Is it a boy or girl? Are they having twins? Is this an adoption? Referencing specific details will make your message all the more meaningful for the expectant parents.

First Child

  • Your beautiful baby is finally here. Congratulations and best wishes!
  • Wishing you health and happiness as you begin this new adventure.
  • Welcome to parenthood! You’re going to be an amazing [mother/father].
  • Now that you’ve joined the club, here’s a little secret: None of us know what we’re doing! Best of luck!!
  • Buckle up! It’s going to be an exciting ride!

Second Child

  • Congratulations on your growing family!
  • May your second child bring as many blessings as the first.
  • This time around should be a piece of cake!
  • So excited for [first child] to have a baby brother/sister.
  • Another baby? On purpose?!

Boy

  • Oh, boy!
  • So excited to meet your little man.
  • A bouncing baby boy. How exciting!

Girl

  • We’re tickled pink to meet your new baby girl.
  • I’m sure your baby girl will be as beautiful as her mama.
  • A sweet little girl on the way. Congratulations!

Twins

  • Congratulations…and congratulations!
  • Double the kisses, double the fun. Double the joy for everyone!
  • Double congratulations on the birth of your twins.
  • You’ve been twice blessed! Congratulations on your new babies!
  • Here comes double trouble! Let the fun begin!

Adoption

  • Your dream of parenthood has come true. We are so happy for you!
  • This baby is a precious gift and you are a blessing to [him/her]. Congratulations on your beautiful family.
  • Adoption is an act of true love and selflessness. You and your family deserve a lifetime of happiness.
  • Sharing the warmth and love of a family is a wonderful thing. Best wishes and sincere congratulations.
  • Wishing your growing the family all the best. Congratulations on Adoption Day!

Acknowledging the Mother’s Spouse/Partner

While the expectant mother is doing the heavy lifting (literally!), you may want to acknowledge the mother’s spouse/partner:

  • Congratulations to you and [spouse/partner]!
  • I’m so happy for you and [spouse/partner]!
  • You and [spouse/partner] must be thrilled!

If there is any question about how or if someone other than the mother should be acknowledged, it’s best to avoid it entirely and get right to the message.

2. Choosing the right sentiment

Traditional congratulations are always appropriate. For more personal sentiments, you may choose wishes of health, advice and/or offers of assistance. If appropriate, you may want to include a personal anecdote, either about your relationship with the mother, or your own experiences with pregnancy or new babies.

Congratulations

  • You’ll be a wonderful parent. Congratulations to you and your family.
  • Warmest wishes to you and your new baby.
  • Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.
  • Many blessings to your growing family.
  • Best wishes on new beginnings.
  • We hope enjoy every moment of this time with your new baby.
  • We can’t wait to meet your new bundle of joy!

Wishes of Health

  • Wishing you a safe, easy delivery and a healthy baby.
  • Sending you wishes of health, joy and plenty of sleep.
  • Happiness and health to you and your baby.
  • Enjoy looking after your new baby, and make sure to look after yourself.
  • Please take this time to rest, recover and be with those you love.

Words of Wisdom

  • You’ll get a lot of advice! Be sure to trust your gut. You’ll know what’s best for you and your baby.
  • It’s a busy time and it will only get busier. Make sure to take time for yourself.
  • Embrace the roller coaster! Sometimes you’ll feel like you’ve got everything figured out, other times not so much. It will all work out.
  • Try to enjoy every moment. This is an incredible time in your life that will be gone before you know it.
  • Be good to yourself. No on is perfect and some days will be harder than others. It’s all part of the experience.

Offers of Assistance

  • Don’t be afraid to accept or ask for help. Your tribe is here for you!
  • If you have any questions, please reach out to me. I’ve been there!
  • I would love to bring you a meal whenever it’s convenient.
  • I’m happy to babysit.
  • If you need help around the house, please let me know.

3. Choosing the right tone

Some expectant parents will appreciate a funny or religious message, but not all. If there is any doubt, it’s best to stay with a straightforward tone.

Religious

  • Your baby is a gift from God. May God bless you both.
  • We’re praying for health and happiness for you and your baby.
  • Congratulations on your little miracle.
  • You and your baby are in our prayers.
  • Jesus said: “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” –Matthew 19:14

Humorous

  • Congratulations! And, yes, your baby is way cuter than all the other babies.
  • It’s wonderful how a new baby makes you appreciate the miracle of life. And sleep.
  • Congrats on not having twins!
  • Prayers for your new baby…and your sanity.
  • It may seem like a lot right now, but don’t worry. It gets easier after the first 18 years. You’re going to do great!
  • Look who hopped on the baby train!
  • Your baby hit the parent jackpot!
  • You make motherhood look fabulous!
  • We heard you’re getting a new roommate. Congratulations!
  • Hello, baby! Goodbye, sleep!

4. Quotes on Parenthood.

  • “Perfection only exists in babies and pastries.” – Gayle Wray
  • “Babies are bits of stardust, blown from the hand of God.” – Larry Barretto
  • “Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” –Robert Browning
  • “A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.” –Carl Sandburg
  • “We never know the love of a parent until we become parents ourselves.” – Henry Ward Beecher
  • “With every newborn baby a little sun rises.” – Irmgard Erath
  • “A new baby is like the beginning of all things –– wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” – Eda J. Le Shan
  • “Words cannot express the joy of new life.” – Hermann Hesse
  • “There is such a special sweetness in being able to participate in creation.” – Pamela S. Nadav
  • “A baby is a wishing well. Everyone puts their hopes, their fears, their pasts, their two cents in.” – Elizabeth Bard
  • “I love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.” – Robert Munsch
  • “Babies are such a nice way to start people.” – Don Herold
  • “If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” – Milton Berle
  • “Babies are always more trouble than you thought –– and more wonderful.” – Charles Osgood

New Baby Package

5. Including a gift from Spoonful of Comfort

The message you share in a New Baby card expresses your feelings for both the baby and the parents. A gift from Spoonful of Comfort is like a warm hug that goes with it. With so much going on in preparation for the new arrival, sending a delicious meal will give the parents a much-needed break. Plus, they’re eating for at least three!