With baby showers becoming increasingly popular in the UK, chances are you have been or will be invited to one at some point. They tend to be rather low key compared to the lavish parties in North America, with lots of gifts and games. They’re essentially an opportunity for the mum-to-be and her friends to spend some time together before her life changes…forever! In the cutest way possible, of course.
And while gifts may be optional (some people don’t like to get them until after the baby’s born), a greeting card with a heartfelt message is always appreciated – and even expected. If the thought of crafting baby shower messages makes you break out in a cold sweat, fear not – we’ve done the work for you and come up with 34 baby shower card ideas. Use them as thought starters to craft your own messages or copy word-for-word and take all the credit – we won’t tell!
First things first: Who do you address?
Honestly – whoever you like! There aren’t any hard and fast rules or any etiquette to follow. Most often, it’s the mum-to-be. But even if it’s a female-only gathering, you could still address the card to both parents, especially if you know them both. Or you could even speak to the baby directly!
Here’s a few simple opening lines you could borrow:
My dearest Deb,
To the loveliest pregnant lady,
Dear Olivia & Marc,
Hey, mum and dad!
To the soon-to-be parents (eek!)
Hey, little one!
Hello, little Leo!
34 ideas for what to write in a new baby card
As with any other piece of writing, what you say will depend on how close you are to the parents and your typical communication style. Are you best friends, sisters, or simply work colleagues? Does your friend enjoy witty banter or is she more on the serious side? The best baby shower card messages reflect the quality of the relationship between you and the person you’re writing for.
Sweet and simple messages for a baby shower card
There’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple, especially if you’re not too close to the parents – for example, if you’re writing a new baby card for a friend from work. Here’s a few lines that aren’t overly intimate, but still sound heartfelt and genuine:
Congratulations! I can’t wait to meet Jacob.
I’m so happy for you! I wish both you and your new baby all the best.
Wishing you many moments of joy with your little one!
Exciting times lie ahead – enjoy the ride!
So excited to watch you become parents!
You’re going to make terrific parents, little Luna’s lucky to have you.
Looking forward to welcoming baby Mia into the world. We’ll soon be falling head over heels for her tiny feet and her big heart.
Enjoy every minute of this wild new adventure, cause it goes by way too fast.
Baby shower messages that feel particularly personal
Gifts and cards always feel more special when they’re specifically tailored to the recipient. If you know the mother or the parents well, include details that reflect the closeness of the relationship. It doesn’t mean you have to be too sentimental if that’s not your style – you can reference meaningful moments you’ve shared, give examples of how you plan to be involved in the new baby’s life, share some (lighthearted) parenting advice, etc.
Here’s a few ideas:
If our friendship and how you’ve always looked after me is anything to go by, you’ll make a wonderful mum ❤
I probably won’t know what I’m doing, but I can’t wait to be Rory’s auntie. (Remember when I left Dotty the Doll in the park overnight? Won’t happen, promise!).
Can’t wait to meet Olie and take him swimming, teach him ukulele, and blow bubbles in the park!
“A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood. A fox saw the mouse, and the mouse looked good…” I’ve memorised The Gruffalo, think I’m ready for Lyla!
They say you can’t prepare for parenthood, but they clearly haven’t met you (have they seen your to-do lists and spreadsheets?!). You’ve got this, enjoy the ride!
There’s nothing quite like the unconditional love of a child – and while I’m a little jealous I won’t be your favourite person any longer, for Louis I’ll gladly relinquish the title.
Congratulations on your baby girl. I hope she’s as strong-willed as her mum and as caring as her dad. You’ll make a wonderful family.
A few funny lines for a baby shower card
You should know the person really well for these to be taken the right way – you don’t want to come across as insensitive. But if you’re close enough and share the same sense of humour, go for it! Humour offers a lighthearted take on what could otherwise feel a little daunting (i.e. having your life turned upside down by a tiny human you suddenly need to keep alive).
Parenting is hard. But just keep calm and google on.
Oh, boy! Can’t wait to meet your wrinkly little grandpa.
Hello, Sophie – goodbye, sleep!
Kids are a blessing (apparently). Buckle up and have fun!
Let’s enjoy this party – it may be your last one for a while!
Little feet and big trouble are on the way! Not sure I’m ready (hope you are, though).
A word to the wise: Dirty nappies will be the least of your worries. Just sayin’. Good luck!
No wonder you’re having a kid, you’ve always loved roller coasters. No safety belt on this one, though!
Sweet, loving, silly, temperamental, curious, chaotic…Kids are like a box of chocolates – all the praline more than makes up for the few fruit-flavoured ones. Reach for the praline!
Baby shower card messages based on famous quotes
If you prefer something more profound but don’t consider yourself a worthy wordsmith, why not borrow a line from somebody who does (like the famous thinker Winnie the Pooh, for example)? Here are some relatable quotes about babies or parenting that will warm anyone’s heart:
“Sometimes the littlest things take up the most room in your heart.” – Winnie the Pooh
“Children reinvent your world for you.” – Susan Sarandon
“You know what the great thing about babies is? They are like little bundles of hope. Like the future in a basket.” – Lish McBride
“A new baby is like the beginning of all things – wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” – Eda J. Le Shan
“The best way to make children good is to make them happy”, Oscar Wilde.
Baby shower messages for twins or multiples
You don’t necessarily have to write a very different message to somebody who’s having twins or multiples, but it could be fun to address the peculiarity of the situation – especially if you do it in a way that’s playful and lighthearted. Cause if having one baby is scary, imagine having two or more at once! The future mum will appreciate the humour.
Uh-oh, double trouble! But also double the love. Congrats on the babies!
You’ll have many mouths to feed, but also many hands to hug you. A decent trade-off.
You’ve always been exceptionally efficient. Didn’t expect anything other than triplets from you.
Now no one will be able to nag you about “giving your little one a sibling”. Well played!
Hope double the babies doesn’t mean half the sleep!
How to sign off your baby shower card
Wrap things up with a simple sign-off – anything friendly and casual like the examples below is a great option. After all, you probably know the future parents well enough if you’re attending the party. But if you do need something a little more formal, “Best” or “Sincerely” will do the job.
All our love
Love you forever
Love you loads
Lots of love
Hugs & Kisses
All my love
Love always
Wishing you well
With so much love
