What to Write in a Baby Shower Card

• 1

  Address the parents by name, not just "to the mommy-to-be." Personal beats generic every time.

• 2

  Mention the kind of parents you already know they're going to be — kind, calm, fun, organised. They need to hear it.

• 3

  Skip the dire warnings. "Say goodbye to sleep" was funny in 2008 and is no longer.

• 4

  Offer concrete help. "I'm dropping off a lasagna in week two" is the best baby shower gift in the card.

• 5

  If it's their second (or third) child, acknowledge them — second babies often get fewer cards, and parents notice.

• 6

  Wish them well for the long haul, not just the delivery. The first year is the real adventure.

When you've got two square inches on a group card.

• “So excited to meet the little one. Wishing you the easiest landing.”
• “Sending love and warm welcomes for your sweet new arrival.”
• “Congratulations! This baby has won the parent lottery.”
• “Wishing you a smooth pregnancy and even smoother first naps.”
• “Cheers to the new chapter. The best one yet.”
• “Welcome, baby! Your parents have been ready for this for a long time.”
• “Can't wait to meet your tiniest new family member. Sending love.”
• “Happy almost-baby day. We're cheering from over here.”
• “Wishing you all the snuggles and very few of the sleepless nights.”
• “Sending warm wishes to your growing family.”

When you want them to know the kind of parents you already see in them.

• “This baby has no idea how lucky they are. You two are going to be incredible at this.”
• “I've watched you take care of every person in your life. This little one is in the best possible hands.”
• “Whatever wild, sleep-deprived, beautiful adventure is coming — you're built for it.”
• “There's nothing about you two that makes me worried about this kid. Everything about you makes me excited for them.”
• “Wishing you both a calm last few weeks and a year of small, ordinary, beautiful days.”
• “I can't wait to see you become parents. The world's about to get a whole lot kinder.”
• “Your patience, your humor, your hearts — this baby is about to have the best home base.”

When this is their first child and the nerves are real.

• “Nobody's ever ready for the first one, and somehow everybody figures it out. You will too — beautifully.”
• “Welcome to the club. The hours are bad, the pay is nonexistent, the love is unreal.”
• “Trust your instincts. They're better than any book. Wishing you a soft landing into parenthood.”
• “First-time parents make first-time mistakes and first-time memories. Both are precious. You've got this.”
• “Lean on us. Bring questions. Send pictures. We're cheering for all three of you.”
• “There is no perfect parent and you do not need to be one. The kid you're about to meet just needs you.”

When the household is already loud and is about to get louder.

• “Second baby! The big sibling won't remember life before — what a gift you're giving them both.”
• “You already know what you're doing. This one's going to slide right into the family. Wishing you a smooth ride.”
• “From parents of two: the love really does double. Somehow the laundry triples, but the love doubles. Congrats!”
• “Cheers to one more chair at the table. Your family is about to be even more wonderful.”
• “Your firstborn just got the gift of a built-in best friend. Wishing all four of you the best.”
• “Whatever number child this is, they're walking into a home full of love. Congratulations on the newest one.”

When faith is part of the family's story.

• “Praying for a healthy delivery, a calm first season, and a baby who knows from day one how loved they are.”
• “May God bless your growing family with peace, patience and quiet nights.”
• “Wishing you all of God's grace as you become parents. What a beautiful answer to prayer this baby is.”
• “May your home be filled with the kind of love and laughter only a new baby can bring.”
• “Praying over your pregnancy, your delivery, and every single day after. Welcome, sweet one.”
• “May this little one grow surrounded by faith, kindness and very loud bedtime stories.”

When the parents-to-be will laugh.

• “Sleep is overrated. Coffee is forever. Congratulations!”
• “Welcome to the years of finding goldfish crackers in unexpected places.”
• “Diapers, snuggles, screams, repeat. You've got this.”
• “Your body is about to become a 24/7 vending machine. Stay strong.”
• “Congrats on your tiny new roommate who pays no rent and constantly redecorates.”
• “The good news: babies love you unconditionally. The bad news: they also love your hair, glasses and earrings.”
• “May your delivery be quick, your baby be calm, and your dishwasher be already running.”