New baby wishes: what to write in a baby card

New baby card

In life, it just doesn’t get much happier than the arrival of a new baby. One moment, there is simply the dream of this unknown, but already-loved person. The next moment—Waaaaaah! Here he is, old-soul eyes blinking in the sudden light. Here she is, tiny clenched fists still holding tight to the wonder of the place she’s just come from…

What a privilege it is to be on the welcoming committee for that brand-new person. That’s really what you’re doing when you pick out the perfect baby congratulations card and add your personal touch. You are officially greeting the new arrival and adding to the parents’ joy—in a way they can keep, revisit and cherish forever.

If all that joy puts you at a loss for words when you go to sign your card, pull up a pen and relax. This guide offers writing tips and message ideas, shared by Hallmark writers and tailored to a variety of baby-welcoming situations—from baby showers to twins to adoptions. Whether you read the whole guide or go straight to the specific ideas you need, we hope it helps you make that perfect card truly personal.

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What to Write in a Baby Card

Baby Shower Wishes  

A baby shower is all about the fun of getting together, making a fuss over Mom and “showering” her with all the cute gifts she and baby are going to need. When signing your card, it’s fine to mention your gift or the party—and it’s good to keep in mind that your card may be read aloud or passed around.

Examples

  • “So excited to shower you and your baby in love today!”
  • “It means so much to be here with you today, sharing in the fun and dreaming along with you…”
  • “For you, I’ll even play goofy shower games. You’re that good a friend.”
  • “You’re going to make a wonderful mom!”
  • “I had so much fun shopping for this little gift. Love your nursery theme! (Hint, hint.)”
  • “All the best to you and [Eric] as you wait for Baby’s big debut! I hope you can use this gift toward something she’ll need.”

Writing tip: If the shower takes place before the baby arrives, consider making a list with a title like, “I hope the baby inherits your…” The items might range from “beautiful green eyes” to “wicked sense of humor” to “Jayhawk pride.”

New Baby Wishes  

There’s nothing wrong with a short, sweet “congratulations” or “happy for you” message—especially when the card’s printed sentiment has already expressed most or all of what you wanted to say. Here are some ideas for making your congratulations personal and memorable.

Examples

  • “So happy for you two! That’s going to be one lucky baby.”
  • “Ahhh! Freaking out over here. Congratulations, you guys!”
  • “You two deserve every bit of happiness this baby is going to bring you.”
  • “So many happy and wonder-filled times ahead for you…congratulations.”
  • “Warmest congratulations on the birth of your sweet baby girl!”
  • “Love just got real. So very excited for you.”
  • “Welcome to the world, little one! So thrilled that you’re here!”
  • “I’m really looking forward to being a part of Baby’s life as [she] grows.”
  • “What a very lucky baby. Congratulations!”
  • “Can’t wait to see that sweet little smile.”
  • “I’m so thrilled for you and so happy, too, that our little ones are close in age. I hope they have as much fun together as we did growing up. Cousins are the best!”
  • “I can’t wait to help you with the baby. If you need anything at all, just text me!”
  • “You two are going to make such amazing parents.”
  • “We can’t wait to see the many ways God blesses you with this little one.”

Writing tip: On a baby card, you can direct your message to the parent(s), to the whole family or even to the baby. (Yes, really!) Choose whom you really want to talk to, and let it shape what you write.

Twins and Multiples  

More than one bundle of joy? Break out your math skills and send some happy wishes times two…or three…or more!

Examples

  • “So glad to hear about the safe, healthy delivery of [Ella], [Abby] and [Christopher]! How wonderful to see you so blessed!”
  • “A double-dose of love! What could be better?”
  • “Woo-hoo times two!”
  • “Good things come in threes!”
  • “Born with a buddy—how fun is that? Congratulations!”
  • “Can’t wait to help with counting all those fingers and toes.”
  • “A [Sam] and a [Henry]. How perfect! Wait—you did know there were going to be two, right?”
  • “Double-cuteness runs in our family. Congratulations on keeping the tradition going!”

Writing tip: There will usually be a limited selection of cards available for twin births and very few for multiples beyond two. Don’t feel tied down to those choices, though. Many general baby congratulations cards will work perfectly well for twins, triplets and beyond—especially after you personalize it with your own message.

Adoption  

With adoption, the way the child becomes part of the family may be different, but the joy is the same, and the warm words and wishes you send to congratulate them will be much the same, too.

Examples

  • “This precious little boy was meant for you and you for him. Warmest congratulations to your beautiful family.”
  • “You’re going to make your little girl’s life so, so good. She is lucky to have you.”
  • “So proud of you two for making this baby’s life a good one, and so happy for you and all the wonder that’s coming your way. Congratulations!”
  • “I love seeing your dream come true like this. She was definitely worth the wait!”

Writing tip: In adoption congrats messages, remember to steer clear of references to giving birth or to baby inheriting the mom’s eyes or the dad’s long legs. If the couple is adopting a toddler or older child, consider bypassing the baby cards and going for a general congratulations or a beautiful blank card you know they would love.

Difficult Circumstances  

When the joy of welcoming a new arrival is accompanied by health issues for the mother or baby, or other difficult circumstances, it’s still appropriate to respond with warm, joyful congratulations. Rather than the lighthearted sweetness of many baby sentiments, these messages should tend more toward straightforward warmth, caring and optimism.

Examples

  • “So thankful your baby is here.”
  • “Sending our congratulations on the birth of your baby boy, and keeping the whole family in our thoughts and prayers as he undergoes surgery.”
  • “Your precious girl is so beautiful. And she’s going to bless you in ways none of us can even imagine.”
  • “A warm, happy welcome to Baby and lots of love and healing thoughts to Mom!”
  • “Congratulations! Wish you could spend these early weeks getting to know Baby [Joshua] at home, but it’s good to know he’s getting the loving care he needs at the hospital.”
  • “Welcome to the new bright spot of so many lives!”
  • “Sending you happy and hopeful thoughts for your lives together.”
  • “Babies bring hope and happiness to our whole world. I’m thinking the best thoughts for you all.”

Writing tip: Your message to new parents facing difficult situations need not address any specifics. Your words do carry the power of restoring feelings of hope for parents struggling with uncertainty; don’t hesitate to share thoughts of optimism, faith and confidence.

Warm Closings  

A warm closing before your signature is like the bow on top! Choose one of ours, or come up with one of your own.

  • Warmly,
  • Love,
  • With love,
  • Lots of love,
  • Love always,
  • Much love to you,
  • All my/our love,
  • Love you,
  • Love and cuddles,
  • Hugs and kisses,
  • All the best,
  • Blessings,
  • God bless,
  • Sweet dreams,
  • Happy snuggling,
  • Cootchy-coo,
  • Awwwwww,
  • Overjoyed,
  • Over the moon,
  • Tickled pink,
  • So thrilled,
  • Wishing you sweet times,
  • Rock-a-bye and rock on,

Writing tip: Why not add a quote? You can draw baby and parenting quotations from children’s books, poetry, Scripture, songs, movie dialogue, Pinterest and more. A quote can be included in the body of your written message, or you can write the quote separately on the inside left of the card. (Typically, you will end up signing your name on the inside right.)

  • Credits:
  • Additional contributions by Andrew Blackburn, Ellen Brenneman, Kevin Dilmore, Megan Haave, Tina Neidlein and Molly Wigand.

Keely Chace is a Hallmark Master Writer who loves reading, running and spending time with her husband and daughters. She shares writing tips in her "What to Write" series on Hallmark & Community.