Birth announcements: how to go about it

What format for my birth announcement? With or without a photo? What can I write in it? Even if it isn't vital to baby's arrival, it remains a tradition kept alive in many families. Here are the keys to a successful birth announcement!

When should you start?

Making a birth announcement takes time and a lot of patience. So you'll need to organise yourself cleverly if you want to send your announcement on time. Tradition has it that the announcement is sent just after the birth. However, nothing stops you from taking a little more time to put it together and sending it when baby is 1 month old or more. In the end, there are no rules: it's up to you! If you'd rather have your announcement made by a printer, allow 2-3 weeks in advance to give yourself time to compare, to receive any samples, then to choose the printer and the design that suits you. Don't forget to factor in the production and delivery times for the announcements. Check with your printer to estimate the timings as accurately as possible. If you're making all or part of the announcement yourself, set a realistic schedule and stick to it so you don't run out of time. You can start working on the announcement before the birth, or a few days or even a few weeks after baby is born.

Types of birth announcement

You're free to choose the shape of your announcement: on paper; round, square or rectangular, in an envelope or not… Choose the colours and quality of your paper: thin, thick, matt finish… You can also send a digital announcement to your loved ones (using naissance.fr or a service like tadaaz.fr). If you're comfortable creating digital content, go for it: a photo montage with a lovely message will do the trick. You'll save paper and perhaps time too. Some parents even make the birth announcement of their dreams with their own hands! You can also personalise the announcements by adding little ribbons or sticking on personalised stickers. There's no limit to creativity! Some parents choose to give the announcement a purpose. For example, it can be made as a bookmark, or a magnet to stick on the fridge, for a one-of-a-kind announcement.

What goes in a birth announcement?

The birth announcement of course includes the newborn's first name and surname. After all, its main purpose is to announce a baby's arrival. Tradition has it that you add other details about your little one: their weight, length, place of birth and time of birth. You can also opt for a more personal touch: an anecdote or a sweet little message. It's up to you to choose the tone of your announcement. More and more parents add one or more photos of baby at birth to the announcement. Your loved ones will be delighted and touched by a lovely photo of the newborn. For this, make sure the photo is good quality: well framed, sharp and bright. Don't forget to write your contact details on the announcement so that the people receiving it can congratulate you.

Who should you send it to?

Birth announcements are quite tedious to organise. And on top of that, you need to be sure you don't forget anyone. Don't panic! Here's a little tip: make a list of recipients. Write down their addresses and/or phone numbers. If you are missing your great-aunt's address, ask your parents or someone close to you. You can include your colleagues, your boss and your friends in your list.

With all these reminders, you're ready to create the birth announcement of your dreams. Be patient and give it the time it needs. Don't skip any steps: organisation, design and sending. Make it with enthusiasm, joy and love.

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.