Baby Thank you Etiquette

For Baby Shower thank yous:

• A written thank you is always appreciated, but it isn't obligatory if the guest was thanked in person at the event.
• If the person who gave the gift was not present at the shower, a written thank you is warranted.
• Proper etiquette suggests the expectant mother sign her own name to the thank you on behalf of her baby, not the baby's name. This is because the baby obviously is unable to do the thanking themselves. However, this is a matter of personal discretion.
• Although it is neither obligatory nor expected, it is courteous for the expectant (or new) mother to invite the hostess of her shower to lunch or invite the hostess and her spouse to dinner to say thank you for hosting the shower.
• Send the thank you notes to your shower guests as soon as possible. We recommend trying to finish them within 2 weeks of your shower. That way, the excitement of the event and your family and friends' generosity will be fresh in your mind. It will help the notes sound especially heartfelt. Since you will have plenty to occupy your time and energy once the baby is born, sending the thank you notes in a timely manner will make things easier for you as well.

For other baby related thank yous or gifts:

• Many times, friends and relatives will lend maternity clothes, baby clothes, and baby equipment to help defer the expenses of a new baby. For such favors, no concrete repayment is expected. However, it is a polite gesture for the new mother to give a small gift to show her appreciation (such as a nice plant with a thank you card). It is always proper to offer lent clothes back unless the person specifically directed you to keep them or pass them on.
• For thank you notes sent after the baby has been born: generally, the newborn's full name (or at least first and middle names) will appear on the front of the card and the message will appear on the inside.