Monday, October 15, 2012

Birth Announcements for Today's Parents


Celebrating the birth of a new baby is an exciting moment in any parent’s life. Following the birth of a new baby, friends and family members will be bubbling over with questions regarding the size of the baby and the date of the newborn’s birth. Additionally, many people have distant relatives who are eager to see a photo of the new addition to the family. For this reason, the majority of new parents choose to use the beauty and functionality of birth announcements for informing loved ones about a new baby’s birth.

Birth Announcements Background

Traditionally, birth announcements were short advertisements that were placed in a local newspaper in order to inform the family and community about a new child. However, modern printing techniques have now made it possible for new parents to enjoy customized services that allow them to send out various types of cards, posters, and other types of announcements to friends and family. Additionally, parents can also now order personalized announcements that are printed with their baby’s birth statistics.

Selecting an Announcement

The type of birth announcements that a family will choose often reflects their preferred type of communication and the nursery theme. Announcements can be found in many different styles and colors. Typically, a card-style announcement will be chosen by a family in either pink or blue. However, families who choose to get an early start on writing their announcements may choose a style that could be used for either a girl or a boy. Additionally, patterns and themes like animals or teddy bears offer an adorable accent that can be used to welcome any newborn.

Information to Include

The primary purpose of birth announcements is to provide loved ones with the information regarding a baby’s birth. Therefore, a birth announcement will usually include the new baby’s name, date of birth, and the time that they were born. It should also include their length and weight. While it is not necessary, a common trend for announcing a baby’s birth is to include a small photo of the newborn. This can either be printed onto the card, or it can be a small snapshot that is included in the envelope. A photo can be a great way to create a personalized touch that can allow distant loved ones to catch a glimpse of the newborn.

When to Send

It is best to send out a birth announcement as soon as possible after a baby’s birth. Because the first few days and weeks of life with a newborn can be hectic, it is advisable for new parents to get an early start on selecting and ordering announcements. This way, they can begin to address envelopes and prepare the basic information of an announcement ahead of time. Then, when the baby is born, all that will be needed is to add the birth statistics to the announcements. Many times, a new parent will enlist the help of a special friend or family member for ensuring that announcements are completed in a timely manner.

An adorable birth announcement will be the perfect way to welcome a newborn to the family while also letting loved ones know about the details that surround a baby’s birth. Announcements can be found in many different styles that can be selected in order to create a memorable keepsake of a newborn’s first day of life. By planning ahead of time and choosing an announcement that reflects the parent’s style, a newborn can be welcomed to the world in a way that will always be remembered.
"You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back."  -William D. Tammeus

Tips About Newborns

How to Select the Perfect Birth Announcements



Even in a world of social media and email, birth announcements remain a popular and memorable way for parents to announce the birth of a new baby. Announcements are a great way to spread the word to friends and family who aren't entirely internet-savvy, and they also provide a great keepsake to include in a baby book or scrapbook. Once the baby is born, it can sometimes be difficult to find the time and energy to personalize the perfect announcement, so it can be helpful for parents to think about what their perfect birth announcements might look like in advance. So, what makes the perfect birth announcement?

Birth announcements are personal, which is why finding a style that suits the family's personality is the most important part of selecting the perfect announcements. Finding the right style or theme can be done during the pregnancy so that when the baby arrives, only small details are left to finish. Even the most beautiful announcement can feel awkward if it doesn't reflect the family's personal style. Parents should consider whether they're style is simple and elegant, over-the-top extravagant or somewhere in between. Poems and verses included on the announcements are another reflection of the family's style that can add a personal touch.

While considering style options, parents should also set a budget for their ideal birth announcements. The budget should refer to both time and money. For example, creative parents who are short on cash can budget in extra time for creating unique, handcrafted announcements. Many stationary shops and websites offer pre-made birth announcement designs; parents simply fill in their babies' information. These types of announcements can range from very simple and cost effective to intricate and expensive. Custom-designed announcements will cost the most, but can be the most efficient option for parents with time constraints. Double-sided printing can raise the price of any stationary, so cost-conscious parents should opt for a single-sided announcement. Vellum overlay and any sort of assembly done by the designer can also raise the cost of announcements, so it's best to shop around and set a budget early.

Deciding whether to include a picture of the new baby can also play a role in creating ideal birth announcements. While professional photographs increase costs, a home photo session might take up time that the parents don't have. Options can be limited for newborn photographs, which is why many parents opt to wait a few months before sending out professional photos. And with photo-sharing websites allowing parents to share an endless amount of baby photos, including a picture with an announcement has become entirely optional.

Selecting announcements can be an overwhelming process, but getting an early start can help parents make informed decisions before the sleepless nights of early parenthood. Finding a balance between personal style and budget can help any parents choose the perfect birth announcements to reflect their family.