What to Write in a New Baby Card: Messages for Parents, Grandparents & Friends

What should you write in a new baby card?

A new baby card needs three things: congratulations for the parents, a welcome for the baby, and a sign-off that says who you are. If you want something that works for anyone, this does it: "Congratulations on the arrival of [name]. Welcome to the world, little one!"

The best messages tend to mention the baby by name, say something kind about the parents, and stay short, because the people you're writing to are running on very little sleep. Below you'll find wording for every relationship, along with funny options, messages for twins, adoption and second babies, and a few lines to steer clear of.

Short new baby messages that suit anyone

• "Welcome to the world, [name]! Congratulations to you both."
• "So happy for you. Enjoy every tiny moment."
• "Congratulations on your beautiful new arrival."
• "A brand new person to love. How wonderful."
• "Wishing [name] a lifetime of love, laughter and adventure."
• "Huge congratulations on the safe arrival of [name]."
• "The world just got a little bit better. Welcome, [name]."
• "Sending love to the three of you."

New baby card messages from grandparents

You can be as sentimental as you like. This card may well end up in a keepsake box, so write to the baby as well as to your own child.

• "Our first grandchild. We've waited so long to say welcome, [name], and we already love you completely."
• "To our darling [name], you have made us grandparents and we couldn't be prouder. Love, Granny and Grandad."
• "Welcome to the family, little one. We have so many stories to tell you."
• "Congratulations to you both. You're going to be wonderful parents, because we've seen the way you love."
• "One day you'll read this and know how much your arrival meant to us. All our love, Nanna and Grandpa."
• "Another branch on the family tree, and the loveliest one yet."

New baby messages from aunts, uncles and godparents-to-be

• "To my brand new niece, welcome! Your favourite auntie is already planning the spoiling."
• "Congratulations, big brother and sister! Can't wait to meet [name]."
• "Uncle duties officially accepted. Welcome, [name]."
• "I promise to be your partner in mischief for life. Welcome to the family, [name]."
• "So proud of you both. [Name] is very lucky."

New baby messages from friends

• "Congratulations! Sleep when you can, and call us for anything, any time."
• "So thrilled for you. [Name] has landed in the best possible family."
• "Welcome to parenthood. You'll be brilliant at it."
• "A tiny new person to love. Sending so much happiness to you all."
• "Congratulations on your gorgeous baby. Dinner's on us when you're ready."

New baby messages from colleagues

• "Congratulations on your new arrival from all of us. Enjoy every minute of leave."
• "Wishing you and your growing family all the very best."
• "So pleased to hear [name] has arrived safely. Congratulations!"
• "Don't even think about your inbox. Congratulations to you both."

Funny new baby card messages

Best for close friends and family who'll take the joke in the spirit intended.

• "Congratulations! Sleep is overrated anyway."
• "Welcome to the world, [name]. Your parents were fun once."
• "Nine months of waiting, eighteen years of worrying. Congratulations!"
• "Say goodbye to lie-ins, hello to the best thing you've ever done."
• "Congratulations! Enjoy your new tiny boss."

What to write for a new baby girl

• "A beautiful daughter to love. Congratulations!"
• "Welcome to the world, [name]. May you grow up brave, kind and curious."
• "Congratulations on the arrival of your little girl. She's very lucky to have you."

What to write for a new baby boy

• "Congratulations on your gorgeous little boy!"
• "Welcome, [name]. What an adventure you've got ahead of you."
• "So happy for you both. [Name] is a very lucky lad."

What to write for twins

• "Double the love, double the joy. Congratulations on your beautiful twins!"
• "Two tiny people to welcome. Two big congratulations."
• "Welcome, [name] and [name]. What a lucky pair to have each other from day one."

What to write for a second or third baby

Second babies often get a card that's an afterthought. Mention the older sibling and you'll get it right.

• "Congratulations on [name]'s arrival, and to [older sibling] on becoming a big sister!"
• "Another beautiful baby. Your family just keeps getting lovelier."
• "Welcome, [name]. You've got a wonderful big brother waiting to show you the ropes."

What to write for an adopted baby or child

• "Congratulations on becoming a family. [Name] has found the best home in the world."
• "So happy for you all. Welcome home, [name]."
• "The wait is over. Wishing you a lifetime of love together."

Religious new baby card messages

• "May God bless this precious new life."
• "Children are a gift from the Lord. Congratulations on your blessing."
• "Praying for health and happiness for [name] and for you both."

What not to write in a new baby card

• Anything about the birth unless the parents have told you about it. "Hope it wasn't too bad" is not what a new mum wants to read.
• Comments on the name, however positive. "Interesting choice!" will be remembered.
• Weight, size or appearance jokes about the baby or the mother.
• Advice. They have a health visitor. They need a card that just says well done.
• "He looks just like his dad" unless you've actually seen the baby.

Do you send a gift with a new baby card?

Usually a small one, and close family often give something to keep. The gifts parents say they treasure most tend to be the ones with the baby's name on: a personalised baby book to read at bedtime, a money box to start their savings, a soft toy with their name embroidered on, or a keepsake box for the hospital bracelet and the first tiny babygrow. You'll find all of these and more in our personalised new baby gifts. If the family is planning a christening or naming day, our guide to what to write in a christening card is here when you need it.

A few tips before you write

• Check the spelling of the name. Ask, or copy it from the announcement. Ava, Ava-Rose and Avah are three different babies.
• Add the date of birth. It turns a card into a keepsake.
• Write to the baby too. A line addressed to [name] is the bit that gets read again in twenty years.
• Short is fine. Nobody with a newborn wants to read a page.

However you word it, you're saying the same thing everyone wants to hear: a new person has arrived, and they are welcome.