What is a “sprinkle,” the smaller celebration commonly held for which later pregnancy?

A baby sprinkle is a smaller celebration commonly held for a subsequent pregnancy.

The name suggests a lighter version of a full baby shower. Families who already have major baby equipment may receive practical essentials such as diapers, wipes, clothing, or books instead of large gifts. Guests may also simply gather to celebrate the expected child.

A sprinkle is not restricted to a particular number of children. It can be held for a second baby, a later baby, or a new family circumstance in which the parents need different supplies. Hosts often keep the event shorter and less elaborate than a first-baby shower.

The distinction is a social convention rather than a universal rule. Some families hold a traditional shower for every child, while others hold no pre-birth party at all. A sprinkle should therefore be understood as an informal etiquette term, not a mandatory stage of pregnancy.