What to write in a new baby card

The hardest part of a new baby card is not the card, it is the first line. Keep it short and warm, mention the baby by name if you know it, and sign off with your own name.

If you know the parents well

• Congratulations to you both. We cannot wait to meet her.
• So happy for you all. Tell us when you are ready for visitors, and when you want us to stay away.
• Welcome to the world, Olive. You are very lucky to have these two.

If you know them a little

• Congratulations on the arrival of your baby. Wishing you all a calm first few weeks.
• Warmest congratulations to you and your family.

For a colleague

• Congratulations from all of us. We hope you enjoy every minute, including the hard ones.
• Wishing you and your family every happiness. Enjoy your time off.

What to leave out

• Comments on how the baby looks, which are always a gamble.
• Advice, unless they have asked for it.
• Questions about sleep, which is a sore subject.
• A guess at the baby's name, if the parents have not shared it.

A card that arrives with your message already printed

Our new baby card prints the name on the front and your message inside, so it arrives ready to post, direct to the parents if you like. It saves you the handwriting and the second trip to the post box.