New trends have emerged in recent years to celebrate pregnancy and expectant mothers. While baby showers and Blessing Ways quickly found their place – the former celebrating mothers and the latter, the unborn child – a new ceremony is gaining popularity: the baby Blessing. A new opportunity to gather family and friends around you so they can meet your baby (perhaps) for the first time, we explain how to organize this celebration and create a magical moment.
Baby blessing, the family welcome ceremony 👪
Unlike the Blessing Way, which had a spiritual dimension to celebrate the final months of pregnancy with the expectant parents, the baby Blessing is a welcome party for the newborn. A baby shower is a party held before the birth, where guests give gifts to pamper the future baby, whereas a baby Blessing is held after the birth, aiming to celebrate the baby's arrival with various rituals and activities.
For many, a baby Blessing can be compared to a baptism, without the religious aspect, as it marks the transition of an important event in a couple's life, transforming them into a family. Celebrated in a small group, surrounded by about ten close relatives, and lasting no more than 1 to 2 hours to allow baby and mom to rest, the baby Blessing can be held between the birth and your little one's 6-month mark.
How to celebrate the baby Blessing? 🧸
If the Blessing Way focuses on the expectant mother, here the baby is put forward. The atmosphere of the party must therefore be consistent with the event. No loud music or intense light, but rather a cocooning and cozy atmosphere, with soft lighting, gentle music, and an environment where stress will not be present.
During the party, a guest is responsible for taking photos and videos of the newborn, their parents, and everyone present. The goal is to maintain a calm atmosphere, away from technology. Parents can choose to lead the ceremony or delegate the organization to a loved one; they can also hire a professional, such as a doula for example.
The important thing is to gather and share an intimate moment, followed by a meal in the style of a potluck, where everyone brings a dish or dessert.
What activities to plan for the baby Blessing? 🎉
Just because the baby Blessing only lasts a maximum of two short hours doesn't mean you, or your organizer, can't plan activities for the party. So, why not take the opportunity to officially announce your baby's name to your loved ones. Where does it come from, why did you choose it, does it mean something? Your guests will certainly be curious to find out. If it hasn't been announced yet, you can also formalize your baby's godparents .
Among the activities you can do together, you can start writing a guestbook, think about the wishes you want for your child, talk about the values you will instill in them, or share your pregnancy memories.
During the baby Blessing, why not take the opportunity to create souvenirs that everyone can take home or that parents can use in their baby's room:
- photos,
- bracelets,
- garlands of sweet words,
- collaborative patchwork for creating a blanket
- or any craft ideas related to birth and motherhood or fatherhood.
You can also ensure everyone remembers this moment by suggesting songs, poems, or creating a fingerprint tree to which everyone will add a mark to form a bond between them all.
Creating an ideal environment for the baby 👶
During the ceremony, particular attention will be paid to the newborn's well-being. The environment plays an important role in sleep and babies' development, which is why it is essential to meet their needs. Dimmed lights and soft music should allow them to feel secure and sufficiently soothed, surrounded by all these faces they will likely see for the first time.
The use of a cocoon can be beneficial to offer the baby a safe space that will allow them to rest securely in a familiar sleep environment. Designed to meet the needs of little ones, it delineates the space around the baby, reassuring them and providing a sense of security that helps them achieve quality sleep.
Discover our Ouatine cocoons size 1 (up to 6 months)
Sleep is an important phase of their development, so it must be as optimal as possible. It's not for nothing that babies sleep between 17 and 22 hours a day during their first few weeks. This sleep contributes to their proper physical, intellectual, and emotional development. The cocoon helps them fall asleep in a soft, defined, and secure environment, no matter where they are. In the living room during the baby Blessing, on a walk, or even in a sleep pod next to the parental bed, the cocoon is the best ally for perfect rest, a true sleep reference for the baby.
Discover our Ouatine cocoons size 2 (from 6 to 18 months)
So, what do you think of holding a ceremony like the baby Blessing? Would you be interested in preparing this event after your baby's birth? What matters in the end is organizing the ceremony that best suits you.
