Sending birth announcement cards sounds straightforward. But do it in the middle of the first weeks with a newborn, and even small tasks feel large. This checklist covers everything — and tells you what to do when.
Before the birth
✓ Choose a printer or designer Get quotes and compare delivery times. Some printers are much faster than others, and in the first weeks after the birth every day matters.
✓ Build your mailing list — generously Write down everyone who should get a card. Estimate higher than you think: you always forget someone. A list of 80 names easily becomes 100.
✓ Start collecting addresses now This is the step that takes the most time, and the one you can start the earliest. Share a private link with family and friends during your pregnancy: "we're expecting soon and want to send you a card." That way the addresses are ready before the birth, not something to chase down afterwards.
✓ Decide on your style Playful, minimalist, or classic? Discuss this with your designer or choose in your printer's configurator. Make this decision before the birth, when you still have the bandwidth.
After the birth
✓ Fill in the details Name, date of birth, weight, length. That's it. The fewer decisions you need to make now, the better.
✓ Share the news digitally Before the physical card is even ready: upload your design and share the link via WhatsApp. Family and friends see the news right away and can leave their address on the same page. You don't have to wait for the printer to share that your baby is here.
✓ Approve the printer proof Check carefully. Typos in names and dates are painful. Have your partner or a trusted friend read through it too — tired eyes miss things.
✓ Review your address list Who hasn't responded yet? Send a gentle reminder. Also check that all addresses are complete: house number, postal code, and for international addresses always include the country.
✓ Send the physical cards Once the cards arrive, get going. If you have large quantities, sorting by postal code makes postage more efficient.
✓ Keep your list Your address list stays saved. Thank you card after the birth, christening invitation, first birthday: you never need to ask anyone for their address again. Use the same list, or a filtered version for smaller occasions. Build it properly once.
Common mistakes
Starting too late with addresses. Most delays come from this. Begin in your third trimester.
Ordering too few cards. Printers work in batches of 10 or 25. Order a few more than you think you need — reordering costs more per card.
Forgetting the postage. Check the weight of your card and envelope. Some cards are heavier than you'd expect.
International addresses without a country. Always include the country, even when it seems obvious.