A sip and see is a gathering held after the baby arrives, so friends and family can sip a drink and see the newest member of the family. It is usually a few weeks to a few months after the birth, often at home, and much more relaxed than a baby shower. There are no games, no gift opening and no schedule beyond “come say hello.”
That relaxed feel only works if the invitation is clear. New parents need guests to arrive during a set window, keep visits short and respect a few health rules. This guide covers the wording, the details to include and a few ideas for making the day easy on everyone.
Sip and See vs. Baby Shower
A baby shower happens before the birth and is traditionally about gifts for the parents-to-be. A sip and see happens after, and it is about meeting the baby. Some families have both; others skip the shower and host a sip and see instead, especially for a second child, an adoption or when the baby arrived early. If you are planning a smaller gathering for a second baby before the birth, see our guide to baby sprinkle invitations.
What to Include
- The baby’s name, and often the birth date and weight. Guests love these details.
- A visiting window, not just a start time: “Drop by anytime between 2 and 5 p.m.”
- The address, with parking notes if it is a home.
- Who is hosting. Grandparents or friends often host so the parents can rest.
- Health notes, stated kindly (see below).
- Gift guidance: gifts are optional at a sip and see. Say so if you prefer none.
- An RSVP date, so you know how many people to expect at once.
Sip and See Invitation Wording
Classic
Please join us for a sip and see
to meet Olivia Rose
born August 3 · 7 lbs 2 oz
Saturday, September 14 · drop by between 2 and 5 p.m.
The Martin home, 18 Oak Lane
Hosted by Grandparents or Friends
Grandma Linda and Grandpa Joe invite you
to sip, snack and meet our first grandchild,
Theo James
Sunday, October 6, 1 to 4 p.m.
For a Baby Girl
- “Come sip and see our sweet baby girl.”
- “She’s here! Join us to meet Ava.”
- “Pink lemonade and a brand-new daughter. Come say hello.”
For a Baby Boy
- “Come sip and see our little guy.”
- “He’s here! Stop by to meet Leo.”
- “Coffee, cake and our newest little man.”
For Twins
- “Double the love: come sip and see Mia and Max.”
- “Two little reasons to celebrate. Please come meet our twins.”
For Adoption
- “Our family grew by one. Please join us to welcome Grace home.”
- “After a long wait, she’s finally home. Come sip and see.”
Health Notes Without Sounding Harsh
Newborns have fragile immune systems, and most pediatricians recommend limiting exposure in the first months. It is completely fine to set rules. Keep them short and warm:
- “To keep baby healthy, please stay home if you’re feeling under the weather.”
- “We kindly ask that guests be up to date on their whooping cough and flu vaccines.”
- “Please wash your hands before holding the baby. We’ll have a station by the door.”
- “We’re keeping this one adults only to protect our little one.”
Put one line on the invitation and repeat it in a reminder message the day before.
Gift Wording
Gifts are not expected at a sip and see, but many guests will bring something. You can guide them:
- “No gifts, please. Your visit is the best present.”
- “In lieu of gifts, a favorite children’s book with a note inside would be lovely.”
- “If you’d like to help, a frozen meal for our freezer would be a gift we’ll treasure.”
Sip and See Ideas
- Keep the menu simple: lemonade, iced tea, coffee and a few finger foods. A brunch-style spread works well in the late morning.
- Set up a photo corner with the baby’s name, so guests can take pictures without crowding the nursery.
- Make a guest book: ask everyone to write a note to the baby to read when they are older.
- Plan for naps. The baby may sleep through most of it; that is fine. Have a quiet room ready.
- Stagger arrivals. For a large family, you can split guests into two windows, for example 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
When to Host and When to Send
Most families host a sip and see four to twelve weeks after the birth, when the parents feel rested enough and the baby is past the first round of checkups. Send the invitation two to three weeks ahead. Because the date can depend on how recovery goes, a digital invitation is handy: you can update the time or date and everyone sees the change on the same link.
Reminder Message
Hi everyone! We can’t wait to see you tomorrow between 2 and 5 p.m. A quick reminder: please stay home if you feel unwell, and wash your hands before cuddles. Parking is on Oak Lane. See you soon! Olivia, Sam and baby Rose
Send it the day before with the same link, so guests can check the address and the time without scrolling back through the chat.
Send It as a Video Invitation
With TwistInvite, you make the invitation in the app. Upload your own newborn photos or a short clip, add music, or hold to record a quick voice message so guests can hear a hello from the new parents. Then share the link by WhatsApp or SMS. Guests open the invitation in their browser and answer Going, Can’t make it or Maybe, without an app or an account. You can ask for each guest’s email and party size, which helps you plan the visiting windows.
The designs shown on this page are soft storybook and blessing styles from our library; they are not labeled specifically “sip and see,” so you add the wording and your own photos. For more baby wording, see our baby shower invitation wording, and for what to include on a pre-birth invitation, read what to put on a baby shower invitation.
Common Mistakes
- Only a start time. Without an end time, a sip and see turns into a long day for a tired family.
- Too many guests at once. Use the RSVP to spread people out.
- Skipping the health note. It is much easier to ask on the invitation than at the door.
- Planning it too soon. Give yourself a few weeks; guests will understand.
Ready to introduce your baby? Open the TwistInvite app and add your favorite photo. You can also browse our baby shower invitations, plan a gender reveal party, or see all our baby shower guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sip and see?
A relaxed gathering held after the baby is born, where friends and family stop by to have a drink and meet the baby. It usually has a visiting window rather than a fixed schedule.
When should you have a sip and see?
Most families host it four to twelve weeks after the birth, once the parents feel rested. Send invitations two to three weeks ahead.
Do you bring a gift to a sip and see?
Gifts are optional. Many guests bring something small, like a book or a meal, but the invitation can say no gifts are needed.
How long should a sip and see last?
Two to three hours is typical. Ask guests to drop by during the window and keep visits short.
How do I ask guests to be healthy?
Add one kind line, such as “Please stay home if you’re feeling under the weather,” and repeat it in a reminder the day before.
Do guests need an app to RSVP?
No. Guests open the link in their browser and choose Going, Can’t make it or Maybe, without downloading anything or creating an account.
Create it in the TwistInvite app
Download free on iPhone or Android, then share one link with your guests.