Announcing a Birth by Letter

Adding a new member of the family is a momentous event and many new parents like to make this announcement with a more traditional letter. As a personal letter this type of communication can be formatted in just about any manner the parents prefer, or could even be formatted to fit on a birth announcement card or the back of a photograph of the new baby.

In general, announcing a birth by letter means slightly more information will be given than just the facts of the birth but this flexibility means that parents can get as creative as they like with the content and format.

Content of a Birth Announcement by Letter

Obviously the details of a baby's birth will be given in a letter written for this purpose, but details on the new baby's personality or growth, how older siblings are handling the new addition and how the new family is operating as a whole are all appropriate content for such a letter as well. Some parents even choose to share snippets of notes they wrote to their new babies, quotes that they scrapbooked or added to birth journals, or poetry that was written in honour of their new children.

Parents who keep diaries or write blogs may also include passages from these sources in a letter announcing a birth. If a baby will undergo a religious ritual such as a baptism soon then details of this event may be included too. It really is up to the new parents as to what they feel is most important or fitting to include in the letter which lets others know about their little bundle of joy.

Format of a Birth Announcement by Letter

A letter announcing the birth of a new baby is a personal letter and as such is free from the more stringent formatting requirements of business or "official" letters. The most important aspects of formatting for a birth announcement by letter is to make sure that the font is legible and the print is clear. Breaking longer letters into shorter paragraphs is also a good idea to make it easier for the readers.

The tone of these letters is usually friendly and enthusiastic, conveying the happiness and excitement of the new parents. If possible, include a return address in the letter or on the envelope so that others can respond in kind. Postal delivery of letters announcing a birth is always appropriate though some parents may prefer email or even hand delivery as well.

Sample of a Birth Announcement by Letter