Has anyone had a 'welcome baby' party after baby arrived?

[Anonymous]

Not a bris, baptism or baby shower, but a gathering to celebrate baby's birth after baby arrives?
This is my third, and we don't need any gifts; however, I am kind of bummed out that this time around, no living family and no one that asks about this baby, etc. I thought it might be a fun change of pace to have a welcome party for the baby.

But practiclly speaking, is this unwise? Apart from the logistics maybe being a pain when we have a newborn, what else is to be expected?
I would probably do an afternoon open house, invite my friends with kids, let the kids run around and play, ask for no gifts, serve some food / drinks.
Has anyone done this? Do you regret it? Was it a success? And if you did it, what age was the baby?

[Anonymous]

We did something like this at my mom's house so I didn't have to plan anything. She put out food etc and there was a window of time people could come over. It was actually a lot of fun. And no, we did not ask for gifts, although some people still brought something small.

[Anonymous]

I think a casual open-house style gathering sounds fine. Keep it low-key, and I don't see how anyone could be offended. But why would you not invite friends without kids?

[Anonymous]

Yep "sip and see" is what it's called. Normally someone else throws it for you (just so you don't have to worry about cleaning your home). If you throw it for yourself, just get a cleaning lady beforehand so you don't have to worry about cleaning. Just focus on making the nursery and public areas presentable.

I really enjoy going to these!

[Anonymous]

Some of my friends mentioned being told that their pediatrician told them not to have their newborn around any other babies until the newborn is 2 months. I dont remember hearing that when I had my last daughter but thought I would bring up that aspect. You dont want the baby to get sick too young...

[Anonymous]

OP here.
Thanks for all the feedback.

[Anonymous]

No, I did not plan one and once he arrived I was very glad I didn't have one. First of all, I was swollen (from pitocin administered after birth), bleeding everywhere, fat, and lactating. Friends came over one or two at a time and even that was awkward. One friend decided to try to get a close look at our baby while he was nursing (not realizing I was nursing?!) that was annoying.

[Anonymous]

I went to one--it was nice. One friend was the 'hostess' who answered the door and directed everyone to wash hands and sanitize when they arrived. She also pointed people towards drinks & snacks that were out so the new mom didn't have to do anything, not even get up from the couch. She had had a shower, so no one brought gifts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yep "sip and see" is what it's called. Normally someone else throws it for you (just so you don't have to worry about cleaning your home). If you throw it for yourself, just get a cleaning lady beforehand so you don't have to worry about cleaning. Just focus on making the nursery and public areas presentable.

I really enjoy going to these!

My mom through a sip and see for us so that our families back home could meet the baby. It was a noon house sort of party with food and drinks. We had such a great time casually mingling with our family and friends.

[Anonymous]

Hmm--never heard of anyone I know doing this. It seems okay so long as the NO GIFTSthing is made 100% clear. I'm thinking of it from the guests perspective--where gift giving may be maxed out after multiple baby showers, etc.