How to Include Your Baby's Nickname on the Birth Announcements

Introducing your newborn to friends and family is one of the most surreal moments of new parenthood. Birth announcements are one of the first items on new parents' to-do lists, and they’re pretty straightforward to put together: A cute baby photo, an adorable font and a few birth facts are a recipe for success.

If your child has a planned nickname, however, announcing him or her to the world might leave you with some questions. Should you include your baby's formal name on the announcement? Should you leave it off entirely if your baby won't be going by that name? Don't worry, there are plenty of options. Read on for some advice on how to personalize your birth announcements to include your baby’s nickname. 

Featured Birth Announcement: Letterboard Birth Announcement

If Your Child Will Only Be Called By Their Nickname

It’s common for a child to be given a formal first name, but never actually go by it. And there isn’t a rule that says you have to include a formal name on a birth announcement. It really depends on your own individual preferences. However, most parents do include the baby’s entire given name on their birth announcement. And, you can include their nickname too.

The best solution is to seek out birth announcements that allow you to display your child's name in two places! A folded birth announcement does this beautifully, and lets you add tons of photos too.

Take, for example, this super-fun Letterboard Birth Announcement. Write your baby’s nickname — the name they will actually be known as — on the front of their announcement for all to see. And then on the backside, you can include their formal name along with their birth stats and information.

Another cute idea is to use a birth announcement that let’s your baby casually introduce themselves, like - "Hello, I'm Charlie," or "Hello. I'm Kate.” Then, on the backside, use their formal name, along with the birth details.

Featured Birth Announcement: Taped Collage Birth Announcement 

If Your Baby Has a Casual Nickname You Want to Share

Some parents have optional nicknames in mind for their child—often either shortened versions of classic names (i.e. Dan for Daniel), cutesy nicknames that likely won't age with their little one (like Lulu), or initials (CJ for Carter James).

If you want to put their nickname on their birth announcement, consider listing your child's formal name, and then putting quotes around his or her nickname (i.e. Olivia Rose Walker, and below it, "Livy"). Your loved ones will like having the inside scoop on what they should call your newest family member, and it makes your birth announcement all the more personal.

Featured Birth Announcement: Worth the Wait