How to Congratulate a Coworker on a New Baby (12 Gift Ideas and More)

See how to celebrate and congratulate a coworker on a new baby!

That’s awesome!

I know that figuring out how to congratulate a coworker on a new baby can be challenging.

How well do you know them?

Are they your friend?

Or is your relationship more professional?

If you find you are simply cordial with your coworker, how you congratulate them will be different than if you have a friendly relationship with them. The same goes if you are friends outside of work.

To make sure you congratulate your coworker in a way that is appropriate, here are some ideas based on your relationship:

Congratulate Them on Social Media

For those coworkers who are acquaintances, you can definitely send them a note of congratulations if you have them on your Facebook.

While Facebook is not a substitute for real-life communication, it’s perfectly okay to send them a message or post on their wall if you feel you are not close enough to send a card or an email.

Plus, the new parent gets to revel in the congratulations in a public forum.

Even if it seems informal, it will still make them feel special.

Give Your Congratulations in Person at Work

While it’s unlikely that a new mom is going to show up at work immediately after having a baby (although it does happen), you can easily congratulate new dads face-to-face.

They need some love too!

And, if the new mom does return to work soon after giving birth, you can give her a warm congratulations as well.

If you’re not sure what to say, a simple, “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and your family,” will suffice.

Depending on your level of comfort (as well as your coworkers), you can give them a hug. Just make sure your sentiment is sincere.

Oh, and you can congratulate your coworker in person when you hear the exciting news as well!

Send an Email

If you are not that close to your coworker, you don’t have to pull out all the bells and whistles to congratulate them on their new baby.

For coworkers that you don’t get to see face-to-face or you don’t communicate a lot with, sending an email is a perfectly thoughtful and professional way to send them your congratulations.

A simple way to congratulate a coworker on a new baby through email could be something like:

Dear {Coworker},

I was excited to hear the happy news about your new baby! I wish you and your growing family all the joy and happiness in the world.

Congratulations to you and your family!

All the best,

{You}

You can also attach a beautiful graphic or if you have a closer relationship with this coworker, you can send along a funny meme.

Also, depending on your relationship with said coworker, you can include an offer of help in your email to lend your support.

Just don’t offer to help if you really don’t want to (which is completely cool if you don’t)!

Send a Card


Somewhere between sending an email and attending a baby shower, you can always send a card!

If you have your coworker’s address, this is a more personal way to show your congratulations without getting involved in the festivities (especially if you are not close enough to get invited).

The perk here is that most cards already include well-wishes and congratulations, so you don’t have to rack your brain to come up with the perfect message.

Of course, you’re going to want to add your own personal message but it can be something short and sweet, such as:

  • “So excited for you! Wishing you all the best with your new bundle of joy!”
  • “Congratulations on your new baby. The little miracle is finally here!”
  • “I am so happy for you and your family. Congratulations!”

While you can always hit up your local grocery store or department store to find a card, here are some really cute ones you can order online:

Visit Your Coworker in Person to Congratulate Them

For those coworkers you are close to, you may be invited to visit them and the baby in person.

You take along a gift and a card or ask the new parent if there is anything they need.

Some groceries or a home-cooked meal will always be appreciated!

In today’s world, it’s important to take precautions. Don’t visit the new baby if you are feeling ill and make sure you sanitize your hands before visiting.

And don’t take offense if your coworker doesn’t want you to hold their new baby.

It’s not personal parents these days are much more cautious about germs and just want to keep their baby safe.

Attend the Baby Shower If You Are Invited

If you’re close to your coworker, it’s likely that you will be invited to the baby shower!

But if you don’t feel that close to your coworker, you aren’t obligated to attend.

Some people may invite everyone at work to seem fair or be friendly.

Instead, you can send along a small gift or a card.

Now, just because you are invited to the baby shower doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg on a gift.

Look through their baby registry to see what they need or check out the coworker baby gift ideas below.

Coworker Baby Gift Ideas

Even if you aren’t attending the baby shower for your coworker, you can still give them a gift! You can even consider having others from work pitch in and give the new parents a group gift.

Here are some super cute baby gift ideas for your coworker:

1. Funny Quote Socks

Little ones are going to need socks to keep their feet warm and these ones have adorable and funny quotes printed on the bottom.

Even if you’re not close to your coworker, these humorous socks would make a great gift!

2. Handprint Footprint Makers Kit

If you have little ones yourself then you know that they don’t stay little forever.

I love these handprint and footprint maker kits because parents can create a keepsake to remember just how tiny their precious baby was.

3. My First Year Silver Keepsake Frame

Again, babies grow fast and a keepsake frame is a perfect way to see how their looks change throughout the first year of their life.

4. Baby Drool Gift Set with Bandanas, Bibs, and More

Babies drool, that’s a given.

This set is great because it includes more than just bibs! Check out the adorable bandanas, pacifier holder, and pacifier clips – all made with 100% organic cotton.

This set is designed for girls, but you can get one for boys too!

5. Mugs, Onesie, and Bandana Gift Set

Congratulating a coworker on a new baby doesn’t have to be all about the baby!

This beautiful gift set includes mugs for mom and dad and is a great way to celebrate the whole family.

6. Baby Diaper Caddy and Nursery Organizer

This diaper caddy and nursery organizer by Putska will help your coworker keep all of their baby necessities all in one place. Its sturdy design and large size can hold everything from diapers to bottles and stuffies to bum cream!

Gifts to Congratulate a Coworker on a New Baby Girl

7. “New to the Crew” Onesie, Pants, Hat, and Headband Set

Looking for a cute and stylish outfit as a gift for your coworker?

Check out the New to the Crew onesie outfit!

This onesie is perfect for baby’s first few months. It’s made from soft and cozy material, so baby will be comfortable all day long. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy care. This cute outfit makes a great baby shower gift or first outfit present.

8. Monthly Baby Photoshoot Blanket

Babies grow so fast!

Sometimes you blink and they’re already moving on to the next stage.

This Baby Monthly Milestone blanket is the perfect way to capture all of the best moments of your coworker’s baby’s first year.

This beautiful flower theme blanket makes a perfect and unique baby shower gift that the new mom will absolutely love.

She’ll be able to create lasting memories and think of how awesome you are every time she looks at it!

9. Bibs, Plushie, and More Gift Set for Girls

This special gift set has everything a mom needs to get their brand new baby off on the right start.

Inside this gift set for your coworker, are toys, blankets, washcloths, and bibs – all with an adorable unicorn theme.

New parents will love the high quality and thoughtfulness of this amazing present, and baby will love snuggling up with their new favorite things.

It’s the perfect way to say congratulations and welcome a little one into the world.

Gifts to Congratulate a Coworker on a New Baby Boy

10. “Cooler New Version of Dad” Outfit

This adorable outfit is sure to be a hit with any new mom.

It’s super cute, well-made, and comes with plenty of room for growth.

Plus, it makes a great gift for a coworker to give!

11. My First Sports Bag

If you’re looking for a fun and huggable gift check out this first sports bag play set!

This five-piece set includes a sports bag, baseball sound toy, basketball squeak toy, soccer ball crinkle toy, and football rattle – perfect for small hands.

12. Father and Son T-shirt and Onesie Set

This father and son set includes a men’s t-shirt and an infant bodysuit and make a great gift from a coworker.

The shirt is a great way to show off the baby’s sports team spirit, and the bodysuit is perfect for those first few months when the newborn can’t quite communicate yet.

Plus, what could be better than matching daddy and baby shirts?

Baby Shower Card Message Ideas

Sometimes it can be challenging to figure out what baby shower wishes you should include in a card.

While you should definitely write from the heart, here are some ideas depending on whether or not you are close with your coworker:

For Coworkers You Are Close To

  • “I couldn’t be happier for you and your partner! You guys are going to be wonderful parents. Congratulations!”
  • “I’m so excited about your new bundle of joy! You deserve all the happiness that comes with being a parent.”
  • “I can’t wait for playdates and birthday parties! Just know that your little one will always have a friend in {my child}. Congratulations!”
  • “I am so happy for you! If you need anything during these precious and hectic early days, please let me know.”
  • “Babies are wonders, babies are fun, congratulations on your new little one! Love just got real and I’m so excited for you!”

For Coworkers You Aren’t That Close To

  • “To you and your partner, well-wishes and congratulations on your baby’s birth.”
  • “Wishing blessings of joy to you and your new baby. Congratulations!”
  • “Best wishes for a lifetime of joy and happiness for you and your growing family.”
  • “Congratulations! May your child be healthy and happy as they make incredible memories with you.”
  • “I wish you all the best on this exciting journey with the newest member of your family. Congratulations!”

Congratulation Messages for Your Coworker’s Maternity/Parental Leave

Maternity and parental leave is a special time for the new parent and you may want to give them your good wishes before they leave work.

It’s important to acknowledge this because it helps the new parent feel supported by their coworkers, knowing that this community of care will be there throughout their leave and when they return.

Again, how you congratulate them all depends on the nature of your relationship.

For a coworker who is a friend, you can offer help during their leave and tell them you will stay in touch while they are out of work.

For coworkers you aren’t that close to, you can simply give them a card, write them or note, or give your congratulations in person.

You can say something like, “Enjoy your time with your baby.

I look forward to when you come back.”

And it will mean a lot to your coworker to be warmly welcomed back to the job.

You can leave a note or small gift in their workspace for their first day back.

Congratulating a Coworker on a New Baby

Remember to keep in mind the type of relationship you have with your coworker when it comes to congratulating them.

No matter how close you are (or aren’t), there are many wonderful ways you can express your well wishes!

A new baby is a big deal but any form of congratulations will mean a lot to the new parent.

Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to pin this post!

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Elna is a mom to twins who blogs and writes for a living. She loves all things mom. While she’s not blogging, you can find Elna meal planning, organizing and helping other moms in her Facebook group, Ready Set Blog for Traffic (From Mom to Mompreneur).