What Are Sip and See Parties? Parents Are Loving This Trend

In contrast to a traditional baby shower, which typically happens sometime before the baby is born, a sip and see party takes place post-birth. Attendees like friends and family can sip drinks and see the baby (and the new mom) once the new family is up for visitors. And since she’s no longer pregnant, the mom can sip on an alcoholic beverage, too, if she wants.

According to Southern Living, the party trend has roots in Southern states, but it’s becoming more popular around the US. The “sip” portion of the sip and see stems from Southerners “love of tea,” per Southern Living, and that’s what was traditionally served at these events. Nowadays, of course, people drink a variety of tasty beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) during these parties.

According to Southern Living, baby showers are more used to recognize the mother, whereas sip-and-sees are held to honor and dote over the baby. In that case, it’s totally fine if parents want to have both events. Alternatively, families can choose to skip the baby shower entirely and just do a post-birth event so everybody can see the baby. This is helpful for long-distance family members and friends who possibly can’t travel for a baby shower and again once the baby is born.

More from Mom.com: Why Your Birth Plan Doesn’t Matter

If you did have a baby shower, it probably shouldn’t be expected that guests bring more gifts to the sip-and-see. If it’s replacing the baby shower, gifts can be requested. Although most baby registry items need to be purchased before the child’s arrival, so keep that in mind. If you want a fool-proof gift for new parents, you can never go wrong with diapers and wipes!

Like baby showers, sip and see parties don’t have to follow one set theme. The only requirements for a sip-and-see is serving drinks (for the “sip” portion) and showing off the baby (for the “see” portion).

The “sip” part of the sip-and-see is pretty important. You could serve tea like the party’s Southern roots call for. You could also provide alcoholic options with cutesy names like “mom-osas” or “mom-tinis.” Or make a specialty cocktail themed around the baby’s name. Most likely serving a variety of beverages will be your best bet; we’d recommend coffee and teas, juices, champagne, beer, wine, soda, etc.

Just because the sip-and-see doesn’t mention snacks in the name doesn’t mean you should have a beverage-only party. There are endless food options, but doing brunch foods, easy appetizers, or a buffet-style meal is probably the easiest way to feed a lot of guests. TikToker @brittneyrodriguez98 had a breakfast bar at hers complete with bagels, waffles, pancakes, and more. You could also serve charcuterie trays, pastries, or even grill out.

There are many digital downloads on Etsy that make perfect sip-and-see party games. There’s a version of bingo where guests have to track down different friends and family members to complete their sheets. Also, there’s a printable that allows people to write down their wishes and hopes for the new baby. And there’s a “guess the baby food” worksheet set as well.

You can also have a baby outfit painting station like TikToker @clomademedoit did. Newborns really can’t have too many onesies, and it’s a cute way to get friends and family involved.

You can also do non-baby-themed games like outdoor Jenga, cornhole, etc. Any children in attendance will likely appreciate these types of activities.

Etsy is unsurprisingly also home to creative sip-and-see invitations that you can download and print. There are even digital invites that you can just text or email to someone. That’s helpful if you’d rather not spend time tracking down everyone’s physical address and mailing invitations while also caring for a newborn. You can also consider delegating this task to a friend or family member.

There’s no pressure to have a sip-and-see theme. The theme can just be “hang out and meet the baby.” But if you do want a theme, people on TikTok have shared some cute and creative ones.

TikToker @happygal.coffee shared the ocean-themed sip-and-sea party that her business catered. It had lots of beachy decor, seashell cookies, and a pool to swim in. And @theartofgathering shared a sweet butterfly and flowers theme for a baby girl. That one is perfect for a springtime event. And @beckslammond shared a coffee-themed party with a “now that you’ve brewed” sign when guests walked in. This theme also perfectly ties into the “sip” part of the sip-and-see.

Your decor needs may vary depending on whether you choose a theme. But some general things to have on hand include baby-themed cups (for the sipping), as well as plates, cutlery, and napkins. Amazon also sells a cute “sip sip hooray” banner and a sip-and-see photo backdrop that you can get.

Make sure to establish any boundaries ahead of time with guests — perhaps with any important information included with the invitation. This can include things like if they need to be vaccinated, whether or not they’re allowed to post photos of the child on their own social accounts, if they need to leave at a certain time, etc.

Don’t feel bad for advocating for what’s best for you and your child.

Your friends and family may want to meet the baby immediately, but don’t feel pressured to have a party right after giving birth. According to Lancaster General Health, most infants don’t have adequate immune system function until they’re around 2 months old. If you’d like to delay the event so you feel less concerned about the baby’s health, that’s a good reason to give.

But really, the best time to have one is just when the mom feels most comfortable and up for it.

Having a bunch of people around your newborn can be overwhelming. Encourage people to wash their hands prior to holding the baby. Etsy even sells sip-and-see-themed labels. You can put them on mini hand sanitizer bottles and give them out as party favors. Additionally, Lancaster General Health says that adults planning to be around babies should be up-to-date on their vaccines, particularly flu and whooping cough.

Sip-and-sees have become mainstream enough that even celebs are hopping on the trend. Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin had a Bridgerton-themed one for her daughter Sloane in 2022. And last year, Sofia Richie had an Eloise-themed sip-and-see for her daughter Eloise. If you’re considering having one of these post-baby parties, you’re in good company.

If you’re considering having a sip-and-see, the biggest pro is that it allows you some control in those chaotic days after having a baby.

Excited family and friends may want to come over to see the newborn. If that feels like a lot, you can agree to have a formal party when you and the baby are most ready to meet people. If you give birth during a colder time of year, it also allows you to delay things until the weather is nicer. And it gives loved ones a chance to book flights and hotels with plenty of advance notice rather than scrambling as you’re going into labor. It can also be a gender reveal and baby shower alternative if you don’t want to have those more traditional events.

The sip-and-see has caught on as a trend for a reason, after all. They seem pretty great.