Baby Welcomings
Ceremonies to celebrate new life, welcoming little ones into the world and into the warm embrace of family and friends!
Photo by Danielle Sheridan
What is a Baby Welcoming ceremony?
As a Celebrant, I like to think of myself as a professional “celebrator.” And what is more deserving of celebration than welcoming a new baby into this world? A Baby Welcoming (sometimes called a Baby Blessing) helps to mark this joyful transition - whether you are becoming parents for the first time, or are bringing your second, third, fourth child into your family - through a moving, uplifting and life-affirming ceremony.
A Baby Welcoming can happen whenever it feels right for you and your family. It most commonly takes place when a baby is between 4 and 8 months old, or as part of their 1-year old birthday celebration!
Planning can begin as soon as possible. Parents often begin working with me before their baby is born or very soon afterward, especially if you have a particular date in mind.
What happens during a Baby Welcoming Ceremony?
The possibilities are endless! I’ll use my experience and expertise to guide you in articulating your own vision for your baby’s ceremony, providing concrete ideas, examples and structure for you along the way. This open and collaborative process allows me to create a one-of-a-kind ceremony that will embody your personal values, beliefs and notions about life; reflect your intentions as parents, resonate with you as a family, and feel like the absolute perfect way to honor and celebrate your little one! And of course you’ll have the opportunity to read the entire ceremony script in advance, edit and provide feedback, and give your final approval over every word and element.
A Baby Welcoming Ceremony may include elements such as:
Honoring family lineage
Acknowledging your community of family and friends
Telling your “Family Story” - the journey leading up to and including your child entering the world and becoming a part of your family
Celebrating the significance of your baby’s name
Defining your family values
Making parental vows to your child
Readings - I have a collection of heartwarming options to share with you!
Appointing of Guide Parents
Blessings and/or Rituals - I have resources of ideas for you to browse through!
Presenting a special gift to baby
Sharing hopes for your baby’s future
Anything else that feels authentically meaningful to you!
Testimonial
“I can honestly say, working with Danielle was one of the best family decisions we ever made. She was a true partner from start to finish as she crafted a most beautiful and thoughtful ceremony for our family.
When we decided to have a more intimate, personalized and a bit "unconventional" welcome ceremony for our son, I was challenged to find someone who I not only trusted but one who would be as invested in our event as we were. From our very first call, I knew instantly Danielle was our person to officiate our son's baby blessing. She is warm, thoughtful and takes the time to listen.
Danielle's process and guidance is incredible. She asks the right questions, pays attention to the details and has this natural way of taking a few ideas and crystallizing them into a beautiful gem. The day of our son's ceremony was absolute perfection. It was bespoke, and it was a true representation of us.
While I had read the script over countless times, Danielle's delivery was so heartfelt and natural. We received overwhelming positive feedback from our family and friends all saying how beautiful, touching and thoughtful the ceremony was. They fell in love with Danielle as quickly as I did!”
- Amanda K.
Danielle Giannone
Certified Celebrant & Wedding Officiant
