A welcoming blessing for a new baby allows close friends and family to share the joy of the new arrival. This is appropriate during the first year of life.

During the Newborn Blessing, parents and guests may share their hopes for the new born. The celebrant gives blessings to mom, dad and baby as well as the guests.

Like all ceremonies, there are basic elements that a celebrant may bring to the festivities. Prayers, blessings, and opportunities for participants to contribute in honoring the new born are common. Unique elements may be blended into the ceremony, such as group participation in games or an art project, and adding a social time involving food and drink at the end. Of course, there will be plenty of time spent cooing over the baby. Gifts for the baby may or may not be given.