Best Flowers for New Babies

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting, emotional time. As friends and family meet the new arrival, many will choose flowers as a heartfelt congratulatory gift for parents and their bundle of joy. With an array of floral options, putting thought into a meaningful, safe gift is key.

When selecting baby flowers, important considerations include safety, scent, and symbolic meaning. Choosing non-toxic varieties in calming fragrances brings comfort during early parenting days. Opting for floral hues and types that traditionally represent new life, love, innocence also thoughtfully marks the momentous occasion.

This guide by Lily's Florist outlines the ideal attributes when selecting flowers for babies. Key safety precautions, soothing natural scents, and timeless floral symbols connected to welcoming children help choose a special, memorable gift. With this foundation, friends and loved ones can confidently pick the perfect new baby blooms.

*Data: The data above was really hard to come by, it's only an approximate of total flower sales by Lily's Florist of new baby flowers over the last 6 years. It actually surprised us. Note that we don't stock a lavender bouquet per say, but there are flower products with lavender in them, more as a filler. Not surprisingly Roses was the most popular but we thought Daisies would be more popular.

What to Consider When Selecting Flowers

When deciding which flowers make the best gifts for new babies and parents, safety is paramount. Many popular flowers like tulips, though beautiful, can actually be quite toxic to little ones. Doing research on floral varieties that are allergen-free and entirely non-toxic is key.

Prioritizing either lightly scented or fragrance-free blooms is also wise, as a newborn's senses are highly sensitive. Even gentle floral fragrances can still overwhelm. Going for soothing scents like lavender or rose - lauded for their calming properties - is best.

Finally, reflecting on the time-honored symbolic meanings behind flowers can help select an arrangement overflowing in significance. Soft flower colors like pink represent unconditional affection - perfectly suited for babes enveloped in love. Pastel varieties also nod to innocence and joy. And white flowers indicate the promise held in new beginnings - appropriately meaningful for parents marveling in their precious addition.

When choosing baby gifts, erring on the safe side florally ensures the focus stays on marveling over new life - not potential hazards. And selecting scents and symbols conveying warmth, calm, and optimism perfectly captures the emotions of a newborn's arrival. Keeping safety, scent, and meaning at the forefront results in an impactful, thoughtful flower gift.

Flowers to Avoid: Safety First

Parents of newborns already have enough concerns without worrying about potentially toxic plants in the nursery. While many beautiful flowers make appropriate gifts, several common varieties can pose genuine risks to infants and should be avoided entirely. Here's a comprehensive guide to flowers that shouldn't be included in new baby arrangements:

Beyond these specific varieties, several practical safety guidelines can help ensure floral gifts remain purely joyful:

1. Remove all packaging materials - Plastic wraps, ribbons, wires, and other decorative elements pose choking hazards and should be promptly discarded.
2. Consider pollen allergies - Many babies develop sensitivities early. Opt for low-pollen varieties or have florists remove pollen-heavy stamens.
3. Beware of vase water - Curious babies may reach for or knock over vases, so ensure arrangements are placed well out of reach.
4. Watch for falling petals - As flowers age, fallen petals can become choking hazards for crawling infants.
5. Consider long-term safety - If gifting potted plants, ensure they'll remain safe as baby becomes mobile and explores.

When in doubt about a particular flower variety, consult with professional florists who can guide you toward baby-safe alternatives that maintain beauty without compromising safety.

Scent

A newborn infant's senses are remarkably acute, so when choosing floral gifts, scent warrants careful attention. A baby's fragile constitution and sensitive faculties mean even gently perfumed flowers can still overwhelm. As friends and family send their congratulations through fragrant blooms, picking either lightly scented varieties or scentless options entirely shows consideration.

For those that still wish to send a sweet floral smell, some classically positive fragrances can evoke the right sentiment if minimally redolent. Soothing scents like lilac, lavender, orange blossom or rose gently calm fussy babies, as generations of mothers can attest. And just as a mild, comforting scent helps infants relax, it can mollify stressed new parents too. Flowers with these relaxing, subdued notes signify empathy and recognition of major life adjustments occurring. So for well-wishers moved by a baby’s arrival and wanting to send their elation sensitively through fragrant blooms, these soft, mollifying scents handle the momentous news with care.

By mindfully selecting muted floral scents or no perfume at all, gift-givers show attention and care for baby’s wellbeing. So erring on the delicate side regarding newborn blooms’ fragrance makes a thoughtful, prudent gift. The measure of restraint honors major milestones unfolding.

Symbolism and Color

Beyond safety and scent, evaluating the symbolic meanings and messaging behind different flower types matters too when choosing new baby flowers. Floriography - the language of flowers - has a long tradition of assigning floral varieties emotional significance and deeper meaning. Connecting selected blooms to principles like love, joy, innocence and new life makes arrangements more thoughtful.

Similarly, flower colors have their own universal associations, with soft pastel varieties indicating tenderness and celebrating birth. Hues like pink represent unconditional familial bonds, yellow conveys the glowing joy of new arrivals, blue flowers signify wonder, and white flowers indicate the promise awaiting little ones.

By carefully selecting flowers evoking uplifting symbolic traits historically tied to children and babies - like purity, hope, optimism - well-wishers communicate sensitive understanding of parenthood’s blessings. Choosing gentler colors aligned to principles of peace, calm and harmony also shows empathy. So factoring symbolism creates more meaningful connections.

With long-held societal views granting flowers almost spiritual resonance, floral gifts gain greater impact when their essence intrinsically honors new life's magic. Whether through color, variety, or customary meaning, these blooms uplift.

Cultural Significance of Flowers in Baby Celebrations

Around the world, flowers play meaningful roles in welcoming new babies, with traditions and symbolism varying widely across cultures. Understanding these diverse perspectives can help you select culturally resonant gifts for families from different backgrounds.

Eastern Traditions

In Japan, the chrysanthemum symbolizes longevity and rejuvenation, making it a thoughtful gift for new parents. The Japanese cherry blossom (sakura) represents the beauty and fragility of life—a poignant reminder of childhood's precious, fleeting nature. Many Japanese families appreciate ikebana-inspired arrangements that embody harmony and balance.

Chinese tradition associates peonies with prosperity, good fortune, and happy marriages—all auspicious qualities for a growing family. Lotus flowers symbolize purity and spiritual awakening, while bamboo represents resilience and strength—qualities parents hope to instill in their children.

In India, marigolds hold deep significance in celebrating new life. Their vibrant orange and yellow blooms symbolize brightness and positive energy, and they're often strung into garlands to decorate homes welcoming newborns. Jasmine represents divine hope and is associated with maternal love in many South Asian cultures.

European Perspectives

Scandinavian traditions emphasize simplicity and natural elements. Arrangements featuring white tulips, snowdrops, or lily of the valley (ensuring they're kept out of baby's reach due to toxicity) represent new beginnings and the purity of new life. Many Nordic families appreciate potted plants like heather that can withstand cold and symbolize resilience.

Throughout Mediterranean cultures, olive branches incorporated into arrangements symbolize peace and blessings, while orange blossoms represent fertility and eternal love. Lavender from the French countryside carries associations with purity and devotion.

In Eastern European traditions, periwinkle flowers represent early memories and the beginning of life. Many Slavic cultures view sunflowers as symbols of adoration and loyalty—fitting sentiments for welcoming a new family member.

African Traditions

Across many West African cultures, protea flowers represent change and hope—meaningful symbols for transformative life events like birth. Their unique appearance and hardiness mirror the distinctive journey of each new life.

In North African traditions, particularly Morocco and Tunisia, orange blossoms and jasmine symbolize fertility, happiness, and sweet innocence. These fragrant flowers often appear in gifts welcoming baby girls especially.

Many South African traditions incorporate King Protea, the country's national flower, representing courage and transformation—qualities parents hope to nurture in their children.

Americas and Indigenous Traditions

Native American traditions in various regions honor the arrival of new life with white sage, sweetgrass, and cedar—plants considered sacred and purifying. While not typical cut flower arrangements, these botanicals can be incorporated into dried arrangements with significant cultural meaning.

Throughout Latin America, vibrant dahlia arrangements celebrate new births with their association with dignity and elegance. In Mexican tradition, baby blue morning glories may be gifted to symbolize renewal and the bright beginning of life's journey.

In Hawaiian culture, orchid leis welcome new babies with expressions of love and beauty. The plumeria flower represents birth and new beginnings across many Pacific Island cultures.

Modern Multicultural Approaches

For families with blended cultural backgrounds, combining flowers with significance from multiple traditions creates meaningfully personalized gifts. Consider:

• Incorporating flowers from both parents' cultural backgrounds
• Adding small symbolic elements (like a tiny gold coin with roses for Chinese-Western families)
• Including a note explaining the cultural significance of your chosen blooms
• Respecting religious considerations that may affect flower choice

Understanding these diverse flower traditions enriches gift-giving, showing respectful acknowledgment of cultural heritage while celebrating the universal joy of welcoming new life.

Best Types of Flowers for New Babies

When celebrating a newborn's arrival with gifted floral arrangements, certain varieties make especially thoughtful choices thanks to their positive symbolic traits, calming attributes, and traditional associations with children.

Fragrant, elegant roses bearing softly perfumed velvety petals intrinsically connect to concepts of love and caring - rightfully meaningful when honoring growing families. Their thornless stems can be incorporated into sweetly scented posies or keepsake wreaths.

Similarly, the distinctive flowers of lavender plants hold longevity as mementos while the calming aroma has long been tied to principles of purity and peaceful slumber. Mini wreaths or dried sprigs make soothing, emblematic new baby gifts.

Cheery carnations also hit positive symbolic notes with their bright perky ruffles, classic delicate scent, and budget-friendly pricing. Arrangements in soft pink and white especially convey the joy, affection, and optimism awaiting new arrivals.

Even simple classic daisies nod to innocence and new beginnings - appropriately evocative meanings for parents at the start of incredible journeys. Non-toxic varieties work wonderfully in small bouquets or mini garden plants.

And stately lilies represent fertility and maternal bonds - perfect for congratulating doting mothers. Their large trumpet-shaped blooms come in a rainbow of gentle pastel hues to mix symbolism and beauty.

With so many options rich in positive meanings, scents, and connections to family bonds or childhood, finding the perfect baby blooms is truly attainable. A gift selected mindfully can convey deep understanding of parenthood's significance.

Lavender

When it comes to new baby flowers and gifts, heirloom lavender merits special distinction. Beyond being completely non-toxic, it carries a light, sweet soothing scent tied to relaxation and healthy slumber based on ancient principles. For generations, parents have turned to the gentle perfume of lavender to naturally calm fussy, crying infants. So its aromatic properties intrinsically connect to comfort and purity.

As a hardy perennial, miniature potted lavender plants also promise longevity - certain to witness many precious moments as baby grows into toddlerhood. The delicate blooms and fragrance dry equally well too for sweet-scented sachets.

With its heritage associations with peacefulness, healing, and harmony, lavender flowers have been ceremonially strewn for centuries to sanctify and protect. So from a symbolic perspective, lavender beautifully represents childhood's sanctity and the deep wish for babies to sleep gently, ensconced in divine calm.

This depth of time-honored meaning together with lavender's heritage uses makes it uniquely qualified as a new baby gift. In floral terms, nothing else quite encapsulates the same prayerful desires for health, happiness, and wholeness to take root and bloom. And shared through uplifting dried bunches or fragrant planted sprigs, the gift of lavender connects new parents to generations who've cherished this gentle, protective bloom.

Care Tips for Lavender:

• Fresh Cut Lavender:
  • Place in minimal water (just 1-2 inches) as lavender can rot in deep water
  • No need for flower food - lavender prefers plain water
  • Allow to dry naturally in the vase for long-lasting dried arrangements
• Potted Lavender:
  • Place in bright, direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily
  • Water only when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Ensure excellent drainage - never allow to sit in water
  • Keep in rooms with good air circulation to prevent mildew

Carnations

For those wanting to gift new parents a classic floral arrangement that uplifts while remaining budget-friendly, lovely carnations shine. Often deemed the stalwart flower for significant milestones thanks to their delicate ruffled petals and gentle sweet perfume, they convey joy and heartfelt affection. That lightweight scent also avoids overwhelming still-developing newborn senses while nodding to tradition.

Their inexpensive pricing means celebrants can gift impressive bouquets delivering bountiful, beautiful blooms that feel abundant with positivity. That affordability also lends itself to recurrent gifting - useful as the parenting journey unfolds with major moments worth commemorating again and again.

And the broad color palette carnations come in, spanning white to coral to candy pink, supplies ideal pastel options for the newest arrivals among us. Those soft shades symbolize the tender new bonds enfolding babies in support, warmth and devotion. So for honoring expanding families sensitively while delighting the eye, few floral gifts foster connection more gracefully than the lyrically romantic carnation, whether in a bouquet or decorative arrangement.

Ultimately carnations in their gentleness convey that the life honored holds profound meaning. And what greater, more wondrous tribute exists to welcome tiny heartbeats into the world?

Care Tips for Carnations:

• Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line
• Trim stems at an angle, cutting at least 1/2 inch from bottom
• Add flower food to vase water for optimal longevity
• Change water every 3-4 days or when it becomes cloudy
• Carnations can last 2-3 weeks with proper care
• If stems get soft near the bottom, re-cut to restore water uptake
• Keep away from fruit as ethylene gas shortens carnation life

Daisies

Daisies hold distinction as one of the most joyfully appropriate blooms for congratulating new parents and welcoming wee ones thanks to the flower's enduring associations with new beginnings and innocence. Their brightly open faces evoke the dawn of wondrous possibility stretching out before young families. And daisies intrinsically connect to treasured childhood moments spent playfully crafting chain garlands - thus tying them symbolically to an idyllic time of imagination and simple joys.

Beyond the symbolic relevance though, daisies también win favor as new baby gifts thanks to trending non-toxic, perfectly safe floral varieties now available. Mini gardén bouquets and petite potted plants pose no health threats, yet still supply that cheerfully familiar blossom to brighten any room.

For generations, daisies have graced countless childhood storybooks, artwork and nurseries for good reason. The flowers radiate irrepressible joy and a sense of adventure just waiting to unfold - a messaging that resonates powerfully when little explorers arrive. As young families embark on their own odysseys, keeping symbolic daisies close fosters foundational feelings of optimism and possibility.

So by upholding both meaning and safety similarly, the trusted daisy blooms timelessly as the ideal trifecta new baby flower gift - one that is classically symbolic, non-toxic, and still conveys good cheer from all well-wishers welcoming baby home.

Care Tips for Daisies:

• Clean and sterilize vases thoroughly before arranging
• Remove all foliage that would sit below the water line
• Cut stems at an angle using sharp scissors or clippers
• Fill vase with room temperature water mixed with flower food
• Change water every 2 days to maximize vase life
• Keep arrangements away from ripening fruit and direct sunlight
• Watch water levels daily as daisies can be thirsty flowers
• To revive wilting daisies, submerge entire stems in cool water for 1 hour

Lilies

When choosing floral gifts to honor new mothers and babies, elegant lilies intrinsically connect to maternity and the miraculous beginnings of life. In the plant world, few other blooms evoke such things as fertility, femininity divine bonds between parent and child through their large, distinctly trumpet-shaped petals more than the bold lily.

Lily's Florist has a large range of lilies for same day delivery - view our lily flowers range.

And while conveying symbolic meaning through their variety type, lilies also supply stunning visual beauty with flowers available in a diverse palette spanning pristine whites to dusky pinks. Those softer pastel petals in particular align to welcoming babies while avoiding overstimulation. For hardier varieties, cut lily stems can be incorporated into floral wreaths and bouquets as fragrant focal points. More tender blooms instead thrive potted as living gifts that may endure years.

Now modern hybrid lilies also better accommodate new babies thanks to breeders minimizing pollen. Where once friends needed to meticulously remove lily anthers to prevent staining surroundings, sterile cultivars instead bloom blithely with barely any powdery traces to brush away. So ease joins elegance for today's well-wishers gifting festive maternity blooms.

Lilies therefore make resplendent, meaningful new baby gifts through long-held symbolic connections and timeless feminine beauty - one certain to delight new mothers. And floral gifts celebrating maternal bonds while epitomizing fertility's mysteries feel especially momentous when precious heartbeats join families.

Care Tips for Lilies:

• Important Safety Note: Remove all lily stamens (the brown/orange pollen-covered parts) immediately to prevent staining and potential allergic reactions
• Cut stems at an angle, removing at least 1 inch
• Place in deep, lukewarm water with flower food
• If possible, leave lily buds to open gradually in the home for longest display life
• Change water every other day to keep fresh
• Keep away from drafts and heat sources
• As each flower fades, gently remove it to keep arrangement looking fresh
• For potted lilies, place in bright indirect light and water when top inch of soil feels dry

Flower Arrangement Ideas

When selecting the perfect new baby flower gift, tailoring both variety and presentation style to suit the family's home makes a thoughtful gesture. For parents with more limited space, choosing compact bouquets in sweetly diminutive sizes feels appropriate. Mini vases allow showcasing just a few blooms - perhaps wee sprigs of rosebuds or a pair of smiling daisies.

Alternately, vibrant mixed arrangements positively bursting with color suit growing families settling into roomier residences. Vibrant pansies, cheerful sunflowers, and bright zinnias mingle in a dynamic display congratulating parents while visually stimulating wee ones. Just be sure to avoid heavily scented options.

For an understated, elegant look, white flowers tied with ribbons transmit peaceful calm to harried parents. Mini calla lily pots, delicate bunches of baby's breath, or fragrant bowls of jasmine radiate serenity. The monochromatic white also imparts a cohesive charm.

And capturing childhood whimsy, miniature wreaths adorned with fresh or dried flowers make sweet new baby gifts. Intimate rings featuring roses, carnations, or lavender sprigs woven through can then adorn nursery walls for years as decorative heirlooms. Options abound for personalizing keepsake arrangements.

Ultimately any blooms conveying thoughtfulness - either through charm, safety, positive scent or symbolism - wish the growing family well. Tailoring the gift presentation style and size to what best suits the parents shows care and consideration during a magical, memorable transition welcoming new life.

Seasonal Flower Recommendations

The availability, cost, and freshness of flowers vary significantly with the seasons. Understanding what's naturally in bloom during different times of the year helps you select the most vibrant, long-lasting arrangements for welcoming a new baby.

Spring (March-May)

Spring offers abundant choices for baby-friendly florals as nature celebrates new beginnings:

• Peonies: Available briefly each spring, these lush, fragrant blooms in soft pinks and whites symbolize prosperity and happy marriage—perfect sentiments for growing families.
• Sweet Pea Blossoms: With their delicate ruffled petals and light fragrance, sweet pea flowers represent blissful pleasure and are naturally suited for spring baby celebrations.
• Ranunculus: These rose-like blooms come in beautiful pastel shades and symbolize charm—they're also long-lasting in arrangements.
• Tulips: Select non-toxic varieties (consult with your florist) in soft colors for a classic spring statement that represents perfect love.
• Cherry Blossoms: When available, these ephemeral blooms represent the beauty and fragility of life—a poignant gift for new parents.

Summer (June-August)

Summer's warmth brings forth vibrant, joyful flowers perfect for celebrating new life:

• Sunflowers: These cheerful, robust blooms represent adoration and loyalty, making them wonderful additions to baby arrangements during summer months.
• Gerbera Daisies: Available in many colors, these non-toxic, friendly flowers bring brightness and innocence to summer baby gifts.
• Zinnias: These colorful, hardy blooms symbolize endurance and lasting affection—sentiments that resonate with new parenthood.
• Roses: Summer-blooming roses (especially garden varieties) offer fullness and fragrance at peak season, often at better prices than during Valentine's season.
• Snapdragons: These whimsical flowers add vertical interest to arrangements and delight with their unique shape.

Fall (September-November)

Autumn's palette offers rich, warm tones that create distinctive baby arrangements:

• Chrysanthemums: Available in many baby-friendly colors, mums symbolize joy and represent longevity—an auspicious gift for new families.
• Dahlias: These stunning geometric blooms in soft pinks, creams, and peaches represent dignity and elegance.
• Celosia: With their unique texture and form, these velvety flowers add interesting visual elements to fall arrangements.
• Alstroemeria: Known as Peruvian lilies, these long-lasting, affordable blooms symbolize friendship and devotion.
• Asters: These star-shaped flowers represent love and patience—qualities new parents quickly develop!

Winter (December-February)

Winter offers fewer field-grown options but still provides beautiful choices for baby celebrations:

• Amaryllis: Select cut flowers rather than bulbs (which can be toxic) for dramatic winter arrangements symbolizing determination and beauty.
• Camellias: These winter-blooming shrub flowers represent perfection and excellence—lovely sentiments for new babies.
• Paperwhites: These delicate narcissus relatives bring a light, sweet fragrance to winter arrangements.
• Anemones: With their striking centers and simple petals, these flowers represent anticipation and excitement.
• White Roses: Available year-round but especially meaningful in winter, white roses symbolize new beginnings and purity.

Year-Round Favorites

Some baby-friendly flowers maintain consistent availability and quality throughout the year:

• Carnations: These affordable, long-lasting blooms come in many colors and remain fresh for weeks.
• Spray Roses: Smaller than standard roses, these charming miniatures work beautifully in baby arrangements all year.
• Orchids: Though pricier, cymbidium or phalaenopsis orchids last exceptionally long and symbolize refined beauty.
• Baby's Breath: This classic filler adds delicate texture and, true to its name, perfectly suits new baby arrangements.
• Dusty Miller: Though not a flower, this silvery foliage provides soft texture and complements any seasonal bloom.

When selecting seasonal flowers, always confirm with your florist that specific varieties are non-toxic and suitable for households with newborns. Seasonally appropriate selections not only ensure the freshest, most beautiful arrangements but often offer better value as well.

Wrapping Up

When celebrating momentous life events like the arrival of a newborn, few gifts encapsulate heartfelt sentiment more eloquently than flowers. As an age-old conduit for expressing emotion, blooms that convey sensitivity, care and positive symbolism make especially thoughtful new baby gifts.

Ultimately, ideal options balance sweetness and safety - whether through soothing pastel petals, delicate natural scents of jasmine or lavender, or by upholding time-honored associations with innocence and new beginnings. Giving the gift of flowers spiritually nurtures babies as they both begin blossoming.

And by coupling consideration for a newborn’s fragility with floral varieties radiating warmth, hope and calm, loved ones provide an uplifting, congruent welcome. They choose blooms promising not just beauty but quiet affirmation - that here unfolds wondrous sanctity worth safeguarding. It makes for thoughtfully rendered arrangements celebrating blessed beginnings.

For devoted friends and family eager to wreath loved babies in protective goodwill, let roses, carnations, lavender and daises convey steadfast support through their symbolic grace. May they connect generations through loving floral gifts offering positive energies to envelop newborns.

For on flowers please feel free to read our Best Flowers For series of blog posts. If you would like to order new baby flowers for delivery Monday to Saturday please order online today or call one of our staff now on 800 946-5457.