For Who and When to Send?? A birth announcement should be sent out as close to the birth as possible, preferably before the baby's four month birthday. You should send an announcement to anyone who you feel would share in your joy and excitement. Close friends and family should not be excluded, even if they have already visited with you and your baby. Photographs of your newborn printed on the announcement or inserted separately with your announcement is optional. Some parents like to send out photos right away, while others prefer to send photographs of their baby when he/she is a little older.