Welcoming a new baby is an exciting and life-changing experience, but preparing for their arrival can also be overwhelming. While a traditional baby shower focuses on celebrating the baby with gifts and fun games, there’s another type of gathering that provides more practical help for the expectant mom—a nesting party.
A nesting party is a great idea for expectant parents who want to focus on getting their home ready for their bundle of joy, with the help of their closest friends and family members. If you’re looking for a modern twist on a typical baby shower, hosting a nesting shower might be the true way to feel fully prepped and supported before the due date.
Let’s dive into what a nesting party is, how it differs from a baby shower, and some great ideas for making your own nesting party a success!
What is a Nesting Party?
A nesting party is a casual gathering where future parents get extra hands to help with practical tasks around the house before the baby’s arrival. Instead of bringing traditional gifts like baby clothes and baby gear, guests help with meal prep, deep cleaning, organizing nursery furniture, setting up a nursing station, and completing other specific tasks that will make life easier in the postpartum period.
This is a great opportunity to get your closest pals involved in your parenting journey in a meaningful way. Whether it’s assembling baby furniture, washing and sorting baby’s clothes, or preparing freezer meals like breakfast burritos, every little bit of support helps.
How are Nesting Parties different from Baby Showers?
A baby shower is a celebration focused on the baby, where guests bring gifts from a baby registry, play fun games, and enjoy a social gathering. These events are often organized by friends or family and can be held at a restaurant, a rented venue, or even online via social media.
A nesting party, on the other hand, is all about supporting the pregnant mom and expecting dad in a practical way. It usually takes place in the parents’ own home, involves a smaller guest list of close friends, and focuses on acts of service rather than gift-giving.
Tips for Throwing a Nesting Party
If you’re planning your own nesting party or hosting one for a friend, here are some great ways to ensure it’s a success:
1. Keep the Guest List Small and Meaningful
Unlike a typical baby shower, a nesting party invite should be sent to closest friends and family members who are happy to lend a hand. Consider using snail mail for a personal touch, or a simple invite through social media.
2. Make a List of Tasks
Before the party, write down a list of the tasks you’d like help with. This could include:
- Assembling baby furniture
- Washing and organizing baby’s clothes
- Setting up a nursing station
- Deep cleaning certain areas of the house
- Prepping freezer meals like breakfast burritos
- Stocking up on essentials like laundry detergent and toiletries
3. Delegate Tasks to Friends
When guests arrive, delegate tasks based on their strengths. Some might enjoy meal prep, while others may prefer to organize baby gear or tackle a deep cleaning project.
4. Provide Finger Foods and Drinks
While this isn’t a typical baby shower, providing finger foods and snacks keeps energy levels up. Think easy-to-eat options like fruit, cheese, crackers, and mini sandwiches.
5. Add a Fun, Sentimental Touch
To make the event extra special, set up a station with little cards where guests can write words of encouragement for the new mom. These notes can be a huge help during those tough moments in the postpartum period.
List of Ideas and Tasks to Do at a Nesting Party
Need some inspiration? Here’s a quick guide to the best tasks and activities for a nesting party:
1. Home organization & prep work
- Set up the nursery furniture
- Organize a section of the house for the baby’s essentials
- Stock up on baby supplies like diapers and wipes
2. Cleaning & laundry
- Wash and fold baby’s clothes
- Disinfect bottles, pacifiers, and baby gear
- Do a final deep cleaning before the baby arrives
3. Meal prep for the postpartum period
- Prepare freezer meals like soups, stews, and casseroles
- Make grab-and-go snacks like breakfast burritos
- Label and organize meals in the freezer for easy access
4. Self-care & emotional support
- Write words of encouragement on little cards
- Offer practical parenting tips for first-time parents
- Make a playlist of soothing music for the expecting mom
5. Baby Gear Setup
- Washing and organizing baby’s clothes
- Assembling baby furniture
- Setting up the baby’s clothes and diapering station
A nesting party is a great idea for those who want to provide a kind of support that truly helps future parents. It’s a modern twist on a traditional baby shower, offering a huge help to expectant parents as they prepare for their new arrival.
Whether it’s their first time or their third child, a nesting party gives parents a great opportunity to get their home ready while spending quality time with their closest friends and family members.
So, if you’re looking for a good idea to support an expectant mum, consider throwing a nesting shower—it’s a true way to show love and care in the most practical way possible!
