The Beautiful Way to Celebrate Nesting: Hosting a Nesting Party
Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most exciting moments. However, it also comes with a long to-do list, especially during the third trimester. For more ideas and helpful tips on parenting and babies be sure to visit our Parenting page.
For expecting moms, preparing for the baby’s arrival often involves meal prep, organizing baby gear, and creating a cozy and functional baby’s room.
Instead of taking on all these tasks alone, why not turn it into a memorable event with close friends and family members? Enter the idea of a nesting party.
What Is a Nesting Party?
A nesting party is a practical and heartwarming alternative to the traditional baby shower. While a typical baby shower often focuses on baby shower games and giving gifts from the baby registry, a nesting party centers around acts of service for the expecting mom.
It’s a gathering where loved ones help with tasks that will ease the transition into new parenthood. This kind of support is a true way to show care and make the journey to parenthood smoother.
Why Host a Nesting Party?
- Practical Help for the Expecting Mom: Unlike a baby sprinkle or traditional shower, a nesting party focuses on getting things done. From organizing baby clothes and baby furniture to creating a nursing station, the help provided at a nesting party can be a huge help during the postpartum period.
- A Great Opportunity for Bonding: Nesting parties are a great way to connect with friends and family in a meaningful way. Instead of the expectant mom being the center of attention, everyone contributes to creating a warm and supportive atmosphere.
- Perfect for First-Time or Experienced Moms: Whether it’s the mom’s first baby, second baby, or even her third child, nesting parties can be tailored to meet her specific needs. For a third baby, for example, tasks might include sorting older children’s hand-me-downs or setting up a new section of the house for the baby’s arrival.
How to Plan a Nesting Party
Step 1: Create a Guest List
Invite friends and family members who are willing to lend a hand. Consider including pregnant friends or moms who have been through it before—they’ll likely have great ideas for how to help. A smaller guest list of close friends ensures a more intimate and productive gathering.
The guest list for a nesting party should be kept relatively small and include people who are close to the mother-to-be. Think family members, close friends, or even neighbors who have offered to help.
It’s important to invite individuals who genuinely want to pitch in and are comfortable helping with tasks. If the mother prefers a co-ed gathering, partners, siblings, and friends of all genders can be included. The focus should be on creating a supportive and relaxed atmosphere.
Step 2: Make a List of Tasks
Before the party, the expecting mom should create a list of things she’d like help with. This could include:
- Washing and organizing baby clothes and baby laundry.
- Assembling baby furniture, like a crib or changing table.
- Stocking the freezer with freezer meals for the postpartum period.
- Setting up a nursing station with cozy blankets and essentials.
- Organizing a section of the house for the baby’s room or play area.
Step 3: Set the Party Atmosphere
Host the party in the comfort of the mom’s own home to make it easier for her. Add a warm touch with little cards of encouragement for the expecting mom. Make the event special by creating a cozy, welcoming environment.
Step 4: Include Acts of Service
The focus of a nesting party is practical help, so plan the day around accomplishing tasks. You can even divide the tasks into stations: one for meal prep, another for organizing baby gear, and a third for assembling baby clothes hangers. This structure makes it easy for everyone to pitch in.
Step 5: End with Words of Encouragement
As the party winds down, gather everyone to share words of encouragement for the mom-to-be. This is a beautiful way to end the day and leave her feeling supported and loved.
Nesting Party Ideas
Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas to make the event extra special:
- Meal Train Station: Have guests bring ingredients and work together to prepare freezer meals. These will be a lifesaver for the mom during those busy newborn days.
- Baby Laundry Party: Set up a station to wash, fold, and organize baby clothes. Use baby clothes hangers to keep everything neat and ready to go.
- Craft Corner: Create DIY traditional baby shower gifts, like handmade blankets or little cards with parenting tips for the new mom.
- Party for Older Children: If the mom has older children, plan activities to involve them in preparing for the new addition. This can include decorating the baby’s room or making welcome gifts for their sibling.
- Gift-Free Gathering: Emphasize that the nesting party is about acts of service rather than gifts. This can be a refreshing change for everyone involved.
Why Nesting Parties Are Gaining Popularity
In recent years, nesting parties have become a growing trend among expectant parents. Social media platforms have helped spread awareness and the trend for nesting parties.
Nesting parties in 2025 is expected to go higher with the newest generation of parents requesting a nesting party to help get ready for baby.
Nesting parties are especially popular among those who prefer a more practical, hands-on approach to celebrating a new baby.
The Benefits of a Nesting Party
For the expecting mom, a nesting party provides much-needed support and a sense of accomplishment as the due date approaches. For friends and family, it’s a great opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way.
It’s also a chance to skip some of the dumb games often associated with baby showers and focus on what really matters: helping the mom feel prepared and loved.
A Memorable Experience for All
Hosting a nesting party is a beautiful way to celebrate new parenthood. It’s a practical yet heartfelt alternative to the traditional baby shower, offering a kind of support that truly makes a difference.
Whether you’re planning for your best friend, a family member, or even your own nesting party, this celebration is sure to leave everyone with lasting memories.
So, if you’re an expecting mom or know someone preparing for a baby’s arrival, consider this great idea. A nesting party is the perfect blend of practicality and love, ensuring a smooth transition into the wonderful journey of parenthood.
When to Have a Nesting Party?
Timing is key for a successful nesting party. The best time is usually during the third trimester but not too close to the due date. Around 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy works well, as the mother typically has enough energy to enjoy the event but also benefits from having the preparation done before she’s too far along.
Make sure to consult with the expectant mother to find a date that works best for her schedule and comfort.
More Nesting Party Ideas
- Nursery Organization:
- Guests can help fold and organize baby clothes, arrange diapers, and set up shelves or storage bins.
- Furniture Assembly:
- If there are cribs, changing tables, or rocking chairs that need assembling, this is a great task for handy guests.
- Deep Cleaning:
- Assign tasks like vacuuming, dusting, or cleaning out the fridge to ensure the house is spotless for the baby’s arrival.
- Meal Prep:
- Cooking and freezing meals is a thoughtful way to help the new parents. Guests can bring ingredients or cook together during the party.
- Decorating:
- Add finishing touches to the nursery, such as hanging art, placing rugs, or setting up a mobile.
- Craft Projects:
- Make keepsakes like a handmade baby mobile, personalized onesies, or a memory book.
- Relaxation Time:
- Include a pampering session with face masks, foot rubs, or guided meditation to help the mom-to-be unwind.
Nesting Party Checklist
To ensure the event runs smoothly, here’s a checklist to guide your planning:
- Plan the Date and Guest List:
- Confirm a date and create a guest list with the expectant mother.
- Send Invitations:
- Use physical cards, email, or event apps to invite guests.
- Prepare a To-Do List:
- Work with the mother-to-be to outline tasks she wants help with.
- Gather Supplies:
- Ensure cleaning supplies, tools for furniture assembly, and meal prep ingredients are available.
- Decorate:
- Keep the decor simple and functional, with a cozy vibe.
- Plan Activities:
- Organize tasks and allocate responsibilities based on guest preferences and skills.
- Set Up a Relaxation Space:
- Provide a comfy area with pillows, blankets, and refreshments for breaks.
- Thank You Notes:
- Have thank-you cards ready for the mother-to-be to express her gratitude.
Nesting Party Food Ideas
Keep the menu simple and easy to enjoy while working on tasks. Here are some food suggestions:
- Finger Foods:
- Mini sandwiches, veggie sticks with dip, fruit skewers, and cheese platters.
- Comfort Food:
- Small bowls of mac and cheese, sliders, or mini quiches.
- Sweet Treats:
- Cupcakes, cookies, or a cake with a nesting or baby theme.
- Drinks:
- Offer non-alcoholic options like mocktails, sparkling water, and herbal tea.
- Meal Prep Snacks:
- Encourage guests to bring ingredients for meals that can be prepared and frozen, such as casseroles, soups, or pasta dishes. One of our most popular freezer meals is Chicken Rotel Spaghetti. It is easy and inexpensive to prepare, freezes well and the whole family including other siblings enjoy it!
Consider What the Mother Wants Most of All
The key to a successful nesting party is focusing on the mother’s needs and preferences. Talk to her beforehand to understand her priorities. Would she prefer more help with cleaning, organizing, or meal prep? Does she want a quiet and intimate gathering or a more lively event? Tailor the activities, guest list, and overall vibe to ensure she feels comfortable and supported.
Remember, the ultimate goal of a nesting party is to show love, care, and practical help to the mom-to-be as she prepares for one of the most exciting chapters of her life.