Baby showers are fun. Cute cupcakes, tiny onesies, and those awkward moments when someone insists on measuring your belly with string. But do you know what’s even better? A party where people actually help you get ready for your baby.
Enter the nesting party, the practical alternative to a baby shower. Instead of sitting around opening presents (half of which your baby won’t use for months), your friends and family roll up their sleeves and get stuff done. Assembling the cot, meal prepping, organizing the baby clothes, and making sure you don’t have to stress over the million things left on your to-do list.
Honestly, I wish I had one of these when I was pregnant with my first. My daughter was a Covid baby, so we were very much isolated. No visitors, no help setting up, just me, my husband, and my slightly obsessive need to rearrange muslins at 3 AM. A nesting party would have been an absolute lifesaver.
So, if you’re expecting or know someone who is, here’s everything you need to know about how to host a nesting party that actually helps.
What Is A Nesting Party
A nesting party is a baby shower, but useful. Instead of playing games about who can chug apple juice from a baby bottle the fastest, your friends and family help you prepare for parenthood in a real way.
Some things guests might do
✔ Meal prep so you have freezer meals ready for those newborn haze days
✔ Set up the nursery, including building furniture, organizing drawers, and hanging up those impossibly tiny baby outfits with baby hangers
✔ Stockpile essentials, like washing and folding baby clothes or preparing a DIY baby hamper with must-haves like nappies, muslins, and baby wipes
✔ Deep clean the house because, let’s be real, you’re not getting on your hands and knees at 38 weeks pregnant to scrub the skirting boards
Think of it as delegating your last-minute nesting panic to people who love you.
Why Every Parent Needs A Nesting Party
✔ It’s practical. You end up actually ready for the baby, instead of just well-stocked in cute outfits and impractical newborn shoes
✔ It’s stress relieving. No more last-minute panic over whether the bottles need to be boiled/sterilized before first use. It does, and you don’t want to figure that out while sleep deprived
✔ It builds a support network. Your friends and family feel involved in a real way, not just through gift-giving
✔ It’s budget friendly. Instead of spending money on expensive baby shower decor, your guests are contributing their time and effort
✔ It’s less awkward. No need to smile politely as you open yet another set of newborn socks when you already have fifty pairs
So how do you host a nesting party?
1. Pick A Theme That Works For You
Instead of a free for all, choose a specific focus for your nesting party
- Meal Prep Party. Everyone brings ingredients and helps batch cook freezer meal containers filled with easy heat and eat meals
- Nursery Set Up Party. Perfect if you still have a flat pack cot sitting in the box. Guests help build furniture, fold baby clothes, and fill drawers with essentials like drawer organizers and nappy caddies
- DIY Baby Hamper Party. Everyone contributes practical baby items like gentle baby shampoo, baby wipes, and teething toys, creating a ready to go essentials basket
2. Make It Comfortable And Fun
Yes, people are helping, but it’s still a party. Set the mood with music, snacks, and maybe some mocktails for the parent to be
- Comfy seating. Provide chairs or cushions for guests who can’t be on their feet the whole time
- Snacks and drinks. Keep it light and easy, maybe some homemade biscuits or a grazing platter
- A little gift for guests. A simple thank you, like mini candles, bath salts, or homemade biscuits in cute jars, goes a long way
3. Be Clear About Expectations
Let people know in advance that this is not a sit and watch event. A friendly message like
“Instead of a baby shower, we’re doing a nesting party No silly games, just a fun, relaxed day where we prep for baby together. Come comfy, bring any baby must-haves you love, and if you want, help me sort the nursery or meal prep”
That way, guests know what they’re walking into and can come ready to actually help.
Fun Extras To Make It Special
✔ Meal train sign up. Set up a meal train calendar so guests can commit to dropping off meals after the baby arrives
✔ Letter to baby. Have each guest write a note for the baby to read in the future
✔ Baby advice box. Ask guests to write their best parenting advice or worst, it’s all useful
✔ Little goodie bags for guests. If you want to give something back, consider mini pamper packs with hand creams, face masks, or relaxing teas
Final Thoughts
Look, traditional baby showers are lovely. But if you’re the kind of person who prefers practical help over perfect decorations, a nesting party is a game changer.
Instead of gifts you may never use, you’ll have a stocked nursery, a freezer full of meals, and a home that’s actually ready for a newborn.
So, what do you think Baby shower or nesting party Or both
