Gone are the days of baby showers filled with party games, endless gift unwrapping, and sitting in a circle as guests guess the baby’s name. The latest trend among expecting mums? Nesting parties—a practical, stress-free alternative that focuses on helping parents prepare for their baby’s arrival rather than simply celebrating.
So, what exactly is a nesting party, and why are more mums opting for this over a traditional baby shower? Let’s dive into the trend that’s reshaping how we support new parents.
What Is a Nesting Party?
A nesting party is all about helping the expecting mum (or parents) get their home, mind, and life ready for the arrival of their baby. Instead of a sit-down social event with gifts and games, guests come together to help prepare the nursery, stock the freezer with meals, tackle last-minute household tasks, and provide practical support in the final weeks of pregnancy.
It’s a refreshing shift from the usual baby shower, which often puts all the focus on the baby and gifts, to something more meaningful and mum-focused. It allows friends and family to show their love in a hands-on, helpful way—because let’s be real, a batch of homemade meals and a deep-cleaned house are worth their weight in gold for sleep-deprived new parents!
Why Are Nesting Parties Becoming So Popular?
Mums are ditching the traditional baby shower in favor of nesting parties for a few key reasons:
- Less Fuss, More Functionality – A nesting party is all about practicality. Many mums-to-be would rather have help preparing their home and life for their baby than an afternoon of awkward baby-themed games.
- A Shift in Priorities – While baby showers are fun, they can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for mums who aren’t big on being the center of attention. A nesting party provides a low-pressure, stress-free environment where loved ones come together to help rather than just celebrate.
- Reducing Mental Load – Pregnancy is exhausting, and the mental load of prepping for a baby can feel overwhelming. Nesting parties turn to-do lists into a group effort, helping mums tick off important tasks with support from their village.
- More Sustainable & Budget-Friendly – Baby showers often come with a gift-heavy expectation, which can be wasteful or unnecessary—especially for second-time mums or those who already have the essentials. Nesting parties focus more on acts of service, like cooking meals, organising baby clothes, or setting up furniture, which provide long-term benefits rather than just gifts.
What Happens at a Nesting Party?
Each nesting party looks a little different, depending on the mum’s needs, but here are some common activities:
- Meal Prepping: Guests cook and freeze meals to stock the fridge for those first hectic weeks postpartum.
- Nursery Setup: Assembling the cot, organising baby clothes, and setting up nappies and essentials.
- Deep Cleaning & Decluttering: A bit of house prep goes a long way—especially for those last-minute nesting urges!
- Self-Care & Pampering: Some nesting parties include a relaxing element like massages, foot soaks, or meditation to help the mum-to-be unwind.
- Birth & Parenting Prep: Some groups might put together a postpartum care kit, chat about breastfeeding tips, or even practice baby-wearing techniques.
- Writing Encouragement Notes: Guests can write heartfelt notes for the mum to read during those long newborn nights when she needs a little pick-me-up.
The beauty of a nesting party is that it’s completely customisable. Whether the mum wants a day of getting things done or just a casual gathering with her closest friends, it’s all about creating an event that truly supports her.
This year we decided to say bump the baby shower and do a national party instead. And if I’m being honest with you, I had no clue what a national party was. Dads, let me warn you right now, if your wife mentions this, you’re either gonna get put to work or evicted out your own house.
My wife’s friends decided to pull up with the girl tools, dress down, hair wrap, and ready to go. Meanwhile, I got shoved into the kitchen and was told to cook and watch the kids.
As which you can see, I was somewhat failing at. I was not prepared for what was about to happen next. These ladies took everything me and my wife needed to get done before the baby got here and put it together.
And drew a task from a box. In it, they found things like deep clean the minivan, move the rocking chair, organize the new baby’s dressing, and stock mommy’s fridge with snacks and things she would need when she’s breastfeeding.
When you got four kids and one on the way, the last thing I need is another event to plan. Or baby gadgets that I already have. But what we did need was a house that didn’t look like a tornado And a dent in our before the baby gets here to do this If you are expecting and you don’t mind skipping the baby shower stress Do this instead In just a few hours they did more things than I could have done for my wife in weeks The best part was watching mommy relax and watch it all happens.
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8 Top Tips to Prepare the Ultimate Nesting Party
Thinking of hosting a nesting party for an expecting friend? Here’s how to make it special:
- Ask the Mum What She Needs
Every pregnancy is different. Some mums might want help organising, while others need more emotional support. Find out what would be most helpful for her. - Keep It Small & Personal
Nesting parties work best when they’re intimate. Invite only those you truly trust — close friends and family who’ll pitch in without stress. “I invited six of my high school friends who were all mums. - Plan a Few Activities in Advance
A clear to-do list makes everything run smoother. Stick to achievable tasks that can be done within the time frame and write out clear instructions to avoid confusion or re-dos. - Bring Thoughtful, Practical Gifts
If guests want to bring something, think practically: frozen meals, self-care products, or postpartum recovery essentials. - Be Prepared:
Stock up on anything your guests might need — scissors, tools, baby detergent, even groceries if someone’s prepping freezer meals. The more prepared you are, the easier it’ll be for your helpers. - Make It Relaxing & Fun
Yes, it’s about getting stuff done, but it’s also a time to celebrate. Put on some tunes, serve a few snacks or drinks, and enjoy this special moment with your crew. - Assign Tasks:
Don’t be shy about delegating. Whether it’s one big job or a few small ones, give guests something specific to tackle — and set a soft deadline to keep everyone on track - Play to people’s strengths:
Got a friend who’s super organised? Ask them to help set up the nursery. A cousin who’s great at assembling gear? Let them work their magic. People work best when they’re excited about what they’re doing.
Why Every Mum Deserves a Nesting Party
Pregnancy is a whirlwind of emotions, preparations, and anticipation, and sometimes, the best gift for a mum-to-be isn’t another onesie—it’s a village that steps in to support her. Nesting parties are a beautiful, practical, and heartfelt way to rally around a new mum and make sure she feels truly ready (and loved) before her baby arrives.
So, if you’re planning a baby shower for a friend, why not switch things up and throw a nesting party instead? It might just be the most meaningful way to celebrate this next big chapter.
