Should You Skip the Fancy Baby Shower and Host a Nesting Party Instead?
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Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottPreparing for the arrival of your newborn can be exciting and a little intimidating, especially when it comes to making sure you have all the supplies you need to be prepared. While a baby shower is the tried and true way to stock up on diapers, clothes, and all the other essentials while throwing a big bash for friends and family, more moms are opting for a less traditional—and more low key—celebration: a nesting party.At a baby shower guests sip drinks and enjoy snacks and mingling, but a nesting party makes use of guests' physical labor. During the gathering, loved ones and friends help prepare for the new baby in more practical ways—by checking any necessary and burdensome tasks off the parents-to-be's to-do list. If you're expecting a baby, and want to gather your community together to help around the house, the nesting party might be the way to go—and we’ve got the details on how to do it below.What Is a Nesting Party As you inch closer to your due date, the urge to nest before welcoming your baby. There is so much to prepare around the house that a long to-do list is inevitable. A nesting party can help all those tasks pilling up feel much more achievable.A nesting party is a small gathering of close family and friends in your home to help you prepare, get organized, and in general, feel (at least a little more) ready to welcome your baby. While other baby shower parties might involve hosting duties, an elaborate meal, and entertainment, the nesting party focuses on the needs of the new parents. Baby showers are also all about gifts, and while that can still be an element of the nesting party (after all, new parents need so much and gifting certain items help them cut down on expenses) a nesting party is all about making the parents feel supported and relieving them of at least some of pressure to get everything done. A nesting party also differs from a sip and see party, which the parents throw after the baby is born.
Nesting Party EssentialsA nesting party typically includes the following features:The party is always at the parent(s) homeThere are no gifts (but that element can be flexible depending on the parents’ needs)Gifts that have been received are organized and put awayThe number of people in attendance is usually under 10 people or lessAttendees should come prepared to work for a few hours
What Happens at a Nesting Party While you might enjoy putting together a cute Sunday brunch outfit or a colorful balloon arch for a baby shower, a nesting party is all about rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. Once you arrive you can expect a few snacks, a drink, and a few minutes of catching-up with everyone in attendance, but then it’s time to help mom with whatever she needs.Typically there will be a game plan or a list of things that need to be done, and each person is either assigned something based on their strengths or they can volunteer for a task. Those tasks can include:General house cleaningWashing, folding, and putting away laundry and baby clothesAssembling nursery furnitureDecorating the nurseryMeal-prepping Postpartum prep like making postpartum pads and stocking the bedside caddy with the breast pump, diapers, nipple cream, and other essentialsAssembling the car seat and strollerBottle and or breast pump part prep, like cleaning and sterilizing the parts Making sure all electronics like baby monitors and sound machines are workingHospital bag packingDiaper caddy and first-aid kit prepNesting Party vs. Baby Shower A baby shower and nesting party at their core are all about celebrating the impending arrival of the new baby, but they also differ in what they provide and how they’re thrown. Here’s a few key differences and similarities. Key differencesA baby shower is about providing gifts for the new baby, while a nesting party (usually) has no gifts and helps the mom physically prepare for the baby’s arrivalA baby shower often has games, while a nesting party is all about completely tasks around the houseA baby shower can include a lot of people and children, while a nesting party is very small and just includes very close friends and familyA baby shower is often hosted at a venue, other than the parents’ home, while a nesting party is always at homeKey similarities:Chance to catch-up with friends, family, and the soon-to-be parentsThere’s often a theme, and food and drinks are providedThere can be a host or the parents can host herselfThey’re both hosted around the time the mom is eight months pregnant and last for a few hoursWhy Throw a Nesting Party? For some moms, skipping the formality of a baby shower (not to mention the overwhelming effort and expense that goes into throwing a party) and opting for a more personal and intimate gathering to prepare for their little one’s arrival better suits them. Meanwhile, moms who are expecting their second or third child may already have everything they need, and could benefit more from extra help in getting their home and nursery prepared rather than receiving a few gifts or diapers. It ultimately depends on the personality of the parents or the mom, because not everyone enjoys a large party where they’re the center of attention. Instead, a nesting party is an opportunity to provide community and support in an intimate setting.
Tips for Throwing a Nesting PartyMake a guest list, but keep it smallPick a date that’s about a month out from the baby’s arrivalIf you want to, pick a theme and stock up on light snacks and drinksMake a realistic game plan of what needs to be doneHave fun! While the goal is to help mom prepare, this is a time to share together, so make a playlist or pick out a fun movie to have on in the background while everyone works.
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