The news of a new baby often means social media announcements, parties and perfectly planned trips are on the way. From gender reveal soirees to baby moons, there are more and more pre-baby activities for new moms and dads to think through. Now, people are adding one more event to their packed pregnancy calendar: a nesting party. Of all the events that take place before baby arrives, a nesting party might just be the one that helps the future parents the most.
What is a Nesting Party?
A nesting party is all about making sure the future parents are ready for their new arrival. Unlike a baby shower, it’s not about celebrating but rather doing the work to truly prepare for the new little one. The guest list is usually much smaller than a baby shower or even a gender reveal party. Those invited to a nesting party are the parent’s closest friends and family who are willing to put in serious work. The parent-to-be provides a spread of food and sometimes even offers attendees beer, wine or cocktails. Friends and family help the future parent’s fully prepare the home for the baby’s arrival. That can include folding clothes, building toys, sorting diapers by size, cleaning bathrooms and meal prepping. While these parties can be fun, at their core they are about taking care of the not so fun chores that can be hard for parents to tackle all on their own.
When Should You Host a Nesting Party?
Many people choose to host their nesting party close to their due date to ensure that all items have arrived. However, you don’t want to wait too long or else you might start feeling anxiety. Consider having your party at the 33-38 week mark.
Nesting Party Ideas
While most nesting parties don’t have a theme, there are some unique and fun details you can include to make the day special for all involved.
Plan a Great Spread
Making sure that your nesting party attendees are well fed is an important detail you don’t want to overlook. Since most of these parties are held during the day, a brunch menu is usually a safe option. A continental style breakfast is a simple solution to getting your guests fed. Think chicken salad stuffed croissants, an assortment of muffins, and a fruit tray. If you want to go the extra mile for all those helping hands, then consider some warm brunch options like eggs, bacon, french toast and hashbrowns. Since you are likely tired growing baby, it may be best to cater these items rather than cook them yourself.
Cheers!
Having some adult beverages can help make the tedious work of a nesting party a little more lively. Consider having mimosas, bellinis or strawberry margaritas for your guests. Another fun option is to have a spiked hot chocolate or coffee bar. Guests can add marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and a little liqueur to their warm drinks.
Make it a Game
Since a nesting party is really all about the work, you can try to make it a little more appealing by turning all that labor into some fun. Before your guests get started on their individual tasks tell them that whoever does the “best” job will walk away with a prize. Have grandma or an aunt who is on hand be the judge.
Wind Down Time
Once all the hard work is done, you may want to have an activity for the entire group to do together. This could be as simple as watching a movie together or as elaborate as a planned outing.
Nesting Party Checklist
Here is a list of some of the things you will want your guests to help you accomplish during your nesting party.
- Sort diapers by size
- Wash, fold and organize clothes by size
- Build all toys and equipment such as stroller
- Cook several meals that can be frozen and reheated during postpartum
- Clean bathrooms and kitchen
- Sort and bag parents clothes to be donated
- Install carseat and have it checked at local fire department
- Wash and fold crib and bassinet linens
- Hang pictures, curtains and mirrors
- Help parents pack their hospital bag
- Prepare the nursing cart with supplies
- Make postpartum soothing items such as padsicles