Nesting parties are on the rise, so don’t be surprised if you hear this term popping up more than ever before. An alternative to a traditional baby shower, the point of a nesting party is to relieve soon-to-be parents of prepping for a baby all on their own. Nesting party tasks can include anything from meal prepping food, to cleaning and organizing baby clothes, to assembling furniture and prepping the nursery. If this sounds like it’s up your alley, here’s how to throw a nesting party with tips, ideas, and a checklist.
What is a Nesting Party?
A nesting party is a laid back, intimate gathering that helps parents-to-be prepare their home for their baby’s arrival. It involves checking tasks off their to-do list, such as painting the nursery, food prep, and assembling baby gear so the parents don’t have to do everything themselves. You typically invite your close friends and family who can help you with practical tasks that will get your space ready for your newborn. It’s a great alternative to a traditional baby shower, or can be a follow-up event closer to your due date. A nesting party is all about making the parents feel supported and relieving them of some of the pressure to get everything done on their own.
How to Throw a Nesting Party: 7 Tips & Ideas to Inspire You
1. Start with Food and Social Time
When your guests arrive, let everyone ease in and start with some food, drinks, and social time. Allow everyone to catch up and get to know each other if they haven’t met yet. This starts the party off on a good vibe and ensures you can mingle with your guests. Just ensure you don’t let this portion of the party go too long and not have enough time to get everything done. You can also have more snacks and drinks throughout the day and encourage your guests to chat while they’re getting their tasks done. The day is meant to be helpful but it should also be fun!
2. Create a Task List
Make sure to go into the day with a detailed task list, so you know exactly what needs to get done. You can either assign tasks or let your guests choose based on their strengths and interests. If you know one of your friends is an amazing cook, you probably want to have them on meal prep duty. Perhaps one of your uncles is really good at putting furniture together, or one of your cousins just had a baby so knows exactly what you should put in your hospital bag. If you have guests with special skills, make sure to put them to use!
3. Create Delicious Freezer Meals
Pre-made meals are one of the best gifts you can give a new parent. Trying to plan out and make meals when you have a newborn can be stressful and overwhelming, so if they have a bunch of meals that just need to be heated up, it can be life changing. Print out some recipes that are nutritious, delicious, and easy to freeze. Have your guests help with prepping, cooking, and storing them.
4. Assemble Baby Furniture and Organize the Nursery
Guests can also help assemble baby furniture such as the crib and shelving units, and help organize baby clothes and supplies. Supply guests with labels, baskets, and bins so they can ensure everything is easily accessible once the baby arrives. Having someone organize the baby’s clothes by age and put them into drawers can be extremely helpful.
5. Set Up Nursing and Changing Stations
The nursing and changing station are important spots you’ll want to set up before the baby gets here. For a nursing station, include items like nipple cream, a nursing pillow, burp cloths, and nursing pads. Snacks, water bottles and a phone charger are also good ideas. A changing station should have an ample supply of diapers, a changing pad, wipes, diaper cream, baby lotion, a diaper pail, and hand sanitizer.
6. Pack a Hospital Bag
You can also ask your guests to help you pack your hospital bag. This includes items like comfortable clothes, toiletries, an extra long cell phone charger, a pillow, adult diapers and postpartum care items, a portable fan, warm non-slip socks, headphones, lip balm, snacks, and water. Once you have it packed, you can see if there’s anything you’re missing that needs to be ordered.
7. Don’t Forget Thank You’s
Although we’re sure your friends and family are happy to help you out, it’s always nice to show your appreciation. Write out personalized thank you cards for your guests and consider preparing treat bags or favours for them to take home at the end of the party. This could be anything from homemade cookies from your favourite bakery to a jar of honey or jam.
7 Nesting Party Essentials
- Label maker
- Organizing baskets
- Cleaning supplies
- Tool kit
- Scissors
- Baby detergent
- Food and drinks to keep your guests fuelled throughout the day
Nesting Party Checklist
A nesting party checklist can include items to clean, organize, or prepare for a baby’s arrival. You don’t have to do everything on this list, but here are some ideas for your nesting party:
- Assemble furniture for the nursery
- Wash bottles and breast pump parts
- Wash, dry, and organize baby clothes
- Organize and prep the nursery
- Clean and tidy the house
- Stock the kitchen with groceries
- Hang decorations in the nursery
- Set up a nursing station
- Set up the change table with diapers and wipes
- Install the car seat
- Assemble baby gear such as the stroller
- Stock the freezer with pre-cooked meals
- Label bins and drawers
- Pack your hospital bag
- Order any postpartum essentials you still need
- Make sure all electronics are working (baby monitors, sound machines)
- Postpartum prep- make postpartum pads; stock the bedside with breast pump, diapers, nipple cream and other essentials
If you’re having a baby, consider a nesting party to get your home prepped and organized for your newborn’s arrival!
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