How to Throw a Nesting Party
Nesting parties a growing trend among expectant parents. Many people who have already had a child do not feel the need to have a second baby shower as they usually already have most of the baby supplies they need, but friends and family want to celebrate the arrival of a new baby. Some first time parents who have had a baby shower feel overwhelmed with the sudden influx of baby supplies and don’t know where to start when it comes to getting ready for baby’s arrival. Nesting parties are often seen as the solution for expectant parents.
Nesting parties are a different kind of celebration that focus on supporting expectant parents and getting them set up for the future with acts of service instead of gifts. Some people throw both baby showers and nesting parties as they serve different purposes and cater to different groups of people.
Baby showers are a celebration for everyone to enjoy. There’s usually games, food, and activities to keep the party going. People enjoy going to them because they get to have a good time while celebrating the new baby. Some people dislike nesting parties because they focus on doing work to ease the load of parents instead of entertainment for the guests.
It’s important to keep in mind that while nesting parties can be a lot of work, they are meant to make things EASIER for the parents. If planning is overwhelming for you and you are the parent, consider asking a close friend or family member to take over planning for you.
Step 1: Make a Guest List
A well curated guest list will help your party be more productive and requires a bit of careful consideration. When creating a guest list for a nesting party, it is important to consider if the people you are inviting would like to participate or not. Some people may view the tasks more as chores and resent the invitation. It’s best to keep the guest list short. Invite people you know well and are sure will enjoy helping out.
Step 2: Make a To-Do List
Pick some things that you need done before the baby arrives that other people can help with. Choose tasks that you are comfortable with other people handling and save the ones that feel more personal for yourself.
Example Task List:
-Set up Nursery
Wash baby laundry (clothes, crib sheets, blankets, towels, wash cloths, burp cloths, etc.) and put them away
Put baby furniture together
Set up changing table and changing station
Install sound machine
Put sheets on crib
Install baby monitor
-Make Freezer Meals
-Set up Breastfeeding/Pumping Cart
-Sanitize Pump Parts and Bottles (Keep them in an air-tight bin until baby arrives)
-Set up bathroom baskets
-Install the car seat
-Set up diaper changing stations around the house (Master bedroom, living room, nursery)
-Pack hospital bag
-Sort bigger clothes into bins and label with size and weight
-Set up guest room
Step 3: Get Supplies Ready & Write Instructions
Writing Instructions and having supplies ready will help everything go more smoothly. Including explicit directions helps everyone know expectations for tasks and reduces stress of having to re-do tasks later. Group items needed for the task and instructions together in the area they will be used (e.g.: landry & baby laundry detergent on top of the washer, crib & tools in the nursery). If you will be preparing freezer meals, make sure to go grocery shopping or order a grocery delivery before your nesting party. Make sure all food storage containers you will be using are clean and have matching lids. You’ll also need labels and/or markers for your freezer foods.
Tips:
-Pick a crockpot meal to throw on at the start of the day or order take-out. Eat with everyone at the end and thank them for their help.
-Have snacks and refreshments available throughout the party
-Delegate tasks. Lean into people’s strengths and give larger tasks to groups of people
-Assign high need tasks first (car seat installation, crib set up) there may not be enough time for everything you need to get done
-Invite close friends of both parents
-Add a personal touch. Take pictures with guests and use them to make a salon style wall in the nursery for a lasting memory
-Have recipes selected for freezer meals
-Put someone on dish duty to keep mess down as you prepare meals throughout the day.
-Play music. Music played at a low volume can help tasks go by faster
On the day of your nesting party, have some refreshments ready for everyone to enjoy as people arrive. Once most guests have arrived, you can start delegating tasks. Do the tasks that you have saved for yourself while everyone else works on theirs and try to relax. If some things don’t get done you can take time with your partner to complete them on a different day before baby’s arrival. Choose a time to stop working and end the day with a family-style meal. Be sure to thank your guests for coming and let them know how much you appreciate their assistance. You can give small consumable items as a thank you gift if you desire.
